Primera GT what to look out for...
- Thread starter Sparky191
- Start date
Thanks for the comments. I'm not entirely sure these comments are specific to primera's or just cars in general 
From what I've read, and my own experience, Nissans tend to do mega miles with little but the normal servicing. I was wondering was there anything unusual to the GT. The "Common" problems you are talking about, could you link to were you getting that info as I wouldn't mind reading up on it.
As for being gutless, doesn't really bother me. Its only for commuting. I'm just looking for a a family saloon for herself. Once its nippy for city center traffic, can hold a toddler and all his gear, and doesn't need constant car and attention thats all I'm looking for. In fact I'd be happy with a 1.6 or 1.8 but for some reason they are all a lot worse condition or a lot more expensive than the GT's I've seen. (I'm in IRL not UK). We're at the age where the sportier versions aren't signifcantly dearer to insure, and tend to be in better nick than the lower models.
I did look at Passats and A4's but I think they are looking too much money for olders cars with mega miles. For example a 00 passat 1.6 with 100k is as much as twice the price of the GT with only 60k on the clock. The GT drives much better, whereas the VW's and Audi's are lifeless. I did find a A4 1.8T for arount 30% more than the primera, but was a little tatty and very patchy history. Seemed solid, turbo gives a nice shove and I like A4's but its a bit of a risk and could be expensive to fix if something goes wrong. A better example would be twice the price of the GT and have twice the mileage.
Anyway I'm only thinking of it at the moment. My mates all have porsches and the like so its pointless talking to them. To be honest anything seems gutless after those. But a porsches would be no quicker on our cross town commute. Might induce more points though. I've got fed up wrestling the toddler in and out of 2 door cars, and the old banger we were using as a 2nd car is on its very last gasp. So the wallets being prised open to replace it.
From what I've read, and my own experience, Nissans tend to do mega miles with little but the normal servicing. I was wondering was there anything unusual to the GT. The "Common" problems you are talking about, could you link to were you getting that info as I wouldn't mind reading up on it. As for being gutless, doesn't really bother me. Its only for commuting. I'm just looking for a a family saloon for herself. Once its nippy for city center traffic, can hold a toddler and all his gear, and doesn't need constant car and attention thats all I'm looking for. In fact I'd be happy with a 1.6 or 1.8 but for some reason they are all a lot worse condition or a lot more expensive than the GT's I've seen. (I'm in IRL not UK). We're at the age where the sportier versions aren't signifcantly dearer to insure, and tend to be in better nick than the lower models.
I did look at Passats and A4's but I think they are looking too much money for olders cars with mega miles. For example a 00 passat 1.6 with 100k is as much as twice the price of the GT with only 60k on the clock. The GT drives much better, whereas the VW's and Audi's are lifeless. I did find a A4 1.8T for arount 30% more than the primera, but was a little tatty and very patchy history. Seemed solid, turbo gives a nice shove and I like A4's but its a bit of a risk and could be expensive to fix if something goes wrong. A better example would be twice the price of the GT and have twice the mileage.
Anyway I'm only thinking of it at the moment. My mates all have porsches and the like so its pointless talking to them. To be honest anything seems gutless after those. But a porsches would be no quicker on our cross town commute. Might induce more points though. I've got fed up wrestling the toddler in and out of 2 door cars, and the old banger we were using as a 2nd car is on its very last gasp. So the wallets being prised open to replace it.
Rich said:
Bit nicer looking alright. But a lot dearer here. We have another Nissan a Micra which has run faultlessly over 50k, and I'll probably trade that in for something much better later in the year. But for now we're just replacing the old banger. (Fiesta).
Thanks for the tips. Few things there to look out for.
Incidentally the GT has 150bhp, 0-62 in 8.8sec. Top of 136mph, 134lb ft@ 4,800rpm. So its a bit peaky as with a lot of older older 16v's. Personally I don't get out of the city much, but I guess the extra poke might be useful for overtaking on a long run. Biggest plus as I see it as they are very reliable and nothing too expensive is a common failure. Its also economical on juice.
I might see it and hate it. But at least I have a few things to look for now. Cheers.
Incidentally the GT has 150bhp, 0-62 in 8.8sec. Top of 136mph, 134lb ft@ 4,800rpm. So its a bit peaky as with a lot of older older 16v's. Personally I don't get out of the city much, but I guess the extra poke might be useful for overtaking on a long run. Biggest plus as I see it as they are very reliable and nothing too expensive is a common failure. Its also economical on juice.
I might see it and hate it. But at least I have a few things to look for now. Cheers.
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Well I bought it anyway. Was in absolute mint condition one owner with full history. Very very comfy half leather sports seats. I'd say its nippy rather than fast, especially from the lights. Probably because its a decent sized saloon its proabably quite heavy. Really needs to be over 4.5k before it really gets moving and would be great at overtaking, since it accelerates well once its moving. I'd love to know the in gear times.
Best part of the car is the handling and steering, which really is superb. Only thing I've driven thats better in the handling/steering department would be a Mrk1 MR2 or Boxster S. It really is that good. Obviously being quite a stiff set up, its a bit jittery over rough surfaces and you have to take it easier over speed bumps etc. Brakes are excellent.
Bit of a Q car which personally I like. Blends in with all the other boring saloons. Good and roomy front and back. Bit noisier than you'd expect, not being used to a timing chain instead of a belt. When you start it up it sounds like there something mean under the bonnet, nice wuffle. Reckon it will be great for hauling the family somewhere down the country for the weekend. So far its basically just been used for pottering in and out and around town. Which will be 90% of what we'll use it for.
Very nice car for the money.
Best part of the car is the handling and steering, which really is superb. Only thing I've driven thats better in the handling/steering department would be a Mrk1 MR2 or Boxster S. It really is that good. Obviously being quite a stiff set up, its a bit jittery over rough surfaces and you have to take it easier over speed bumps etc. Brakes are excellent.
Bit of a Q car which personally I like. Blends in with all the other boring saloons. Good and roomy front and back. Bit noisier than you'd expect, not being used to a timing chain instead of a belt. When you start it up it sounds like there something mean under the bonnet, nice wuffle. Reckon it will be great for hauling the family somewhere down the country for the weekend. So far its basically just been used for pottering in and out and around town. Which will be 90% of what we'll use it for.
Very nice car for the money.
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Your probably right about the fuel economy. The trip computer is handy though. I worked out recently on our 1L micra we are getting about 27mpg on our city commute. The Primera on our first tank is giving me the same. However a heavy right foot and any stop and go traffic really hurts the economy. However the cost of fuel over 2 year and minor repairs would be a lot cheaper than buying a a different high miler like a Audi or VW. Our VW's have always needed a surprising amount of more minor bits and bobs than the equivelent Nissan or Honda that we've had.