Faults:

A lot of maintenance items (oil + belts, brakes, etc, probably too many to list), but never any expensive or troublesome issues in the 18 years I had the car.

Near the end of its life, the window regulators failed, there was bad rust starting around the arches, and the entire exhaust needed replaced. I took the decision that it was more economical to scrap it and get a newer car rather than spend money on a 20 year old car with 180K - however it was otherwise still running well and could have lasted longer if I wanted it to.

General Comments:

The Primera was a car that I had a very long time and was one of the most reliable ever to this day. Bought at only 2 years old with low mileage, this car was stunning from the start and I loved all of my time with it and I miss it to this day.

2.0 16v SX model was no GT, but it was about the next best thing. Fast enough when you wanted to move quickly, and you could average 35 mpg. The car handled like it was on rails and the gear-change was smooth. Brakes were responsive and the ride was a little firm, but a comfortable enough car to drive everyday.

Interior was spacious but very dull with lots of grey plastic everywhere, but this was and still is typical of Japanese cars from the time period. It is all functional however and not distracting, which is exactly all you want in a driver's car. I found the seats comfortable and the car was equipped enough with electrics.

Exterior wise it looked smart enough with the optional alloy wheels. A car no one will notice as it does not stand out, but it was not ugly, just a bit dull, but I liked the look of it. I believe this was the "P11" generation Primera.

To conclude, the value for money I got from this car will likely never be repeated. In the last few years I have moved on to a more modern Nissan Qashqai, and what an unreliable disaster that has been. Please Nissan go back to making solid reliable fun cars again!

Faults:

Electric window regulator failed on the driver's side.

General Comments:

Surely one of the most reliable and complete cars ever produced, I bought my Primera from a second hand dealer for 400 pounds, with a patchy service history but a lengthy MOT.

I used it everyday to transport myself, furniture, other people, rubbish to the tip and various other tasks, and it performed faultlessly and in relative comfort. The spec was fairly basic, but everything worked bar the electric window regulator, which I later discovered was one of the very few problems on the P11 Primera. Fuel economy was about 40 MPG with gentle driving, although it was a necessity to change down for long or steep hills.

The car was has a logical, well laid out dashboard and all the controls are easy to reach. Boot space was very impressive considering the car isn't particularly large. Rear legroom was also good according to any passengers sat in the back. The only downside I found on the Primera was the turning circle; I see other people have mentioned this. But the overriding memory of my time with the Primera was just how reliable it was. I would still be driving it now, but for the cost of replacing the rear brakes (discs, pads and calipers), so it was with much regret that it had to go, replaced by a Kia Shuma (see the appropriate review).