Faults:

Rear shocks worn out - very expensive to replace on the 4WD model. Nissan genuine parts very expensive and no after market parts available in New Zealand.

General Comments:

Very reliable car, ideal for touring and great for ski-field roads (icy) and gravel roads.

The T4, while a 110kW (150hp) motor, lacks the punch of the 2WD Primeras and uses considerably more gas (approx 9-11km/l = 25-30mpg).

Car handles like a dream due to great independent suspension on all four corners, but the side effect of such rigid suspension is a very hard ride and rapid tyre wear.

Faults:

Rear electric window lifters broken.

Drivers seat partly worn.

Heater resistor switch broken.

General Comments:

Quicker, but even quicker once new HT leads, oil, air, fuel filter and oil changed.

Bring on a HKS super-flow air filter and then we will be talking.

Handling is excellent, but it has a tendency to be back heavy under hard acceleration. Equals wheel spin even in third.

Faults:

The carburettor had to be replaced with a manual choke in 1996.

The carb has been rebuilt since I have owned the car.

The CV boot was replaced after 10 years.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with the car and feel it will not let me down. I am a bit unhappy with the handling, but for a large car the 1600 engine copes quite well.

Faults:

Driver's side window wouldn't wind up/down.

Central locking packed in (wouldn't lock!).

Alternator broke.

General Comments:

Storming, smooth performance from the 2 litre injection engine and great handling & brakes let down by silly faults. Hopefully, when these are rectified, Nissan's legendary reputation for reliability will begin to shine through.

Fantastic driver's car with okay running costs for the engine size. Precise handling a welcome change from the titanic, stodgy Granada I owned previously.

Recommended.

Faults:

Consumption a ghastly 24mpg when bought! Mistuned to disguise typical hesitant carb. Local Nissan dealer declined to carry out any investigation or work as car "too old" and mpg "about what you'd expect". I won't forget that, guys. Former Nissan dealer (now Subaru) did standard carb mod and tuned the car. Now around 32mpg (car is driven hard).

Alternator - Nissan replacement £275, pattern part £60, easy DIY.

Yes the radiator is getting a bit ragged so gets a bit hot on really hot days when driven hard/long.

Never broken down, utterly reliable.

General Comments:

Beautiful handling even in 1.6 guise with skinny tyres. A bit underpowered if loaded up. Quiet, comfortable and well equipped. Durable interior. Look out for rear electric windows though. No safety feature other than lock off and strong enough to cause serious injury. Bit of rust appearing at rear sill seams. Galvanised front end holding back stone chip damage.

Faults:

None.

Rust starting to build up in the tailgate after 7 years.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Comfortable and powerful enough for long travels on highways. Roomier than many competitors. 'Oldfashioned' engine; noisier and higher fuel consumption for the power than the competition.

Faults:

Alternator (twice). First time fixed under warranty. Second time fixed at a "special price" because the dealer was embarrassed it failed a second time. Still cost a lot of money (30,000 BEF, about £600).

Analogue clock stopped working. Fixed free of charge.

General Comments:

Very friendly and comfy car. Super handling and roadholding makes it a joy to drive, despite the slow non-turbo diesel motor. Immune to rust. Paintwork faultless. Big, square boot. Equipment on the sparse side. Fuel consumption exceptional (50+ miles per gallon). Dealer service has been excellent.

Faults:

Front electric window rattle.

Central door lock switch replaced.

General Comments:

Excellent handling and high speed stability.