2007 Nissan Primastar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Nissan Primastar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Nissan Primastar than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  31% All 2007 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Track rod ends3.4× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  19.9% All 2007 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  26.1% All 2007 cars

  13.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.3% of all 2007 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.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  17.2% All 2007 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 3% of all 2007 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.9× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  9.8% All 2007 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Nissan Primastar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  55% 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
  30% 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
  28% 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
  18% 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 2007 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2007 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2007 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?