• Summary

    2 out of 5 2.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I don't treat it well ...well it's a tool for my convenience ... it does a job.

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

    The wife hates it ..too big and boxy.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I just might ... but not made up my mind over that one.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Still working on that ... The Toyota RAV4 looks like it's improved to a point worthy of consideration.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £19,000

    When did you buy the car?

    October 2004

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Used an independant agent had dealt with before. He offers a no nonsense deal. Finds a suitable vehicle, tells you the savings and cost. If happy you buy it. Stress free.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Raised driving position, leg room, load / towing capability and 4x4 feature.

    What was the dealer like?

    As any other dealer ...no sparks flying for enthusiasm. 12000 service intervals vary in cost from about £185.00 to + £300. depending on which service , there are 3 types.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    the x-trail is lazy driving. Easy and confortable. I don't fret about long journeys with this car. I can sit in it and drive all day and be comfortable. The thought of a 2 hour drive home at the end of a long day is not a dread as can be with many other cars.

    What's it like to park?

    Can be difficult judging the location of the "corners" and their proximity to surroundings. A nightmare in the dark when its raining with water on the mirrors.

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Oh yes! Lost the turbo in the first 1000 miles. Lost a second turbo at about 30k miles and now lost a third turbo at 72k miles. Luckily I had extended warranty. Also had the oil intercooler pop and dump loads of oil into the engine compartment. The paint finish isn't great. Orange peel effect all over. Soft paint that scratches easily. Seat belts are losing their retractibilty. Chrome plastic trim is poor and not durable. Generally the working surfaces of the load interior aren't quite so durable and tend to scratch easily or pull off. The load space is not really intended for anything hard or heavy. It looks more rugged that it is in practice. The spare wheel is tucked away under the load floor and not easy to get out without having to reach in and lift. Not good if you h

    What's most practical about your car?

    Nothing special there. But it is a good ride and comfy to sit in when in slow traffic or busy motorway. 4x4 capability comes in handy when on steep wet junctions or up little lanes during the winter. Ploughs through snow really well. Very comfortable rear seating with adequate leg room. Taken it through floods up to the wheel arches with no problem.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Sadly there are none.