Nissan Patrol (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 82 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4169cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 8 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Nissan Patrol

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol4169cc29 years old82 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4169cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

74% of MOT tests on Nissan Patrols from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 82 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,056 miles.

Got a Nissan Patrol you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models178th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models451st of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-1%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average-7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,056

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Nissan Patrol had 127,056 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Nissan Patrol?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1997 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Patrol by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	83%	46	103,053 mi
2007	76%	89	95,184 mi
2006	77%	79	123,503 mi
2005	78%	274	117,265 mi
2004	81%	374	131,944 mi
2003	82%	158	131,802 mi
2002	81%	113	130,474 mi
2001	74%	80	130,769 mi
2000	81%	90	132,710 mi
1999	94%	124	123,881 mi
1998	87%	164	116,735 mi
1997	74%	82	127,056 mi
1996	80%	109	146,298 mi
1995	77%	69	144,822 mi
1994	78%	123	164,209 mi
1993	88%	59	145,352 mi
1992	79%	34	114,010 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+7%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+3%

Porsche 911

1997 · 3800cc Petrol

£2,588/year

90%

+16%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+5%

Check a Specific Nissan Patrol

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1997 Nissan Patrol

The 1997 Nissan Patrol is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4169cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 82 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 127,056 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Patrol owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Nissan Patrol Fuel Costs

The 4169cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Nissan Patrol?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Patrol Reliability Trend

Older Nissan Patrols tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1997 Nissan Patrol

At 29 years old, the Nissan Patrol 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 82 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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

Watch out

With an average of 127k 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.

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 1997 Nissan Patrol 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 Patrol(1997)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Porsche 911(1997)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

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 1997 Nissan Patrol

Is the 1997 Nissan Patrol reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1997 Nissan Patrols ended in a pass, from 82 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Nissan Patrol cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Nissan Patrol?

74% of 82 MOT tests on the 1997 Nissan Patrol ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 178th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Patrol has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Nissan Patrol has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1994 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Nissan Patrol?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Nissan Patrol is 127,056 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.