1999 Nissan Primera: Everything you need to know before you buy

Car Nissan Primera 1999 release - this is a representative of the second generation of the model (index P11), which became a real bestseller on the European market. The car combined the reliability of the Japanese engineering school, the comfort of a mid-size sedan/hatchback and an affordable price. Today, after a quarter of a century, Primera P11 remains in demand on the secondary market - especially among those looking for a practical car for family or work.

In 1999, the model was offered in bodies sedan, hatchback And station wagon, with gasoline engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, as well as diesel units. But the main "trick" Primera of that time - it was a front-wheel drive platform with independent suspension on all wheels, which provided excellent handling. However, the car also has weaknesses that you should know about before purchasing.

In this article we will look at technical specifications, common problems, market prices and we'll give practical advice by choice and operation Nissan Primera 1999. And if you already own this car, you will find useful recommendations for repairs and tuning.

Technical specifications Nissan Primera P11 1999

In 1999 Primera It was offered with five types of engines: four gasoline and one diesel. All of them were combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission (except for the basic version 1.6). Let's look at the key parameters:

Engine model	Volume, l	Power, hp	Torque, Nm	Gearbox type	Fuel consumption, l/100 km
GA16DE	1.6	90	136	Manual/automatic transmission	7.5–9.0
SR18DE	1.8	114	165	Manual/automatic transmission	8.0–9.5
SR20DE	2.0	140	186	Manual/automatic transmission	8.5–10.0
CD20T	2.0	102 (diesel)	205	Manual transmission	5.5–6.5

The most popular engine in Russia has become SR20DE — it combines sufficient power (140 hp) and reliability. But the diesel one CD20T Rarely encountered due to difficulties with fuel and repairs. All versions have independent suspension: front - MacPherson, behind - multi-lever. Disc brakes on all wheels (ventilated front).

Feature Primera P11 — electronic throttle control system (ETCS), which sometimes becomes a source of problems. It is also worth noting that cars for the Japanese market (JDM) were often equipped with more “charged” engines and all-wheel drive, but such versions were not officially supplied to Europe and Russia.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Primera 1999 has several “diseases” that appear with age. Here are the main ones:

• 🔧 Throttle valve (ETCS): Over time, the damper position sensor fails, which leads to floating speed and jerking during acceleration. Cleaning the throttle helps temporarily, but often requires replacing the sensor or the entire assembly.
• 🔥 Electrical problems: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, generator malfunction (especially on cars with air conditioning), failure of the ignition module.
• 🛢️ Oil leaks: crankshaft seals, valve cover gasket, rear camshaft seal. On motors SR20DE The distributor often “sweats”.
• ⚙️ Gearbox: on automatic transmissions the solenoids and torque converter wear out, on manual transmissions the clutch fails (lifespan ~150 thousand km).
• 🚗 Suspension: wheel bearings (lifespan ~100 thousand km), rear beam silent blocks, shock absorbers. Stabilizer bushings “live” no more than 50 thousand km.

Deserves special attention corrosion. Body Primera P11 galvanized, but there are weak points: sills, wheel arches, the bottom under the rear bumper and windshield pillars. On cars with mileage over 200 thousand km, the subframe often rots.

⚠️ Attention: Be sure to check the condition when purchasing catalyst - on engines SR20DE it often “dies” at 150–180 thousand km, which leads to an error P0420 and increased fuel consumption. Removing the catalyst without flashing the ECU will lead to constant operation of the “check”.

How to choose a Nissan Primera 1999 on the secondary market

Prices for Primera P11 1999 today range from 80,000 to 250,000 rubles, depending on condition, mileage and configuration. A sedan is 10–15% cheaper than a hatchback, while a station wagon is, on the contrary, more expensive. Here's what to look for during your inspection:

Documents and history:

• 📄 Check it out PTS by the number of owners. If there are more than 5 of them, there is a high probability of a “twisted” run.
• 🔍 Order a report by VIN (for example, through Autocode or CarVertical). Pay attention to records of accidents and replacement of units.
• 📊 Check the mileage with the service book. Normal mileage for 1999 is up to 250 thousand km. Anything above 300 thousand requires careful inspection.

Technical condition:

• 🔧 On SR20DE listen to the engine at idle - there should be no “tribbing” or vibrations. Check the compression (normal: 12–13 bar in all cylinders).
• 🛢️ Inspect the oil on the dipstick - if it is black and with metal shavings, the engine requires major repairs.
• ⚡ Take a test drive: accelerate to 100 km/h. Jerks when switching an automatic transmission or slipping of the clutch on a manual transmission are reasons to bargain.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that the car is “under warranty” or “just from Japan”, but there are no customs clearance documents, this is fraud. Primera P11 was not officially delivered to Russia new; all copies were either “gray” fitted ones or with mileage in Europe.

Maintenance and repair: what the owner needs to know

Operation Nissan Primera 1999 does not require large expenses, but there are nuances. Here are the main ones routine maintenance and their frequency:

Type of work	Frequency	Cost (RUB)	Notes
Changing the oil and filter	Every 10,000 km	1 500–2 500	Oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic)
Replacing the timing belt	Every 100,000 km	8 000–12 000	On SR20DE When it breaks, the valve bends!
Replacing brake pads	Every 30,000–40,000 km	2,000–4,000 (front)	Rear drums last longer
Replacing antifreeze	Every 60,000 km	1 000–1 500	Original: Nissan Coolant L248

Pay special attention cooling system. Radiator and pump on Primera P11 They last about 150 thousand km, but if low-quality antifreeze is used, they can fail earlier. It is also recommended to clean every 50 thousand km throttle valve and check the status fuel injectors.

