Nissan road test reports and car reviews

Nissan Cabstar 35.13 lwb crewcab 2008

We have had two cabstars, old ones, and nothing went wrong with either of them. Then in 2008 we bought a brand new one from a Nissan dealer and had problem after problem. It broke down, last year the radiator went and last week the turbo went on it at only 40,000 miles. Today the diesel fitter came to take the turbo out and after he removed all the front seats the paint under the driver’s seat came off in his hand as it is full of corrosion. The metal bar underneath, which the seat screws into to, is held on by a tiny piece of metal I’m surprised the drivers seat hasn’t fallen through the floor. So tomorrow I will be taking photos and emailing them to Nissan because I am really angry. I feel like we bought a guinea pig of a van.

Nissan Note 2008

I purchased my Note 2 years ago with 11000 on the clock, now there’s 23000 on the clock and the clutch has just gone a week after a large spring broke. I purchased my Note from a Nissan dealer. I did not take it back to the dealer for second service, but took it to a local garage as its first service and MOT cost £414!

Nissan Qashqai Diesel 1.6 dCI 4x4 2012

(1) Poor build quality e.g. bonnet, front wings and boot door hopelessly aligned, with no adjustment in the hinges. (2) No proper service schedule manual other than the dealer’s instruction for full service at 15000km while the instrument instructions say 30000km. (3) The stop/start device is driving me crazy (forgetting to switch it off every time the engine is started). (4) Space Saver Spare Wheel is useless in a 4x4. (5) Rear Shocks now leaking at 20000km. Will never again even look at another Nissan.

Nissan Patrol Y60 4.2 Auto petrol LWB 1992

Purchased the car in October ’94 with one previous owner and 13k on the clock. It was first used it as a family run around for holidays etc. It was great for the kids and their friends as it has seven seats and was great for long runs and trips to Cornwall with a huge Thule top box. I then started using it for work, removing all the rear seats and basically using it as a van. We also used it for towing quite a bit including a big generator for work, which it did with ease. I sold it in 2005 with 135k on the clock. The only thing that went wrong the whole time was a fuel pump and water pump at about 100k. I changed the brake discs once and the rear suspension springs, but this I put down to the way we abused it at work. Servicing we did ourselves with parts form the local Nissan dealer. This was the most reliable car I have ever owned. The only down side was the fuel consumption, which could drop to as low as 10mpg if driven hard and its average was always sub 20, with its best being 25mpg if I drove it really gently. In fact I liked it so much that three years ago I bought another 4.2 petrol LWB, which I hardly use apart from when it snows, then it it the best as it never gets stuck.

Nissan X-Trail Sport 2005

I have had my X-Trail for nearly 6 years and it has now done 106000k. No problems to mention apart from replacement intercooler under warranty in 2007 until last week when I needed a new turbo and intercooler. The Nissan dealer quoted me £3400, but a local reputable garage did the work for £1800. Unfortunately I now have an oil leak and hopefully this will be sorted on a return trip to the garage. Am thinking of changing and am tempted to have the same again as I love the car, but turbo failure has made me think twice, but I can’t think of an alternative motor.

Nissan Qashqai Visual 2009

Bought the 1.6 visual in 2009. Plagued with problems despite low mileage/annual service etc. It needed a new clutch/ engine control unit and now I’ve been informed a new engine after crankshaft problem. Spent over £5000 already on repairs and counting. Worst car ever!

