Nissan Cube (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 130 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1598cc23 years old130 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Nissan Cubes from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 130 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,660 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models77th of 429(top 18%)

Rank among Nissan models296th of 635(top half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+10%(72% avg)

vs Nissan average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,660

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Nissan Cube had 94,660 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2003 scores 82%. 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

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-11%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-11%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-11%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

-9%

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About the 2003 Nissan Cube

The 2003 Nissan Cube is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 130 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 94,660 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Cube owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 2003 Nissan Cube?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2003 Nissan Cube

At 23 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%.

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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Medium risk

With an average of 95k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2003 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(2003)	82%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£75
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£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 2003 Nissan Cube

Is the 2003 Nissan Cube reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2003 Nissan Cubes ended in a pass, from 130 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Nissan Cube cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Nissan Cube?

82% of 130 MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Cube ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 77th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 18%).

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 2003 Nissan Cube?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Cube is 94,660 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.