Nissan X-Trail (2001 - 2007) 2.2 Di SE+ 5d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It's my wife's car first, and she adores it because it suits our outdoors lifestyle. I don't believe it would say much about the driver without the few modifications we've made (all terrain tyres, roof rack, pressed steel number plates due the the front one cracking).

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

Solid, dependable, identifiable due to the mods, practical, comfortable.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. We are looking at replacing in the next year or so with the slightly later dci model as we prefer the dashboard layout.

What are you likely to buy next?

04-06 X-Trail 2.2DCi T-Spec.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,550

When did you buy the car?

December 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

After hassle trying to sell on eBay, the previous owner was happy for us to drive away after handing over many fewer notes than I was expecting, simply because we showed up!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A baby was on the way and we needed a practical family car. The places we like to holiday in are littered with rough tracks rather than roads, and we have a small boat to tow/launch.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Superb. Road holding is fantastic, cornering level and it is very predictable. The engine/gearbox are definitely not set up for racing drivers, however, and have a largely agricultural feel. The engine is also quite noisey. Visibility is excellent as is the driving position. It is comfortable on long journeys and cruises at high speed well for long distances. We drove this one to Poland last year and easily kept 150kph across Germany with a full boot and a roof load.

What's it like to park?

Couldn't be easier. Steering is light, visibility is excellent, and the boxy shape means all the corners are easily spotted from the drivers seat. It is also slightly narrower than most cars in its class which makes things easier still.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's been good-to-average in this area. The starter motor required reconditioning last year, we needed to replace a key shortly after purchase (expensive!), and a CV gaiter needed replacing for the MOT this year. Everything else has been service parts. It's done alright considering it's nearing 160,000 miles now.

What's most practical about your car?

The 4WD system, the wipe-down interior, the ground clearance, the towbar (it's a very capable tow-er).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated seats are a god-send in the winter, especially as Nissan's climate control system is famously slow.