Expert answer

Hi there,

The original Audi guarantee will be long gone, unless the previous owner had paid to have it extended, and it would have to have been serviced at an Audi main dealer to still be under cover. The fact that you’re buying it from a Nissan dealer suggests that’s not the case. Nissan does offer a ‘Gold Standard’ used car programme, which comes with a one-year or 15,000km warranty on used sales, and which will have carried out a multi-point check on the car. You’d always be advised to get your own history and finance check done, but if it’s a main Nissan dealer, they’ll likely have already done that.

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

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Hi Patrick,

It makes a lot of sense for the money. It does everything that the likes of an entry-level Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Yeti does but for a way lower price. For its basic price you could only afford a three- to four-year old Qashqai for instance.

However, it isn't as impressive in terms of ambience as the established makers' cars. Neither is it as polished on the road.

Nevertheless, its running costs are low, equipment levels generous and of course it comes with a new car warranty...

Read Paul's first drive here for more, but if you have any specific questions please do come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The only Almera engine we have timing belt data on is the 2.0-litre diesel. It should be changed every five years or 87,000 kilometres - whichever is sooner.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

We spoke to Nissan Ireland today and it was confirmed that the 1.6 dCi engine is currently only available with four-wheel drive. It does plan to sell the front-wheel drive only model, but could not give us pricing or even a launch date. We'll be told more at the end of this year.

Keep an eye on our site for news on that.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Before tackling the diesel issue, the Nissan Qashqai is a fine car. It's a little bigger than the Golf and feels it because of the higher driving position and larger boot. In general it has proved to be a reliable car with only a few minor issues cropping up.

The 1.5 dCi diesel is a good choice of engine, though if you really do stick to Dublin and its environs it may be worth considering the cheaper 1.6-litre petrol instead. It's a shame Nissan doesn't currently have a smaller capacity turbocharged alternative, as that would be a great option. The diesel car will be more economical for sure.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Chaz,

We put this question to vehicle records experts Cartell.ie and here's what they came back with:

"Upon importing a new vehicle into Ireland you must pay destination VAT, which means you pay the VAT in the country that it will be first registered. The vehicle is classed as new if it is less than six months old or has travelled less than 6,000 kilometres. If you buy a new car from the UK, you will pay the 20% VAT there. Then once you import the vehicle pay your 23% Irish VAT; you then reclaim the original VAT paid back from the UK.

Then you must pay the VRT, which varies from 14- to 36% depending on the CO₂ emissions. If the vehicle is being bought through a registered SIMI dealer then they should take care of all this and the customer should just get the car for the price agreed. I would recommend that the customer gets a copy of the VRT and VAT receipts to prove that both have been paid. I would also recommend that the customer checks with SIMI to make sure that the garage is still a registered member.

You would also want to make sure that the warranty is covered throughout Europe. The dealer you bought it from will cover the warranty but another Nissan dealer may not. Also some warranties are extended by a year or two in certain countries. For example BMW has a standard two-year warranty, but BMW UK extends that to three years - but only in the UK. This may or may not be the case but worth looking at."

Hope that helps. Come back to us if you need more assistance.

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 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 Viji,

As we don't know your budget we'll be general in our advice. Most learners are comfortable in a small car with light controls. It's also good for it to be reliable and ideally safe. Think along the lines of the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. If you're buying new we'd urge you take a look at the SEAT Mii/Skoda Citigo/Volkswagen up! triplets or even the excellent new Fiat Panda.

Come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through the purchase if you wish.