1999 Nissan Primera: everything you need to know about the “Japanese” with character

Nissan Primera P11 1999 - the legendary business class sedan, which is still in demand in the secondary market. This model became a symbol of reliability, comfort and balanced technical solutions of the late 90s. Designed on a platform MS, which also formed the basis Nissan Almera N15 And Renault Laguna I, Primera It offered excellent handling, a spacious interior and a wide choice of engines - from economical gasoline to turbodiesels.

However, after 25 years of operation, even such “long-livers” exhibit typical “diseases”. In this article we will look at all key aspects possessions Nissan Primera 1999: from technical characteristics to hidden problems that may await the buyer. You will learn which engines are the most reliable, how to recognize a “dead” vehicle, and why some owners call this car a “tank”, while others call it a “money pit”.

Technical specifications Nissan Primera P11 1999

Model range Primera P11 1999 included a sedan, hatchback and station wagon (Wagon). In Russia, the most common versions are with a body sedan and engines of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters. The basic configuration was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, but there were also options with a 4-speed automatic transmission (RE4F03A).

A feature of the model was fully independent suspension: front - racks MacPherson, at the rear there is a multi-link. This provided excellent handling, but made repairs more difficult. The brake system on all versions is disc (front ventilated), with the exception of basic modifications with a 1.6-liter engine, where drums could be installed at the rear.

• 🔧 Engines: GA16DE (1.6 l, 99 hp), SR18DE (1.8 l, 114–125 hp), SR20DE (2.0 l, 140–150 hp), CD20T (2.0 l turbodiesel, 90–102 hp)
• ⚙️ Gearboxes: Manual transmission-5, automatic transmission-4 (RE4F03A), variator (JF009E - rarely)
• 📏 Dimensions (sedan): 4580×1700×1410 mm, wheelbase - 2630 mm
• ⛽ Fuel consumption (combined cycle): from 7.5 l/100 km (1.6 MT) to 10.5 l/100 km (2.0 AT)

Engine	Power, hp	Torque, Nm	Gearbox type	Max. speed, km/h
GA16DE	99	136	Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-4	185
SR18DE	114–125	153–160	Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-4	200
SR20DE	140–150	178–186	Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-4	210
CD20T	90–102	205	Manual transmission-5	180

⚠️ Attention: Modifications with engine SR20DE after 2000 they were equipped with a variable valve timing system N-VCT. In 1999, such engines are rare - they are easily identified by the markings on the cylinder block.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Nissan Primera P11 is famous for its durability, but it has “Achilles heels” that every potential owner should be aware of. The main problem is body corrosion. Particularly vulnerable are sills, wheel arches, lower edges of doors and rear suspension mounting points. On “southern” cars, rust can be hidden under a layer of putty, so when inspecting, be sure to check the thickness of the paintwork with a thickness gauge.

The second "disease" - oil leaks. Most often they suffer:

1. Valve cover gasket (especially on engines SR20DE).
2. Crankshaft oil seal (front and rear).
3. Oil filter (if it is tightened when replacing).

• 🔥 Electrical: Oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, failure of the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), problems with the central locking.
• 🛠️ Suspension: Worn rear beam silent blocks, knocking in the stabilizer struts, shock absorber leaks.
• ⚙️ checkpoint: On automatic machines RE4F03A Over time, the 3rd and 4th gear clutches wear out, and on the “mechanics” the 2nd gear synchronizers wear out.

⚠️ Attention: Often found on cars with mileage over 200 thousand km wear of valve guides on SR series engines. This leads to increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km) and smoke. The solution is to replace the bushings or overhaul the cylinder head.

How to choose a Nissan Primera 1999 on the secondary market

Upon purchase Primera P11 pay attention to origin of the car. "Japanese" (imported from Japan) are usually in better condition than "Europeans", but they may have problems with odometer (mileage is often “twisted”). The best option is a car with a mileage of up to 150 thousand km and a full service history.

Checklist during inspection:

Be sure to check:

• 🔍 Engine: Are there any knocks, vibrations, or smoke from the exhaust? Especially when it's cold.
• 🔧 checkpoint: Smooth gear shifting, no jerks (on an automatic transmission there are kicks when shifting).
• 🚗 Suspension: Ride over uneven surfaces - there should be no extraneous sounds.

Maintenance and repair: what the owner needs to know

Nissan Primera P11 — the car is unpretentious, but demanding regular maintenance. Basic routine maintenance:

• 🛢️ Oil change: Every 10,000 km (synthetics 5W-30 or 5W-40).
• 🔧 Timing belt: Every 60,000 km (on engines SR20DE — 80,000 km, but it’s better to reduce the interval).
• 🔥 Spark plugs: Every 30,000 km (original - NGK BPR6ES or Denso K16PR-U11).
• ⛽ Fuel filter: Every 20,000 km (on diesel engines - 10,000 km).

