1999 Nissan Primera GT SE 2.0

Summary:

This car is everything I always thought it would be, and then some,

Faults:

There is an annoying rattle on the rear view mirror, although the car has six months of warranty left, so i`ll try to get Nissan to change it.

There are a few rust spots, one is in a rear door weel, so it can`t be a stone chip, (Nissan`s excuse for the others).

Wear on the leather seats.

Not enough adjustment on the passenger seat.

General Comments:

I have clocked a 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, just a little behind my cousin`s 106 gti.

I would have like the aluminium console trim around the dash too, I think this would have stood out a little more.

I can`t believe this car only has one air bag, that is really tight.

Personally, I believe that the best feature about the car, is the assured handling, I have scared a few passengers, but I myself have felt totally in control and safe. The special ed. has 205 16 tyres and i`m sure that this make a big difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2002

1999 Nissan Primera GT 2.0

Summary:

What pleasure for the pounds

Faults:

Doors do not open easily, they all are stiff.

General Comments:

Great handling - try it on a track day! But that comes at the expense of a very hard ride, especially at low speeds.

The standard performance is very good, but it could safely handle more power.

Overall a good value for money performance car that will surprise many more expensive cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2001

1999 Nissan Primera Sport+ 2.0

Summary:

An engineers car built for driving enjoyment

Faults:

Central door locking actuator became noisy, replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Looks elegant and distinctive, but quite colour sensitive - silver, red, light blue metallic are OK, dark colours kill the looks.

Very well equipped, even has gas discharge xenon headlamps as standard.

Handling is fantastic, steering very responsive and nicely weighted. Ride is firm around town but the car is wonderfully surefooted when flying down country roads. Inspired enormous confidence, much better than other vehicles of this size eg. Avensis, Vectra.

Engine performance is OK, but not actually better than other 2.0 vehicles. The time is made up in the bends!

Build quality and the feeling of durability is good, I have friends with old Primeras which have 100,000 plus mile on them and they're good, which is reassuring.

Braking performance is also superb, with brake assist as standard.

Seats are very supportive and grip well.

Overall, a separate and distinctive choice which is great fun to drive and well engineered, but discreet enough to avoid plod's attention.

Excellent value nearly new with the 3 year warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2001

25th Jan 2004, 13:07

My Primera sport+ is silver and 4 door with cvt6. It's a superb car. Reliable and so different to drive. Perfect in automatic and lethal in 3rd gear (no clutch).

It's the best vehicle I've owned. Well done Nissan!

27th Mar 2004, 18:49

I agree that this is an excellent car to own and drive, whether it's doing the slow plod off to drop the children at school or whether it is out on the open winding roads.

The CVT automatic is pleasant, smooth and sedate when driven gently, but can give a quick response when needed, however knock the lever over into tiptronic manual and the car takes on a whole new personality - very quick and responsive, quick through the close ration six-speed tiptronic gearbox and extremely nimble and surefooted on the bends.

The looks of this car are more subtle than "boy racer", so it is only if you know your Nissans that you will realise you are looking at a wolf in sheep's clothing.

This is definitely a driver's car.

19th Feb 2005, 12:33

I got my primera sport+ estate last October and I'm still smilling. its in silver was one company owner driver done 96000 miles and drives fantastic.

I was always into large engined cars because I like the over taking power of v6/v8s, but I have to admit this car is every bit as much fun as anything else I've driven.

I would recommend one to anyone and don't be put off by high millage just make sure its been serviced and you to will join the primera sport smile high club.

Last words buy and enjoy... A Benson.

3rd Jan 2009, 17:18

My Primera Sport+ has done 105k and still feels tight and secure. It's regularly serviced by myself (not difficult for anyone who knows one end of a spanner from the other). She starts first time every time, and the only thing I found, is the rear wiper not like cold weather.

I often travel 180 ish miles to my mums in Wales, along some lovely fast (speed limits observed officer honestly) A roads. My previous car was a Rover 620ti, and I could usually make the journey in about 4 hours. Thanks to Primera`s excellent grip and confidence inspiring road handling, I am now down to 3 1\2 hours, and once completed it in 3 hours 15 minutes, despite being 60hp down on the Rover.

I think a special concession should be made by insurance companies for new drivers who choose a Primera Sport; they are so safe and forgiving, with superb ABS brakes if you leave it too late (or looking at girlfriends legs/cleavage). It has plenty of power to get you out of trouble, and handling and poise only an offspring of The Stig could find lacking.