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Official DVLA Record

2003 Nissan Terrano 3.0L Diesel · YB53 ABO

YB53 ABO

2003 Nissan Terrano (3.0L, diesel). First registered 20 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 136,696 miles. MOT expired on 15 Sept 2023. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
NISSAN TERRANO
Year / Origin
2003 · Leeds
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 15 Sept 2023
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
136,696 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 3.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 15 Sept 2023
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2003
Engine
2953cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The 2003 Nissan Terrano failed its most recent MOT on 2023-09-27 at 136,696 miles, indicating a worsening maintenance trend. Multiple critical issues were recorded, including a fractured anti-roll bar bracket, excessive chassis corrosion reducing structural strength, and severe brake binding. The ABS fault, major exhaust leak, and nearside rear suspension corrosion suggest systemic neglect. While prior tests showed minor brake pad wear and corrosion, the 2023 failure highlights escalating mechanical and structural risks, particularly in braking and chassis integrity. The vehicle’s mileage of 136,696 miles over 23 years equates to approximately 5,943 miles annually, significantly below the average for its age. This low usage may explain prolonged exposure to corrosion, as evidenced by recurring chassis and suspension mounting issues. Notably, the 2021-08-20 test recorded corrosion and tyre wear, while the 2021-08-16 failure highlighted inadequate suspension repairs. Gaps in the MOT history, such as no test between 2020-09-07 and 2021-08-16, limit visibility into maintenance patterns, but the 2023 results confirm deteriorating conditions. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the chassis for further corrosion, particularly around suspension mounts and anti-roll bar brackets, as well as the braking system for binding calipers and uneven pad wear. The exhaust system’s major leak and body damage from the 2023 test require verification. Structural integrity, including the front differential and seat belt anchorage corrosion, must be assessed. While some issues may stem from age, the frequency of corrosion and brake failures suggests potential long-term reliability concerns.
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YB53 ABO Key Findings

  • 2 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT failed on 27/09/2023
  • 136,696 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 24 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

YB53 ABO MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 26 Sept 2026, 12:41
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Nissan Terrano (YB53 ABO) between September 2022 and September 2023.

The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 27 September 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (13 issues), Bodywork (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 20 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: “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage attachment bracket/mounting fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

YB53 ABO Mileage History

  1. 01/09/2022134,560 mi
  2. 27/09/2023136,696 mi+2,136 mi

Average of roughly 1,995 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
35
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (50%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 136,696 miles is...

Our Verdict

This 2003 Nissan Terrano presents significant risks due to its advanced age and high mileage, despite a generally clean MOT history. Only consider if major repairs are budgeted for.

Negotiate aggressively given the vehicle's age and mileage. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on the diesel engine, transmission, and body corrosion. Check for service records to confirm maintenance history, though none are provided. Be wary of potential hidden costs from aging components like the cooling system or exhaust. Avoid if you require a low-maintenance vehicle.

Diesel fuel economy for a 2003 3.0L engine is likely poor, with urban mileage around 20-25 mpg. Tax would be £280 annually (standard rate for diesel cars registered before 2017). Insurance group likely 12-14, with premiums exceeding £1,000/year. Major maintenance costs (e.g., turbocharger, EGR valve) could exceed £500 each. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500.

Thoroughly check for rust in the chassis and body, particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage. Test diesel engine performance for smoke or hesitation. Inspect transmission for strange noises or slipping. Verify that the two MOT failures (2023 and 2021) were resolved satisfactorily. Check brake systems and suspension for wear. Confirm that the 2953cc engine hasn't been modified, which could affect reliability.

A 23-year-old diesel Terrano with 136,696 miles, this vehicle shows two MOT failures in its last four years but no recorded defects. While the absence of major issues in passing tests is positive, its extreme age and mileage raise concerns about long-term reliability and maintenance costs.

No aggregate MOT data available for the Nissan Terrano model, making it difficult to assess inherent reliability trends. However, 2003 models are now exceptionally old by modern standards.

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