Used car guide

1998 Nissan Skyline: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Nissan Skylines, from 136 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 136 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

136MOT tests in 2025
91%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 66%)
3,100typical miles a year
15%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1998 Nissan Skyline MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    15% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    7% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Brakes
    5% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

Looking at a Nissan Skyline?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015115Suspension 13%
2005137Suspension 17%
2000103Suspension 17%
1999143Suspension 12%
1996102Suspension 17%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Nissan Skylines registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score