2002 Nissan Primastar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Nissan Primastar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Nissan Primastar than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Shock absorbers4.8× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  29.7% All 2002 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake discs2.7× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  34.2% All 2002 cars

  12.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2002 Nissan Primastar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  66% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  58% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  50% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  26% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Nissan Primastar

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2002 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2002 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?