Nissan 200SX S14 (1993-1998) reliability
Nissan 200SX S14 built before 2000: about average at the MOT
Nissan 200SX S14 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.
Looking at a Nissan 200SX S14?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
16% of MOT tests on Nissan 200SX S14 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 S14 models built before 2000 involves the tyres.
Based on 889 tests of 200SX models registered before 2005.
S14 fail rate by age
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.
Figures for fails still not passed 3 days later, and for dangerous defects, aren't available yet for this model.
How the 200SX S14 compares
At each age below, see how the 200SX S14 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 13,799 tests across 11 Nissan models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Underbody / chassis corrosion
High priorityGet the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other coupes to compare
Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 200SX S14.
- 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 S14, 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
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 S14, both built before 2000.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 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 S14 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
Jaguar XK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.1%
No clear edge over the Nissan 200SX S14 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.
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.
What has gone wrong on 200SX S14 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 671 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 42% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How 200SX S14 cars have aged
How 200SX S14 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Most common issues on Nissan 200SX models of this age
This list covers every Nissan 200SX built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the S14 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 111.8%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 210.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 310.0%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 46.6%Advisory
Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened
- 56.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 831 tests
Looking at a Nissan 200SX S14?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Nissan 200SX S14 (1993-1998) 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.