Used car guide

1999 Nissan Skyline: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Nissan Skylines, from 143 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 143 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

143MOT tests in 2025
87%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 65%)
2,800typical miles a year
12%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1999 Nissan Skyline MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    12% 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.

  • Brakes
    10% 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.

  • Tyres
    9% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    5% 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.

  • Steering
    5% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015115Suspension 13%
2005137Suspension 17%
2000103Suspension 17%
1998136Suspension 15%
1996102Suspension 17%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Nissan Skylines registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score