CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 51.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £5,900

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 a Skoda Octavia

Quick Summary

The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) is a sensible, solid family hatchback that prioritises practicality and comfort over driving excitement. With generous passenger space, particularly in the rear with plentiful legroom and headroom, it offers a comfortable driving experience. The 385-litre boot is respectable, though not class-leading. Build quality is solid, though interior materials are hard and scratchy. Safety standards are good, and higher trim levels come well equipped with features such as surround-view camera systems.

Running costs are economical, with three engine options: a 1.5-litre diesel achieving around 60mpg in real-world driving, and two turbocharged petrol units (1.2 and 1.6-litre) returning approximately 40mpg and similar respectively. Insurance groups range from 10 to 18 depending on trim and equipment. Servicing is inexpensive, with minor services from £150 for petrol models. The Pulsar is refined and quiet, making it a pleasant daily driver, though it lacks dynamism and won't appeal to enthusiastic drivers. As a used car, it represents excellent value for budget-conscious families seeking a practical, reliable, and well-equipped hatchback.

Best for: Budget-conscious families, commuters seeking practicality and comfort, and buyers prioritising space and low running costs.

Not ideal for: Enthusiastic drivers seeking engaging handling, those wanting premium interior materials, or buyers requiring maximum boot space.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Pulsar if: You're on a budget, seeking a practical and spacious family car, or prioritising low running costs and comfort over driving dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You value engaging handling, premium interior quality, or require maximum boot space and badge appeal.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) is a sensible choice in a highly competitive hatchback segment dominated by the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of these rivals and the premium feel of the Golf, the Pulsar excels in practicality, passenger space, and value for money. Its excellent user rating of 4.8 out of 5 and high percentage of good/great deals (51.9%) make it an outstanding used car purchase for budget-conscious families. Though less exciting than competitors, its reliability, low running costs, and comprehensive equipment at higher trim levels make it a sensible and dependable choice for those prioritising practicality over performance.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

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

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