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Nissan Primera IV p12 (2002 - 2006)

What's Good

Futuristic Primera based on the Fusion concept seen at motorshows in 2001. 4,567mm long x 1,760mm wide (1,998mm including mirrors) x 1,482mm high. A 'first' is the built-in closed circuit TV camera in its rear number plate surround. This is linked to the TV screen on the central instrument pod and, instead of aiding rear-parking by coloured lights or bleepers, actually lets you see what is directly behind the car. Since this could save a child's life it has to be worth having. All Primera IV models from SE up get the system. Naturally enough, a tail-eye view isn't all it does. It also displays information for the audio, malfunction warnings, communication, satnav system and climate control. Six buttons change the display according to the function selected, with two large circular switches for the main ones and a joystick for the navigation system. All well thought through and intuitative. Primera IV saloons and estates available in S, SE or SVE trim from March 2002. Engine choice includes a 116PS 1.8 with five-speed manual or automatic transmission: a 140PS 2.0 with Nissan's M-CVT automatic which also offers manual ratio selection; and a 126bhp 2.2 turbodiesel with six-speed manual box promises healthy performance with 50mpg economy. Five door hatchbacks and a six-speed manual version of the 140PS 2.0 followed in summer 2002. 2.2 DI six-speed is good to drive and promises fantastic economy from its ultra-tall top gear which gives nearly 37mph per 1,000rpm. Four star 2003 NCAP crash test rating. See road test on this website for and detailed information. Power of 2.2 DI hiked from 126PS to 136PS as from March 2003 with no price increase. Powershift grant and congestion charge exemption qualifying LPG version of 1.8SE launched March 2003 at £1,047.83 over standard petrol version. Facelifted Summer 2003 with facelift models on UK market from December 2003. Average number of breakdowns, problems and faults and rated 'Best Buy' in 2003 Which survey.

Road test: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=51

Another more comprehensive facelift with suspension improvements summer 2004: road test www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=139. Which? Best Buy 2004. Which? used best buy £5,000 - £10,000 2004.

More at www.Nissan.co.uk

Last updated 16-10-2007

What's Bad

Handling of 1.8 SVE is far from brilliant and engine lacks power. Using TV screen alone to reverse can be disorientating. (There have been a few bumps.)

Diesels can develop a heavy clutch.

99th = out of 113 in 2997 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey along with KIA Sedona and Vauxhall Astra with score of 75.9%

MODEL AXED IN OCTOBER 2006 WITH ONLY 200 THEN LEFT IN UK STOCKS.

What to Watch Out For

Sudden poor running of petrol engines or failure to start due to crankshaft sensor malfunction (seems to be vulnerable to dirt or water ingress: see recalls).

Doors have no rubbing strip and are prone to supermarket dings.

Cable controlling injection when turbo cuts in was too short on 2003MY cars and consequently could break.

Timing chain tensioner problems on 2.2 diesels, same as X-Trail. Best to change the oil and filter twice as often as Nissan recommends.

Repeated turbo failures on 2.2 diesels. May be due to not rerplacing EGR valves.

Rear brake calipers prone to seizing up and by July 2007 the cost or replacement rear calipers had risen to £260 + VAT each.

Complaint of seat frame of SVE cutting through seat cover.

Manual transmission prone to failure, and replacements in short supply. Gear change on diesel can be very slow.

Clutches can fail early.

More minor problem areas include thermostat, radio display and exhaust lambda sensor.

Recalls

26-11-2002: During production, conveyor may have damaged front left hand tyre. Tyres on 2,758 cars to be inspected and replaced if necessary. April 2003: Dealer TSB to replace rear anti-roll bar bolts on early production of Primera IV because not long enough. 8-12-2003 Recall of 108,563 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines built 1998 - 2003 over angle and position sensors which can cause engines to stall and/or fail to re-start. Sensors to be replaced. September 2005: Recall of DCIs for reprogramming of ECU. The recall no is YD22 100KW Engine management Causing lack of power, poor acceleration response, black smoke from the exhaust and / or whistling noise. December 2005: "Investigations have confirmed that the operating efficiency of the parking brake cables are potentially lower than specification. In such instance the driver may be unable to apply sufficent effort to the parking brake to secure the vehicle on an incline.'