Used car guide

1990 Nissan 200: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan 200 first registered in 1990: we looked at the 112 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 112 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

112MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
85%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
2,900typical miles a year
28%had brakes flagged

Common 1990 Nissan 200 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Nissan 200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    28% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    25% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Tyres
    20% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    16% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    14% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Nissan 200

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Nissan 200?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Nissan 200 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2001–Too few tests
2000340Suspension 28%
1999427Suspension 28%
1998272Suspension 21%
1997188Suspension 26%
1996149Suspension 30%
1995130Suspension 20%
1994136Suspension 21%
1993136Suspension 19%
1992169Suspension 21%
1991150Suspension 25%
1989–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Nissan 200 cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score