NISSAN 200 SX (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 152 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1809cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1809cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 35 years old, 89% of NISSAN 200 SXs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 152 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,079 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
106,079
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 NISSAN 200 SX has 106,079 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1991 sits between the two at 89%.
NISSAN 200 SX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 NISSAN 200 SX
The 1991 NISSAN 200 SX is a family car with a 1809cc petrol engine. 152 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 106,079 miles at 35 years old, NISSAN 200 SX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 NISSAN 200 SX Fuel Costs
The 1809cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 NISSAN 200 SX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN 200 SX Reliability Trend
The NISSAN 200 SX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 NISSAN 200 SX
At 35 years old, the NISSAN 200 SX is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 NISSAN 200 SX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 106k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1991 NISSAN 200 SX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN 200 SX(1991) | 89% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£475 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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