For years Nissan produced cars that were good to drive but dull to look at, and perhaps the best example of this was the Primera. While owners loved the reliability, ease of driving and generous equipment levels it was hardly a car you could get passionate about.

But in the spring of 2002 all that changed with the introduction of the fourth generation Primera. Externally the car underwent a radical makeover, with a sweeping bonnet and dramatic lines, making it one of the most striking models the company has produced.

Today a Primera represents one of most attractive bargains on the second-hand forecourt. Never an expensive car, depreciation means that a three-year-old version will cost less than half its price when new. With values so tempting it is worth going upmarket to take advantage of the extras offered on high-spec models.

All cars come with electronic climate control, CD player and six airbags. But for about £400 more than the base S model an SE adds alloys, electric rear windows and a leather steering wheel. The best used buy, however, is the SVE, which has satellite navigation, a neat reversing camera and larger 17in alloys, all for an extra £500.

Having settled on a trim level, the next big choice is the engine. If auto transmission is your preference then you will be limited to the petrol derivatives of 1.8 and 2 litres. The 1.8 produces 114bhp and when married to the four-speed auto box is a bit of a slug. It will cruise at motorway speeds happily enough but think “gradual build up of momentum” rather than acceleration. On the 138bhp 2 litre petrol the auto box becomes a six-speed continuously variable (CVT) transmission. Still no road rocket, it offers more power but at the expense of economy, which struggles to better 30mpg in mixed motoring.

As is so often the case with modern machines it is the diesel models that impress most. The car was launched with a 2.2 litre unit producing 124bhp, which was boosted to 136bhp in September 2003, and if budget will allow (they are about £500 more than the 2 litre petrol version) these are the ones to go for.

With a six-speed manual gearbox as standard the engine’s impressive power and torque (it produces over 50% more torque than the 2 litre petrol) give the car an impressively eager character. If you are a high-mileage driver then the 40-plus mpg will be welcome. Servicing, too, is a less frequent expense, with the diesel requiring maintenance every 12,000 miles against the petrol models’ 9,000-mile interval.

On the road the Primera is excellent, with little wind or road noise. Sitting on 17in alloys the SVE models feel a little firmer than cars on the standard 16in rims but the effect is not unpleasant. Suspension enhancements introduced in September 2004 sharpened up the handling further, but the car still has a tendency to ride softly and is happiest on long straight roads rather than being thrown through bends.

The Primera achieved a four-star Euro NCAP crash result and all models come with ABS brakes and brake assist as standard. There’s also an alarm system, ensuring that most models fall below group 10 in insurance ratings.


Body Available as a saloon or hatchback. Both come with a generous 460-litre boot, although slow-selling saloon was discontinued in May 2004

Safety Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, with ABS and brake assist

Doors Lack of side rubbing strips makes doors prone to minor car park dents

Colours Red cars look awkward. Desirable colours are dark metallic or silver

Dashboard Centre-mounted dials and large screen for stereo and air-con operation are easy to use

Suspension Modified on cars built after September 2004, improving handling and ride

Security Alarm system is standard, keeping insurance premiums reasonable

Alloy wheels Standard on all but base S model, but check for signs of kerbing

Parking camera Fitted as standard on all but base S model, makes reversing easy. Check rear bumpers on S models for scuffs

Satellite navigation Standard on SVE model and well worth having

Service history Servicing on petrol models due every 9,000 miles, 12,000 on diesels. All new cars come with three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. Insist on seeing original service invoices to validate mileage

THE ONE TO BUY

Nissan Primera 2.2dCi SVE hatchback 2003 03 with 50,000 miles. Pay £7,625 from a dealer or £6,495 privately

OR FOR THE SAME MONEY...

2003 03 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi LX 2003 03
Vauxhall Vectra 2.0Dti SXi 2003 52
Mazda6 2.0d S 121bhp 2002 52
Peugeot 406 2.2 HDi

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Nissan Primera 2.2dCi SVE h/back
Engine 2184cc 4cyl DOHC turbo diesel
Power 136bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 46.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.2sec
Top speed 126mph

Values



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer