2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Nissan 350 Z MOT pass rate and common faults

1,168 MOT tests in 2024. 70.7% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time70.7%
Failed or needed repairs29.3%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,168 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.8%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.7%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  9. Washers: not working2.1%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    31 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks17.6%
  2. Lights & electrics16.7%
  3. Suspension11.1%
  4. Brakes8.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  6. Tyres4.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.9%
  8. Body & chassis3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Nissan 350 Z?

In 2024, 70.7% of 2005 Nissan 350 Z cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,168 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Nissan 350 Z?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2005 Nissan 350 Z reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).