2008 Nissan Kubistar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Nissan Kubistar?

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

• Steering rack12× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  12% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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.

• Number plate lights2.2× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  18.5% All 2008 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes11.2× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  10.1% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  13.7% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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 rack inner joints2.6× usual
  Nissan Kubistar

  7% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Nissan Kubistar MOT failures and advisories

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
  48% 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
  48% 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
  39% 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
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  9% 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 2008 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? (Flagged at MOT 12× as often on the 2008 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 11.2× as often on the 2008 Nissan Kubistar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?