Nissan Problems

For beach and basic trail driving I'd be aiming for something with a locking centre differential, which all-wheel drive versions of the previous generation X-Trail certainly had. Another suitable good value option would be an all-wheel drive Hyundai ix35. Both of which were available in diesel. Any common issues will likely be highlighted on our X-Trail and ix35 problems pages.

Pull the small slot on the back of the key fob to the left, then remove the emergency key from the end of the fob. Put a small flat-blade screwdriver into the slots where the emergency key slid out of, gently prying the fob apart by slowly twisting the blade. They fob then splits in half and you can replace the battery.

The Nissan Qashqai's overall length is 4394mm. Other dimensions are kerb weight (1429kg), width (1806mm), and height (1595mm).

The petrol Qashqai is rated to tow up to 1200kg, while the diesel is rated to tow up to 1400kg.

It’s at the high end of the range, but it seems fair.

A conventional automatic transmission is the one that we have been used to in cars dating back to the 1940s.

Holden introduced its first automatic in 1961 with the EK model. A conventional transmission is one with a torque convertor between the engine and transmission so provide smooth easy drivaways. It basically disconnects just above idle speed so the engine can idle, but engages again when you accelerate away.

The transmission uses fluid to operate the various clutches inside the transmission for smooth shifting. The conventional transmission has proven to be very reliable over the years, but it isn’t the most efficient in terms of fuel consumption, particularly when compared to a manual gearbox. Engineers have been trying for years to make a more efficient transmission that has the smoothness of operation and the efficiency of a manual gearbox.

The two most successful have been the CVT “Continuously Variable Transmission) and the dual-clutch transmission, such as VW’s DSG and Ford’s Powershift. The CVT is designed to keep the engine revving at its most fuel-efficient speed by continuously varying the gearing.

To do that it uses a system of pulleys and a belt. It seems odd when driving it because the engine sounds like it’s revving its head off at a constant speed instead of climbing and dropping as it would normally do. The CVT was first used on a small DAF car in the 1970s, and picked up by Volvo when it took over DAF. It took a long time to develop the transmission, particularly the drive belt, to be used on anything other than a very small engine. Those problems have largely been fixed, but you’re correct that Nissan, and also Honda, had troubles when they first used the CVT.

The dual-clutch transmission is really a manual gearbox with two clutches that operate in synch with each other, one releasing one gear while the other engaging another gear. VW, Ford and Holden have had a lot of trouble with it, mostly related to the clutch packs, and the electronics.

It should be noted that both the CVT and the dual-clutch auto are more fuel-efficient that the conventional automatic, and both now seem to be largely trouble free.

For models with later models you pop the bonnet, then turn the cover on the back of the headlight a quarter-turn anti-clockwise. Put on gloves, then pull the headlight and wiring out. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the H7 globe from the plug and mounting ring. Place mounting ring on new headlight bulb, push until it clicks, then refit. Older models are simpler. Pop the bonnet then pull the wiring plug away from the back of the headlight. Spin the cover anti-clockwise and then pull the H7 Halogen globe out with the cover. Do not touch the globe with your bare hands as it will shorten the lifespan of the new globe. Because of this, and the tight confines of the work space you should wear gloves when doing this job.

It’s impossible to know if it will get worse, all you can do is closely monitor it and keep a record of what you observe. I’m tempted to believe that there’s nothing wrong with it, that it’s just the CVT transmission doing its thing.

So long as it is properly maintained with services done at least as often as the owner's manual suggests, Nissan's Qashqai is a good car and will be as reliable as any other car in its class.

 Both have a 3500kg towing rating, so will tow most caravans with ease, but you also need to be aware of the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and make sure you don’t exceed them when loaded.