2008 Nissan Figaro: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Nissan Figaro?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Nissan Figaro than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rear fog light9× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  9% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 0.9% of all 2008 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 mountings2.6× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  8.8% All 2008 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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 rack5.6× usual
  Nissan Figaro

  5.6% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Nissan Figaro MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Nissan Figaro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  31% 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
  25% 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.

• 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
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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 2008 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 9× as often on the 2008 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the 2008 Nissan Figaro as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?