If you plan to repair your car yourself, keep in mind:

• 🔧 Spare parts for GA16DE And SR20DE are common and inexpensive (for example, a timing belt costs ~2,000 rubles).
• 🔧 For diesel CD20T parts have to be ordered from Europe or Japan - this is more expensive and takes longer.
• 🔧 Electrical diagrams Primera P11 complex - without experience it is better not to get into wiring.

How to check compression in cylinders without a compression gauge?

You can use a simple test: unscrew the spark plugs, insert a thick paper plug into the cylinder hole and turn the starter. If the plug flies out with force, compression is normal. However, this method does not provide accurate numbers and is only suitable for preliminary diagnosis.

Tuning and modernization: what can be done with Primera P11

Nissan Primera 1999 — an excellent base for tuning, especially in a hatchback body. Here are the popular areas of modernization:

• 🚀 Engine: on SR20DE they often install “sports” camshafts, a 4-2-1 “spider” exhaust, chip tuning (up to +20 hp). For naturally aspirated engines, it is important to replace the throttle valve with Nismo.
• 🎨 Exterior: lensed optics, bumpers from Primera GT, trunk lid spoiler, window tinting. Discs are popular R16 or R17 with rubber 205/50.
• 🔊 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with a 2DIN one Android Auto, installing a subwoofer in the trunk, soundproofing the doors.
• 🛋️ Interior: leather covers, sports steering wheel (for example, from Nismo), dashboard lighting with LEDs.

For fans of drag racing, the version with a motor is interesting SR20DET (turbo, 205 hp), which was installed on Primera GT for the Japanese market. Such a swap will cost 200,000–300,000 rubles, but will require modifications to the transmission and brakes.

⚠️ Attention: When installing the turbine on atmospheric SR20DE be sure to reinforce the cylinder block (for example, with reinforcement N1) and install a forged piston. Otherwise, the motor will “burst” at a pressure above 0.8 bar.

Analogues and competitors on the market

If you are considering Nissan Primera 1999 as an option for purchase, it is worth comparing it with the main competitors of that time:

Model	Benefits	Disadvantages	Price, rub.
Toyota Corolla E110	More reliable, easier to repair	Boring design, weak motors	90 000–200 000
Honda Civic EK	More dynamic, better handling	Expensive spare parts, problems with the body	120 000–250 000
Mazda 626 GF	Spacious interior, comfortable suspension	Weak motors, corrosion	80 000–180 000
Volkswagen Golf IV	High-quality assembly, diesels	Expensive repairs, electronics	150 000–300 000

In terms of price/quality ratio Primera P11 wins against Corolla E110 due to more modern suspension and dynamics, but loses Honda Civic EK in reliability. If you need a practical family car - Primera great choice. If the priority is sporty driving, it’s better Civic Type-R or Mitsubishi Lancer VI.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

According to polls on forums (for example, Drive2 or Nissan-Club), owners Primera P11 highlight the following pros:

• ✅ Reliable suspension - even at 300 thousand km it does not require major repairs.
• ✅ Spacious interior and trunk (especially the station wagon).
• ✅ Good handling and visibility.
• ✅ Inexpensive spare parts (except diesel).

Among cons most often mentioned:

• ❌ Weak noise insulation - at speeds above 120 km/h it is noisy in the cabin.
• ❌ Electrical problems (especially on cars with air conditioning).
• ❌ Corrosion of thresholds and arches in the absence of care.
• ❌ Rigid suspension on versions with 15-inch wheels.

Many note that Primera - This is a car “for every day”, which will not let you down on a long trip, but will not please you with luxury. Average owner rating: 4.2 out of 5.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Primera 1999

Which engine is better to choose: 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0?

1.6 (GA16DE) — the most economical, but weak for a car weighing ~1.3 tons. Suitable for the city.

1.8 (SR18DE) — gold standard: quite powerful (114 hp) and reliable. Optimal for mixed cycles.

2.0 (SR20DE) - for those who love dynamics. However, fuel consumption rises to 10–12 l/100 km in the city.

Diesel CD20T We don’t recommend buying it - spare parts are expensive, and the power is only 102 hp.

How much does it cost to overhaul an SR20DE engine?

The cost depends on the amount of work:

• Replacement of piston rings and liners: ~40,000–60,000 rubles.
• Complete overhaul with block boring: ~80,000–120,000 rub.
• Swap for a contract motor: ~100,000–150,000 rubles.

Service life of repaired SR20DE with proper operation - 150–200 thousand km.

Is it possible to install HBO on Primera P11?

Yes, but with reservations:

• On GA16DE And SR18DE install the 4th generation of HBO. Gas consumption ~11–13 l/100 km.
• On SR20DE It’s better to use the 5th generation (liquid phase injection), but it’s expensive (~80,000 rubles).

⚠️ Important: After installing the LPG, be sure to adjust the ignition and check the tightness of the system - Primera plastic intake manifold, which can melt if gas leaks.

What kind of oil should I pour into the engine and gearbox?

Engine:

• For GA16DE/SR18DE/SR20DE: 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic), e.g. Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200.
• For CD20T: 5W-40 with approval VW 505.01 (For example, Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel).

Gearbox:

• Manual transmission: 75W-90 (for example, Nissan MT-XZ).
• Automatic: Nissan Matic Fluid D or analogue (Idemitsu ATF Type-J).

Where can I find spare parts and how much do they cost?

Spare parts for Primera P11 sold:

• On Avito And Drom.ru (used parts from disassembly).
• In stores Exist.ru, Emex.ru (new analogues).
• On AliExpress (cheap consumables, but quality varies).

Approximate prices:

• Timing belt: ~2,000 rub. (set with rollers).
• Clutch: ~5,000–8,000 rub. (Sachs or LUK kit).
• Wheel bearing: ~1,500–2,500 rub.