Used car guide

1999 Nissan 200: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan 200 first registered in 1999: we looked at the 427 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 427 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

427MOTs of 1999 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 63%)
4,100typical miles a year
28%had suspension flagged

Common 1999 Nissan 200 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Nissan 200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    28% 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.

  • Brakes
    21% 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 electrics
    14% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    12% 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.

  • Tyres
    12% 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 1999 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%
1998272Suspension 21%
1997188Suspension 26%
1996149Suspension 30%
1995130Suspension 20%
1994136Suspension 21%
1993136Suspension 19%
1992169Suspension 21%
1991150Suspension 25%
1990112Brakes 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 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score