1993 Nissan Sunny: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan Sunny first registered in 1993: we looked at the 206 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 206 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Nissan Sunny?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Nissan Sunny than on all cars registered in 1993.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualNissan Sunny16.5% All 1993 cars6.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 3.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Common 1993 Nissan Sunny MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1993 Nissan Sunny MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Tyres22% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork17% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions14% 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 1993 Nissan Sunny
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1993 Nissan Sunny as on other cars the same age.)
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 162 | Suspension 45% |
| 1994 | 217 | Suspension 48% |
| 1992 | 153 | Brakes 34% |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | 145 | Suspension 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 1993. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score