Nissan Primera S (2002)
2002 Nissan Primera S
CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 2002 Nissan Primera S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2002 Nissan Primera S is a serious reliability concern: only 15.1% pass their MOT first time, compared to the 80% UK average—that's a stark gap that reflects genuine age-related wear and systematic problems with this particular cohort. The good news is that dangerous defects are absent (0%), so failures tend to be fixable rather than life-threatening.
At an average mileage of 101,777 miles for a 22-year-old car, these Primeras are well-used but not extraordinary for their age. With fewer than 0.2 failures per vehicle on record and virtually no advisory notes, the issue isn't complexity—it's that these cars are simply tired, and buyers should expect repair costs at each MOT. Before purchasing, have an independent mechanic inspect the suspension, exhaust, and lights closely, as those are the typical fail points on ageing Japanese saloons.
What to check before buying a 2002 Nissan Primera S
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Nissan Primera S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (80%) | 84 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (20%) | 21 | 75.3% | 0.71 |
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Nissan Primera S?
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