NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 63 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1990cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1990cc
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 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 28 years old, 65% of NISSAN UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 63 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,473 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,473
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED has 82,473 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 65%.
NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 83% | 194 | 80,045 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 338 | 85,559 mi | |
| 2018 | 78% | 313 | 98,608 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 201 | 92,173 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 130 | 92,691 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 131 | 100,106 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 117 | 82,089 mi | |
| 2013 | 75% | 122 | 83,027 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 218 | 95,583 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 159 | 101,498 mi | |
| 2010 | 82% | 243 | 87,067 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 286 | 91,859 mi | |
| 2008 | 82% | 437 | 88,907 mi | |
| 2007 | 76% | 425 | 90,820 mi | |
| 2006 | 76% | 355 | 92,051 mi | |
| 2005 | 77% | 288 | 100,285 mi | |
| 2004 | 82% | 220 | 95,613 mi | |
| 2003 | 83% | 167 | 92,796 mi | |
| 2002 | 75% | 96 | 93,844 mi | |
| 2001 | 63% | 65 | 94,594 mi | |
| 2000 | 61% | 41 | 113,356 mi | |
| 1999 | 88% | 60 | 93,809 mi | |
| 1998 | 65% | 63 | 82,473 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 38 | 92,409 mi | |
| 1991 | 77% | 121 | 83,984 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED
The 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED is a family car with a 1990cc petrol engine. 63 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 82,473 miles at 28 years old, NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED 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.
1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 1990cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED
At 28 years old, the NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 63 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 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 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
Medium riskWith an average of 82k 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 65% 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 1998 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED(1998) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£200 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1998) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
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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