Nissan X-TRAIL Problems

The CX-5 is the one that gets The Tick. You should only go for diesel for heavy towing or if you drive more than 30,000km a year.

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

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.

An auto club report would not force anything from a dealer but would alert you to any problems you need to raise before the warranty expires.

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

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.

Nissan spokesman Peter Fadeyev says: "Since the late 1980s, all Nissan vehicles have had a timing chain fitted, not a belt. This chain does not need replacing as a service-related item."

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.