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 TD Sport 2001

I have owned this car for 4 years, it had 70k on the clock when I bought it and it now has 123k. This car has been absolutely fantastic. The only time the car has ever let me down was when the accelerator sensor needed replacing, which I understand is a common fault. Unfortunately, they make an 8 pin and a 10 pin sensor, the 10 pin being rare and only on my model. 8 pin sensors easy to find, however, couldn’t find a 10 pin anywhere so bit the bullet and went main dealer, which cost me £500. Been fine ever since. I totally admit, I am useless with servicing, it’s only just had its 2nd service since I owned it. It’s been used on some major journeys with no problems. It pulls a 1.1ton trailer with 1 tonne of horses in the back with no problem. It gets used over some VERY uneven surfaces with MAJOR pot holes and handles them well. Fantastic car. Am looking at selling mine now and buying another newer one with some more of the mods inside :)

Nissan NV200 van 2011

Owned from new (pre reg 7 miles) Day 1: 1. Hazard lights not working. 2. Internal central locking switch not working. 3. 12v outlet not working. 4. Rear hi mount brake lamp half full of water. 5. Intermittent exhaust rattle, 6. Plastic retaining clips missing from (loose) radiator grill this also led on to. 7. An intermittent shudder from the clutch (replaced under warranty). 8. an intermittent knocking noise from the engine on idle when hot. 9. A noisy tappet type sound/knock especially when cold The knocking noise although witnessed by the mechanic did not show up an error code and was explained as a "characteristic". Took it up with Nissan Uk who just constantly referred me back to the dealer. I eventually became so despondent with the vehicle (the clutch shudder was also starting to come back) I traded it in only having done 8000 miles. Apart from the above I also found the van to have a harsh bumpy ride when unladen, clunky gearbox and a tendency to snake about in windy conditions. Good Points: Good mpg at 49’ish.

Nissan Micra 2011

I love my Micra, I’ve had her from new and have now done 26k in the first 18 months travelling up to Sheffield for work. The thing flies! However, yesterday my engine management light came on, so it’s back into the discovery until I find the time to get my dealership to sort out this irritating problem.

Nissan Qashqai N-TEC 2012

I bought a brand new 2 ltr petrol, auto Qashqai and think this is the best car I have had in 40 years of driving for the price I paid. There is not a problem I can name with this car, it drives perfect and has all the things you need to have in a car: aircon, sat nav, reversing camera. Easy seats, plenty of room, good and plenty of electric toys ( radio etc, etc.) and a good size boot. The dealership was excellent all the way through the process of getting the car. I will be back for another Nissan after 3 years, with out doubt.

Nissan X-Trail 2003

I bought this car from the local dealer. It was the sport version and I loved it. I had no problems with it for three years until a driver hit me up the rear at 70mph while I was stationary - I can tell you it damn well hurt! At the time all the muscles in my back locked up and effectively paralysed me and I thought that was it. The fire service had to cut me out and at the hospital I was told that if I was in most other cars and that had happened I would not be here now, so thank you X-Trail for saving my life.

Nissan Pixo 2009

A lovely little work horse. Not that exciting to look at, but then I wanted a nippy runabout and nothing else. This is brilliant for driving around town and better than I’d hoped for longer journeys and motorway driving. I’d looked at and tried out a Fiat Panda but despite their rave reviews, found it uncomfortable and the lack of split rear seats made it impractical. Picassos were ok but seemed a bit ’tinny’ to me. This little Pixo is a great car for the money.

Nissan Qashqai 2.0 CVT 2010

Bought the 2.0ltr CVT model Qashqai in Sept 2010. In the first 2 days I listed over 30 faults to both the interior and exterior of the car, eg: constant ’rattles’ from panoramic roof area, B-posts, front and rear seats and seat-belt housings; ’squeaking’ from windscreen/dashboard area, loosely fitted bumper ’skirts’ - could literally be unscrewed by hand - side indicator and fog lamps). Took the car back to HK Nissan dealership. They had it for 3 days and fixed some of the problems, but none of the annoying rattles. They even tried to charge me for the petrol used road-testing the car! During the next 1-2 years, Nissan had the car back three more times and for a total of 10 days, but still were unable to locate and cure the constant ’rattles’. Last week, the car refused to start and some of the electrical equipment behaved erratically when it eventually did (eg; the CVT failed to engage at times). Again, I returned the car to Nissan and was told I needed a new battery at a cost of approx £70 as the so-called ’unlimited 5-year warranty’ only covers the first 25% of repairs or replacement parts! This is 2.5 yr old car with very low mileage (16,500 kms), which is well-maintained and regularly serviced (it had a comprehensive service in late August 2012). I have had nothing but problems with the car from the day I bought it and Nissan’s response has been at best pathetic. This was my first ever Japanese car and my very last! Unlike the common myth, the build-quality of Japanese cars is abysmal. I will never ever buy another Nissan (or other Japanese car for that matter) and would strongly urge anyone considering buying a Qashqai to avoid it like the plague!

