2010 Nissan Figaro: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Nissan Figaro?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Nissan Figaro than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  18.6% All 2010 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  13.6% All 2010 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2010 Nissan Figaro MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Nissan Figaro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  36% 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
  27% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% 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
  22% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?