Faults:

The starter motor needed replacing recently after it failed, I wasn't told the reason why.

The only other faults are an annoying rattle somewhere in the dash and a knocking sound from the rear (maybe the doors). Both are intermittent and irritating.

General Comments:

I knew a little about the car and it's capabilities and wasn't disappointed.

The handling is very good for such a big car. In-fact I am impressed. I have driven smaller sportier cars than the Primera GT and can say that the handling is definitely good.

The engine is powerful without a doubt although not unrefined and the delivery is smooth. The high compression cylinders seem to deliver at the higher speeds. This is not a boy racer's 0-60 car. However once the car has it's legs the 100 arrives quickly. Powering through the gears, although not exhilarating, it's a breeze and the car will punch through the air at 130+ quite happily.

No wonder the factory Nissan Primera's creamed the opposition in the BTCC a couple of years ago.

Faults:

Annoyingly squeaky wipers.

A few minor interior rattles.

General Comments:

Bought privately in Jan 2001, a 97P reg Primera GT for little more than £5000 with low miles and full history. Plenty of performance and equipment for a bargain price!

I've only driven 4000 miles in this car, but I hope there will be many more.

Superb road-holding, responsive steering and lots of power above 3700rpm.

On the downside the seats look more supportive than they are, and the ride is harsh over poor surfaces. The payoff for that great handling!

Fuel economy is good at around 35mpg, but be prepared for group 14 insurance and pricey dealer servicing.

All in all this has to be the finest handling car in its class and with air conditioning, 8 speaker stereo, 6 CD-changer, electric sunroof and mirrors, 1/2 leather trim and trip computer, you get lots of toys for the money.

It may look like a rep-mobile, but it will embarass plenty of far sexier cars!

With Nissan's reputation for reliability I'm hoping to enjoy this car for a long time to come!

Faults:

Nothing very important - the battery failed to work, however, after 3.5 years of service and needed to be replaced.

When the air-con runs at first, it causes a smell for a few minutes.

General Comments:

Even though it has bland looks in the interior, it's roomy and comfortable - even on long journeys.

Engine performance is adequate for a family car, but a 1.8 would have been better.

It handles well on road and is also quite economical.

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong with the car is that the battery developed a leak which in turn corroded the battery terminals.

General Comments:

A truly excellent drivers car! It is a much better drive than my Mondeo was.

There are only a couple of things that I dislike about this car:

1) The gearchange isn't quite as good as other cars I've driven (especially the Mondeo), and reverse gear on my car doesn't always engage first time.

2) The radio-cassette player that came with the car was pretty awful. The first thing I did was to install an aftermarket CD player.

However, the list of things I like is thankfully much bigger than the list of don't likes:

1) The handling is extremely good. You can throw the car into corners going far too fast, and it still doesn't understeer. The suspension isn't excessively hard though, and still absorbs most of the bumps and potholes all too common on British roads.

2) It is reliable, and hopefully being Japanese, will stay that way.

3) The engine is fairly powerful, and has a bucketload of torque around 3500-4500rpm. Overtaking is a breeze, although I would have liked a little more low end (2000-3000rpm) power.

4) Quick enough to beat all those townies with their XR3i's, Nova SR's etc.

5) The build quality of the car is also higher than your usual Ford or Vauxhall - everything is well put together with no rattles whatsoever.

All in all, I'd have no quibbles about owning another Primera or about recommending one to friends or family.