2005 Nissan Terrano: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Nissan Terrano?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Nissan Terrano than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Chassis rust or damage6× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  19.3% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 0.9% of all 2005 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 bearings4.8× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  17.2% All 2005 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.4% of all 2005 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes15.5× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  9.3% All 2005 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  13.1% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Rust in key structural areas5.9× usual
  Nissan Terrano

  7.7% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 2005 Nissan Terrano MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2005 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2005 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 15.5× as often on the 2005 Nissan Terrano as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?