Nissan 200 SX (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 146 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc30 years old146 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Nissan brand average of 81%.

88% of MOT tests on Nissan 200 SXs from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 146 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,523 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models35th of 243(top 15%)

Rank among Nissan models205th of 635(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average+7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,523

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Nissan 200 SX had 110,523 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1996 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan 200 SX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2000	87%	201	111,516 mi
1999	87%	406	98,624 mi
1998	91%	267	100,580 mi
1997	89%	204	110,493 mi
1996	88%	146	110,523 mi
1995	86%	177	103,750 mi
1994	82%	156	110,520 mi
1993	91%	214	124,144 mi
1992	86%	185	114,752 mi
1991	89%	152	106,079 mi
1990	89%	128	111,717 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

-13%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-9%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-13%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-17%

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About the 1996 Nissan 200 SX

The 1996 Nissan 200 SX is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 146 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 110,523 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan 200 SX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Nissan 200 SX Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Nissan 200 SX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 point.

Buying a Used 1996 Nissan 200 SX

At 30 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 111k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 1996 Nissan 200 SX stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan 200 SX(1996)	88%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Nissan 200 SX

Is the 1996 Nissan 200 SX reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1996 Nissan 200 SXs ended in a pass, from 146 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Nissan 200 SX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Nissan 200 SX?

88% of 146 MOT tests on the 1996 Nissan 200 SX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 35th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 15%).

Which year Nissan 200 SX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan 200 SX has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1994 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Nissan 200 SX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Nissan 200 SX is 110,523 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.