Nissan Primera Saloon (1999 - 2002) 2.0 16V Sport+ 4d Auto (6) (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a car snob - someone who appreciates value for money and is a little boring.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it is so so, an average looking car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but I would check it over a little more carefully next time

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Japanese car

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£700

When did you buy the car?

November 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Thought I did, until I discovered it needed a lot of work

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bought as a cheap car when I lost my job. Hoped it would be as reliable as Nissan's reputation lead me to believe.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

Very nice, firm suspension and comfy seats. Not a lot beats it in terms of ease of driving

What's it like to park?

Saloon a little more tricky than the hatch for judging how far back the bootlid ends when reversing into a tight space. Turning circle is NOT good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Radio display intermittent - especially in cold weather and CD multichanger very finicky with self recorded CDs - jumps a lot. Has a very poor key design - the rubber plip part deteriorates quickly and key costs £150 from Nissan to replace. Squeeky front suspension - does not use a MacPherson Strut design and parts costly to replace. Body Rust - the usual places, wheel arches - moreso the fronts, under the rear inner sills - had to underseal to stop further damage. HID (High Intensity Discharge) Xenon headlamps - Easily damaged and VERY costly to replace £350 per side if damaged. Had to Araldite the mounting to save replacing the unit. Handbrake seems to seize on the rear calipers - forever having to lubricate linkages.

What's most practical about your car?

Its the saloon model so not all that practical, but a nicer shape than the Hatchback.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the electronic climate control and the trip computer. Has a very nice Auto CVT gearbox, although this does take the edge off performance somewhat.