2001 Nissan Vanette 2.3L Diesel · HY51 BBV
2001 Nissan Vanette (2.3L, diesel). First registered 01 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 106,346 miles. MOT status: Failed.
- Make & Model
- NISSAN VANETTE
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Mar 2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,346 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
HY51 BBV Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 19/03/2022
- 106,346 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HY51 BBV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2001 Nissan Vanette (HY51 BBV) between March 2022 and March 2022.
The record contains 0 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 19 March 2022 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed both (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Exhaust emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values (8.2”; “Steering rack has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))”.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2001 Nissan Vanette diesel shows extensive and serious mechanical issues that make it a high-risk purchase. The vehicle has a history of critical failures including steering rack problems, oil leaks, brake system faults, and exhaust issues that have persisted for years. Buyers should only consider this vehicle with substantial budget for repairs or seek a more reliable alternative.
This Vanette requires significant mechanical work before it can be safely driven. The steering rack has shown excessive free play in both 2021 and 2022 tests, with the 2022 failure noting it was fitted - suggesting previous replacement attempts that haven't resolved the issue. The parking brake has repeatedly failed efficiency tests, being below requirements in 2022 and less than 50% of required value in 2021. Brake system problems are extensive, with corroded brake pipes, deteriorated hoses, and inoperative parking brakes on both sides documented. Budget at least £1,500-£2,500 for immediate repairs including steering rack overhaul, brake system overhaul, exhaust replacement, and addressing the oil leak. Verify any service history shows genuine work on these systems, not just MOT-related fixes.
The 2.3 litre diesel engine should offer reasonable fuel economy around 30-35mpg for commercial vehicle use, but the extensive brake and exhaust issues will increase fuel consumption until resolved. Vehicle tax for a 2001 van falls into the lower bands at approximately £150-£200 annually depending on exact engine variant. Insurance groups for commercial vans can vary significantly - obtain quotes before purchase. Maintenance costs are elevated due to the age and documented deterioration; expect to spend £800-£1,200 annually on routine maintenance once repairs are completed, though immediate repairs will require a larger upfront investment. The vehicle's commercial vehicle status may offer tax advantages for business use.
Focus your inspection on the documented problem areas. Check the steering rack for leaks and excessive play by turning the wheel at low speed - the 2022 test noted it was fitted, suggesting previous issues. Inspect all brake hoses visually for cracking or deterioration, particularly the front hoses shown as 'excessively deteriorated' in 2021. Examine the exhaust system for holes, loose mounting, and the major leak noted in 2021. The oil leak from the engine needs identification - check under the vehicle and look for staining on the engine block. Test the parking brake thoroughly, as it has failed multiple efficiency tests. Check all body mounting points and bumpers, which were noted as insecure and damaged in 2021. Given the corrosion advisories on structural elements, have a qualified mechanic assess the chassis and body structure integrity.
This blue 2001 Nissan Vanette with a 2.3 litre diesel engine (2283cc) currently sits at 106,346 miles, which is above average for its age. The MOT history reveals a deteriorating condition with multiple serious failures across steering, braking, exhaust, and structural systems. The vehicle failed its most recent MOT in March 2022 with dangerous and major defects, including exposed tyre ply, excessive steering play, oil leaks, and brake inefficiencies. Previous failures in 2021 and earlier show recurring issues with brake hoses, suspension components, and exhaust systems, indicating systemic deterioration rather than isolated problems.
While no aggregate reliability data is available for the Nissan Vanette model, this specific vehicle's MOT history shows systemic deterioration across multiple critical systems including steering, braking, exhaust, and structural components, with problems recurring over several years.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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