A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.2
Comfort & Interior
3.5
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable commercial vehicle that won’t break the bank but still delivers where it counts? The nissan primastar built a solid reputation during its production run as a dependable workhorse that understood what British businesses actually needed from their vans.
This medium-sized commercial vehicle struck an impressive balance between practicality and running costs. With cargo space reaching up to 5.2 cubic metres and payloads of 1,200kg, it offered genuine utility for growing businesses. The twin sliding side doors and low load floor height made urban deliveries significantly easier, while the choice of diesel engines provided adequate power without punishing fuel bills. Most operators found the 115hp 2.0-litre engine hit the sweet spot for everyday commercial duties.
What set the Primastar apart was its refreshingly straightforward approach to van design. Rather than chasing unnecessary refinements, Nissan focused on reliability, practicality, and keeping ownership costs manageable. The shared platform with European partners meant parts stayed affordable and widely available, while the robust build quality suited the demands of commercial life. Various body configurations from panel van to passenger versions meant businesses could specify exactly what they needed.
Today’s used market makes the Primastar’s sensible qualities even more attractive, offering dependable commercial transport at prices that make genuine business sense.
What's the Nissan Primastar Like to Drive?
The Nissan Primastar offered two diesel engine options throughout its production run. The base 2.0 litre dCi unit produced 90hp or 115hp depending on the variant. A larger 2.5 litre dCi engine delivered 135hp for those needing extra pulling power.
The engines provide adequate performance for this mid sized commercial vehicle segment. The 115hp 2.0 litre version offers the best balance of power and economy for most users. Acceleration feels reasonable when unladen, though fully loaded performance becomes more laboured.
A six speed manual gearbox was standard across the range. The transmission shifts smoothly and ratios suit commercial driving patterns well. Highway cruising feels stable and composed, making longer journeys comfortable for drivers.
Maximum towing capacity reaches 2,000kg when properly equipped. This capability makes the Primastar suitable for businesses needing to pull trailers occasionally. The suspension setup prioritises load carrying ability over outright handling precision.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L dCi diesel
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Power Output
115 bhp
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0-60 mph
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MPG Combined
37 mpg
- Boot Space
- 5200 litres
- Safety Rating
- Twin sliding doors, Low load floor, Various body configurations
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Primastar?
Interior comfort levels meet expectations for a commercial vehicle of this era. The front seats provide adequate support for long journeys, though they lack the refinement of car based alternatives. Seat adjustment range suits most driver sizes reasonably well.
Cabin noise levels remain acceptable at motorway speeds. Wind noise stays well controlled, though the diesel engines make their presence known under acceleration. Overall refinement compares well with contemporary rivals in this segment.
The dashboard layout keeps essential controls within easy reach. Switchgear feels robust enough to handle commercial use patterns. Visibility proves excellent thanks to the upright driving position and large glass areas.
Passenger versions offered seating for up to nine occupants in minibus configuration. These variants included additional windows and more comfortable rear seating arrangements. Business users often specified these for mixed passenger and cargo duties.
The primastar excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Nissan Primastar?
Fuel economy figures vary depending on engine choice and loading patterns. The 115hp 2.0 litre engine typically returns around 35-40mpg in mixed use. The larger 2.5 litre unit sees economy drop to approximately 30-35mpg under similar conditions.
Insurance costs remain reasonable for most commercial users. The Primastar sits in moderate insurance groups for van coverage. Businesses should factor in goods in transit cover depending on their specific requirements.
Servicing costs align with other vans in this segment. Nissan dealer networks provide comprehensive coverage across the UK. Independent specialists also service these vans, often at lower hourly rates than main dealers. Finding car finance deals for commercial vehicles requires specialist lenders.
Parts availability remains good despite production ending in 2014. Many components share with Renault and Vauxhall equivalents, keeping replacement costs competitive. Routine maintenance items like filters and fluids cost similar amounts to other medium vans.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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nissan primastar
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Renault Trafic
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Vauxhall Vivaro
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £8,500 | from £9,000 | from £7,800 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L dCi 115hp | 2.0L dCi 115hp | 2.0L CDTi 115hp |
| Power | 115 bhp | 115 bhp | 115 bhp |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 37 mpg | 39 mpg | 38 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 5200 litres | 5200 litres | 5300 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Twin sliding doors, 1200kg payload, Reliable diesel engines, Low running costs | Shared platform, Good build quality, Wide dealer network | Strong residuals, Comfortable cabin, Excellent practicality |
Nissan Primastar Practicality & Boot Space
Cargo capacity represents a key Primastar strength with up to 5.2 cubic metres available in long wheelbase format. Standard wheelbase versions offer 4.2 cubic metres of load space. Maximum payload reaches 1,200kg when properly specified.
Load floor height measures a convenient 550mm from ground level. This makes loading heavy items easier compared to higher alternatives. The flat load area maximises usable space for boxes and equipment storage.
Twin sliding side doors significantly improve access in tight urban environments. These doors slide rather than swing out, preventing damage in narrow spaces. Rear door opening angle reaches 180 degrees for unrestricted loading access.
Various body styles catered to different business needs. Panel van versions maximised cargo space while combi models included rear windows and seating. Platform cab variants allowed specialist body conversions for specific industries. Used Nissan commercial vehicles remain popular choices for small businesses.
“I bought my 2009 Primastar three years ago for my electrical contracting business. The loading space easily accommodates all my equipment and materials for typical jobs. Fuel economy averages around 38mpg which keeps running costs manageable. The only issues I’ve experienced were replacement of the clutch at 140,000 miles and some minor electrical gremlins. Parts costs stayed reasonable and my local garage handles all the servicing without problems. Overall, it’s been a dependable workhorse that’s never left me stranded.”
The Nissan Primastar carved out a successful niche in the competitive UK van market through its production years. This medium sized commercial vehicle delivered the practical features businesses actually needed rather than unnecessary refinements that added cost without benefit.
Key strengths included generous cargo space, reliable diesel engines, and competitive running costs. The shared platform with European partners ensured parts availability and kept servicing costs reasonable. Various body styles catered to different commercial requirements effectively.
While never the most sophisticated option available, the Primastar succeeded where it mattered most. Reliability, practicality, and value for money made it a sensible choice for countless UK businesses. The used market now offers these qualities at even more attractive prices.
For businesses seeking a dependable used van, the Nissan Primastar deserves serious consideration. Well maintained examples should provide years of trouble free service at ownership costs that won’t break business budgets.