NISSAN SUNNY (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 178 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
178
Avg Mileage
84,337 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1990 NISSAN SUNNY reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 34 years old, 71% of NISSAN SUNNYs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 178 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,337 miles.
How does the 1990 NISSAN SUNNY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 NISSAN SUNNY has 84,337 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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 SUNNY?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1990 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1990 NISSAN SUNNY cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN SUNNY by Year
Checking a specific NISSAN SUNNY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 NISSAN SUNNY
The 1990 NISSAN SUNNY is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 178 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 84,337 miles at 34 years old, NISSAN SUNNY 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.
1990 NISSAN SUNNY 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 NISSAN SUNNY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN SUNNY Reliability Trend
Older NISSAN SUNNYs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1990 NISSAN SUNNY
At 34 years old, the NISSAN SUNNY 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.
Alternatives to the 1990 NISSAN SUNNY
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+9%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+13%) from 3,316 tests
- ROVER MINI (1991) 80% pass rate (+9%) from 2,744 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+14%) from 2,672 tests