Used car guide

2008 Nissan Kubistar: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Nissan Kubistars, from 170 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 170 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

170MOT tests in 2025
51%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
6,900typical miles a year
2.4×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Nissan Kubistars than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Number plate lights2.4× usual
    Nissan Kubistar
    21.8% All 2008 cars
    8.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

By area

The share of 2008 Nissan Kubistar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    52% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    46% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    36% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    34% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Steering
    13% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007144Lights and electrics 50%
2006115Suspension 58%
2005165Suspension 52%
2004136Suspension 64%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Nissan Kubistars registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score