2004 Nissan Primastar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan Primastar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan Primastar than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Ball joint3.2× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  21.6% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 3.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  29.6% All 2004 cars

  14.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Track rod ends2.8× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  18.4% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering rack inner joints3.3× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  12.2% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  22% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2004 Nissan Primastar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  23% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Nissan Primastar

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2004 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2004 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?