Nissan X-TRAIL Problems

Space-savers are intended for emergency use to get you to a place to repair or replace the punctured tyre. They're not intended to be driven on for long distances, or at high speeds. Nissan has undoubtedly tested them and they are rated for the X-Trail, so I don't have any problem with them, although I would prefer a full-sized spare.

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.

You first need to decide the level of off-roading you will be doing because that will determine if you need a four-wheel drive or you only need an all-wheel drive SUV. From what you have told us I suspect that an SUV, such as a Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, or a Nissan X-Trail would be the best all-round vehicle for you. All of those would fit your budget, they will all go off-road to a reasonable degree, and they're all reliable. The Mitsubishi Triton is a hard-riding ute, which I don't think is what you want, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara is a good vehicle and would also fit your needs.

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.

It could be any number of things I’m afraid. It’s clearly not the battery. If it doesn’t turn over when you turn the ignition key to start it could be a faulty starter motor; if it does crank, but doesn’t fire look at the ignition system.

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 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 would expect the local speed limit to be shown.

The over-speed warning appears to be set with a margin so it doesn't go off when you're driving on the limit when it would probably annoy you.