NISSAN 300 ZX (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 80 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
80
Avg Mileage
97,398 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 34 years old, 74% of NISSAN 300 ZXs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 80 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,398 miles.
How does the 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX has 97,398 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a NISSAN 300 ZX?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1990 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN 300 ZX by Year
Checking a specific NISSAN 300 ZX?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX
The 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX is a large car with a 2960cc petrol engine. 80 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 97,398 miles at 34 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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.
NISSAN 300 ZX Reliability Trend
Older NISSAN 300 ZXs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX
At 34 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 80 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 NISSAN 300 ZX
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (+9%) from 1,096 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1991) 91% pass rate (+17%) from 929 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (+11%) from 914 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1992) 87% pass rate (+13%) from 312 tests