2006 Nissan Figaro: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Nissan Figaro?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Nissan Figaro than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rear fog light6.2× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  7.4% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 1.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  10.7% All 2006 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering rack4.7× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  5.6% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Washers2.2× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  8.6% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2006 Nissan Figaro MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Nissan Figaro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  30% 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
  25% 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
  21% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  19% 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
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Nissan Figaro

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2006 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2006 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?