I Brought This Nissan Cube BACK From The BRINK *Everything Was Broken When I Got It*

I bought this cheap 2009 Nissan Cube sight unseen. Who would've thought it could need as much work as I had to put into it? Now that all the little things are been buttoned up it's time to finish the transmission. I pulled the CVT a couple days earlier, now it's time to get it back in (twice) and clean everything out, do all the fluids, and replace a broken oil pressure sender. Now that it's all done (minus a few minute windshield job) this water inspired car can head on down the road with someone else!
Syntec 5W-30: www.oreillyaut...
Cube Oil Filter: www.oreillyaut...
O'Reilly Synthetic CVT Fluid: www.oreillyaut...
MERCH: shopWatchJRGo.com
Shop Motul: motul.com
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Common Questions:
What motorcycle do I ride? A few. Ducati 1198, Honda Goldwing, Honda Grom, Honda Ruckus
What do I do for a living? Make KZbin videos.
Can you wheelie? No, I suck.
Are you fast? Sort of. I suck mostly though.
Where can I keep up with you off the bike?
Instagram: WatchJRGo
Facebook: WatchJRGo (or JRGo, FB hates my branding)
Do you go to school? College, for 2 classes.
Why do you ride so dangerously? What do mean? I was doing 25.
Do you go to the track? Of course, hopefully there will be videos in the future.
Do you play video games? No, but I might stream N64 Goldeneye at some point. Twitch: WatchJRGo
Are you afraid the police will watch your videos and arrest you? Something something evidence something something warrants and due process of law
#CheapCar #NissanCube #Jacuzzi #oreillypowered

[@1leggeddog]

I knew that you'd get that cube... Squared away.

[@philtaylor9709]

🤣

[@steverado87]

YEAAAAAHHHHH!

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Quite an obtuse way to put it 🤔

[@matthewlovvorn1950]

@Roseofhizaki that was an “acute” comment..

[@jaredmeyers2729]

That's funny right there I don't care who you are.

[@chrissalinas1737]

Love my cube Z 12 at 170.000 miles it still runs like the day I got it.

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

How did Nissan cut so many corners and still end up with a cube?

[@oplefirem]

Underrated comment for sure!

[@JasonA76]

I really like seeing these junk cars get a new lease on life

[@mistressofminis]

Taco'Reillys, the hybrid franchise opportunity of a lifetime!

[@davidmoynahan9585]

Got a Z11 Cube as the daily commute and city shopper. Cool, functional, economical, roomy and well priced. Hi from New Zealand.

[@americanrambler4972]

I had a silver 2010 cube SV fully loaded with all the toys including backup camera. I loved that little puppy! I liked the dash, it’s layout, it’s huge roomy interior, huge wide opening doors, and loved those huge cup holders in the corners of the dash. And it consistently got 30 to 32 mpg in town and running the suburbs. And it got 33 on the freeway. I found the CVT transmission was a great fit for driving that car. Loved it’s smoothness. It always had the right gear ratio for every driving situation. While it wound not win any races, it had plenty of pep for almost every situation. A very easy and pleasant car to drive. P.S. Most people drive the throttle wrong. Instead of just flooring it and putting the engine in full scream mode, it reacted and performed better by just smoothly rolling into the throttle. That way you got smooth and quick acceleration with the satisfying rising rpm feel of a regular transmission. Try it. And see what you think.

[@larrybrown9279]

As an added benefit, your CVT transmission will last a lot longer!!

[@mattp532]

@@larrybrown9279 173k miles on my original trans & fluid. Kept it sealed. Still going.

[@HB-yq8gy]

@@mattp532 Lucky few.

[@davidgillies5117]

I have a 2009 cube, what i would recommend is: 1) its better to use Nissan CVT fluid, it performs better. 2) get an external transmission cooler. The transmission tends to run really hot and cause the car to rev high and wont pass maybe 40km/hr. The external cooler eliminates that problem and ensures you wont have to change your transmission

[@greyhamlogan2255]

I've owned 3 Cubes, don't judge them just by how they look. Not enough power, we only get 1.4Lt & 1.5Lt. Wish we got the 1.8L as well in New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@HB-yq8gy]

We bought a new 09 Nissan Sentra by the grace of god with proper maintenance and sold it with 216,000 miles for $900. Due to failing NJ emissions also with into limp mode 3 times during 10-plus years of ownership. But CVT was resuscitated back to life. Lesson learn to stay away from any CVT!!

[@tyson4739]

Those CVTs are very particular. They do require periodic maintenance. Without they do fail and are expensive. When they are maintained, they do great and aide in excellent fuel economy.

[@denniselgatoblanco824]

I don't know how you aren't being sponsored by O'Reileys by now

[@swazi5]

Thought he was

[@mexicanspec]

They know he will buy from them so why do they need to give him stuff for free?

