NISSAN KUBISTAR (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 343 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,480
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1189cc Diesel
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1480/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1189cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 18 years old, 73% of NISSAN KUBISTARs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 343 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,597 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
117,597
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR has 117,597 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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NISSAN KUBISTAR by Year
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About the 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR
The 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR is a city car with a 1189cc diesel engine. 343 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 117,597 miles at 18 years old, NISSAN KUBISTAR owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR Fuel Costs
The modest 1189cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,480 (£123/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN KUBISTAR Reliability Trend
The NISSAN KUBISTAR has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR
At 18 years old, the NISSAN KUBISTAR 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 118k 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.
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 2008 NISSAN KUBISTAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN KUBISTAR(2008) | 73% | £905 | £20 | Grp 5-15 | £1480 |
| FORD FIESTA(2009) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595+£115 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2008) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
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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