Nissan Serena (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 159 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,236
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,236/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Nissan brand average of 81%.
85% of MOT tests on Nissan Serenas from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 159 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,524 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
90,524
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Nissan Serena had 90,524 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2020 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Nissan Serena by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94% | 31 | 62,927 mi | |
| 2021 | 78% | 188 | 90,206 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 159 | 90,524 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 263 | 99,774 mi | |
| 2018 | 84% | 334 | 69,297 mi | |
| 2017 | 89% | 364 | 75,853 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 208 | 78,845 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 262 | 84,995 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 519 | 73,359 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 1,275 | 70,695 mi | |
| 2012 | 89% | 779 | 72,979 mi | |
| 2011 | 89% | 443 | 76,726 mi | |
| 2010 | 84% | 563 | 78,267 mi | |
| 2009 | 86% | 376 | 76,005 mi | |
| 2008 | 86% | 352 | 87,771 mi | |
| 2007 | 81% | 247 | 103,672 mi | |
| 2006 | 78% | 125 | 110,825 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 65 | 116,815 mi | |
| 2004 | 80% | 35 | 100,029 mi | |
| 1999 | 74% | 38 | 98,386 mi | |
| 1997 | 67% | 30 | 103,215 mi | |
| 1995 | 56% | 36 | 112,824 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 Nissan Serena
The 2020 Nissan Serena is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 159 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 9% of 2020 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 90,524 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Serena owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2020 Nissan Serena Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2020 Nissan Serena?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,236 (£186/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Nissan Serena Reliability Trend
The Nissan Serena has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2020 Nissan Serena
At 6 years old, the Nissan Serena offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
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 outAt 6 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 91k 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.
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 2020 Nissan Serena 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 Serena(2020) | 85% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,236 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2019) | 92% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£383 |
| Ford Kuga(2018) | 90% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£383 |
| MINI Cooper(2018) | 92% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£383 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2020) | 93% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£383 |
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 2020 Nissan Serena
Is the 2020 Nissan Serena reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2020 Nissan Serenas ended in a pass, from 159 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Nissan Serena cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,236 a year (£186 a month): £1,631 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Nissan Serena?
85% of 159 MOT tests on the 2020 Nissan Serena ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2336th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom 9%).
Which year Nissan Serena has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Nissan Serena has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2006 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 2020 Nissan Serena?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Nissan Serena is 90,524 miles, which is well above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Nissan Models
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MINI Cooper
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