Faults:

Head gasket blew at 138000KM - cost to repair $5300 - time to repair 6 weeks!! Unacceptable time to get parts - longer than my Volvo used to take!

Ongoing surging/missing issue - dealer unable to correct - believed it was a coil playing up, but could not identify which one.

145000km "Coil issue" ended up being major fault with the drive computer. Engine management system totally fried itself and all coils. Fuel injection system did not switch off because of this causing fuel to be pumped into the engine constantly. Luckily this did not cause any major engine damage. Cost to repair $6000 - dealer stepped in to cover this along with warranty company.

151000km - failure of starter motor - cost to repair $750.

General Comments:

The Primera has nice styling and modern lines. Inside comfort levels are good with climate AC, CD and a reasonable stereo.

Handling wise those who have driven the earlier model Primera may be disappointed. Ride is much softer than the bone jarring suspension of the earler race bred models. This has impacted on handling somewhat, as the old models could be thrown into some serious corners without getting into too much trouble. The new models feel a little spongy in tight situations with some body roll evident.

The engine is an OK 2.0L petrol with reasonable levels of torque and power - unfortunately mated with the CVT as in this case initial pickup is slow and the engine noise considerable at higher RPMs. Fuel economy is average - open road around 8.8L per 100KM - similar to my 2L turbo Volvo. Would be interesting to drive a manual version as this would change the dynamics considerably.

Reliability - for this car at least - was a major issue. Multiple major failures within 12 months had me praising my foresightedness to get a mechanical breakdown warranty! Not sure if this extends to other Primeras of similar ages/mileage.

Faults:

Rear anti roll bar bushes (Should have been changed under recall?)

General Comments:

I looked around at many different manufacturers estates, and was set for something German, but this car came across as good value.

I haven't been disappointed with it. Its very modern yet has been designed to look different inside and out

Its really good at cruising, running at a good deal under 2000rpm at 70mph, and has very good ride comfort for rear passengers. It doesn't disappoint on A and B roads either, although the gears and the engine torque take a bit of getting used to.

Safety wise it has 6 airbags (if you believe in those things) and a class 4 ncap rating. It feels big and solid.

Add in a common rail engine, Sat-Nav (which is seriously useful if you live near Birmingham), air conditioning and you certainly feel like you are getting a lot of bangs for your buck.

I wouldn't stress the bad points too much. It does seem to only average 38 to 40mpg on mixed runs, perhaps due to its weight. The estate boot size could be much better if the sides and floor had been more sculpted. Lastly, it tends to be a hot car inside and the ventilation system is not one of the strong points of the car.

Faults:

- Rear boot lock failed.

- Windscreen developed a crack that appears to be a manufacturing fault.

General Comments:

- Reasonably good car, with reasonably good handling and reasonably good comfort.

- Very thirsty however, with the computer reporting a measly 23.1 MPG on average.

- Satellite Navigation system is excellent with clear maps and directions.