Nissan Sunny (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc27 years old32 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Nissan brand average of 81%.

88% of MOT tests on Nissan Sunnys from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,550 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models46th of 361(top 13%)

Rank among Nissan models212th of 635(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs Nissan average+7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,550

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Nissan Sunny had 103,550 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 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1999 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Sunny by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	88%	32	103,550 mi
1995	72%	164	78,595 mi
1994	72%	235	83,534 mi
1993	70%	242	79,676 mi
1992	82%	119	78,131 mi
1991	77%	88	84,270 mi
1990	71%	178	84,337 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-20%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-15%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-17%

Honda Civic

2001 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

70%

-18%

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About the 1999 Nissan Sunny

The 1999 Nissan Sunny is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 103,550 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Sunny owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Nissan Sunny Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 1999 Nissan Sunny?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 1999 Nissan Sunny

At 27 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%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 out

At 27 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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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 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(1999)	88%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£17
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
Honda Civic(2001)	70%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£183

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 Sunny

Is the 1999 Nissan Sunny reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1999 Nissan Sunnys ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Nissan Sunny cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 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 1999 Nissan Sunny?

88% of 32 MOT tests on the 1999 Nissan Sunny ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 46th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 13%).

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 1999 Nissan Sunny?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Nissan Sunny is 103,550 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.