[@lorenmws]

Yes! You've somehow made me like these cars.

[@WatchJRGo]

It's really not that bad 🍻

[@lancewashington3910]

They were honestly never bad cars since day one

[@fergk5527]

Nothing would make me like these cars.. unless it was free.

[@chrisced007]

@@lancewashington3910 My wife had an 09 Cube bought new. Never changed the front brakes only turned the rotors once. Original rear brake shoes. Went through 4 windshields. Part was the angle of the windshield was prone to rocks and Safelite hated working on it because I guess it was a pain to install. It was a decent car for the most part except at 76K the transmission started acting up like loss of power. Dealer found a broken ground wire in the TCM. Fixed it then it started acting up about 3 months later. I cleared the check engine light and we traded it in. The Nissan dealer sold the cube about 2 weeks later and the transmission crapped out on the new owner. But the dealer took care of it and replaced it.

[@fireboy1969]

My wife loves these cars. We have an 09 and 14. First year and last year (they were sold as a US model). They aren't super powerful, but comfortable as heck. Both are 6 speed manuals and the 09 has 225k on it and still on the original clutch. Only issues we've had are usual consumables, tires, bearings, etc. And generally overall MPG is 33-36 mixed hwy/city driving. It may have a face only a mother could love, but they've been rock sold transportation for us.

[@specialed4692]

The Nissan CVT fluid is the best. Love my 09 Cube! In the family since new 155000 miles!

[@MisterMsk]

Had an exhaust leak on my 2009 Cube. The way the muffler sits, water collects around the front entry point and rusts it out. Had a shop weld a piece in between the tube and the muffler. Muffler was kinda' expensive for it, if I remember.

[@jayman4095]

Nice to see the cube got all squared up. Those cars were always somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine glad to see you saved one from going to the big ol junkyard in the sky.

[@stevenpdxedu]

I can see where it's a useful vehicle, but I'm not a fan. Kudos for all the fixing and your perseverance. You deserve to make a bundle but I doubt there's a bundle in it. Nonetheless, thanks for all the fun! 😎

[@cmhdave]

My Juke had an exhaust leak and it was fixed with a simple welded on collar. Probably took 30 minutes tops and I never had another problem with it.

[@Starchface]

I once fixed a hole in the exhaust pipe of a previous car with a Coke can and a couple of hose clamps. I drove with that for months. It was great.

[@mikemontgomery7337]

Sorry you admit you own one !!

[@cmhdave]

@@mikemontgomery7337 No joke... probably one of my least favorite cars I've owned. It's been reliable (actually) but it's completely impractical, low powered and a ticking time bomb for major repairs I fear.

[@melancholymelodies89]

"It's nice to have four hands for the twist and shove." I couldn't agree more.

[@Lasertrac]

I hope you appreciate the value added to your channel from your friends, sponsors, family and viewers. You seem to have a great support network. That's not meant to detract from your learned abilities and hard work..

[@theadvocate4698]

I always loved the cube, so unique and quirky! Sad that you are letting it go....but i understand! :) still gonna miss seeing it around....should have gotten a manual cube when it was time, like a girl you should have hooked up with back then....anyways....

[@Wild1Banana]

I owned the exact same 2009 Nissan CUBE model and it was the best work car I have ever owned and really wished I had a shop to replace the CVT with a fresh one once the miles piled up. Super comfortable car but nowadays all the tech electronic boxes start to fail along with CVT to make cars basically junk after 10 years etc.

[@76rmyers]

Thanks for sharing the stories of what didn't go well or was tough to do. Makes the rest of us feel normal!

[@bigdoggy6650]

Cube for life

[@thomashagood8679]

I started following you because you featured a cube on your channel

[@timkaldahl]

That crush washer looked like it got the Walmart oil change treatment.

[@jean-marcandjoshua-petsjournal]

Partying in the cube with JR. everything gets fixed.

[@rmontena4583]

I think the cube would be appropriate as an electric :) Rich

[@fergk5527]

@JR, you honestly should do an episode of how to remove and replace a crush washer. I just left mine and decided to live with the slight leak. Chrisfix could definitely do it and get a million hits!

[@stoveguy2133]

It was not moving before. Now it is. It is SELLABLE.

[@jo6520]

What i like about you is when u actually finish a job, you do it right!

[@sharonaultman8975]

Another car off the bucket list

[@grabsme]

That sound was the belt in the CVT

[@QALibrary]

Dam you JR - it's 01:10 here and just about to go to bed and up pops your video!! #mustwatch

[@jdeltoro518]

Great job on the cube. I don't like cvt transmissions. My wifes car has one I don't like the way it responds or shifts..but I heard all Nissans SUV n cars have cvts now.

