NISSAN SKYLINE (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 133 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Total Tests (2024)
133
Avg Mileage
84,841 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 27 years old, 96% of NISSAN SKYLINEs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 133 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,841 miles.
How does the 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE has 84,841 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a NISSAN SKYLINE?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1997 sits between the two at 96%.
How much does a 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN SKYLINE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 89% | 66 | 87,029 mi |
| 2018 | 98% | 80 | 84,620 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 129 | 85,737 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 245 | 85,189 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 226 | 78,961 mi |
| 2014 | 90% | 89 | 79,683 mi |
| 2013 | 97% | 38 | 75,385 mi |
| 2012 | 100% | 32 | 65,028 mi |
| 2011 | 95% | 38 | 101,390 mi |
| 2010 | 88% | 52 | 86,660 mi |
| 2009 | 98% | 85 | 95,126 mi |
| 2008 | 94% | 216 | 84,281 mi |
| 2007 | 85% | 214 | 94,016 mi |
| 2006 | 91% | 252 | 83,370 mi |
| 2005 | 89% | 315 | 100,870 mi |
| 2004 | 89% | 212 | 84,700 mi |
| 2003 | 85% | 258 | 101,907 mi |
| 2002 | 91% | 86 | 62,088 mi |
| 2001 | 93% | 102 | 54,061 mi |
| 2000 | 92% | 232 | 88,823 mi |
| 1999 | 92% | 319 | 70,717 mi |
| 1998 | 96% | 253 | 88,267 mi |
| 1997 | 96% | 133 | 84,841 mi |
| 1996 | 86% | 121 | 90,453 mi |
| 1995 | 86% | 208 | 78,720 mi |
| 1994 | 89% | 103 | 85,017 mi |
| 1993 | 86% | 111 | 84,662 mi |
| 1992 | 82% | 89 | 74,996 mi |
| 1991 | 94% | 54 | 72,031 mi |
| 1990 | 87% | 63 | 65,740 mi |
Checking a specific NISSAN SKYLINE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE
The 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE is a large car with a 2498cc petrol engine. 133 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 84,841 miles at 27 years old, NISSAN SKYLINE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 NISSAN SKYLINE Fuel Costs
The 2498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
NISSAN SKYLINE Reliability Trend
The NISSAN SKYLINE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE
At 27 years old, the NISSAN SKYLINE 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 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Alternatives to the 1997 NISSAN SKYLINE
The NISSAN SKYLINE is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-29%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (-19%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-18%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (-17%) from 4,295 tests