Nissan Primastar (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,914 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2464cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel2464cc21 years old1,914 tests152k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2464cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

68% of MOT tests on Nissan Primastars from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 1,914 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 152,431 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models411th of 504(bottom 19%)

Rank among Nissan models565th of 635(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Nissan average-13%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,431

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Nissan Primastar had 152,431 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 69%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2005 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Primastar by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	69%	908	121,231 mi
2013	68%	1,048	130,256 mi
2012	66%	983	136,981 mi
2011	67%	1,866	136,762 mi
2010	65%	872	141,695 mi
2009	69%	1,470	141,757 mi
2008	68%	1,765	144,508 mi
2007	68%	2,551	150,502 mi
2006	68%	2,109	151,442 mi
2005	68%	1,914	152,431 mi
2004	68%	1,531	155,712 mi
2003	67%	932	154,552 mi
2002	63%	70	149,766 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

2007 · 2370cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+7%

Ford Transit

2007 · 2402cc Diesel

£2,641/year

70%

+2%

Vauxhall Vivaro

2007 · 1998cc Diesel

£2,427/year

68%

same

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About the 2005 Nissan Primastar

The 2005 Nissan Primastar is a van. Our records list a 2464cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,914 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 19% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 152,431 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Primastar owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Nissan Primastar Fuel Costs

The 2464cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2005 Nissan Primastar?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Nissan Primastar Reliability Trend

The Nissan Primastar has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2005 Nissan Primastar

At 21 years old, the Nissan Primastar is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 69%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 152k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2005 Nissan Primastar stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Primastar(2005)	68%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,841
Volkswagen Transporter(2007)	75%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Ford Transit(2007)	70%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Vauxhall Vivaro(2007)	68%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427-£414

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2005 Nissan Primastar

Is the 2005 Nissan Primastar reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2005 Nissan Primastars ended in a pass, from 1,914 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Nissan Primastar cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Nissan Primastar?

68% of 1,914 MOT tests on the 2005 Nissan Primastar ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 411th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 19%).

Which year Nissan Primastar has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 Nissan Primastar has the highest MOT pass rate at 69% and the 2010 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Nissan Primastar?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Nissan Primastar is 152,431 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.