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<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

PRIMERA

<p>The Nissan Primera estates is as satisfying to own as it is to drive</p>


Used Nissan Primera Estate 2002 - 2006

<p>In customer satisfaction surveys, running costs are one of the biggest complaints from Primera owners, but they're really no worse than those of most family estates.</p>

<p>Prices aren't too steep, although you'll pay a chunk extra for a diesel version - and that means it only makes sense if you cover lots of miles. The diesels sip their fuel at an official average of 46mpg to 48mpg, which is on a par with their rivals. Go for the 1.8 petrol and you can expect it to return mid 30s with normal use, while the 2.0 typically gives low 30s.</p>

<p>Typical service costs are likely to be cheaper than for estate versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c5/saloon/used-review/n298">Citroen C5</a> and on a par with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/estate/review/n107">Ford Mondeo</a>'s.</p>

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The Nissan Primera estates is as satisfying to own as it is to drive

<p>There have been a couple of diesels - initially a 2.2 TD and, on later cars, a better 2.0 dCi - but they command quite a premium, and we don't think they're worth it.</p>

<p>If you're after a car from mid-2006 onwards, you'll have to go for the 114bhp 1.8-litre petrol - it remained in the line-up when all the other engines were dropped. It's willing enough, although you do have to work it hard to make adequate progress.</p>

<p>That's why we'd go for the 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol model. It has more muscle to flex in everyday driving, yet it's still keen to rev and quiet on a cruise. It's also not much thirstier than the 1.8 and costs just a little more.</p>

<p>You won't be short of kit in the S version, but we'd sniff out an SE car for its alloy wheels, electric rear windows and better hi-fi. Top-spec SVE has sat-nav.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

<p>We've heard reports of clutches and turbos causing problems on the 2.2 dCi diesel, and owners also highlight faults with the suspension - a weak area on the previous generation of Primera, too.</p>

<p>Clutch and turbo trouble should be easy to spot on a test drive. As for the suspension, listen for clonks and knocks; be suspicious if there is uneven tyre wear and ensure the car tracks straight, corners tidily and remains firmly consistent over bumps.</p>

<p>Otherwise, the Primera has a reputation for being solidly screwed together. Check all of the electrical kit because, again, that was a problem on the previous Primera, according to claims made by customers of Warranty Direct.</p>

<p>Finally, give the bodywork a close examination. There are no protective rubber side strips, which leaves the bodywork vulnerable to picking up dings in car parks.</p>

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<p>The Nissan Primera estate is often overlooked, but as a second-hand car it makes a lot of sense because it feels fresher for longer compared with many of its rivals.</p>

<p>It's very well screwed together and is mechanically refined. All the engines rev keenly and smoothly, and the controls work with a light, easy precision - although the steering is overly light.</p>

<p>Steering aside, you'll enjoy the Primera's taut, tidy handling and it soaks up bumps pretty well at speed. However, around town the ride is a little too firm.</p>

<p>The dashboard, like the styling, may take a little getting used to. The instruments are in a binnacle on top of the centre of the dash - easy to read, but out of your natural line of vision. Still, the car is comfortable, roomy and well equipped, and the luggage bay is an adequate size.</p>

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Used Nissan Primera Estate 2002 - 2006 reliability

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Used Nissan Primera Estate 2002 - 2006 review

We've heard reports of clutches and turbos causing problems on the 2.2 dCi diesel, and owners also highlight faults with the suspension - a weak area on the previous generation of Primera, too.,Clutch and turbo trouble should be easy to spot on a test drive. As for the suspension, listen for clonks and knocks; be suspicious if there is uneven tyre wear and ensure the car tracks straight, corners tidily and remains firmly consistent over bumps.,Otherwise, the Primera has a reputation for being solidly screwed together. Check all of the electrical kit because, again, that was a problem on the previous Primera, according to claims made by customers of Warranty Direct.Finally, give the bodywork a close examination. There are no protective rubber side strips, which leaves the bodywork vulnerable to picking up dings in car parks. 

What to look for when buying a Nissan Primera 2002 - 2006, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Nissan Primera Estate 2002 - 2006 reliability

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