1999 Nissan Primera: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Nissan Primera?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Nissan Primera than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Nissan Primera

  16.1% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.2% of all 1999 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Nissan Primera

  16.4% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 4.4% of all 1999 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Nissan Primera

  14.7% All 1999 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 3.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Brake pads2.3× usual
  Nissan Primera

  11.3% All 1999 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Individual direction indicators2.4× usual
  Nissan Primera

  8% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 1999 Nissan Primera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Nissan Primera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% 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
  26% 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
  17% 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.

• 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 1999 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1999 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 1999 Nissan Primera as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Nissan Primera as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?