Nissan X-TRAIL Problems

It's a great way for dealers to make money. I would never approve it on my car.

I would say that you are in a position of power here, as they want to tear up the deal by asking for another $1880. If I were in your shoes I would refuse their request and demand they proceed with the deal as negotiated. If they refuse walk away and go somewhere else. If they were half smart they would cop the mistake and sell you the car as agreed.

For your main requirements, I'd avoid all four of your shortlisted models and go for a Subaru Forester or Outback. They are more car-like but will still handle the rough roads.

The CX-5 is the best vehicle in your line-up and gets The Tick from me.

The three cars you name all have merit, none has any major issue to be concerned about and all fit your needs, but you will have to shop around to find them within your age and budget limits.

More than 80 per cent of cars sold in Australia are now automatics and that share is still rising, fast. When companies are looking to cut cost and complications from their line-ups, it's easy to drop a manual that few people want. Between X-Trail and CR-V I give The Tick to the Honda.

The Australian Design Rule specifies that the speedo must not indicate a speed less than the true speed of the vehicle, or a speed greater than the vehicle’s true speed by an amount more than 10 percent plus 4 km/h. That means that if your car is travelling at a true speed of 100 km/h the speedo can legally read as high as 114 km/h. On that basis your car would appear to be within the allowed tolerance and is legal.

The oil leaks need to be fixed, but you are right about the belt. All Nissan engines after 2011 have timing chains, not a belt, so don't need to be changed. The only reason you might change the chain is if it is stretched, but that shouldn't be the case on yours with just 75,000km on the clock.

The main concern with the CVT transmission is shuddering, particularly on takeoff from a standstill. It's easily recognised if your car has it. If it isn't showing any signs of the problem I wouldn't be too concerned about it.