Faults:

Heater blower resistor was blown; if you find it only works on 4 or off then replace it, bought one from scrapyard from a Sunny for a fiver (common problem).

Radiator had no fins at all, though it never ran hot; scrappies for a tenner.

Alternator packed in (common fault).

Front passenger side suspension squeaks and bangs from time to time; suspect dry or loose bush, but there's no excessive play.

Has a habit of blowing brake light bulbs.

General Comments:

The engine is acceptable, and its performance, it's not as lively and responsive as a Vauxhall, but outshines your average Ford. Low down the engine pulls fairly nicely, but it doesn't really kick in till she passes 3500rpm, then she comes alive pulling strongly till 6-6500rpm. The engine sounds rattly and metallic, but that's due to the timing chain.

For a Nissan the handling is outstanding, the power steering doesn't feel loose and disconnected like most of them, it's positive, weighty and gives excellent feedback. The chassis is lively, flickable, holds the road yet handles with great control while still being comfortable - I've recently lowered it 40mm and it's even better, though I'm still on 175/70/14 steels.

The interiors nice, inoffensive, a bit grey and plastic, but functional and well laid out. I've put sports seats in and various other mods.

It's has a nice, clean, stylish look to it, yet anonymous too. Mine's lowered, eGT boot spoiler, sideskirts, body coloured bumpers, looks aggressive now.

Some parts are hard to get, only available from Nissan, which is a pain, while spares are available everywhere. It's easy to work on, well put together, and running costs are fairly low.

Faults:

Timing chain snapped, bent some valves in the process; what a nightmare to fix, new valves, chain etc, tensioner etc.

Been stood for 3 years due to company car. Come to use Primera again, run for 2 or 3 seconds and died, engine dash light on, read the code as 143, Nissan stated this code does not exist as everybody else. I don't give in easy and found it to be the immobilizer, unplugged it and the car works fine, engine light still flashes, but runs OK. Took it for MOT and passed with no work except for next paragraph.

ABS light on when above approx 5 MPH. Tested resistances of ABS sensors and found 1 dirty connection; cleaned it and all OK now.

I love the car, it is not bad on fuel, and handles extremely well. Catch me if you can on corners, but is prone to sliding in the wet. A local garage fitted very cheap tyres though, the best at cornering I've ever driven.

'Comes on the cam' is the term used in the motor industry, this car does come alive after 4000 RPM, and it gets there fairly rapidly. Below that it is dull as regard to performance.

The most reliable car to date I've had. Still original discs, suspension, everything except for the chain giving in.

General Comments:

Fantastic in the dry for cornering.

Interior is OK, but has not cracked due to the sun like some cars have.

Standard wheels look very dull.

Seats very comfy.

Massive boot.

Faults:

Virtually nothing, apart from a tendency to pull to the left (which I am putting down to tracking) and a few bubbles of rust on the rear edge of one of the back doors.

Radiator needed replacing when I bought the car.

General Comments:

Feels over engineered and capable of a big mileage. Not a ball of fire, but it cruises very well and holds a good motorway speed. High gearing helps cruising refinement (4000 rpm at 100 mph).

Good fuel economy (35-40 mpg). Comfortable with a decent ride and excellent seats. Well equipped (sunroof, ABS, electric windows all round etc).

It even handles pretty well, surprisingly good fun to drive down a twisty lane.

Totally anonymous looking, you can leave it anywhere.

Dislikes? None to speak of though I'd have a 2.0 litre for better performance. Parts prices can be dearer than equivalent Mondeo.