Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1999 Nissan Terrano?

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 1999 Nissan Terrano?

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 1999 Nissan Terrano?

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.

How many 1999 Nissan Terrano vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

29% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 1999 Nissan Terrano reliable?

Based on MOT data from 3,492 vehicles, the 1999 Nissan Terrano has a first-time MOT pass rate of 68.6%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 1999 Nissan Terrano?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1999 Nissan Terrano are: Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (76.1% of vehicles), Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (73.1% of vehicles), Fuel pipe/s corroded (60.3% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1999 Nissan Terrano?

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 Terrano (1999)

3,492 real MOT outcomes analysed • 68.6% first-time pass rate

1999 Nissan Terrano

CarHunch analysed 3,492 real MOT records for the 1999 Nissan Terrano. 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 Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1999 Nissan Terrano is a notably unreliable prospect by modern standards, with a first-time MOT pass rate of 68.6%—well below the UK average of 80%—and nearly three in ten examples having been flagged with a dangerous defect at some point. This is a vehicle that demands serious caution from buyers, particularly given that nearly 30% carry documented safety risks.

At 102,000 miles median, these cars are well-used but not excessively so for their age, yet they're still averaging over 4 failures per test and 18 advisories, painting a picture of cumulative wear and neglect across the fleet. If you're considering one, budget for immediate repairs on failing items and plan for regular maintenance—skip this model unless you have genuine mechanical sympathy and the funds to keep it legal.

The 1999 Nissan Terrano has a below-average first-time pass rate (68.6% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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

68.6%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

29.2%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

4.14

Over 12.4 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

102k

Middle half: 83k–124k

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 18 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 3,492 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

What tends to go wrong

Across 3,492 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Suspension & steering 76.1%

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play · Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play · Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play · …

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Other issues 60.3%

Fuel pipe/s corroded · Oil leak

Tyre wear 46.5%

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Brake wear 43.7%

Brake pipe slightly corroded · Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1999.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 3,492 Nissan Terrano cars.

Before you buy a 1999 Nissan Terrano

Based on MOT data from 3,492 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 29.2% 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
Diesel (96%)	3,356	68.6%	4.16
Petrol (4%)	134	69.4%	3.69

Colour Breakdown

Based on 34,759 Nissan Terrano vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 25.8%

8,971

Green 23.4%

8,129

Red 17.6%

6,108

Silver 10.6%

3,700

Black 8.8%

3,075

White 6.2%

2,144

Grey 5.7%

1,975

Gold 1.4%

475

Yellow 0.2%

Purple 0.2%

Maroon 0.1%

Turquoise 0%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1999 Nissan Terrano 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.

102,468

typical

83,234

low mileage

123,677

high mileage

Half of all 1999 Nissan Terrano vehicles fall between 83,234 and 123,677 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 83,234 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.

✓ 83,234–123,677 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1999 Nissan Terranos sit.

⚠ Over 166,963 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1999 Nissan Terrano — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 6% of 1999 Nissan Terranos are still active.

Numbers are declining — 97 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (6% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.
* 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

12.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

4.14

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

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Compare with another model

See how the 1999 Nissan Terrano stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on