Used Nissan Pulsar for sale nearRugby

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
Average Price: Around £5,200

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's an excellent choice for families. The 385-litre boot is respectable, though not class-leading. Build quality is solid, though interior materials are hard and scratchy. The car offers a refined, quiet driving experience with light, accurate steering and soft suspension that prioritises comfort over dynamism.

Running costs are impressively low, with three engine options: a 1.5-litre diesel achieving around 60mpg in real-world conditions, and two turbocharged petrol units (1.2-litre and 1.6-litre) returning approximately 40mpg and beyond. CO2 emissions are well controlled, and insurance groups range from 10 to 18 depending on trim and equipment. Service intervals are generous at 12,500 miles for petrol and 18,000 miles for diesel, with affordable maintenance costs. Well-equipped across trim levels, the Pulsar is a practical, reliable, and inexpensive family car for sensible buyers.

Best for: Families seeking practicality and space, budget-conscious buyers, those prioritising comfort and refinement, and drivers wanting low running costs.

Not ideal for: Enthusiastic drivers seeking engaging handling, buyers wanting distinctive styling, or those prioritising premium interior materials and ambience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Pulsar if: You're seeking a practical, spacious family hatchback with low running costs, good safety standards, and excellent value for money.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics, distinctive styling, or premium interior quality and ambience.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) occupies a sensible middle ground in the competitive hatchback segment. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Focus or the premium appeal of the Volkswagen Golf, it excels in practicality, space, and value. The Pulsar's generous passenger accommodation, low running costs, and well-equipped nature make it an excellent used car choice for budget-conscious families. Against rivals like the Hyundai i30, it offers comparable practicality at a lower price point, making it a genuinely sensible choice for those prioritising substance over style.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

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