2002 Nissan Terrano: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Nissan Terrano?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Nissan Terrano than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Wheel bearings5.1× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  19.9% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 2002 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.

• Chassis rust or damage3.9× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  15.3% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.3% of all 2002 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  18.6% All 2002 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.3× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  10.2% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.1% of all 2002 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes9.5× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  7.6% All 2002 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2002 Nissan Terrano MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  44% 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
  41% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  31% 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
  19% 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 2002 Nissan Terrano

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2002 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2002 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2002 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?