Nissan Sunny (1992)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 119 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,033
£169/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1392cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
82% of MOT tests on Nissan Sunnys from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 119 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,131 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
78,131
Average miles
236,800
Expected for age
The average 1992 Nissan Sunny had 78,131 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Nissan Sunny by Year
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About the 1992 Nissan Sunny
The 1992 Nissan Sunny is a small family car. Our records list a 1392cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 119 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 78,131 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.
1992 Nissan Sunny Fuel Costs
The 1392cc 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 1992 Nissan Sunny?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 1992 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.
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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 1992 Nissan Sunny 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 Sunny(1992) | 82% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1991) | 80% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411+£378 |
| Rover Mini(1990) | 80% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,810-£223 |
| Ford Escort(1990) | 85% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,178+£145 |
| Peugeot 205(1990) | 80% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033same |
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 1992 Nissan Sunny
Is the 1992 Nissan Sunny reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1992 Nissan Sunnys ended in a pass, from 119 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1992 Nissan Sunny cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 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 1992 Nissan Sunny?
82% of 119 MOT tests on the 1992 Nissan Sunny ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 57th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (top half).
Which year Nissan Sunny has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Nissan Sunny has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 1993 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1992 Nissan Sunny?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Nissan Sunny is 78,131 miles, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
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2014 · 1461cc Diesel
Volkswagen Golf
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
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1990 · 998cc Petrol
Ford Escort
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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