NISSAN ELGRAND (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 48 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£3,107
£259/month
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3150cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
63% pass rate, £3107/year to run. 19 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3150cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 29 years old, 63% of NISSAN ELGRANDs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 132,291 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
132,291
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND has 132,291 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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 2012 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1997 sits between the two at 63%.
NISSAN ELGRAND by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78% | 1,200 | 85,586 mi | |
| 2020 | 75% | 1,283 | 94,341 mi | |
| 2019 | 77% | 1,055 | 93,209 mi | |
| 2018 | 74% | 1,024 | 100,903 mi | |
| 2017 | 74% | 1,418 | 107,416 mi | |
| 2016 | 70% | 1,161 | 111,139 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 906 | 113,591 mi | |
| 2014 | 80% | 643 | 102,225 mi | |
| 2013 | 85% | 870 | 84,821 mi | |
| 2012 | 88% | 889 | 81,269 mi | |
| 2011 | 86% | 1,309 | 86,045 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 2,008 | 80,709 mi | |
| 2009 | 85% | 1,643 | 74,175 mi | |
| 2008 | 84% | 3,599 | 80,342 mi | |
| 2007 | 84% | 3,622 | 80,586 mi | |
| 2006 | 81% | 2,479 | 77,312 mi | |
| 2005 | 81% | 2,688 | 86,787 mi | |
| 2004 | 78% | 1,455 | 87,390 mi | |
| 2003 | 76% | 965 | 94,747 mi | |
| 2002 | 77% | 654 | 100,061 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 140 | 84,961 mi | |
| 2000 | 78% | 103 | 111,995 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 102 | 116,236 mi | |
| 1998 | 68% | 99 | 126,254 mi | |
| 1997 | 63% | 48 | 132,291 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND
The 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND is a performance with a 3150cc petrol engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 96% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 132,291 miles at 29 years old, NISSAN ELGRAND owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 NISSAN ELGRAND Fuel Costs
The 3150cc 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 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,107 (£259/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
NISSAN ELGRAND Reliability Trend
The NISSAN ELGRAND has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND
At 29 years old, the NISSAN ELGRAND 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 29 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 132k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 63% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1997 NISSAN ELGRAND stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN ELGRAND(1997) | 63% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £3107 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£710 |
| PORSCHE 911(1999) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(1999) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£860 |
| MERCEDES C(1999) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£860 |
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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