Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Corolla?
Hi, would you consider a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel to be as reliable as a 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.4 diesel of similar mileage and condition? I will be buying one or the other in the next week or so and my heart is saying Qashqai, but my head is saying Corolla - can you provide an independent insight please? I do 20,000 miles per year.
Many thanks
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Qashqai is a reliable car, as are pretty much all Nissans, but the Corolla will still have the reliability edge. If reliability is ultimately your priority, then go for the Corolla. That said, if you really want the Qashqai, as long as it comes with a full service history and you keep it regularly serviced, we wouldn’t expect to see any major issues occur.
Can I steam clean my Nissan Qashqai's engine?
Can a Nissan Qashqai petrol engine be steam cleaned without causing damage to said vehicle's electrics?
Kenneth Jones (Paphos Cyprus)Nov 2016 Filed under: cleaning
Expert answer
Hi Kenneth,
Yes, but it will depend on the condition of the engine. Basically, as long as all of the wiring and electrics are in good condition and are properly covered up with their original panels and cable armour etc, then it should be fine.
Should I replace by Qashqai with a Tucson?
Hi guys,
I see the Hyundai Tucson everywhere. Would it be a good replacement for my Nissan Qashqai next year? Hoping to get finance and use the Nissan as a deposit.
Thanks
Daniel Corbett (Athlone)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Yes, it certainly would. The Tucson hasn’t become Ireland’s best selling new car this year for nothing. It’s handsome, roomy, well-made, well-equipped and well-priced. On the flip side, it’s not especially inspiring to drive and it’s worth considering an upgrade to the 2.0-litre diesel engine as the 1.7 CRDi unit is quite underpowered. Oh, and also consider a Kia Sportage as it’s basically the same as the Hyundai, mechanically, but comes with the longer seven-year warranty. Here are a few reviews to give you more information:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi review
Do my Qashqai's CV joints need replacing?
I have a 2012 Nissan Qashqai and I noticed that when I go around corners, left or right, there is a noise, not squeaky, more of a knocking noise as I turn the corner - could this be the CV joint?
Eoin McCormack (Dublin 7)Aug 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
A knocking noise is indeed how you'd usually describe a CV joint when it's worn, but it's usually only turning in one direction - unless both are gone, which would be unusual in such a young car in our experience. Either way, it's not easy to trouble shoot noises from afar so I suggest you drop into a local garage and get them to analyse it for you. They'll know in seconds if it is a CV joint.
Best of luck.
Is there Isofix in the back of Qashqai+2?
Hi, can you tell me how many Isofix points there are on the Nissan Qashqai+2? Nowhere on the internet can tell me if there are Isofix points in the very back two seats.
Thanks
Dave
David Cronin (Cork)Jul 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
No, there aren't Isofix points for the folding third row seats. The Qashqai+2 only has Isofix for the outer two rear seats in the middle row.
Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.
Tell me about the 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2...
I am looking to buy a 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 SVE petrol version; can you please let me know what are the spec differences between SV and SVE for the year 2012?
Does this model have timing chain or belt and what would be the replacement interval?
What would be the mpg on this particular model?
Thanks.
User Duluth (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Right, I'll be honest - we had to get on to Nissan Ireland for help with this, but it came through in spades.
Over and above the SV model, the SVE added Xenon headlights, Intelligent Key, illuminated passenger sunvisor, seven-speaker BOSE audio system, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors.
The engine has a timing chain, not a belt, so it doesn't need replacement, but it does need to be inspected at regular intervals. Any Qashqai with a full service history should be fine on that score.
In terms of economy, the 1.6 petrol Qashqai got 44mpg overall while the 1.6 diesel got 55mpg, or 60mpg if it was fitted with the stop-start system.
Hope that all helps
My 2015 Qashqai has an unwanted vibration.
I have a 2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel. Recently there is a severe vibration from the passenger side front of the car on standing idle. It disappears after a slight rev on the engine is applied. Would appear the car body is lightly built and the diesel engine vibrates the engine mountings. Is this a common fault and or have you had other queries similar to this on the Qashqai?
William Neale (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi William,
Clearly your car is still under warranty so if you think the vibration is "severe" then you should get it back to the dealer for a look. They'll soon sort it out if it is indeed a problem such as a fauly engine mounting.
We've not had any other queries of the same nature on the Qashqai and we've always found the 1.5 dCi engine relatively smooth.
Is the Qashqai's 1.5-litre engine enough?
Is the Qashqai's 1.5-litre engine powerful enough or does the 1.6 make for a better alternative to the Hyundai Tucson or the Toyota RAV4? My driving is a mix of rural roads, motorways and urban.
P. J. Hynes (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi PJ,
It's a slight oddity that the Qashqai has two different engines so close in capacity. The 1.6 is actually a replacement for the old 130hp 1.9-litre engine while the slightly older 1.5 has 110hp and is a direct competitor for most rivals' 1.6-litre engines. Confused? Don't worry - the basic answer is that the Qashqai's 1.5 is indeed competitive and should suit your driving just about perfectly. There's plenty of poke in it and it's still very economical.
What's the difference between these Qashqais?
What's the difference between a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi XE and 1.5 dCi XE E6?
Mick Dillon (Kilkenny)Feb 2016 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
We contacted Nissan Ireland for an answer to this query, and here's what was said:
"E6 stands for Euro 6 - ie that the car meets Euro 6 regulations. The regulation change from Euro 5 to Euro 6 came about last June - so there are still some Euro 5 cars in circulation. All Euro 5 cars need to be registered by the end of this year. There is no difference between a Euro 5/Euro 6 car in terms of specification. An E5 XE and E6 XE Qashqai are the same car in terms of specification - the difference lies in the level of regulation it adheres to."