2003 Nissan Pickup: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Nissan Pickup?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Nissan Pickup than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Chassis rust or damage6.2× usual
  Nissan Pickup

  22.3% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings4.6× usual
  Nissan Pickup

  17.3% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Nissan Pickup

  18% All 2003 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 3.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Nissan Pickup

  13.4% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.5× usual
  Nissan Pickup

  7% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Nissan Pickup MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Nissan Pickup MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  48% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  47% 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.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  29% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  15% 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 2003 Nissan Pickup

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2003 Nissan Pickup as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2003 Nissan Pickup as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Nissan Pickup as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?