Hi all,
I'm looking to get a Primera GT ('96-'99 model) in the next month or so and am looking for hints and tips on what to look for when buying.
I'd like to stay within the £1300-£2000 bracket, which there appear to be enough of on autotrader, but most have mileage around the 100k mark.
Firstly, any other options to the Primera GT? Needs to have similar performance, look fairly decent, cost around the same and have reasonable insurance and running costs. Doesn't have to be primera size, but i will be doing around 20k miles a year, on motorways mainly so don't want a micra size car.
Secondly, is there anything specific that i should be checking for when viewing these? I know the standard things to check, so i'm after more model specific points.
Thanks in advance for your responses
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i would recommend the SE rather than the GT.
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GT is a cracking driver's car.
You will find all the experts on these two sites:
www.nissanprimera.net
www.g20.net
Plus, you will the best GTs for sale on the first site as it's UK run.
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98-99 Almera GTI - faster, smaller, more fun to drive.
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[Nissan dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
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Why is it that when someone on here asks for advice regarding a particular model they want to buy, everyone immediately starts recommending every other model apart from the model that person originally wanted advice on?????????
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Why is it that when someone on here asks for advice regarding a particular model they want to buy, everyone immediately starts recommending every other model apart from the model that person originally wanted advice on?????????
I can easily answer that the SE is a downgraded engine to the GT but comes with all the extra"s of the gt + full leather and air conditioning both must haves if as he says he wants it for lots of mileage.
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> I can easily answer that the SE is a downgraded engine to the GT but comes with all the extra"s of the gt + full leather and air conditioning
Most GT's (except custom specs) had half leather and aircon. And there is actually "GT SE" model too.
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[Nissan dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
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> I can easily answer that the SE is a downgraded engine to the GT but comes with all the extra"s of the gt + full leather and air conditioning Most GT's (except custom specs) had half leather and aircon. And there is actually "GT SE" model too. -------------------- [Nissan dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
just got my data book out and indeed the GT has leather
so get one bought OP
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> Why is it that when someone on here asks for advice regarding a particular model they want to buy,
> everyone immediately starts recommending every other model apart from the model that person
> originally wanted advice on?????????
Let me quote original poster:
"Firstly, any other options to the Primera GT?"
Why so nervous?
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[Nissan dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
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oooops, I was speeed reading again ;-)
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98-99 Almera GTI - faster, smaller, more fun to drive.
Don't be daft, Primera GT is reknowned as being a thoroughly decent car with great handling. The Almera GTI is a complete non-entity, so bland and talentless time almost forgot it.
It's difficult to do better than a Primera GT, provided you get on with the bland plastic interior they are excellent, reasonably quick, good to drive cars.
As an alternative you might like to consider a Mondeo ST24 - looks better inside and out, is slightly quicker with its 2.5 V6, handles slightly better BUT you will get the more expensive running costs associated with a 2.5 V6 engine.
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> Don't be daft, (...) The Almera GTI is a complete non-entity,
> so bland and talentless time almost forgot it.
Heh. The usual TW - pot / kettle. While we are talking about complete non-entity that's bland talentless and forgettable - ST24 is also slower, thirstier and treats its suspension as consumable cartridges. ;)
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[Nissan 2.2 dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
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Exactly! Never a dull moment!
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Run a 99 primera GT for the last 3 years, 48k a year, great car drive, engine flys above 4000 rpm, now just turned 200k.
Needed a radiator @100K otherwise ok, just change oil every 5K. Check for rust under the rear spoiller around the rear window frames.
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Very good cars. Can't really think of any negatives. Just check that its not been wrecked (gearbox synchro, brakes etc) by a former 'enthusiastic' driver!
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My first car(!).
I absolutely loved it. Lovely strong engine and you will run out of bottle well before the chassis runs out of grip. Also very well equipped for the late 90s.
Go ahead and buy!
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Practical hints/
Check battery tray for corrosion
Check no squeeks from wipers could need new wiper boxes
Check all suspension bits for wear especialy (don't proper name)the thingy that additionaly supports the front struts!!! Known for wear
Geaxbox syncro
Thats all i can remember i'm sure somebody will add more
Excellent car good luck
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I was warned about buying one of these as an office hack (generic Primera) that the rear suspension was a highly complex (if very efficient)bit of kit, but when worn became a nightmare to maintain.
