2006 Nissan Elgrand 3.5L Petrol · KB06 PAB

Running a 3490cc petrol Nissan Elgrand of this age will involve meaningful fuel costs; combined economy for this engine is typically in the low 20s mpg, meaning real-world costs depend heavily on use. At current petrol prices, expect fuel expenditure to be a major component of running costs given the engine displacement. Road tax for a vehicle of this age and engine size will fall in the higher brackets, and insurance is likely to be in a mid-to-high group given the engine size and import status.

Maintenance costs are the more unpredictable element. The MOT history suggests brake components (discs, pads, and potentially calipers given the binding advisories) are an ongoing expense. Suspension bushes are wear items that have already needed attention. An estimated annual running cost of £1,500-£2,000 would be a reasonable working figure for this vehicle, accounting for higher-than-average fuel use, tax, insurance, and the likelihood of continued mechanical wear items. Spare parts for Japanese imports can also be more expensive and slower to source than for mainstream UK models.

The most important areas to inspect are directly informed by the MOT record. Begin with a thorough brake inspection: the 2025 failure cited brake imbalance and binding on multiple wheels, and brake disc wear advisories appeared in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Check disc thickness on all four wheels, pad life, and whether the offside front and both rear calipers — flagged for binding — have been properly overhauled. Inspect the suspension, particularly the front suspension arm pins and bushes which were flagged in the 2026 test. Lift the vehicle if possible to check for worn bushings or play in the suspension joints.

The oil leak advisory from the 2026 test should be traced to its source — common areas on the VQ35DE engine include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan, and front crankshaft seal. Even a 'not excessive' leak can develop into a more serious issue. Given the vehicle is nearly 20 years old, inspect for corrosion underneath, around the wheel arches, and along the underside seams. Check all electrical systems including the infotainment, climate control, and power-operated sliding doors, which are known Elgrand weak points. Finally, verify the mileage against any available service records and check for timing belt replacement history, as this is a major scheduled item on high-mileage VQ engines.