Nissan 200 SX (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 267 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,261

£188/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,261/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc28 years old267 tests101k 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

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,261

Per month£188/mo

Per week£43/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Nissan brand average of 81%.

91% of MOT tests on Nissan 200 SXs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 267 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,580 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models27th of 325(top 9%)

Rank among Nissan models145th of 635(top 23%)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+16%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average+10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,580

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Nissan 200 SX had 100,580 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-18%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-20%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-13%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-16%

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About the 1998 Nissan 200 SX

The 1998 Nissan 200 SX is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 267 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 100,580 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan 200 SX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 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 1998 Nissan 200 SX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,261 (£188/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 1998 Nissan 200 SX

At 28 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.

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 28 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 101k 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 1998 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(1998)	91%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,261
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£67
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£627
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300

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 1998 Nissan 200 SX

Is the 1998 Nissan 200 SX reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1998 Nissan 200 SXs ended in a pass, from 267 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Nissan 200 SX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,261 a year (£188 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Nissan 200 SX?

91% of 267 MOT tests on the 1998 Nissan 200 SX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 27th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 9%).

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 1998 Nissan 200 SX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Nissan 200 SX is 100,580 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.