Used car guide

2013 Nissan 350 Z: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan 350 Z first registered in 2013: we looked at the 154 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 154 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

154MOTs of 2013 cars, done in 2023–2025
91%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%)
5,000typical miles a year
16%had tyres flagged

Common 2013 Nissan 350 Z MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Nissan 350 Z MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    16% 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.

  • Suspension
    10% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    6% 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.

  • Brakes
    6% 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
    3% 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
    1% 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 2013 Nissan 350 Z

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 350 Z?

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 350 Z compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018173Tyres 20%
2017196Tyres 26%
2016258Tyres 19%
2015254Tyres 27%
2014140Tyres 21%
2009507Brakes 25%
20081,179Brakes 32%
20071,893Brakes 29%
20062,472Suspension 31%
20053,559Brakes 30%
20043,359Suspension 35%
2003980Suspension 35%

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 350 Z cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score