1996 Nissan Skyline 2.5L Petrol · N278 FYD

The Nissan Skyline presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 9 June 2026 at 124,299 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is significant given the vehicle's age and the minor suspension wear noted in previous years. The 2024 test flagged slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, a common wear item on older Japanese performance cars, yet the absence of any repeat defect in 2026 suggests either a repair was carried out or the component has remained within acceptable tolerance. No new mechanical or structural concerns have emerged, which is encouraging for a 30-year-old vehicle. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light, consistent use. Between April 2021 and June 2026, the car covered just 1,637 miles over five years, averaging roughly 327 miles annually in that window. Earlier years show slightly more regular use, with 431 miles added between April 2022 and August 2023, and 410 miles between August 2023 and September 2024. The current total of 124,299 miles equates to approximately 4,143 miles per year over the car's life, which is well below the UK average. Such low annual mileage raises the possibility of long periods of inactivity, which can cause its own problems, including deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, and surface corrosion on brake discs and suspension bushes from lack of use. Despite the low mileage, the 2021 advisory for both rear tyres worn to near the legal limit is worth noting. Wearing tyres that close on a car driven so sparingly suggests the previous owner may have deferred basic consumable replacement, or the tyres aged out rather than wore out through use. A buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and date codes, as perished rubber is a genuine risk on a vehicle that sits for extended periods. The front suspension, particularly the anti-roll bar links and ball joint noted in 2024, deserves a physical check underneath for any fresh play or deterioration, even though the 2026 test cleared it. Beyond the documented history, a prospective buyer should examine the underside for structural corrosion on subframes, sills, and jacking points, as these are common failure points on older Nissan Skyline platforms regardless of mileage. Brake calipers should be checked for seized pistons or binding slides, a frequent consequence of infrequent driving. The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and lambda sensors, should be inspected for condition and emissions compliance, given the car's age and the potential for internal corrosion from short journeys. Overall, the MOT record is reassuring, but the car's age and usage pattern warrant a thorough physical inspection before purchase.