Used Nissan Primera Saloon 2002 - 2006 review
The Nissan Primera is a reliable and roomy family car, that's also good value and enjoyable to drive
- Nissan Primera Saloon (02 - 06)
What's the used Nissan Primera like?
The Primera may not be quite as sharp to drive as a Ford Mondeo, but it isn't far off. It handles nicely through the bends, with plenty of grip and taut body control. Yet it also smooths out bumps at higher speeds.
The steering is overly light, though, and the ride is firm around town. However, all the engines are crisp, rev cleanly and work well with the standard manual gearbox.
Pros
- It has a roomy cabin and distinctive looks
Cons
- The ride is firm and the boot is too narrow
On the motorway, it's a generally refined cruiser. However, there is a bit of wind rustle and the CVT auto (continuously variable transmission) can make the engine sound rowdy under hard acceleration.
The well-built, quirky cabin is a roomy five-seater, with the rear bench slightly higher than the front seats for an airier feel. The driving position is comfortable and, while the big boot is a useful size, it has an irritating narrow opening.
Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used Nissan Primera should I buy?
If you want a saloon, the newest will be a mid-2004 car, as that's when Nissan ditched it from the line-up. We prefer the handier five-door overall, but at least there's no difference in how the two cars drive.
You won't go wrong with any of the engines: a 114bhp 1.8 petrol, 138bhp 2.0 petrol and 2.2 turbodiesel (124bhp from 2002, then 136bhp from March 2003). We like the diesel's pull and economy, but it's more pricey than the petrols. Of those, the 2.0 is refined and strong, but the 1.8 is keen, more frugal and cheaper, which makes it our favourite.
Basic S trim means climate control, six airbags and electric front windows. SE adds alloys, electric rear windows and a better CD, which makes it the best trim to buy, and we'd ignore SVE, even with standard sat-nav. A display screen controls the stereo, climate control and, where fitted, sat-nav and rear parking camera.
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