2003 Nissan X-Trail Sport-X 2.2 turbo diesel

Summary:

A competent all-rounder

Faults:

Corrosion bubbling through on all four alloy wheels within a year of purchase at about 15,000 miles.

General Comments:

A good all-rounder that is quicker and more reliable than more expensive SUV's.

Delivers mid to late 40 mpg on the motorway.

Considering the high centre of gravity, very competent cornering at speed.

Very good brakes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2006

2003 Nissan X-Trail SVE 2.5

Summary:

Best value 4 X 4

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I previously had a top range Mitsubishi Shogun 3.5L, the X Trail is more comfortable, faster, more economical, better specified and £15,000 cheaper.

The heated leather seats are superb the drive is smooth and the handling is amazing for this type of vehicle.

This is my sixth four wheel drive vehicle and by far the best value for money.

I firmly believe they are on a winner with this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2003

21st Dec 2003, 06:32

I recently purchased a 2003 model 2.5 "SVE" Automatic. It's my first 4x4, previously drove a BMW 3 series, but need the extra room and added safety of the elevated driving position.

The only two issues I have with this car are...

1) with the auto gearbox, on steeper hills the the car will rollback unless you have the handbrake on or are pressing the accelerator to keep the car in position. None of the auto cars I have previously driven.

2) No illumination in the door lock switch on the drivers door when the headlights are switched on (the switch the locks all the doors).

27th Dec 2004, 04:18

I have owned my 2 litre X Trail SE+ for 3 years now having driven 19000 miles, I like the abundance of features, but this model is seriously underpowered and if it were not for the heavy potential loss I would have changed it for the 2.5 model which was not available here when I bought it. The only other serious downside is the LED heater controls which are unreadable in strong light and I have to stop the car to change them. They have now been replaced by conventional controls I believe. I would advise against purchasing these early models on these two badly designed items alone. Other than this it's a comfortable car and great for long trips. I get 30 mpg.

2nd Jul 2008, 17:13

Hope all this comments and tips will help take the right option.

My case is different, always driving "heavy-duty" 4wd vehicles (Daihatsu, Land Rover, Suzuki's) using low-range frequently. My first SUV was my wife's and seldom times used Honda CR-v. Now I'd rather have a space generous car, no longer driving on extreme 4wd paths and economy, rather buy this one instead of Toyota, Honda or Koreans.