[@chrisced007]

Yes Nissan loves their CVTs but they are replacing the 2022 Pathfinder with a 9 Speed hopefully its better than the CVT.

[@buffsheeri]

not only Nissan, honda,Kia and others

[@jdeltoro518]

@@buffsheeri I loved the old nizzan exterras they had great transmissions. My exterras was great over 100 Mile. Never had a transmission issue.

[@stew1138]

I don't think O'Reilly's CVT fluid is rated NS-2. You need to put in NS-2 or you will replace that transmission again.

[@drivedb7]

Unfortunately I think you’re right… and NS-2 is like $20/qt from Nissan. Stupid expensive.

[@WatchJRGo]

It says for Nissan CVT on it 🍻

[@danielharrold1075]

Great video camera angle looking at the bumper bar nothing to do with putting the transmission

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Glad you remembered that bolt!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nut.

[@jeffpavacic1541]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH He doesn't know the difference. lol

[@phillipgardner5836]

Feels so good seeing this car getting finished

[@nap8187]

An "interesting" car to do stuff with might be a first gen CRV.

[@swazi5]

Love those things

[@pinoy413]

I love that they come with a picnic table in the trunk. Always thought that was cool lol

[@codesigma]

The first gen Pontiac Vibe would also be fun. A Toyota engine in a GM hatchback built in what became the Tesla Fremont plant

[@farzogo3342]

02 highlander

[@philgrimsey3637]

@@pinoy413 as a CR-V owner, the table is bloody epic. Surprisingly useful. They also had a shower as a Factory option that was powered off the socket in the boot. Shame the bodies dissolve like a pain killer in water as the engines run forever, especially the B20s. They get a bit oily but just plod on. Mines nearing 200k now and were it not rusty as hell, it would be staying for a good while..

[@mexicanspec]

What I hate about jobs like this is not knowing if the new part is any good. It is soul crushing to go through all of this to have another bad transmission.

[@tap0019]

What is worse than changing a front wheel drive transmission? Changing it twice! I have had to redo work like this and I am with you! It stinks!

[@TheRealBleach]

I love the Cube. So funky 😂

[@Raindrops4891]

did a transmission swap on my 2003 k24 accord today. watched a bunch of the ariel atom videos to motivate me to work on the k series lol thanks my boi

[@steveluken3180]

Early in the video it looked like you had Atom hair. Nice weather to get it out if you did.

[@Dabodizafa]

Y'all remember Gleaming The Cube? Christian Slater. Awesome movie.

[@nadenolam8368]

Get that dang Rolls fixed, tired of seeing it on my Braum’s ice cream runs.

[@joelutz2630]

See it on the way to my nieces house

[@ralphlongo1975]

From about 9 minutes, to about 14 minutes, was straight funk. All 5 minutes of it.

[@kurtsimmons1587]

JR you need to look into one of those oil burners to heat up your shop in the winter. With the amount of oils and antifreeze you will be going through. It possible would be a great investment and save you on your heating bill.

[@toolzshed]

Yay awesome job on the Cube 👍🏾🤘🏽🔥

[@fartsmccracken1445]

“The party don’t start til I walk in.” 😂

[@murry001]

Ok Kesha

[@patrickossowski5632]

the shop is really starting to look awesome great job...

[@anandchundi6805]

Everyone gives nissans crap but their build quality is higher than a kia/hyundai and the parts are easy and cheap to find. One of their biggest issues is ac compressor failure. Anyone who had a cvt fail guaranteed wasn't flushing regularly

[@uptownautogarage6833]

🧊🧊Yes More JR goodness

[@anthonybaker9186]

glad to see the cube fix , Put a Big For Sale on it

[@kerrylewis2581]

Put a handle on the roof and a quick wrap and you have a rolling happy meal.

[@TheHienax]

out with the old and in with the new!!

[@ninjashawn9458]

great video, wish can see more and more about NISSAN CUBE’s turning videos!

[@DavidShamolian]

You should always, ALWAYS use Nissan CVT Transmission Fluid! Trust me, and yes they're different~!

[@alfyer5]

Nice reference of welcome to Atlanta 😂

[@mikeirvine6858]

Pull the electric 4×4 out of the rear fit a narrowed 8.8 lsd differential fit rear wheel drive front struts with appropriate brakes ( skyline ) then biff the nissan cube engine and gearbox and fit with gen 3 5.3 and 4l60e no need to alter fire wall if you fit radiator under rear of vehicle or simple recess for front mount radiator and fit a roll cage ( we built 3 of in new Zealand one was a rebuild of the first ended up being fitted with a 5.7

[@bentyler]

We do it right, because we do it twice. -Mustie1

[@Azeralas]

Cubes, Scion XB's a lot of those cars have transmission problems but they're pretty nice daily drivers. Comfy, can move people or stuff pretty easy its no wonder interest is peaking in them again. Its those transmissions having to deal with low hp to weight ratios. I was looking for an XB for a while and in my search it seemed like everyone was after those pre 2009ish manual transmissions so you can hang in gears to help with its poor acceleration while getting on highways.

