Used Nissan Primera

What to know before buying: Nissan Primera

From 5 video reviews · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The P11 stands out for precise steering and a capable chassis; even the firmer GT suspension remains reasonably compliant.[2]one sourceP11
• The P12 is best suited to comfortable long-distance family use, offering decent cabin space and a 460-litre hatchback boot.[3]one sourceP12
• The P12's centrally mounted instruments are clear, while the buttons beneath the screen are easy to see and operate.[3]one sourceP12
• One 20-year-old P12 still had a faultless 2.0 petrol engine, automatic gearbox and cooling system, though parts had become harder and costlier to find.[1]one sourceP12

Typical faults

• The P12 CVT is sensitive to overheating and maintenance; after 150,000 km, stepper-motor, solenoid, pressure-valve, bearing and pulley-cone faults may appear.[5]one sourceP12

  150 000+ km · 2.0 petrol, 2.5 petrol

• The P12 five-speed manual has limited bearing durability, especially with the 1.8 engine; low oil level and heavy loads accelerate failure.[5]one sourceP12

  1.8 petrol

• The QG16DE and QG18DE catalyst may crumble around 150,000–200,000 km and wear the cylinders with ceramic dust; oil consumption often rises by 200,000–250,000 km.[5]one sourceP12

  150 000–250 000 km · QG16DE, QG18DE

• QR20DE and QR25DE heads can crack from overtightened plugs or cooling-passage corrosion; pre-2006 engines also frequently suffer head-gasket failure and are heat-sensitive.[5]one sourceP12

  QR20DE, QR25DE

• The P11's main age-related risk is rust; sources particularly advise checking the body, with severe corrosion reported on sills and the tailgate.[2][4]P11

Which engine and version to take

• The P11's 2.0-litre SR20 is a chain-driven engine with a strong reliability reputation; in GT form it produces 147 hp.[2]one sourceP11
• The P12's QG16DE and QG18DE are described as its simplest and most reliable engines, but catalyst condition and oil consumption must be checked.[5]one sourceP12

What to avoid

• A pre-facelift P12 with QR20DE or QR25DE is risky: the early catalyst can damage the cylinders, while the head and cooling system demand thorough diagnosis.[5]one sourceP12
• Avoid P12 2.0 or 2.5 CVT cars with unclear history: full service life depends on gentle use, regular fluid changes and effective cooling.[5]one sourceP12

What to check at the inspection

• On a P11, inspect the sills, floor, tailgate and body carefully, including the quality of any previous welding and repainting.[2][4]P11
• For a P12 CVT, demand evidence of regular fluid changes and check that the heat exchanger is clean and cooling works correctly.[5]one sourceP12
• When testing a manual P12, listen for bearing whine; delaying repair can damage the casing, gears and differential.[5]one sourceP12
• Fully warm a QR20DE or QR25DE, inspect the cylinders and areas between valve seats with a borescope, and treat cooling-system sealant as a serious warning.[5]one sourceP12
• Check all P12 cabin functions, including the radio, CD player and cruise control; a long-term owner reported faults with all three.[1]one sourceP12

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]CarSpyTV — Nissan Primera P12 at 20 Years: Time To Trade-In? · ▶ video
2. [2]Lloyd Vehicle Consulting — No Budget Reviews: 1997 Nissan Primera (P11) 2.0 GT - Lloyd Vehicle Consulting · ▶ video
3. [3]CarSpyTV — Nissan Primera P12: Test Drive, Review, Walkabout (After 11 Years) · ▶ video
4. [4]GRAND Автохаус: покупка продажа авто в Беларуси — 🚗ЯПОНСКИЙ ФЕНОМЕН: НЕ ЛОМАЕТСЯ! Nissan Primera P11 / Купить авто в Беларуси · ▶ video
5. [5]ТопАвто — ТОП проблем Ниссан Примера П12 | Самые частые неисправности и недостатки Nissan Primera P12 · ▶ video

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