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I was warned about buying one of these as an office hack (generic Primera) that the rear suspension was a highly complex (if very efficient)bit of kit, but when worn became a nightmare to maintain.
No, rear suspension should be fine - never heard of problems even at mega-miles. Not really any more complex than lots of other cars. The front upper link pivots can knock (not an MoT failure unless really worn - but annoying) - QH do replacements for about £25 and they are dead easy to fit.
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Looks like a nice one (not mine BTW):
snipurl.com/qknv
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Thanks for the comments everyone, looks like i've made a good choice then - all that remains is to trek around the country looking at them. Since there's only 30 odd for sale in the entire country on autotrader, could take a while!
Barchettaman - The one on the link you posted looks in great condition, but it's a bit above the usual price range if you ask me. I'm looking below £2000, and that special edition chromoflair paint job seems to carry about a £500 premium.
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I realised it was a wee bit above the price range, but as I had stumbled across it myself yesterday thought I´d put the link up.
Good luck in your search.
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I borrowed a P plate primera GT for a short while. It was a great car. Another thing to watch for is sticking rear brake calipers. This one had one and the wheel was red hot by the time I got home! Drive it around a bit then check each wheel to make sure there isn't a hot one or there isn't a hot smell.
teabelly
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I just sold mine for £1500 53000 miles full service history. I miss it already.
For the money you won't get nothing like it as it can carry 4 has a big boot and gets pretty good fuel mileage.
That engine is bullet proof, not many normally aspirated 2 litres than can punp out 150 BHP.
The only down side is that the suspension is stiff and you feel all the bumps on the B roads. This engine can also be a little nosiey on the motorway.
Best things about it are value for money exellent reliability. practical and exellent road holding. Chain drive no cambelt.
Very expensive skirts and bumpers though.Leather gear knobs always wear as do the leather seat bolsters.
Get a good one, lots have been mooded which I would avoid. Best colour Silver or Black.
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I have had a Primera GT SE for around four months now, i've got it up for sale as myself and the missus are downgrading to one car. It has been a faultless car and drives lovely despite having 97k on the clock (this is nothing for a well serviced Primera).
Mine is advertised at £2500 but will budge little on the price, its worth paying a touch more fo rthe ones with full service history, full leather etc I think which I why I went for the SE.
www.fabia-vrs.com/forsale.htm
Cheers
Ross
07968 702706
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Just to conclude this thread then....
After seriously considering buying Ross's car (very good condition by the way) - i have today agreed a deal on a Primera GT.
1997 R reg, Silver, 148k(!) but absolutely perfect service history, no rust even at base of spoiler, everything seems to be in order and the car and previous owner very genuine.
£1250 - Which i thought warranted the risk of the extreme mileage, since if any major bills do pop up i've got £650ish in my pocket to spend compared to a 'less run-in' example. Just got to remember that those savings are part of the car maintenance kitty now, and not the beer kitty!
Hope i've done the right thing...
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Excellent cars but you've paid way over the odds - its worth perhaps half that with the mileage it has. Thats only 500 quid less than a guy on another forum must paid for a rather tidy sub 100k W reg example!
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Oh well,
There wasn't any in better condition at a better price than that anywhere within 100 miles of my three addresses, so it sounds like that guy got a truely great bargain. Presumably the later model Sport+ though, not the GT?
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Nope, a GT - obviously one registered very late.
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Presumably the later model Sport+ though, not the GT?
Why (other than reg)? Isn't the Sport+ rated as highly as the GT?
P.S. As long as your happy with the car and the price you paid for it ......that's all that really matters. Enjoy!
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Chad the Sport+ has 138bhp, the GT has 150bhp - so a little faster.
Other than that, the GT looks better to my eyes, and i couldn't find any Sport+'s priced below £2500
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Excellent cars, hope it all goes well for you.
I bought an M reg one almost 5 years ago with 110k on the clock and took it upto 165k before selling it last year. Excellent car. just change that oil & filter every 5k using a decent oil (I used 10w/40 semi synth) and I'm sure it will go onto & past 200k. Mine was still on it's original front shocks & wheel bearings when I sold it (had bought it from a friend who'd had it since it was 2 yrs old)
the minor thing I found was that some of the interior switch gear started playing up. nothing too serious that a couple of hours of work would sort out.
Try coming onto the motorway in 2nd gear and watch the rev limiter cut in at 8k......
cheers,
Stu
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