NISSAN 300 ZX (1992)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2960cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2960cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 34 years old, 86% of NISSAN 300 ZXs from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,361 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
100,361
Average miles
251,600
Expected for age
The average 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX has 100,361 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1992 sits between the two at 86%.
NISSAN 300 ZX by Year
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About the 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX
The 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX is a large car with a 2960cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1992 cars for reliability.
With an average of 100,361 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.
1992 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 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 1992 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 34 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 riskLarger 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 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 100k 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 1992 NISSAN 300 ZX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN 300 ZX(1992) | 86% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1994) | 69% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
| MERCEDES 300(1992) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| PORSCHE 911(1991) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£330 |
| PORSCHE 944(1990) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
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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