Nissan Primera (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 573 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1769cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1769cc24 years old573 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1769cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

69% of MOT tests on Nissan Primeras from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 573 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,604 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models294th of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models554th of 635(bottom 13%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-4%(73% avg)

vs Nissan average-12%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,604

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Nissan Primera had 93,604 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2002 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Primera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	71%	876	93,864 mi
2005	70%	1,346	96,366 mi
2004	73%	884	101,219 mi
2003	71%	778	97,457 mi
2002	69%	573	93,604 mi
2001	71%	266	86,445 mi
2000	63%	153	91,010 mi
1999	72%	614	94,917 mi
1998	75%	661	98,694 mi
1997	74%	413	95,198 mi
1996	74%	119	102,610 mi
1995	78%	54	86,506 mi
1994	76%	34	71,893 mi
1993	59%	56	98,848 mi
1992	70%	40	86,859 mi
1991	78%	36	84,924 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+2%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

same

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-2%

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About the 2002 Nissan Primera

The 2002 Nissan Primera is a family car. Our records list a 1769cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 573 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 93,604 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Primera owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Nissan Primera Fuel Costs

The 1769cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 Nissan Primera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Nissan Primera Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Primera

At 24 years old, the Nissan Primera 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% 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 2002 Nissan Primera 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 Primera(2002)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£283
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£558
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£358

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 2002 Nissan Primera

Is the 2002 Nissan Primera reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2002 Nissan Primeras ended in a pass, from 573 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Nissan Primera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2002 Nissan Primera?

69% of 573 MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Primera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 294th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Primera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan Primera has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Nissan Primera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Primera is 93,604 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.