Used car guide

1992 Nissan Sunny: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan Sunny first registered in 1992: we looked at the 153 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 153 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

153MOTs of 1992 cars, done in 2023–2025
65%pass first time (all 1992 cars: 69%)
2,400typical miles a year
34%had brakes flagged

Common 1992 Nissan Sunny MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1992 Nissan Sunny MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    34% 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
    33% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    17% 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.

  • Tyres
    17% 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
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1992 Nissan Sunny

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 Sunny?

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 Sunny compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1995162Suspension 45%
1994217Suspension 48%
1993206Suspension 35%
1991–Too few tests
1990145Suspension 35%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests

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 Sunny cars first registered in 1992. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score