Faults:

Exhaust, suspension, clutch, brakes, all needed replaced.

Interior had serious wear, but it was family used for a long time.

Rear windows stuck.

Exterior was in surprisingly good shape even when I got rid of it, but I did keep it clean and garaged. The car also got serviced on time. Engine was a little smokey as the miles rose and burned some oil.

General Comments:

P12 Primera (2002 - 2006) was not a patch on the older Primera from the 1990's (P10/P11). Obviously this one is more technologically advanced, but I just didn't like the odd looks of this car.

Mine was grey. Everything about it was grey - on the inside and out. Such a dull car. And this was the "S" model, very basic. Wind up windows in rear and wheel trims.

Stupid idea to put the speedometer in the centre of the dash, I never got used to it.

It drove OK, but the 1.8 petrol was slow and only just about economical, doing about 37 mpg. I suppose it is better than the famously unreliable diesel dCi engines from Renault which I believe is when Nissan started using them around about this time.

Overall it wasn't a bad car, just boring and not as fun or as sharp to drive as the older model. Good points? Well to be fair it was reliable enough and I had it 8 years and put serious miles on it. Scrapped it a couple of years ago, not a car I will miss.

Faults:

Drivers door electronic window sticking/working intermittently.

General Comments:

As a person who usually buys utility vehicles, i.e. 4x4s or van-derived MPVs I was attracted to the idea of a Primera P12 Estate car as there is no cambelt to worry about as long as frequent oil changes made (it's chain driven), I liked the oddball styling of the Estate, although don't know if I could live with the rear end styling of the 5-door. I still have a very old 4x4 with hi-lo box, so I've never tested the Primera in snow or ice.

I needed a car that had multi-airbags and a good NCAP rating, that could handle the third lane of the motorway and mix-it with the fast boys (which my Berlingo Multispace could not). In other words, an efficient modern car.

The Primera satisfies these requirements. I was a little apprehensive about Renault interference and what nightmares in the electronics department may ensue. Other than the drivers door window nothing else (yet!).

The centre console is easy enough to operate, although I prefer more traditional heater slide controls etc. Gearbox is slick and smooth. Clutch operates very well indeed. ABS brakes are outstanding. Steering OK, if a bit vague. Appreciate the steering wheel adjustments available.

1.8 engine is OK, but needs thrashing when overtaking.

Ride and comfort excellent. General cabin environment very pleasant. Air conditioning excellent. It is however the first car I've had for years that the inside of the windscreen mists up overnight so much it's quicker to leather it than use the heating. Back windows also take a long time to clear.

I like the dials being central and a distance away (compared to conventional designs).

The fuel consumption is NOT however as advertised, and on my use I find I'm getting 28 - 32 mpg on average, so nothing brilliant here.

Other points: I like the left hand petrol filler; like the stowage boxes in the boot of the Estate; like the fact it has a full size spare and not a spacesaver; and finally like it being reasonably easy to work on.