Nissan X-Trail (2001 - 2007) 2.2 dCi Sport (136ps) 5d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm practical and not bothered about fancy flash looking cars and that I'm not landed Gentry or i'd be able to afford a Land Rover instead. But then again everytime I see a Land Rover all I think about is the Essex Boys and we all know how that ended don't we! The Xtrail doesn't have baggage or a gritty reputation but is a beast on the road...it's always the quiet ones :-).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone loved it, some feared it as it looks huge and chunky but once inside it's easy as any other car to drive but with added 4 Wheel Drive capability.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Simply because the new models (2015) look like a different car altogether, in fact they look like qashqis (however you spell it!). I like the boxy look of the old models (mine being 2004). If the body styling was less curved and car-like then yes I would buy again.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm looking to buy a Toyota Previa. I had an old one years ago and the space inside was unbeatable. It was a dream to drive despite it's length and weight, I miss it and it's utter reliability. The Nissan has been a very good replacement however and has not disappointed.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,995

When did you buy the car?

February 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

A fair price paid and the vehicle was well valeted with all the paperwork present.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Specifically bought to tour Ireland. Notorious for 'bad' country roads so I needed a robust vehicle to take the punishment it would suffer.

What was the dealer like?

Very accomodating and even drove the vehicle to my property so I could test drive it locally. I had already visited the dealer to test drive another Xtrail which I didn't buy after inspecting the engine.

What's it like to drive?

It's very easy to drive with such a powerful low pull engine and doesn't feel strained by high speeds on the motorway. The 4 wheel Drive gives you extra confidence in snow and it handles tough hill starts with ease. The turning circle is large making 3-point-turns for example hard work, I feel the wheel on full lock still doesn't get me round a tight enough circle so it can be cumbersome in tight spaces. The turbo charge makes it very responsive and powerful and it feels solid and smooth. I find there is a bit of tilt on tight turns so you need to keep speed low unless you don't mind the sensation of being on a rollercoaster. Overall, it's easy to control, performs well and is an excellent work horse.

What's it like to park?

The wing mirrors are very generous so parking is easy as you have a full view all around the car. I do find the turning circle quite large though so squeezing into tight spaces can take a few turns, forwards & backs to get it in.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I noticed a small oil leak and replaced the Sump (VERY expensive repair!). The ABS & 4WD warning lights came on. After diagnostics an ABS sensor was replaced, again this was very expensive in comparisson to other makes even the garage where shocked at the price of the part! Maintenance wise I have replaced all brakes, tyres and had it serviced.

What's most practical about your car?

There is a huge amount of 'cargo' space with the back seats folded down making this very practical for my purposes. I especially love the fact that the speedometer dials which traditionally sit directly in front of the steering wheel are all placed centrally. It was a little weird at first but being able to read every dial without the steering wheel blocking the view makes me wonder why no other manufacturers thought of this before!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Everything is to hand but nothing out of the ordinary to sing & dance about - electric windows, mirrors, steering wheel controls for CD etc.