Used car guide

1991 Nissan 300: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan 300 first registered in 1991: we looked at the 141 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 141 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

141MOTs of 1991 cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 1991 cars: 71%)
3,000typical miles a year
26%had brakes flagged

Common 1991 Nissan 300 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Nissan 300 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    26% 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
    18% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    13% 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.

  • Tyres
    13% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    12% 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.

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

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Nissan 300

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 300?

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 300 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992126Suspension 31%
1990112Brakes 19%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–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 300 cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score