2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Ball joint6.1× usual
  Nissan Pulsar

  9.1% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.7% of all 2017 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.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Nissan Pulsar

  18.2% All 2017 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.2% of all 2017 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.

• Rigid brake pipes7.2× usual
  Nissan Pulsar

  7.2% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Nissan Pulsar

  8.4% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Track rod ends3.8× usual
  Nissan Pulsar

  5.3% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  32% 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
  32% 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
  24% 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
  12% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?