Nissan Silvia (1987)
1987 Nissan Silvia
CarHunch analysed 132 real MOT records for the 1987 Nissan Silvia. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 Nissan Silvia has a first-time pass rate of 65.7%, which is notably below the UK average of 80%, signalling that these cars need more work to get through MOT. While the dangerous defect rate of 19.7% is just under the concern threshold, nearly one in five of these cars have shown serious safety issues, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential.
At just over 100,000 miles median mileage, these Silvias are well-used for their age, yet owners report an average of 1.7 failures and 6.8 advisories per test—suggesting widespread wear across multiple systems rather than one critical problem. Before committing to one, budget for at least two or three repairs, and inspect the suspension, brakes, and exhaust closely, as the advisory count hints at aging components throughout.
What to check before buying a 1987 Nissan Silvia
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Nissan Silvia
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Nissan Silvia vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1987 Nissan Silvia vehicles fall between 68,824 and 123,274 miles.
1987 Nissan Silvia — Still on the Road
11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 52% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Nissan Silvia
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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36.2%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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17.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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17%
Oil leak
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15.1%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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14.8%
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play
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14.2%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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13.8%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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13.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Nissan Silvia?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.