2004 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan Elgrand?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan Elgrand than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  16.1% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Rear fog light5.8× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  8.7% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.4× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  6.7% All 2004 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2004 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Steering
  8% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% 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 2004 Nissan Elgrand

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2004 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?