Used Nissan Pulsar for sale near Clacton-on-sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: Around £5,000

Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of passenger space	Dull to drive and look at
Good safety standards	Lots of hard and scratchy plastics in the cabin
Well equipped	Not as much boot space as you'll find in a Skoda Octavia

Quick Summary

The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) was Nissan's sensible family hatchback, launched as an alternative to its popular Qashqai crossover. While its exterior styling is conservative and doesn't stand out against rivals like the Ford Focus or VW Golf, it excels in practicality. The interior offers solid build quality, though materials can be hard. Notably, it boasts generous passenger space, especially in the rear, providing almost luxurious legroom and headroom, making it a very comfortable and spacious family car.

On the road, the Pulsar prioritizes comfort and refinement over dynamism, with soft suspension and quiet operation. Running costs are low, with the 1.5-litre dCi diesel achieving around 60mpg in real-world driving and petrol engines (1.2-litre DIG-T and 1.6-litre DIG-T) offering around 40-50mpg. CO2 emissions are low, benefiting tax rates, and insurance groups are reasonable. Servicing intervals are generous, making it an inexpensive car to own and a sensible choice for a used family car.

Best for: Drivers seeking a practical, spacious, comfortable, and inexpensive family car; those prioritising low running costs and reliability over dynamic driving or flashy styling.

Not ideal for: Enthusiastic drivers who want dynamism or excitement; buyers who prioritise premium interior materials or distinctive exterior styling; those looking for cutting-edge infotainment like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Pulsar if: You're seeking a practical, spacious, comfortable, and inexpensive family car with low running costs and good reliability, prioritizing sensibility over excitement.

Consider alternatives if: You're an enthusiastic driver, desire premium interior materials, distinctive styling, or the latest infotainment features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) is a highly sensible and practical choice in the used family hatchback market. While it may lack the driving dynamism of a Ford Focus or the premium feel of a Volkswagen Golf, its exceptional interior space, low running costs, and solid reliability make it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious families. It stands out for its comfort and spaciousness, making it a strong contender for those who value practicality above all else.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from February 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.