Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1996 Nissan 200 Sx?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1996 Nissan 200 Sx?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1996 Nissan 200 Sx?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1996 Nissan 200 Sx reliable?

Based on MOT data from 869 vehicles, the 1996 Nissan 200 Sx has a first-time MOT pass rate of 71.5%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1996 Nissan 200 Sx?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Nissan 200 Sx (1996)

869 real MOT outcomes analysed • 71.5% first-time pass rate

1996 Nissan 200 Sx

CarHunch analysed 869 real MOT records for the 1996 Nissan 200 Sx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1996 Nissan 200 SX passes its MOT on first attempt just 59.6% of the time, significantly below the UK average of 80%, which makes it a riskier proposition for buyers seeking a trouble-free buy. One in six of these cars (17.8%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, a concerning figure that suggests structural or safety issues warrant serious inspection before purchase.

These 200 SXs are running at sensible mileages for their age, with a median of 102,407 miles, but they're accumulating an average of 2.05 failures and 8.3 advisories per test, indicating multiple small and intermediate problems rather than catastrophic wear. If you're considering one, budget for remedial work before taking it on—a full pre-purchase inspection by a Nissan specialist is essential, not optional.

The 1996 Nissan 200 Sx has a below-average first-time pass rate (71.5% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

71.5%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

17.8%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.05

Over 7.1 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

102k

Middle half: 85k–121k

For context

⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 8.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 869 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 869 Nissan 200 Sx cars.

Before you buy a 1996 Nissan 200 Sx

Based on MOT data from 869 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 17.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (100%)	865	71.4%	2.06

Colour Breakdown

Based on 12,914 Nissan 200 Sx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 29.4%

3,796

Blue 18.8%

2,432

Green 11.9%

1,543

Black 11%

1,423

White 10.2%

1,316

Grey 8.6%

1,117

Purple 3.3%

427

Silver 2.4%

313

Gold 1.9%

245

Cream 1.6%

202

Yellow 0.4%

Orange 0.3%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1996 Nissan 200 Sx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

102,407

typical

84,994

low mileage

120,956

high mileage

Half of all 1996 Nissan 200 Sx vehicles fall between 84,994 and 120,956 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 84,994 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 84,994–120,956 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1996 Nissan 200 Sxs sit.

⚠ Over 163,290 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1996 Nissan 200 Sx — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 37% of 1996 Nissan 200 Sxs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 60 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (37% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.05

Avg failures per vehicle

8.3

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Nissan 200 Sx: All 200 Sx years → Which year to buy? →

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Buyer beware — pass it on