Nissan Problems

Most small SUVs are all-wheel drive, as is your SX4, which means it's an on-demand four-wheel drive system rather than a traditional one. If the SX4 does what you want you could try a Suzuki Grand Vitara, or a Nissan X-Trail.

Not significantly. If you’re interested in a current model Quashqai I would wait until just before the new model is due and take advantage of the run-out sales that will surely come.

The T30 X-Trail is reliable and durable, and many owners are reporting no problems, even at high mileage well in excess of the 164,000 km of the car you're considering. The good thing is that the T30 has a regular automatic rather than the CVT of the later models, which did give some trouble early on. I wouldn't buy one with a manual gearbox, as clutches are a problem.

I would rule out the CX-7 on the basis of poor fuel consumption, the performance of the iX35 petrol version is a little lacking, the Tucson is a better car, but I would suggest the X-Trail is probably your best bet.

The transmission in your car is a CVT and changing the oil is definitely recommended. If you doubt that the full service hasn't been done go back to the dealer and ask for an explanation.

The best thing you can do is to go around to various dealers and check a number of vehicles to see how they work for you.

As you say, the choice is bewildering. All the models you have been looking would be suitable; you could also look at the Nissan X-Trail. I would go for either the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage, but that's not to say the others aren't worth considering. Why don't you go shopping and check each of them out to see how they fit your needs.

They’re generally sound, but there are a couple of things to be aware of. If it’s a manual, look for a worn clutch. They are expensive to replace. Check for shuddering, hesitations, or a reluctance to drive if it’s got a CVT. Diesels are prone to blocking of the DPF filter if they’re only driven short distances and don’t get a chance to regenerate the way they are designed to do.

It's not possible to say with any certainty. Regularly serviced it could go for another 260,000 km, but if neglected it could breakdown tomorrow.

Relatively few of these engines were sold, so it won't have the same established patterns as a HiLux 3.0-litre for example.