Nissan Elgrand (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 99 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3200cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel3200cc28 years old99 tests126k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3200cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

68% of MOT tests on Nissan Elgrands from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 99 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,254 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models277th of 325(bottom 16%)

Rank among Nissan models575th of 635(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-7%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average-13%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,254

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Nissan Elgrand had 126,254 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1998 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Toyota Land Cruiser

1999 · 3000cc Diesel

£2,606/year

77%

+9%

Mitsubishi Shogun

1999 · 2835cc Diesel

£2,606/year

77%

+9%

Daihatsu Fourtrak

1998 · 2765cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+3%

Toyota Landcruiser

1998 · 2982cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+3%

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About the 1998 Nissan Elgrand

The 1998 Nissan Elgrand is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3200cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 99 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 16% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 126,254 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Elgrand owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Nissan Elgrand Fuel Costs

The 3200cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Nissan Elgrand?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% 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 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 Nissan Elgrand

At 28 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 99 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 126k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1998 Nissan Elgrand stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Elgrand(1998)	68%	£1,676	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,806
Toyota Land Cruiser(1999)	77%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,606-£200
Mitsubishi Shogun(1999)	77%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,606-£200
Daihatsu Fourtrak(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,606-£200
Toyota Landcruiser(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,606-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Nissan Elgrand

Is the 1998 Nissan Elgrand reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 1998 Nissan Elgrands ended in a pass, from 99 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Nissan Elgrand cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Nissan Elgrand?

68% of 99 MOT tests on the 1998 Nissan Elgrand ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 277th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 16%).

Which year Nissan Elgrand has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Nissan Elgrand has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2001 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Nissan Elgrand?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Nissan Elgrand is 126,254 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.