NISSAN INTERSTAR (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 66 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
62%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2463cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
62% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 20 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2463cc
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 20 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 62% of NISSAN INTERSTARs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 66 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,681 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
127,681
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR has 127,681 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2006 model with a 69% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2005 sits between the two at 62%.
NISSAN INTERSTAR by Year
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About the 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR
The 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR is a large car with a 2463cc diesel engine. 66 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 97% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 127,681 miles at 21 years old, NISSAN INTERSTAR owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR Fuel Costs
The 2463cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 62% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
NISSAN INTERSTAR Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN INTERSTARs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR
At 21 years old, the NISSAN INTERSTAR 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 69%. Note: with only 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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 128k 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 62% 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 2005 NISSAN INTERSTAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN INTERSTAR(2005) | 62% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£345 |
| FORD MONDEO(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
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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