2006 Nissan Kubistar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Nissan Kubistar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Nissan Kubistar than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Steering rack inner joints4.5× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  17.2% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  16.2% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering rack9.4× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  11.3% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 0.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Windscreen3.5× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  13.5% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes9.1× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  10% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2006 Nissan Kubistar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Nissan Kubistar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  42% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  24% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Nissan Kubistar

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2006 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2006 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 9.4× as often on the 2006 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?