I was hopping up and down Motorways in a 2002 Berlingo Multi with only one air bag, lousy brakes and unstable in high winds. So I was looking for a big Estate car with lots of airbags and above average reliability.

The Primera P12 has absolutely fantastic ABS brakes, has 6 airbags, a huge load capacity etc. It also has a full size spare wheel, no cambelt (it's chain driven), and a pleasing if somewhat dull build quality. Could have done with side rubber door mouldings though. The interior looks like the inside of a Thai brothel (not that I've . . . ) The seats squeak actually in the upholstery, back door rattles (I can't resolve it), and driver's electric window packed up. The centre console controlling various functions I find annoying as I prefer conventional controls.

But I have to give credit where it's due to this big Sunderland built Jap car. My overall running costs are way down on the Citroen. It has responded beautifully to my home servicing - and it's easy to work on. It also feels (borne out by Eurocap. result) that if you were in a smash you'd come off ok. The MPG is not as good as claimed, but still fairly ok for a large underpowered 1.8 Estate car. It will cruise at 90 when wound up, and there is little or no wind turbulence effect. I miss the blue gear knob and sliding doors on the Berlingo, but this is a much, much better proposition to me for what I need a car for. It's done 87k as I write this and I know these things if properly looked after will do 180K, that's if the interior doesn't disintegrate first.

Yep, no regrets to date. But I'd not pay over 3 grand for one if I were you.

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