Nissan Primera (2002 – 2006) Review

Nissan Primera (2002 – 2006) At A Glance

3/5

+Different looking, but a bit smaller than a Mondeo or Vectra.

-1.8 petrol version dull to drive. Diesels have same problems as X-Trail.

On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

I first clapped eyes on the Nissan Primera at the 2001 Barcelona Motor Show. Wow, that's different, I thought. Inside is no less of a shock to the senses. All the main instruments and controls are in the centre. And they require a little bit of learning.

For a start, the Primera doesn't have rear parking bleepers. Instead it has a TV camera that transmits what's behind to the TV screen in front of you. So you can actually see small children, pets, bicycles and low-lying stone buttresses. There are no excuses for a flat cat or bent back bumper with this car.

The screen doubles up as a display for the radio/CD player, for the climate control and for the trip and service computer. There's not much it doesn't tell you. And on the SVE model it trebles up as the display for Nissan's brilliant 'Birdview' satellite navigation system. 

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Nissan Primera (2002 – 2006)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a Nissan Primera (2002 – 2006)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

93%

Real MPG

29–44 mpg

MPGs submitted

55

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

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Ask Honest John

Harsh ride quality on Nissan Primera - what's the possible cause?

"Why would a Primera 2.2 diesel have a very harsh ride on standard wheels?"
The Nissan Primera was generally seen as quite a soft, comfortable choice in its day. Is the suspension original? It might be that the dampers are quite tired and need replacement. Also check the tyres pressures – if the tyres are overinflated, the ride might be on the harsh side.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Nissan Primera 2.2 dCi - cam chain or cam belt?

"I have a 2002 Nissan Primera 2.2 diesel estate. Can you tell me if it uses a cam chain or cam belt? "
These use a chain.
Answered by Keith Moody

Heavy steering on Nissan Primera

"I've just purchased a Nissan Primera with 39,500 miles on the clock. I’ve noticed the steering is very heavy, especially when turning. What can be done to rectify this? "
This model had a pumped hydraulic power assisted steering system. Could be the pump. Could be the rack. First thing to do is check the level of PAS fluid.
Answered by Honest John

Can you suggest a BMW with good fuel economy?

"I'm looking to replace my 2003 Nissan Primera diesel estate and want something with 50mpg+. I've test driven a BMW 116d SE and like eight speed automatic box, potential economy and drive, but find it a bit small inside. Can you recommend any other BMWs? "
BMW has 60mpg plus from its new 320dED.
Answered by Honest John
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