Used Nissan X-Trail review: 2007-2012

Towing or touring, the boxy family wagon had ample living room.

New

Until you got up close to the new X-Trail Nissan released in 2007 you could have been forgiven for thinking little had changed. It was the same boxy shape, but when you did get up close you discovered it was longer, wider and taller than the outgoing mode. That meant it was roomier, but also heavier.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, carried over from the previous model, had refinements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness as well as improve fuel economy and boost mid-range performance. It was a willing performer but the extra weight of the new model dulled its zip a little.

In 2008 Nissan added a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, combining the sort of fuel economy buyers were looking with the smooth driveability and the towing performance that comes with a diesel's low-end torque.

Those who signed up for the petrol engine had the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a constantly variable transmission, the latter having six preset ratios. With the turbo diesel, the options were the manual or a conventional automatic, also a six-speeder.

You'll generally hear a contented tale of comfort, easy access thanks to the high driving position, roominess, adequate performance and admirable reliability.

The final drive was courtesy of an improved version of Nissan's acclaimed All-Mode setup, which delivered front-wheel drive, automatic all-wheel drive or 4WD lock for more serious off-roading.

It wasn't designed for heavy-duty off-roading but the X-Trail was remarkably competent when the blacktop stopped, suiting owners who wanted to explore a dirt road or the beach rather than rocky bush tracks.

Gone from the new model were the annoying centre-mounted speedo and gauges, replaced by a more conventional dash in front of the driver.

The petrol variants were the entry ST, the ST-L and the range-topping Ti and the diesels were badged TS and TL.

Now

Listen to X-Trail owners and you'll generally hear a contented tale of comfort, easy access thanks to the high driving position, roominess, adequate performance and admirable reliability.

The mechanicals are generally sound and give little grief, though the service interval of 10,000km is a little short for some owners. When trouble strikes it's usually to do with the electronics that control the engine, connections in the wiring loom or failures of the likes of the crank angle sensor.

Pay close attention to the CVT when checking a potential purchase. Nissan, as with other makes, had this option as a more efficient automatic than a conventional auto, which can soak up engine power and increase the fuel consumption; the CVT doesn't.

The things to be careful of with the CVT is shuddering on takeoff or acceleration and surging while accelerating.

The downside of a CVT is the way it drives; it's designed to keep the engine operating within a small rev band in which it's at its most fuel-efficient so there's a constant buzz with a CVT that doesn't seem to change as we drive along. There's nothing particularly wrong with it — the concept is brilliant — but it can take some getting used to.

The things to be careful of with the CVT is shuddering on takeoff or acceleration and surging while accelerating. The CVT that Nissan uses had some of these issues, so be alert.

Look for a service record that shows your possible new car has been properly maintained and not neglected, and inspect underneath for signs of off-road punishment that might rule a car out.