NISSAN D21 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 30 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
30
Avg Mileage
126,629 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1990 NISSAN D21 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 34 years old, 73% of NISSAN D21s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,629 miles.
How does the 1990 NISSAN D21 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 NISSAN D21 has 126,629 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1990 NISSAN D21 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 D21 by Year
Checking a specific NISSAN D21?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 NISSAN D21
The 1990 NISSAN D21 is a family car with a 1952cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 126,629 miles at 34 years old, NISSAN D21 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 NISSAN D21 Fuel Costs
The 1952cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 D21?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1990 NISSAN D21
At 34 years old, the NISSAN D21 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 NISSAN D21
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+7%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+11%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+12%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (+5%) from 1,798 tests