Opinions wanted on 2002 Nissan primera

Nephew

I'm thinking of going for a 2002 1.6L primera and I'm looking for some opinions. I always assumed the reversing camera came standard but very few on carzone.ie seem to advertise it so I must be wrong.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the various specs (acenta and visia, I think), i.e, what do you get in the higher spec that isnt included in the standard.

Thanks

colm_mcm

This is what I remember

the base model Primera (visia) had steel wheels, aircon, no foglights, 2 electric windows, cd player.

Acenta also had a reversing camera (black and white) and 16" alloys

Tekna had 17" alloy wheels and rear electric windows, and a colour camera

There are other differences but I can't remember them!

Nephew

Thanks colm.

I'd appreciate opinions from anyone familiar with this particular car

colm_mcm

I've had experience of a few of them. They're quite a good car, and they're also a current model (for now anyway!) the 1.6 engine is lively, and is more than a match for 1.6 Passat or Vectra in terms of power. The N-Form climate control/cd player system (try to get one with the larger colour display) works rather well, and its easy enough to use (a lot easier than the similar system in the Almera)
Driving wise it's not too bad. the steering is very light, and the suspension comfy - I don't think it's as nice to drive than the original Primera, which was quite good. My major gripe is the gearbox, it feels really rubbery (as does the Almera's) and there's a lot of play even when you're in gear. I'm sure it's very reliable though, as I've never heard anything bad about them. and never had one give trouble.

bazz26

Nephew wrote:

I'm thinking of going for a 2002 1.6L primera and I'm looking for some opinions. I always assumed the reversing camera came standard but very few on carzone.ie seem to advertise it so I must be wrong.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the various specs (acenta and visia, I think), i.e, what do you get in the higher spec that isnt included in the standard.

Thanks

In 2002 there were three trim models available.

1.6 litre Visia (Entry model):
Electric Front Windows,
Electric Heated Exteror Mirrors,
Remote Central Locking,
Front Arm Rest,
Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Conditioning,
Mono colour screen Info centre with reversing camera (Black & White),
CD Player,
8 airbags.

1.6 litre Acenta (additional features to the Visia model):
Electric Front and Rear Windows,
16" Alloy Wheels,
Front Fog Lights,
Velour seat and door trim,
Leather covered steering wheel, gear stick and hand brake,
Full colour screen info centre with reversing camera (Black & White),
Automatic wipers with rain sensor,
Automatic dipping rear view internal mirror.

1.8 litre Tekna (additional features to the Acenta model):
17" Alloy Wheels,
Traction Control,
Full colour reversing camera,
Automatic headlights,
CD Changer.

These days second hand Visia and Acenta models practically cost the same so try and get the better Acenta model. The 1.8 litre is harder to sell than the 1.6 litre so is cheaper to buy.

turkey_lurkey

From 2002 Visia model was the base spec and as Colm says they had the basic spec. No reversing camera.

Accenta grade was middle of the road with a few creature comforts including B+W reversing camera, enhanced display, alloys, velour seats, 4 X leccy windows.

Tekna was top spec.

Late 2005 Accenta or T-Spec was top grade with leather, full colour display including camera and larger multi-spkoe alloys.

I had an Accenta for 2 years and to be honest it was not a patch on my previous 2001 Primera (old model). If i was you i'd save the euro and get a late model from 2001 or early 2002 with a high spec. 01 models had cd changer + s/r, 02 had aircon & alloys to replace s/r. Far better handling by a country mile. Plus they had 'sports' seats which were great for long journeys. My mates preferred the 01 model for longer journeys, didn't like newer model. Says it all in my mind.

1.6 in current model is totally under powered. Relatively good on fuel though. Older model was a far better handler and both were 1.6 but older model was lighter and more responsive.

If going for 01 model make sure it has had the recall done for problem with flat spot in 1/2nd gear - ECU type fault. I had it done twice. To this day wished I had not upgraded to the newer model.

Hope this helps you!!

deman

I had a 2003 1.6 Primera Visia up until 2 months ago. I bought it new and is definitely the best car I've ever had. I would thoroughly recommend it. Never, ever had a problem with it - reliable, economical, comfortable, spacious and above all, proved to be a very safe car when I crashed it. (I think it was 6 airbags and not 8 as mentioned above) I could have done with knee airbags though.

colm_mcm

as an 02 car, it's more modern than the equivelant Passat, Avensis, 406 etc. Mondeo is the only major current model around longer than it.

rondeco

All I can say about it is that it is the worst handling car that I have ever driven. And also very uncomfortable. There are much better cars available in its class IMO.

colm_mcm

rondeco wrote:

All I can say about it is that it is the worst handling car that I have ever driven. And also very uncomfortable. There are much better cars available in its class IMO.

you need to drive more cars!

deman

rondeco wrote:

All I can say about it is that it is the worst handling car that I have ever driven. And also very uncomfortable. There are much better cars available in its class IMO.

I disagree. I drive in snow and ice for 4 months of the year. I've had a Saab, Peugeut, Fiat, Nissan and Renault here in Finland and I definitely say the Primera was by far the best handling car. As for being uncomfortable, (maybe you had piles for that time :P), but the Primera is equalled only by the Renault.

colm_mcm

I reckon the Primera handles better than the (2002 models of) Passat, Vectra, S40, Carisma, Laguna, Avensis. Only cars to better the Primera would be 406 and Mondeo.

richard353

There are 3 types of dashboard computer in 02- present. primeras

type A : no sceen just display as any of the calculators

type B : black and white screen with reverse camera connected

type C : color screen with reverse camera and GPS (+ DVD optional )

I find this info in the user manual book from my 02 primera.

colm_mcm

6 years ago man!