Used car guide

2009 Nissan Unclassified: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Nissan Unclassifieds, from 104 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 104 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

104MOT tests in 2025
65%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
5,700typical miles a year
38%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2009 Nissan Unclassified MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    38% 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
    35% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    31% 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
    18% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    10% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Nissan Unclassified?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012108Suspension 44%
2008170Suspension 32%
2007162Brakes 27%
2006152Tyres 28%
2005130Suspension 37%
2004112Brakes 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Nissan Unclassifieds registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score