NISSAN PRIMASTAR (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,914 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2464cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 14 points below average.
Check a specific NISSAN PRIMASTAR
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2464cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this NISSAN PRIMASTAR
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 68% of NISSAN PRIMASTARs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,914 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 152,431 miles.
Got a NISSAN PRIMASTAR you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
152,431
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 NISSAN PRIMASTAR has 152,431 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific NISSAN PRIMASTAR?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 69% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2005 sits between the two at 68%.
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
Check a Specific Nissan Primastar
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2005 NISSAN PRIMASTAR
The 2005 NISSAN PRIMASTAR is a large car with a 2464cc diesel engine. 1,914 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 152,431 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 0 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2005 NISSAN PRIMASTAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 outWith 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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN PRIMASTAR(2005) | 68% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£345 |
| FORD MONDEO(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
NISSAN JUKE
2015 · 1461cc Diesel
NISSAN NOTE
2014 · 1461cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
2007 · 2370cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2005 · 2926cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Nissan Primastar.
Cheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
ComparisonPetrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
ComparisonKia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai 2026: Which is £427/yr Cheaper?
14 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
Check a specific NISSAN PRIMASTAR
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a NISSAN PRIMASTAR? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data