Expert answer

Hi Glen,

Qashqais are pretty well built, as are all Nissans, by and large. Just watch for soggy rear suspension (the dampers and bushes can wear out fast sometimes) and signs of abuse or neglect (they are designed for families after all) in the cabin.

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

The Qashqai should be pretty reliable; Nissans tend to be, although we have noted that it's a model that's been through quite a few recalls, so check with Nissan to make sure that the one you're looking at has had all its work done. Other than that the only weak spot seems to be the rear suspension and bushes, which can be prone to wear. Listen for clonking noises from the back or wallowy handling.

Expert answer

Hi Priscilla,

If it's either the 1.6 petrol or the 1.5 diesel then yes, it's an engine shared with the Nissan Qashqai (and sundry other Nissans and Renaults) and is generally pretty solidly built and reliable. 

With Renaults, it's the peripheral systems you have to watch. Major items like the engine and gearbox usually go on just fine but electric components (especially windows in the past), exhaust systems, cabin trim and such like can all be fragile. Check carefully and make sure there's a full service history.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Carl,

To the end of May this year it's the Volkswagen Golf, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus. It was the same top three for 2012, though the Focus was first and the Golf third.

Hope that's of interest

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

The Qashqai+2 is actually a very nice car, but a proper seven-seater it's not. Those two seats in the boot are really for occasional use only and frankly I think you're going to have trouble wrestling a bulky, heavy infant car seat back there.

Of the other two, there are lots of Zafiras around to choose from so I'd be very, very fussy in choosing one with the colour and spec you like as well as a full service history. You can always walk away and find another one if you need to. But actually, of the three, we'd go for the Corolla Verso. It's not exciting to drive or look at but Toyotas tend to be indestructible and the space inside is simply cavernous.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 review

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Eric and thanks for the question,

Our advice would be to have this car thoroughly checked out mechanically. It sounds fine, but don't buy it if you yourself plan to rack up say 20,000km a year and bear in mind that it's not going to be worth a lot when you go to sell it in a few years, so I hope you're getting a good deal.

Also, it's worth getting a Cartell.ie history check to confirm its mileage and that it was not used as a taxi.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Colette,

Keep an eye out for turbo issues on the 1.5 diesel, and listen very carefully for any knocking coming from the suspension. Some of the interior fittings can be a bit fragile too. Other than that, they’re pretty solid, as long as you buy with a full service history. Oh and, yes, they’re economical — you should easily get 45-50mpg in daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

We've not heard anything as yet. The model was given a mild update at the end of 2011 so we'd be surprised to see any talk of a full replacement until the end of 2013. No doubt there'll be more tweaks along the way, but it's still a big seller so Nissan doesn't really need to change much.

Hope that helps