1997 Nissan Primera: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Nissan Primera?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Nissan Primera than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Number plates2.7× usual
  Nissan Primera

  14.5% All 1997 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Nissan Primera

  16.5% All 1997 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 4.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Primera

  11.6% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1997 Nissan Primera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Nissan Primera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  41% 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
  29% 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
  27% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Nissan Primera

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

1. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1997 Nissan Primera as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1997 Nissan Primera as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1997 Nissan Primera as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?