Should I buy a used Nissan Cube or Scion xB?

For most used-car shoppers, the Scion xB is usually the safer pick. It was a Toyota-affiliated compact wagon with a solid reputation for practicality, decent reliability, and low ownership costs.

The Nissan Cube has more personality, with a quirky shape and a roomy-feeling interior. But as a used buy, it’s especially important to inspect carefully, since some versions were available with Nissan’s CVT automatic, and that transmission type has had reliability concerns on some cars from that era.

If you want the more straightforward ownership experience, I’d lean Scion xB. If you really want the Cube’s style, get a pre-purchase inspection and pay close attention to transmission behavior, service history, and overall condition.

One more note: both models are older, discontinued vehicles, so the exact condition of any individual example matters a lot more than the badge. A well-maintained Cube can still be a good buy, but the xB is generally the easier recommendation.