1999 Nissan Terrano: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Nissan Terrano?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Nissan Terrano than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  17.6% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage3× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  16.5% All 1999 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 1999 Nissan Terrano MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  47% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  21% 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
  19% 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 1999 Nissan Terrano

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1999 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 1999 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?