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Nissan 200SX reliability by build year

Coverage 1988-20023 named generationsCoupePETROL

We've only got 831 MOT tests for Nissan 200SX models built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Nissan 200SX built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Nissan 200SX models built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Nissan 200SX by number plate

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Nissan 200SX models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 19% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan 200SX models built before 2000 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Nissan 200SX's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Underbody / chassis corrosion

High priority

Get the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 200SX's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

S

S14 (1993-1998)

Excellent
PETROL

16.0% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 13.7% and 18.7%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 831 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Nissan 200SX.

See every build year for the Nissan 200SX

By age

Nissan 200SX fail rate by age

This chart combines every Nissan 200SX ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
5825.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
83116.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 24 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Nissan 200SX models

These issues come from 25+ year old Nissan 200SX models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    11.8%
    Advisory: 110Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    10.8%
    Advisory: 140Fail: 6 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    10.0%
    Advisory: 120Fail: 15 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened

    6.6%
    Advisory: 76Fail: 11 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.3%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 831 MOT tests on 25+ year old Nissan 200SX models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Nissan 200SX models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Body & structure + Suspension24%
  2. Brakes + Suspension23%
  3. Body & structure + Brakes21%
  4. Body & structure + Fuel & oil18%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 328 MOT tests on Nissan 200SX cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Nissan 200SX.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Nissan 200SX name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Jaguar E-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.8%

    Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 16.0% for the Nissan 200SX, both built before 2000.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 13.1%, against 16.0% for the Nissan 200SX, both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Jaguar XJS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.8%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    No clear edge over the Nissan 200SX on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,539 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Jaguar XK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%

    No clear edge over the Nissan 200SX on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,434 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Nissan 200SX across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 831 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Nissan 200SX ever sold: 889 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 831 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.