Our faithful 1993M Nissan Primera 1.6 LX has been forcibly retired having done 161,000 miles and now requires a new engine (£2,000)
as the timing mechanism is completely out of kilter. I believe that this model has two timing chains rather than one and they are probably very worn; replacing them would be a major and costly job. Our trusted garage has kept it on the road for several years but the time has come when we has to face terminal decline. As the car tax was due at the end of April, we have declared a SORN until we decide what to do. This car, in terms of size, is right for us to drive as my husband is six feet with long legs and I'm five feet, with short legs. A simple adjustment of the front seat forward or back enables us both to drive with ease. We have two young teenagers who are growing and will both be tall and a slight increase in legroom at the back has been requested. The boot is spacious for all the clobber and luggage for holidays and we've managed to get all sorts into the car with the seats down including furniture. It has been very reliable and any work has been done to replace parts due to high mileage. It is very comfortable to drive on long journeys with a 1.6 engine and easily manoeuvrable in town and for parking. This happened so suddenly, we have nothing set aside for a replacement car and so it has to be as cheap as possible, less than £1,000. We realise that we are looking at a replacement to tide us over. What other makes should we consider, as there are very few Primeras available, that would give us the same internal space as well as a big boot, reliability, and manoeuvrability? Our Primera has ABS brakes (tested several times last winter) and power-assisted steering - this spec is essential and air-con would be also be nice in a replacement car in view of the very hot summers we are having.