1993 Nissan Primera eGT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

One of the best combinations you'll ever find in terms of practicality, reliability, and economy

Faults:

Intermittent loss of power with no reaction on pressing the accelerator - easily remedied with replacement of the distributor cap and HT leads (cost less than £80). Apart from this I have enjoyed three years of trouble free motoring.

General Comments:

Probably the greatest accolade I can give the GT is the fact that I have just bought another one!! My older eGT has given me countless hours of enjoyment and the car's performance has surprised many a boy racer in his 'hot hatch'. (I also surprised a friend in his Pug Mi16 which he thought was a Ferrari in disguise!)

But it is not just the performance of the car - with a baby and two dogs (one an oversized greyhound), most people would think that a Volvo 850 would be the only car to satisfy my requirements. The big boot of my hatchback means my dogs can happily snooze away the miles although admittedly, if we are spending more than a weekend away, the roofbox is required to fit in all of the luggage.

Economy is excellent, although hard acceleration does make a noticeable diffence. Reliability has been superb even though I have never submitted my car to a Nissan dealer for servicing.

Hey, even my wife likes the car and she originally wanted a Mondeo estate - yuk!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2000

4th May 2001, 07:48

I've just bought the Mrs a 1993 Primera 2.0 eGT. It's done 50,000 miles, full service history and it's minted!

I've had several MkII Golf GTIs, one of which she smashed, well a lorry managed to modify the rear end. This resulted in us looking for something quite quickly. Seeing this Primera, brought a smile to my face, as it sat in a garage waiting to be awakened :-)

The small wheels didn't really set the car off, however, I was impressed by the amount of extras in the car. Didn't really have a good drive of it at the time, as the dealer had only left around 50p of fuel in it.

We bought it and she loves it. I drive a 2.3 V5 Toledo which has plenty of grunt for me at the moment. We've only had the Primera a couple of days and I felt myself gagging to have a go without the Mrs in the passenger seat. It was great, revs like hell, sits on the road with very little body movement and sticks to the corners like glue!

Need to persuade the Mrs that she doesn't need it this weekend :-)

Bad points are, didn't get one earlier, Mrs has a faster car than me now, insurance is quite high, wheels should really be 15 or 16 inch.

Are all Primera eGTs 150 BHP? Even a 1993?

Roy.

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1993 Nissan Primera eGT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Now a value for money fast hatch that can seat a family

Faults:

Knocking anti-roll bar.

Suspected excess play in upper suspension arms.

General Comments:

A really fast car that is great to drive. Under-rated very quick four door family hatch which handles very well. Main problems are suspension but these are easily sorted. Well worth buying for fun, reliability and style.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2000

1993 Nissan Primera eGT 2.0 16v petrol

Faults:

I haven't had it very long, the suspension does knock a lot, but other than that nothing has actually gone wrong.

General Comments:

Entertaining, revvy engine, good handling, but could do with sharper steering. Not rocket fast, but you don't realise how fast you're going. 100mph feels like 80mph in most cars. Can't get comfortable due to relationship of pedal heights, but seats nice. Looks much better as a 5-door.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st November, 1999

1993 Nissan Primera SLX 1.6 petrol

Faults:

Rear bulb blew, er that's it.

Previous service history showed alternator replacement in 1995 (known fault) and sunroof failure in 1996. Also rear exhaust pipe changed 1997.

General Comments:

Handles well, gives good fuel economy, engine revs like a dream - alas my only regret is not buying a 2 litre model. As someone used to owning and driving second hand Fords this car is a revelation. The engine oil colour hardly changes between services. The car still feels, looks and drives like new; yet it's over five years old. All the electrics work (and work every time).

So far in twelve months ownership I've bought two new front tyres for it and one bulb. Front pads will be due for a change soon and as long as I change them myself I'll be quids in. (Dealer front pad change = 75.00ukp or local brake specialist sells pads 14.00ukp + if required front girling discs @30.00ukp each =74.00ukp).

The only downside is the high dealer charges if something does need sorting, but with this level of reliability I'm not too worried!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 1999

5th Feb 2001, 17:48

Since this review the car has needed an outside CV joint replaced. Bought it myself and got a local garage to fit it for £20 quid. Also the (original) battery gave up the ghost.

More serious, the dreaded front toplinks were showing wear though still just good enough to pass the MOT. Foolishly I got a local Nissan (main dealer) mechanic (a friend of a relative) to change them as a hobble for £180. I thought I was getting the genuine parts trade and paying him £30-£40 quid labour - but the idiot used cheap pattern parts and charged me more in labour than Rolls Royce would have.

Within 2 months the front suspension was worse than if I'd left it alone plus the tracking was out. Eventually last December I bought the proper arms and fitted them myself. An expensive lesson if ever there was one.

So after three years it's:-

Battery, toplinks, CV joint and rear bulb. Not bad for a car now on 72,000 miles.

27th Sep 2002, 19:33

Update on car.

Alternators failed twice since original posting-fair play Halfords agreed free replacement despite their 1 yr warranty having over expired by 3 days - so only one £80.00 cost.

Radiator just changed due to water leak cost £100.00.-could have bodged it by why risk it.

Cars now on 89000miles -original clutch, original brake discs.-...HEAR THAT MR FORD...

Engine oil still barely changes colour between services.

24th Mar 2005, 19:10

Final report.

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The car passed its MOT in Feb 2005, still on its original brake disks and catalyst - at 12 years old and 112000 miles. I had actually bought a spare set of front disks a few years ago in readiness - they were never needed!!!

In March 2005 I bought a 9 month old Honda Jazz - and got £500 part exchange on the old Primera. Not bad as she had a few dents etc and needed three tyres soon. She saw me right to the end, and in return I cleaned and polished her up spic and span.

Great car!!! And with still a few years cheap & reliable motoring left in her.