Nissan Primera (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 614 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1597cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1597cc27 years old614 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1597cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

72% of MOT tests on Nissan Primeras from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 614 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,917 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models226th of 361(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models484th of 635(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average-9%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,917

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Nissan Primera had 94,917 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1999 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Primera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	71%	876	93,864 mi
2005	70%	1,346	96,366 mi
2004	73%	884	101,219 mi
2003	71%	778	97,457 mi
2002	69%	573	93,604 mi
2001	71%	266	86,445 mi
2000	63%	153	91,010 mi
1999	72%	614	94,917 mi
1998	75%	661	98,694 mi
1997	74%	413	95,198 mi
1996	74%	119	102,610 mi
1995	78%	54	86,506 mi
1994	76%	34	71,893 mi
1993	59%	56	98,848 mi
1992	70%	40	86,859 mi
1991	78%	36	84,924 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-1%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-4%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

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About the 1999 Nissan Primera

The 1999 Nissan Primera is a small family car. Our records list a 1597cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 614 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 94,917 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Primera owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Nissan Primera Fuel Costs

The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 1999 Nissan Primera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Primera Reliability Trend

The Nissan Primera has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1999 Nissan Primera

At 27 years old, the Nissan Primera 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 95k 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.

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 1999 Nissan Primera 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 Primera(1999)	72%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£175
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£100
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328same
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£233

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 1999 Nissan Primera

Is the 1999 Nissan Primera reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1999 Nissan Primeras ended in a pass, from 614 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Nissan Primera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 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 1999 Nissan Primera?

72% of 614 MOT tests on the 1999 Nissan Primera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 226th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Primera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan Primera has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Nissan Primera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Nissan Primera is 94,917 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.