Nissan Cube (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,428
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2,428/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.
69% of MOT tests on Nissan Cubes from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 168,122 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
168,122
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Nissan Cube had 168,122 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2002 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Nissan Cube by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 80% | 91 | 76,159 mi | |
| 2020 | 75% | 158 | 94,977 mi | |
| 2019 | 79% | 224 | 91,872 mi | |
| 2018 | 81% | 134 | 96,741 mi | |
| 2017 | 76% | 156 | 115,827 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 159 | 113,046 mi | |
| 2015 | 81% | 134 | 116,515 mi | |
| 2014 | 77% | 116 | 95,370 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 348 | 62,032 mi | |
| 2012 | 93% | 284 | 52,088 mi | |
| 2011 | 84% | 383 | 77,818 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 1,885 | 84,968 mi | |
| 2009 | 84% | 419 | 85,660 mi | |
| 2008 | 81% | 493 | 82,333 mi | |
| 2007 | 85% | 479 | 81,918 mi | |
| 2006 | 80% | 173 | 97,133 mi | |
| 2005 | 84% | 167 | 103,851 mi | |
| 2004 | 80% | 166 | 113,982 mi | |
| 2003 | 82% | 130 | 94,660 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 32 | 168,122 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 Nissan Cube
The 2002 Nissan Cube is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 24% of 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 168,122 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Cube owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2002 Nissan Cube Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 Nissan Cube?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,428 (£202/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Nissan Cube Reliability Trend
The Nissan Cube has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Cube
At 24 years old, the Nissan Cube is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 168k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2002 Nissan Cube stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Cube(2002) | 69% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428 |
| MINI(2004) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£200 |
| Ford Focus(2004) | 69% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428same |
| Ford Fiesta(2003) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2004) | 67% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353-£75 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Cube
Is the 2002 Nissan Cube reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2002 Nissan Cubes ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Nissan Cube cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,428 a year (£202 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Nissan Cube?
69% of 32 MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Cube ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 301st of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom 24%).
Which year Nissan Cube has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Nissan Cube has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2020 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2002 Nissan Cube?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Cube is 168,122 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
Nissan Qashqai
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Nissan Juke
2015 · 1461cc Diesel
Nissan Note
2014 · 1461cc Diesel
MINI
2004 · 1598cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2004 · 1596cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
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