Nissan Skyline R34 (1998-2002) reliability
Nissan Skyline R34 built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Nissan Skyline R34 models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Nissan Skyline R34?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 514 tests of Skyline models registered 1998-2002.
R34 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 23 years old.
How the Skyline R34 compares
At each age below, see how the Skyline R34 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.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Underbody / chassis corrosion
High priorityGet the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension 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 saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Skyline R34.
- 1
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.9%
No clear edge over the Nissan Skyline R34 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,327 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 22.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Nissan Skyline R34 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,892 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
BMW 5 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 82.6%
No clear edge over the Nissan Skyline R34 on these figures.
12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,939 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Jaguar XJ
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 21.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.8%
No clear edge over the Nissan Skyline R34 on these figures.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,238 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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 Skyline name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Skyline R34 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 328 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How Skyline R34 cars have aged
How Skyline R34 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.
R34 variants compared
Most common issues on Nissan Skylines of this age
This list covers every Nissan Skyline built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the R34 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 16.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 25.0%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 34.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 44.7%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 53.1%Advisory
Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened
Based on 1,007 tests
Looking at a Nissan Skyline R34?
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 Skyline R34 (1998-2002) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 372 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.