NISSAN CUBE (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 284 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1349cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1349cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 14 years old, 93% of NISSAN CUBEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 284 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,088 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,088
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 NISSAN CUBE has 52,088 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2012 sits between the two at 93%.
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 2012 NISSAN CUBE
The 2012 NISSAN CUBE is a small family car with a 1349cc petrol engine. 284 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 52,088 miles at 14 years old, NISSAN CUBE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 NISSAN CUBE Fuel Costs
The 1349cc 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 2012 NISSAN CUBE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2012 NISSAN CUBE
At 14 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
Based on the 2012 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.
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 2012 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(2012) | 93% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1587 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540-£47 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£135 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£240 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£240 |
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.
Related Nissan Models
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FORD FOCUS
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