NISSAN TERRANO (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 82 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
82
Avg Mileage
109,392 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1997 NISSAN TERRANO reliable?
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 27 years old, 67% of NISSAN TERRANOs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,392 miles.
How does the 1997 NISSAN TERRANO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 NISSAN TERRANO has 109,392 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a NISSAN TERRANO?
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%.
How much does a 1997 NISSAN TERRANO 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 TERRANO by Year
Checking a specific NISSAN TERRANO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 27 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 £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 NISSAN TERRANO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+9%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+8%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+5%) from 3,080 tests