[@henrymatthews9365]

I'm my experience removing and installing transmissions. They go in way easier than out. Funny how that works.

[@markweissenbach196]

Transmission mission lets go

[@andrewwong3326]

You can use a pair of Diagonal Wire Cutting to snip the crush washer off the next time. (this happens all the time at the shop for some reason)

[@Leebs]

JR, I really appreciate the content lately, it's been great

[@greathornedowl3644]

Who was thinking he'd back out into a) Z06 Corvette, b) Mercedes S-Class, c) R32, d) run over Ariel Atom

[@kencrouch668]

Look - I hate to point this out but (there goes that word) please put your safety glasses on when you are putting fluid in the car (no- not the oil) I'm talking about the cleaner that was spraying all over the place! I've been around a lot of nasty chemicals in my life and I'm glad I wore safety glasses!

[@frankyforest9086]

Anytime JR says he feels pumped, I want to get myself pumped. Sounds weird but you guys know what I mean. Like go to oreilys and buy some thing my car needs and fix it lol

[@MichaelSmith-wb1es]

Five Minutes of Funk. I like it!

[@kevinkeep1720]

Aren't you glad you don't have to do that in the driveway anymore :).

[@JackpotsAfterDark]

Another awesome car put back on the road in great shape

[@thomaslefler5242]

Like the channel, but would like to see little more content on the actual repair and less closing comments. Always like to learn what you did to fix’em.

[@holeshothunter5544]

I was considering one of those. After seeing all of the crap that came out of things that I would not even have considered...that heat exchange full of black gunk...all of the things that broke...that CVT looks like it's deign service life is about 80,000 miles Thanks for the warning.

[@rwdplz1]

'Can't wait to see it leave' is the correct response to the Cube or Juke.

[@mikeobrien3744]

I keep wondering when he realized I should have junked this before....but I'm too far in now so I have to keep going.

[@WrikSen]

Anything which can be done with that bumper rash?? A quick paint job on the bumpers would make the vehicle absolutely perfect!!

[@r.weaver3769]

I'm a fan of Fram filters

[@sandraestraume9835]

I love cubs

[@rogerperez9967]

I hope John Ross has a commercial pro account with Oreillys and not paying retail bc at This point Oreillys should be delivering to your shop ✊🏻🤨

[@ClassicJunk88]

cvt's give me an uneasy feeling even on fake shift mode and they dont even last. I will forever avoid one

[@MatSpeedle]

Got that car Squared away.... I'll get my coat ;)

[@nathanielcrenshaw187]

@9:13 - not a Juke, but you should definitely flip one or tune one!

[@andrethomas7096]

Hah I caught that five minutes of funk verse you did there Jay. Whoudini fan are we?

[@annhopkin5079]

On the cube the seat has long lever you can kind of pump and it raises the seat up yours obviously is at its lowest level you can make it a lot higher

[@KevinArrant]

I'd love to send my 2000 Xterra to Kansas to have JR work on it !!

[@corykeibler4657]

I like the Ariel Atom hair

[@TheBarberShopScott]

Aye cube content

[@WatchJRGo]

To watch in your cubicle 💯

[@trbstang]

Too bad the trans didn't install itself when you clapped your hands! Lol. Keep up the great work JR!

[@andrewhillman9632]

Would love to see a Cube converted Shogun style!

[@jonathanj.4800]

I think it's a cool little car. I wouldn't pay much for it, though.

[@rodpasichnyk9140]

OK Mean Jean, ha, cheers!

[@AFCUjstrick]

Okerlund?

[@chaunybuck6065]

I need to see him do a Walter White Aztek🤣. I bought one in 2003. I luved mine! They have been called the "ugliest car" ever made. But, honestly they were ahead of thier time. They have a cult following now because of Breaking Bad and it drove the price of them up. Hard to find them under 5k.

[@100PercentJake]

Nissan²

[@longjohn77]

Nissan³

[@foxpuremage]

People in Dubai don’t like the flintstones. But people in Abu Dhubai do

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Subtle, yet genius! 👍

[@McTwistedTwisties]

Dealers hate me: CVT's will last forever if you change their oil every 50k miles... But no one will ever recommend them or want to do them.

[@miketdarnell]

Good job

[@claysmell]

I would always worry that the used replacement transmission has some issue you won't know about until you get it all back in. Maybe even the same issue as the one you're replacing.

[@welldontdothat]

Loving the daily content!

[@ColonelCampbellAI2024]

When your front bumper spends its whole life driving through fields of barbed wire 👌