The most expensive procedure is clutch replacement (from 15,000 rubles with work). On automatic machines RE4F03A every 60,000 km the automatic transmission oil needs to be changed (original - Nissan Matic-D). Ignoring this rule leads to valve body and solenoids wear out by 150,000 km.

Knot	Resource (thousand km)	Repair cost (RUB)	Symptoms of a problem
Clutch	100–150	12 000–20 000	Slipping, jerking at start
Rear beam silent blocks	80–100	5 000–8 000	Knock in rear suspension
Thermostat	60–80	2 000–4 000	The engine does not warm up or overheats
Hydraulic compensators	150–200	8 000–12 000	Knock when cold, disappears after warming up

Tuning and modernization

Nissan Primera P11 - an excellent base for tuning. Most popular destinations:

• 🏁 Engine: Chip tuning (ECU firmware), installation of a “spider” (4-2-1), sports camshaft.
• 🎨 Exterior: Body kits from Nismo, tinting, LED headlights.
• 🛞 Suspension: Lowering (springs H&R or Eibach), shock absorbers KYB or Bilstein.
• 🔊 Audio: Installing a subwoofer, replacing the head unit with 2DIN with Android Auto.

The most budget-friendly way to improve dynamics is exhaust system replacement to silent or sporty (for example, Magnum). This will add 5-10 hp. and improve the sound. For more serious tuning, owners install a turbo kit on SR20DE (up to 200–220 hp), but this requires strengthening the gearbox and braking system.

What happens if you install a turbine on a naturally aspirated SR20DE?

Without engine preparation (strengthening connecting rods, pistons, crankshaft) and upgrading the fuel system, the turbine will quickly “kill” the engine. Minimum set for supercharging: nozzles from SR20DET, intercooler, reinforced oil pump, ECU firmware for turbo.

Parts prices and cost of ownership

One of the advantages Primera P11 is availability of spare parts. Most parts are interchangeable with Nissan Almera N15 And Renault Laguna I. However, some components (for example, the rear multi-link) are expensive due to the complexity of repairs.

Spare part	Price (RUB)	Analogues	Replacement period
Timing belt (set)	3 500–5 000	Gates, Contitech	60,000 km
Clutch (set)	8 000–12 000	Sachs, LUK	100,000–150,000 km
Stabilizer link	1 200–1 800	Febi, TRW	30,000–50,000 km
Thermostat	1 500–2 500	Vernet, Mahle	60,000–80,000 km
Hydraulic compensators (set)	6 000–9 000	AE, Nipparts	150,000–200,000 km

Average cost of ownership Primera 1999 (excluding fuel):

• 🛠️ Maintenance (every 10,000 km): 5,000–8,000 rubles.
• 🚗 Insurance (OSAGO): 4,000–7,000 rubles (depending on the region).
• 🔧 Repair fund (per 100,000 km): 50,000–100,000 rubles.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

According to owner reviews, Nissan Primera P11 — a car with character. Among the main advantages:

• ✅ Reliability: Engines SR20DE And GA16DE easily maintain 300,000+ km with proper maintenance.
• ✅ Handling: Precise steering, predictable suspension, good directional stability.
• ✅ Spacious interior: Comfortable seats, large trunk (450 liters for the sedan).

Cons:

• ❌ Corrosion: Without anti-corrosion treatment, the body rots in 10–15 years.
• ❌ High cost of spare parts for suspension: The rear multi-link requires investment.
• ❌ Poor sound insulation: At speeds over 100 km/h, wind and wheel noise can be heard in the cabin.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Which engine is the most reliable in the 1999 Primera?

Considered the most durable SR20DE (2.0 l). With proper maintenance, it lasts 400,000+ km without capital. GA16DE (1.6 l) is also reliable, but less dynamic. Diesel CD20T economical, but sensitive to fuel quality and requires frequent replacement of the fuel filter.

How much oil should I put in the engine?

The oil volume depends on the engine:

• GA16DE: 3.2 l
• SR18DE: 3.8 l
• SR20DE: 4.3 l
• CD20T: 5.0 l

How to check the RE4F03A automatic transmission before purchasing?

Please note:

1. Smooth gear shifting (there should be no jerks or delays).
2. Oil color and smell (burnt oil with a burning smell is a sign of wear on the clutches).
3. No vibrations at speeds of 60–80 km/h (may indicate torque converter wear).

Is it possible to install gas on Primera 1999?

Yes, but with reservations:

• On GA16DE And SR18DE HBO 4th generation is installed without problems.
• On SR20DE ECU adjustment is required, since the engine is sensitive to lean mixture.
• Diesel CD20T not intended for gas.

The average cost of installing gas equipment is 35,000–50,000 rubles.

What tires are best for the Primera?

Recommended sizes:

• Standard: 195/65 R15
• Alternative: 205/55 R16 (requires rolling out the arches)

Popular models:

• Summer: Michelin Primacy 4, Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
• Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX