Used Nissan Pulsar for sale near Dumfries

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 100
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) is a sensible, solid family hatchback that marked Nissan's return to the segment after the Almera. With conservative styling, it prioritises practicality and comfort, offering excellent interior space, particularly generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers. Its 385-litre boot is larger than a Golf or Focus, making it a pragmatic choice, though it doesn't stand out in a crowded market against more dynamic rivals.

On the road, the Pulsar is designed for steady, comfortable progress with light, accurate steering and a refined, quiet cabin thanks to its soft suspension. Running costs are low, with efficient petrol and diesel engines (around 60mpg for the diesel, 40mpg for the 1.2 petrol in real-world driving), low CO2 emissions, and affordable insurance and servicing. While it lacks modern smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay, higher trims offer features such as a surround-view camera system. It represents a good value, reliable used car for those prioritising practicality over driving excitement.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, families needing spacious and practical transport, those prioritising comfort and reliability, and drivers who value low running costs.

Not ideal for: Enthusiastic drivers, those seeking premium interior materials, buyers who need modern smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), or those who want stand-out styling.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Pulsar if: You're on a budget, seeking a practical, spacious, and reliable family car with low running costs, and don't prioritise driving dynamics or flashy styling.

Consider alternatives if: You're an enthusiastic driver, want premium interior materials, cutting-edge infotainment, or a car with more dynamic styling.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) is a strong contender in the used family hatchback market for those seeking exceptional value. While it may not match rivals like the VW Golf or Ford Focus for driving engagement or interior flair, its outstanding practicality, generous passenger space, low running costs, and solid reliability make it a highly sensible choice, especially for budget-conscious families.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

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