NISSAN CUBE (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 24 years old, 69% of NISSAN CUBEs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 168,122 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
168,122
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 NISSAN CUBE has 168,122 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2002 sits between the two at 69%.
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 with a 1598cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 168,122 miles at 24 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 NISSAN CUBE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 points.
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
Based on the 2002 NISSAN CUBE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN CUBE(2002) | 69% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£235 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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