Nissan X-TRAIL 2002 Problems

You could be right in presuming that the clutch is not fully disengaging as this will definitely cause gear-selection problems. If the clutch is worn or has broken components inside, then it can be impossible to make it fully disengage, and choosing gears – particularly from a standing start – can be difficult if not impossible. At that point, presuming the clutch is adjusted properly (and your car uses hydraulic clutch actuation, so there’s not really any adjustment in it) a replacement clutch is the only real fix.

But don’t rule out a problem with the mechanism that actually selects the gears and links the gear-shifter to the gearbox proper. In some cars this is a cable, in others it’s a set of linkages, but either set-up can become maladjusted and cause shifting problems.

You’re looking at the T30 X-Trail, which was a sound model, but it’s now an old car and needs to be assessed as that. On average a 2002/2003 model will have done 200,000 to 300,000 km, so you should expect it to showing some wear and tear. The body should be free of bumps and scrapes, the interior should be clean with no tears in the trim, the engine should be clean and with no oil leaks, and there should be no indications of off-road use. It should have a record of regular service. Expect to pay $2000-$5000.

It needs closer inspection by an auto electrician or Nissan specialist. It could be something as simple as a bad connection in the wiring loom.

It's odd that it only does it under acceleration. That makes me think it's not tyres or alignment; have the driveline checked, particularly the CV joints.

I reckon you would have good reason to ask Nissan to supply new hub assemblies free of charge, leaving you to pay for the labour. The best place to start is with your dealer, and you should show him the failed parts and a report from your mechanic.

If it's an accredited repair shop, it will have the experience and skill to do the work. Body repair shops remove and replace panels all the time. It's not a concern as such, and done as a matter of course these days rather than panelbeat the roof to rid it of the dents as might have been done in the past. If the work is done correctly the structure of the vehicle won't be affected, and I would certainly have it done. I assume it's covered by insurance, so you have comeback on the insurance company if the work isn't done well. And resale value will be much better without dents in the roof.