1997 Nissan 200: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan 200 first registered in 1997: we looked at the 188 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 188 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Nissan 200 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Nissan 200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension26% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Lights and electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Exhaust and emissions12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Tyres11% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Nissan 200
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | 340 | Suspension 28% |
| 1999 | 427 | Suspension 28% |
| 1998 | 272 | Suspension 21% |
| 1996 | 149 | Suspension 30% |
| 1995 | 130 | Suspension 20% |
| 1994 | 136 | Suspension 21% |
| 1993 | 136 | Suspension 19% |
| 1992 | 169 | Suspension 21% |
| 1991 | 150 | Suspension 25% |
| 1990 | 112 | Brakes 28% |
| 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 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score