1991 Nissan Figaro: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1991 Nissan Figaro?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1991 Nissan Figaro than on all cars registered in 1991.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  9.9% All 1991 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.5% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Rear fog light2.4× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  7.2% All 1991 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.9% of all 1991 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.

• Washers1.9× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  6.8% All 1991 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.6% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Rust in key structural areas2.7× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  4.8% All 1991 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.2% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 1991 Nissan Figaro MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  31% 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
  28% 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
  20% 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
  20% 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
  20% 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.

• Steering
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Nissan Figaro

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1991 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1991 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1991 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?