Used Nissan Pulsar for sale near Portsmouth

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 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 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 rear legroom and headroom, it offers excellent passenger space, though the 385-litre boot falls short of rivals like the Skoda Octavia. The interior is straightforward and easy to understand, though hard plastics dominate. Safety standards are good, and upper trim levels come well equipped with features such as surround-view camera systems, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable.

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 returning approximately 40mpg and 45mpg respectively. Insurance groups range from 10 to 18 depending on trim and equipment, whilst servicing costs are reasonable. The Pulsar is refined and quiet, offering a comfortable driving experience with light, accurate steering. However, it lacks dynamism and appeal to enthusiastic drivers, making it best suited to those seeking a practical, reliable family car without demanding engaging handling or striking styling.

Best for: Budget-conscious families seeking a practical, spacious, and well-equipped hatchback with low running costs and good safety standards.

Not ideal for: Enthusiastic drivers prioritising engaging handling, striking styling, or premium interior materials, or those needing extensive boot space.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Pulsar if: You're seeking a practical, spacious, and well-equipped family hatchback with low running costs, good safety standards, and a comfortable driving experience on a budget.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging handling, striking styling, premium interior materials, or extensive boot space comparable to larger rivals.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) occupies a sensible middle ground in the competitive hatchback segment, offering excellent practicality and value for money. Whilst it lacks the driving dynamics of the Ford Focus, the premium appeal of the Volkswagen Golf, or the modern features of the Hyundai i30, the Pulsar excels as a practical, reliable, and economical family car. Its generous passenger space, good safety standards, and well-equipped upper trims make it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers who prioritise comfort and practicality over driving excitement. As a used purchase, it represents solid value with low running costs and dependable performance.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

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