Expert answer

Hi Komal,

The X-Trail of that age in general is a fine car. The two-wheel drive versions are the most economical and all are generally reliable. However, the 2.0-litre petrol engine is not the best option as it's a little gutless. Wouldn't worry about the mileage, but perhaps look around for a diesel.

Also, if four-wheel drive is not a priority perhaps consider something less 4x4 looking?

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

We wouldn't ever put a maximum mileage on a car, but the value drops significantly on a small car with in excess of 200,000 kilometres. That mileage is a little high for a car of that size and age - against the average. That's not to say it isn't a good car, but carefully consider your alternatives. The price seems acceptable given all that, assuming it's in otherwise good condition and has been maintained properly.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not heard anything about this one to be honest, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem! Since 2008 the vast majority of the Zafiras sold have been diesel so there are not many petrol versions around now.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

If your car is pre-2002 then the interval is 80,000 kilometres (50,000 miles). If it's the newer model then the interval is 112,000 kilometres (70,000 miles). In terms of time, that's five and seven years respectively.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It looks like nobody working with CompleteCar has driven this combination. The CVT is only offered with a 1.6-litre petrol engine in Ireland and our experience of any CVT gearbox with any petrol engine is not good. It is smooth, as there are no gear changes as such, but engine revs don't often correspond to forward motion, so it often feels that the engine is revving unnecessarily. CVT works well enough with diesel, but not with petrol engines.

Saying all that, you really should try it for yourself before discounting it completely.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

There's a lot of choice out there within those restrictions and you've not given us your budget, so we'll give you a list of the cars we think are worth looking at to start with and you can come back to us if you'd like help narrowing the search:

1. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi
2. Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel
3. Kia cee'd 1.6 diesel
4. Mazda3 1.6 diesel
5. Nissan Note 1.5 diesel
6. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel
7. Peugeot 207 1.4 HDi
8. Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi
9. Toyota Auris 1.4 D4-D

The Volkswagen Polo and Golf and the Skoda Octavia are other considerations, though the 1.6 TDI engine was not introduced until 2010.

Let us know what you think

Expert answer

Hi Jenny,

I'm a family man myself so I know well your needs! Before saying anything more though I assume you've looked at the pricing of the BMW and Merc and that's not a consideration? The X3 starts at about €47,000, while the M-Class costs from €71,000.

If price is not a problem then the answer has to be the Merc. It's a bigger, more luxurious car with more equipment. There's nothing at all wrong with the X3 (I'd consider owning one myself), but the Merc is in a different league - as it should be for that price difference.

Come back to me if we can help further.

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

There's never a simple answer to such questions, and bear in mind that the trade-in price you're given may well include a discount on the car you're buying. It's best to focus on the 'cost to change' instead.

Regardless, we reckon that you should get around €24,000 for the car against something else, assuming it's still like new. 

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Rosie,

It really depends on the condition, which engine it has and how many kilometres are on the clock. A quick look on Carzone.ie shows 2006 diesel Toyota Corolla hatchbacks going from €6,000 to €11,000.

Come back to us with more details if you want and we'll take a look.