Nissan Problems

The Nissan’s price is on the money for a private sale, although the mileage is at the top end of the range. The Subaru’s price is above the top end of the quoted value for the model, which is probably due to its very low odo reading. Generally, the one with the lower odo would be the one to go for, but when it’s double the price of the other you really have to want it to hand over the extra cash.

Here and now the X-Trail would be the better value.

It will handle it with ease, there's nothing that should concern about such a trip in the X-Trail, but before you leave check the oil, coolant, and tyres.

The obvious benefit is fuel economy, the diesel is much more economical than the equivalent petrol model. On average the diesel consumes 20 per cent less fuel than the petrol model. The other possible benefit is that the diesel has an automatic transmission whereas the petrol has a CVT transmission.

I can’t say for sure what has gone wrong with the car, a mechanic would need to assess it firsthand to be able to tell you that. But the transmission is a CVT, which can be troublesome, but it might be as simple as changing the oil, or it might be that it needs to be replaced.

I wouldn’t be buying a Murano that’s done a lot of kilometres without having the transmission assessed by an expert mechanic.

Electric vehicles will be more mainstream in 2-3 years time, but they won’t be anything like mainstream in that time. Getting the purchase price down is the key to electric vehicles becoming more popular. In your timeframe I would be still be thinking about a small petrol-engined vehicle, with a view to going electric the next time you change cars.

If it has made by a reputable spare parts manufacturer, then yes, it probably is ok, but I would be looking to replace the leaking seals rather than the whole cover assembly.

No doubt there are 4WDs available for $3100, but they will be old, worn out, and probably unroadworthy. Try something like a 2000-2001 Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, or Suzuki Grand Vitara, and buy the best one you can find.

It sounds like a problem with the Continuously Variable Transmission, and I would suggest you have it serviced and the transmission oil changed.

It's hard to recommend a car that would suit you without knowing more about what you want to do with it, but I would suggest you avoid sporty models, low-profile tyres, and consider an SUV such as a Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Qashqai, or Renault Captur.