NISSAN TERRANO (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 82 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2664cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2664cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 29 years old, 67% of NISSAN TERRANOs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,392 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
109,392
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 NISSAN TERRANO has 109,392 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1997 sits between the two at 67%.
NISSAN TERRANO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 NISSAN TERRANO
The 1997 NISSAN TERRANO is a large car with a 2664cc diesel engine. 82 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 88% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 109,392 miles at 29 years old, NISSAN TERRANO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 NISSAN TERRANO Fuel Costs
The 2664cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1997 NISSAN TERRANO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
NISSAN TERRANO Reliability Trend
The NISSAN TERRANO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 NISSAN TERRANO
At 29 years old, the NISSAN TERRANO 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 82 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 NISSAN TERRANO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 109k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1997 NISSAN TERRANO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN TERRANO(1997) | 67% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1999) | 70% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1997) | 76% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1999) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| FORD TRANSIT(1998) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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