Used Nissan Pulsar for sale near Saffron Walden

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 43.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
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 environment for families. The 385-litre boot is respectable, though not class-leading. Build quality is solid, though interior materials consist of hard plastics. Safety standards are good, and higher trim levels come well equipped with features such as surround-view camera systems.

On the road, the Pulsar is refined and quiet, with light, accurate steering and a soft suspension that prioritises comfort over dynamism. 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 upwards respectively. Servicing is inexpensive, and insurance groups are reasonable. As a used car, the Pulsar represents excellent value for budget-conscious families seeking a practical, reliable, and well-equipped hatchback.

Best for: Budget-conscious families, practical-minded drivers, and those seeking a comfortable, spacious, and economical family hatchback.

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


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

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

Consider alternatives if: You value engaging handling, premium interior quality, distinctive styling, or require maximum boot space.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018) is a sensible choice in a highly competitive hatchback segment dominated by consumer favourites such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. Whilst it may lack the driving engagement of these rivals and the premium feel of the Golf, the Pulsar excels in practicality, passenger space, and value for money. It offers excellent equipment levels at higher trim grades and genuinely low running costs, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families. However, its conservative styling and uninspiring driving experience mean it struggles to match the appeal of more dynamic competitors or the prestige of premium brands.

Read our full Nissan Pulsar Review

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