Nissan 300 ZX (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 80 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2960cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol2960cc36 years old80 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2960cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

74% of MOT tests on Nissan 300 ZXs from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 80 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,398 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models142nd of 182(bottom 23%)

Rank among Nissan models453rd of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-5%(79% avg)

vs Nissan average-7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,398

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Nissan 300 ZX had 97,398 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 86%. The 1990 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan 300 ZX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	78%	32	94,282 mi
2005	76%	41	91,587 mi
2004	82%	49	79,197 mi
2003	77%	82	90,099 mi
2002	66%	50	99,205 mi
2000	86%	36	96,467 mi
1999	87%	53	83,260 mi
1998	97%	60	85,323 mi
1994	84%	61	83,410 mi
1993	90%	71	95,134 mi
1992	86%	125	100,361 mi
1991	93%	107	98,461 mi
1990	74%	80	97,398 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes 300

1992 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,738/year

83%

+9%

Porsche 911

1991 · 3164cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+17%

Porsche 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+11%

Mercedes SL

1992 · 2960cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+13%

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About the 1990 Nissan 300 ZX

The 1990 Nissan 300 ZX is a large car. Our records list a 2960cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 80 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 23% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 97,398 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan 300 ZX 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.

1990 Nissan 300 ZX Fuel Costs

The 2960cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 1990 Nissan 300 ZX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 Nissan 300 ZX

At 36 years old, the Nissan 300 ZX 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 80 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 36 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 1990 Nissan 300 ZX 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 300 ZX(1990)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888
Mercedes 300(1992)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1991)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Porsche 944(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Mercedes SL(1992)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£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 1990 Nissan 300 ZX

Is the 1990 Nissan 300 ZX reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1990 Nissan 300 ZXs ended in a pass, from 80 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Nissan 300 ZX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Nissan 300 ZX?

74% of 80 MOT tests on the 1990 Nissan 300 ZX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 142nd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 23%).

Which year Nissan 300 ZX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Nissan 300 ZX has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1992 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Nissan 300 ZX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Nissan 300 ZX is 97,398 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.