1998 Nissan Primera GX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Subtle, fun, fast and cheap

Faults:

Nothing major yet.

Rear hatch needs a hard slam to get it shut, probably just the catch needing adjustment.

Slight movement in the driver's seat base when braking hard - disconcerting, but should be easy to fix.

Some of the black trim tape on the rear vertical edge of the driver's door/window has lifted and rippled slightly - needs fixing to stop water getting underneath.

General Comments:

The two litre engine feels very un-stressed; this is one of the best motorway cruisers I have owned. The car is deceptively quick once the revs get above 3000 rpm - typical of a 16V engine I guess.

Handling is excellent, with the ride on the right side of firm.

Fuel consumption is very good for the size of engine and the weight of the car - I'm consistently getting high 30's mpg.

The interior design is a bit bland, although all the controls are clearly laid out, and the choice of colour for the plastic in mine is an acquired taste - sort of bluey/greeny/grey; OK, it co-ordinates with the metallic green bodywork, but black would have been much more understated. The plastics don't seem to be of a particularly good quality, and some bits (the trim around the handbrake) wobble when touched.

The equipment level is pretty good (I believe the GX trim level is bottom of the range for the 2.0 engine? I could be wrong), although electric mirrors should be standard. Air con, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking etc. The previous owner had spec'd some lovely Nissan alloys, too, which I've never seen on another Primera. As someone else has mentioned, I was surprised that the air con needed charging after 30000 miles.

The seats adjustments are awkward to use, but do allow for an excellent driving position once you've got them right.

Things I don't like: the vast turning circle! I'm surprised only a couple of other people have commented on this -it is AWFUL! I'm used to driving a Suzuki Baleno (stop laughing at the back), which has the smallest turning circle in its class, but even so, doing 6 point turns is irritating.

Overall - great Q-car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2002

1998 Nissan Primera GT SE 2.0

Summary:

Golf GTi beater

Faults:

The leather on the drivers seat has worn around the edge.

Paint work costs a fortune.

General Comments:

One of the best cars I have ever had the pleasure to drive.

I first had this car as a company car. I loved it so much, I bought it after the contract expired.

The Mystic Green paint certainly turns heads (Purple/Green flip paint). Hence the cost of any paint work!

The 205/16 alloys hold the road wonderfully except under full throttle from a standing start.

0-60 in about 8 seconds. Not as good as my previous Turbo Impreza, but excellent for a family car.

Running cost are very good. I get an average of 37mpg and that is using the power regularly.

Spacious boot.

All the electronics you need (apart from Cruse control). Full electric windows, CD multi changer, Electric Sunroof, Air Con, Trip computer and a loud stereo.

Never had any issues with anything on the car. It has always performed well and I have had no faults whatsoever.

I would recommend anyone to buy this car. Especially the UK special edition. Only 300 made and all with the flip paint.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2002

28th Sep 2002, 10:37

Just noticed your entry. I was thinking of trading my Mystic green GTSE in for an Alfa romeo. But just cannot bring myself to get rid!

These are the best cars of their class to drive. I have also converted mine to LPG - I recommend it.

25th Oct 2005, 20:24

Bit of a jump from an impreza to a nissan.

8th Jan 2006, 13:16

I also used to own a gt se it pained me to get rid of it, but I had to. wish I never had, it was an awesome car a real pleasure to own.

14th Sep 2006, 15:46

Well - Having this review 4 years ago it's a very sad time. My car is being traded in. The car has been a joy to drive for the past 8 years and I've put 115k miles on the clock. It still handles like a dream and the engine seems little affected by the extra 60k miles put on since I wrote my first review.

The leather on the seats has worn a little more, the carpet in the drivers foot well has worn through and obviously for a car of this age, there are a few minor chips on the paint work.

The engine has worked flawlessly and given the mileage the performance does not seem to be affected. The only major work done on the car has been to fix the power steering and replacing some locked brakes.

Anyway - the car is going as I drive quite a high mileage with work and the reliability may not be quite so good over the next 115,000 miles.