Timing belt or chain in my Qashqai?
I have a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 2WD Visia petrol with 66,000 miles on the clock. Question: does it have a timing belt or chain? When should I replace it?
Thanks
Umberto Di Candia (CAMBRIDGE)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Umberto,
Our information tells us that the 1.6-litre petrol engine has a timing chain, which has no scheduled maintenance.
Nissan Qashqai or Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel or Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9, both 2008?
Siobhan Warren (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Siobhan,
Although the Suzuki would probably just about shade it on outright reliability and toughness, I'd go for the Nissan. It's a much more sophisticated device.
Which seven-seater to go for?
We are looking for a used petrol seven-seater (we do low mileage) and have narrowed it down to two cars: Nissan Qashqai, 2011, 1.6 petrol, 27,000km or Toyota Corolla Verso, 2012, 1.6 petrol, 35,000 miles (import from the North). Both cars seem to be in good nick and drive well and I am guessing will be in the same tax bracket. The Verso is a couple of thousand more expensive, but within our budget.
Cónal McGovern (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Cónal,
Ok, it depends what you need. Do you need to use all seven seats regularly? Get the Verso, as it has at least decent space in the third row. If you just need a couple of vey occasional flip-up seats for short journeys then the Qashqai is nicer to look at and better to drive.
What is the cheapest crossover as a second hand car?
What is the cheapest crossover as a second hand car?
Mary Boyce (Parked On Drive)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Almost certainly a Nissan Qashqai. Early Mk1s are hovering around the €6k mark now, but beware of high-milers that have suffered dog's abuse.
Is the clutch in the Nissan Qashqai+2 ok?
I am trading in my 2007 Toyota Avensis Strata for a Nissan Qashqai+2. Just wondering are there problems with the clutches in them, as the warranty from the garage does not cover this.
Thanks
John, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
John Walkin (Castlebar, Co. Mayo)Jul 2015 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
H John,
There are no recurring problems that we've heard of with Qashqai clutches. Maybe make sure the garage checks the clutch thoroughly before you buy for peace of mind.
What will we replace our Kia Sportage with?
Hi, my wife is driving a 2013 Kia Sportage and is thinking of updating. What would you recommend?
Joe Malone (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Lots to choose from, but if she fancies another Sportage, then hang on for a year - there's an all-new model coming. You could consider a trade-up into the excellent new Kia Sorento, but that's a bigger, more expensive car. If you want to stick in the same size range (and stick with an SUV) then have a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4.
Relevant reviews:
Can you help me choose from these family car?
Which would be cheaper, more economical and have low maintainance, for family of five that require good boot size, mostly city driving, 12,000km mileage per year: Kia Carens diesel, Nissan Qashqai diesel or petrol 1.2, Kia cee'd estate or Skoda Fabia Combi either 2014 or 2015?
Thanks, Mary
Mary Strike (Cork)May 2015 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
I'd leave the Fabia Combi out straight away. It's a very good little car but it's just too small if you're putting five people into it regularly. The cee'd estate is one of our favourite cars - practical, handsome and good to drive and those are things you can equally say about the Qashqai. However, again, I'd say if you're trying to get five people in every day, space in the back could be an issue.
Which leaves us with the Carens. Thankfully it's a very good choice - all the attributes of the cee'd, but with extra space and comfort for those in the back. My advice would be to go and test drive each one but make sure you bring along everyone who's going to regularly be using the car and make sure everyone's comfortable in it. Not just a spin around the block either - drive for long enough to make sure everyone has a chance to get fidgety.
Worth noting though that with your driving pattern, the petrol Qashqai is going to have the best engine for your purposes. You may need to make a compromise between engine and seating at some point.
Relevant reviews:
What is the best crossover to buy?
What is the best crossover to buy?
Eamonn Carter (Gorey)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Do you mean big or small? Actually, the new Fiat 500x we've just driven could be a good shout for a small crossover, or if you don't fancy that, take a look at the MINI Countryman.
Something more medium? There are only two players really - Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai. Ford Kuga is also worth a look, but only the current model, not the old one.
Bigger than that? Honda's CR-V is always a good one, or if you're buying new have a long, hard look at the latest Kia Sorento.
Relevant reviews:
Nissan Qashqai+2 or Toyota RAV4?
Nissan Qashqai+2 or Toyota RAV4?
Bronagh Donohoe (Galway )Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Bronagh,
If it's the current RAV4, then I'd say the RAV4 - really sweet to drive and lots of space. If it's the older model (or if you really, really need the seven seats) then go for the Qashqai.
Further reading:
Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage?
Could you do a comparison, please, between the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, both petrol and diesel? Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.
Further reading: