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NISSAN 300 ZX (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 82 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2960cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol2960cc23 years old82 tests90k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2960cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2960cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.

At 23 years old, 77% of NISSAN 300 ZXs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 90,099 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars149th of 445(top 33%)
Rank among NISSAN models409th of 660(top 62%)
vs national average-5%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+5%(72% avg)
vs NISSAN average-4%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,099

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX has 90,099 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 sits between the two at 77%.

NISSAN 300 ZX by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200678%3294,282 mi
200576%4191,587 mi
200482%4979,197 mi
200377%8290,099 mi
200266%5099,205 mi
200086%3696,467 mi
199987%5383,260 mi
199897%6085,323 mi
199484%6183,410 mi
199390%7195,134 mi
199286%125100,361 mi
199193%10798,461 mi
199074%8097,398 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX

The 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX is a large car with a 2960cc petrol engine. 82 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 90,099 miles at 23 years old, NISSAN 300 ZX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX

At 23 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 82 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 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 90k 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 2003 NISSAN 300 ZX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
NISSAN 300 ZX(2003)77%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£180
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£330
VOLVO XC90(2005)73%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£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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