1994 Nissan Sunny: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Nissan Sunny?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Nissan Sunny than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.4× usual
  Nissan Sunny

  23.5% All 1994 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.4%, against 3.9% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  Nissan Sunny

  13.8% All 1994 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Nissan Sunny

  15.2% All 1994 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 3.9% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 1994 Nissan Sunny MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Nissan Sunny MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  41% 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
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Nissan Sunny

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1994 Nissan Sunny as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1994 Nissan Sunny as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Nissan Sunny as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?