2001 Nissan Terrano: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Nissan Terrano?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Nissan Terrano than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Wheel bearings5.2× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  21.7% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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 damage4.2× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  18.9% All 2001 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.5% of all 2001 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.8× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  14.3% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2001 Nissan Terrano MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  43% 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
  41% 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
  41% 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
  25% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 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 5.2× as often on the 2001 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2001 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2001 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?