2002 Nissan Primera petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Nissan Primera petrol?

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

• Headlights2× usual
  Nissan Primera

  21.3% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 4.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.8× usual
  Nissan Primera

  12.2% All 2002 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3.5% of all 2002 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Nissan Primera

  12% All 2002 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.6% of all 2002 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Primera

  7.7% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Side repeaters2.9× usual
  Nissan Primera

  4.3% All 2002 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2002 Nissan Primera petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  44% 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
  44% 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
  43% 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
  18% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Nissan Primera petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Nissan Primera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Nissan Primera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Nissan Primera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?