1998 Nissan D22 2.5L Diesel · S795 DMR

This 1998 Nissan D22 carries a remarkably sparse DVSA history, with only five recorded MOT events since 2023 and an unusual run of passes and failures that show no defects at all. The most recent test on 5 December 2025 returned a pass with no advisories, following an earlier failure on 24 November 2025 which was retested and passed just seventeen days later, suggesting a minor rectification was carried out between tests rather than any underlying structural or mechanical concern. The pattern in 2024 echoes this, with a fail and pass both logged on 2 December 2024, again with no recorded defects, and the 2023 entry shows a clean pass. While the absence of advisories is superficially reassuring, the complete lack of any defect notes across nearly three years of testing is atypical for a 28-year-old commercial vehicle and may indicate that advisories have not been consistently recorded, that the vehicle is genuinely in excellent condition for its age, or that it has spent considerable time off the road between tests where corrosion and deterioration could have developed unmonitored. The recorded mileage of 89,186 miles against a 1998 manufacture date equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,185 miles, which is exceptionally low for a working pickup or commercial-derived vehicle of this vintage. Such a figure typically points to either very light domestic use, long periods of inactivity in storage, or significant gaps where the vehicle was not being driven or tested. Mechanically, low annual mileage on a vehicle of this age raises specific concerns around components that deteriorate through standing rather than use: rubber suspension bushes, driveshaft gaiters, brake calipers and pistons, fuel system internals, and rubber coolant hoses can all degrade, perish, or seize during extended periods of non-use. The three-year window of MOT history is also notably narrow for a 28-year-old vehicle, meaning there is no visibility on what was happening mechanically between the early 2000s and 2023, which is precisely the age range where structural corrosion on chassis rails, cab mounts, and load bed areas tends to develop on D22 chassis. Given the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on areas commonly affected by age and standing rather than relying on the MOT history alone. Underneath the vehicle, examine the chassis rails, outriggers, and rear leaf spring mounting points for advanced corrosion, paying particular attention to the areas around the fuel tank, battery tray, and where the load bed meets the cab, as these are typical rust hotspots on older D22s. On the test drive, listen for clonks or rattles from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate perished bushes or worn anti-roll bar linkages; feel for any pulling under braking, which may suggest seized or binding brake calipers after long standing; and check for smooth clutch operation, as a clutch that has not been regularly exercised can develop hydraulic issues or corrosion on the friction plate. Inspect the exhaust system from end to end, including the catalytic converter and mounting rubbers, as age-related deterioration here would not be visible on an MOT pass if no emissions or noise issues were flagged. Additional areas worth particular scrutiny include the underside of the engine and gearbox for oil seepage that could indicate dried gaskets and seals re-leaking after a period of inactivity, and a thorough check of all coolant hoses for softness or cracking. Examine the brake pipes and flexible hoses for any surface corrosion or bulging, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as rear drum or caliper mechanisms can seize after extended standing. Finally, confirm that the vehicle starts cleanly from cold without excessive cranking or smoke, and that the gearbox selects all gears crisply without crunches, as these are direct mechanical indicators of how well preserved the drivetrain has remained during its low-mileage life.