Expert guide to buying a Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai in a nutshell?

Here is a genuinely innovative family hatchback which looks good and offers proper practicality all wrapped up in a reliable Nissan package. It's hard to think of a better buy for buyers who want style and a vehicle to do a difficult job.

Read a Nissan Qashqai review

What are the Nissan Qashqai's stats?

Performance:
Top Speed 119mph/0-60mph 10.1 seconds (2.0)
Slowest 108mph/0-60mph 12.6 seconds (1.5dCi)

Economy:
Best 52.3 mpg (1.5dCi)
Worst 34.4mpg (2.0)

Emissions:
Best 129g/km tax (1.5dCi Puredrive)
Worst 183g/km 26% (2.0 dCi)

Insurance group:
Lowest, Group 5 (1.6 Visia/Acenta 1.5dCi Acenta)
Highest Group 10 (2.0/2.0dCi Tenka All Mode)

NCAP Safety Rating:
Five stars

How much for a Nissan Qashqai?

£6,250 buys a 2007 2.0 Acenta 5 door with 100,000 miles
£9,000 buys a 2008 1.6 Acenta with 44,000 miles
£11,000 buys a 2009 1.5 dCi Acenta with 40,000 miles
£13,000 buys a 2009 2.0 +2 2.0 Visia 5 with 22,000 miles
£14,250 buys a 2008 2.0dCi Tenka All Mode with 40,000 miles

Nissan cleverly realised that car buyers loved the look of and the view out of a 4x4 but not everyone clearly needed the of road ability. As a result the Qashqai is effectively a high rise hatchback with bags of style. Unlike many 4x4s big and small the on-road behaviour isn't compromised. The high ride height may mean a bit of lean if you take a corner too fast, but it always holds on tight with plenty of grip and, most important of all, a comfy ride. Obviously this is a practical buy with plenty of room inside for a growing family plus a decent sized boot. Nissan also realised that some buyers really do like to have the added benefit of 4x4 hence the introduction of the All Mode. Clearly the Qashqai has all the potential buying bases covered.

What's the best spec Nissan Qashqai?

The specification has always been very good. The basic Visia come with air conditioning, alloy wheels, four electric windows and even a Bluetooth handsfree telephone kit. The next level is Acenta which means automatic air conditioning in the form of climate control, a CD autochanger, parking sensors, cruise control and automatic headlamps that will ping on when you need them. At the top of the kit tree is the Tekna that brings full leather upholstery and a full size panoramic sunroof. N-Tec models have the Nissan Connect satellite navigation systems.

Nissan Qashqai updates

2006: Launched
2007: All Mode 4x4 model with 2.0 litre engine
2008: +2 seven-seat model
2009: N-Tec model with Nissan sat-nav
2010: Revised models with revised front end styling and LED lights at the rear. Technical improvements to the suspension. Low emission Puredrive model added to the line up.

What should I look for on a used Nissan Qashqai?

Lights

If the indicators or fog lamps need changing this is a dealer job! Get the seller to change it before you buy or get £100 knocked off the price.

Key fob

Make sure it opens the door properly. If the owner uses the key be suspicious as this could indicate that the door motor has failed and it will cost around £300 to fix.

Diesel engines

Turbo: Blue/black smoke when warm and if they seem sluggish on the test drive is there a whistling or crunching sound from the engine? That could be a blown turbo. Also, check the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve. Don't bother with the car if this is faulty as it is a £1,000 fix, so it must be reflected in the price and diagnosed and repaired by a main dealer.

DPF

When you start the engine look for the Diesel Particulate filter warning light, which must go out when the engine starts. If not and the car is sluggish, then it will need replacing and costs around £300. There was also a recall as a connector in the diesel particulate filter fuel system may not be correctly attached. If this is ignored, fuel may leak from the connector during a particulate filter regeneration cycle. Cars affected range from 04/01/2008 - 28/10/2008

ECU

If the engine seems to surge, or rev a lot when the accelerator is touched lightly, then there may be an ECU fault. It may only need a software upgrade, which involves a visit to a dealer. Insist that this is rectified before you buy. It could just cost £100, but could also be more serious.

Service intervals

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles. The first service will cost £180 at a main dealer. The second (24,000 mile) service is £255 and the third service (36,000 mile) will cost £325. If a service is due try to reduce the price by the relevant amount or, if the car is at a main dealer, have the service carried out as part of the deal. Check the paperwork to see if the cambelt has been changed on schedule. The cambelt service is due at 54,000 miles. It will cost around £400 at a main dealer.

Wheels/tyres

Optional 18-inch wheels seem to wear tyres quickly, especially on the four-wheel-drive All Mode. With 4x4 vehicles there can be no less than 2mm differences in tyre tread between tyres. Replacing each one is up to £200 each so make sure you check them.

Suspension

Rattles especially at the rear and skittish road behaviour could mean worn shock absorbers. If they have been replaced by Nissan there are usually red dots on them to indicate this. There was a recall affecting front suspension lower ball joints have not been fully seated into the hub. This has resulted in the securing bolt not fitting into the groove in the ball joint shank. If the situation goes uncorrected the ball joint could detach, which could result in loss of vehicle control. Cars affected were built: 12/02/2007 - 05/03/2007

Air conditioning

Always worth checking to make sure that it works properly. Don't buy or get the problem professionally diagnosed so that you know the rectification costs. There was also a recall affecting the air conditioning compressor, which may seize causing unexpected engine stall. Cars affected: 06/11/2006 - 05/01/2007

What's the marketplace like for the Nissan Qashqai?

Everyone wants a Qashqai. Nissan's clever packaging has been hugely appealing to so many buyers so the used demand remains extremely strong. Sales are biased towards the diesels, which means that there can be some bargains on the petrols. So a 2.0 litre would make a lot of sense for families who don't cover a lot of miles.

Which model should I buy?

Even the basic specification is very good, so unless you really need Bluetooth or leather, the Visia will be fine. Nissan admit that the Qashqai isn't a full on 4x4, not least because of limited ground clearance. However, the All Mode electronic system automatically engages four-wheel drive the moment a loss of traction is detected. So it is a soft roader, fine for anyone who worries about getting caught out by snow and ice rather than planning to cross a muddy field. When it comes to extra accommodation the Qashqai was crying out for some people-carrier flexibility, which the Qashqai+2 seven-seater variant provides.

Where do I shop for a Nissan Qashqai?

Being such a popular car, they are everywhere, from car supermarkets who probably offer the best value, through to private buyers who may not have the cheapest, but probably the best kept examples. As a mass market car we would recommend dealer buys and supermarket buys provided that there is a decent warranty as part of the package. With lots to choose from you should not be rushed and be able to find something that suits your budget and lifestyle. At a Nissan dealer you can also benefit from their 4-Cared scheme, which means at least a year's warranty and a thoroughly checked vehicle.

Any alternatives to the Nissan Qashqai?

Skoda Yeti

Here's a vehicle which is all about style and has absolutely bags of room too. Not only that, the amusingly named Yeti also has off road ability if you go for that option. Well priced too against the Qashqai.

Read a Skoda Yeti review

Kia Sportage

Who needs an Evoque when there's this really stylish Kia. Good value too, but not as nice to drive as the Nissan.

Read a Kia Sportage review

MINI Countryman

And then there is the four-door MINI which has attention grabbing looks, but is certainly not pretty. Neither is it cheap. Also not that spacious. Qashqai wins.

Read a MINI Countryman review

Read a Nissan Qashqai review