14th Aug 2007, 15:27

Underrated. That's right! We are conditioned to be attracted to other brands, but Nissan has hidden strengths. Secondhand, the price is so cheap that you have to look at them. Then you find all the good attributes. Reliability, economy, quality, equipment, thoughtful touches abound, durability, good engineering and it's made in England (!). Even the styling of my siver 1.8 sport with neat alloys and bodykit has really grown on me and I now really rate the looks too. Other cheap cars are not such a good proposition. A secondhand Fiat Marea, no worse looking and with plentiful power and equipment, was a similar price. However, the Fiat needed a £1,500 cambelt change (I checked the price). The Primera has a timing chain which lasts the life of the car and no cambelt. The Primera was the only car I found at the price with 4 airbags too, plus lots of passenger and boot space, which cemented it at the top of the list. The old - shape Astras also available did not stand comparison. If you don't have the money to splash on expensive cars, or you like a bargain, you have to look at a Nissan Primera. It's a lot of car for your cash.

8th Jun 2011, 17:34

I have found all of these comments very useful as I have recently bought today an immaculate Primera sport 1.8 in silver on an 02 plate and when I say immaculate, I mean there is not a mark on it, outside or inside and I was convinced there has to be something wrong with it for the price: £999.

To my amazement there wasn't and I went through it with a fine tooth comb. It drives superbly well, no knocking or strange noises anywhere.

I was particularly drawn to the attractive 16 inch alloys that hadn't been kerbed in the time it's been on the road. It was also such a roomy spacious car and the boot was very generous in size.

Overall I think this car is going to serve me and my family for many, many years to come.