Nissan Micra C+C 2008

Got a 08 model with 1.6 litre engine - really great car with just enough toys. Handles great and is very economical for a 1.6l. I have had 4 people in the car, but only over a short distance. Only thing I have doubts about is the stiff suspension. This can make for quite a bumpy ride even on some better surfaced roads. Anyone else come by this on their c+c? I am in the process of checking the suitability of the current tyres. It is going for its MOT in the next 6 weeks so, this also could flag something underneath. Otherwise, looking forward to getting the roof down this summer (get rid of this snow first)!

Nissan Qashqai Acenta 1.5 Diesel 2009

I bought the car two months ago. It was very slow to start, so I took it back and a new battery went in, but there’s been no difference. I love driving it, being higher up than in a normal car and it’s very easy for strapping children in to their seats. Fuel consumption is good, about 45 mpg on short school runs; I haven’t taken her on a "proper" long run yet. The wind comes whistling in from somewhere when driving on open roads, which is very annoying.

Nissan Cabstar Tipper 2009

My Cabstar is 4 years old today, it is the best vehicle I have ever bought and apart from a broken exhaust bracket, fixed under warranty, it has not been back to the dealer except for a service. It’s done 20k and drives like new, it has certainly made my business money and is very versatile being a tipper with good tow capacity. I would certainly have another.

Nissan NV200 E 2010

I wanted a small van after driving around in a Renault Master for a decade. Fell in love with the looks of the NV200. Ordered a 2 yr old online - ex-lease. I had a quick test drive and it seemed quite nice, so I just went for it. Big mistake on my part! After a while I realised it’s very twitchy when driving, you have to concentrate hard all the time. There are no decent places to store anything and the glovebox doesn’t even have a door on the E version. There is no temp gauge only a red or a green light. But all of that pales in the light of the biggest issue I am now facing - the head gasket has just gone! on a van with less that 25k on the clock? I drive like a nun, so it either had seriously rotten previous owners, or this is a design flaw? Fortunately it’s being repaired under the Nissan warranty but I doubt i’ll be keeping it for very long after I get it back.

Nissan Primastar 2012

The only got one star because there is not an option to select zero. Min is 3 months old with only 7353 miles on the clock. The steering pulls to the left, the wipers have never been able to clear the screen, I need to drive like an old woman to achieve a reasonable fuel return, the brake pedal is spongy and feels unresponsive and you feel every bump on the road. It’s noisy, uncomfortable, cramped, the gearbox has been notchy since day one and best of all the 6th gear has just started to crunch! I can’t wait till it’s broken in properly and things start to go wrong! Another French triumph in automotive engineering. The only redeeming feature is the Bluetooth head unit, which...wait for it...only works when it wants. Still thinking about a Nissan primastar? There is a hospital up here called Castairs. Look it up first, they might have room for you!

Responses to this review

10 days on, 8107 miles... It took my local dealer a week to get me in to assess gearbox fault, during which time the clutch has started to slip, 4th and 5th gear now difficult to select and the flywheel rattle is becoming increasingly evident. The technicians have reluctantly agreed there is a fault and have ordered the parts they think it requires (a 6th gear syncro) which of course is on back order from the factory. Until then I have to drive the thing as the gearbox falls to pieces around me and I have dropped to under 30 to the gallon. A problem the garage don’t seem to be concerned with. I will keep those interested up to date with the repair or impending explosion, which ever comes 1st - I hate my nissan from Scotland

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 DCI 2004

We moved to Andalucia/Spain in 2004, and the terrain required a 4x4. We chose this car against a Rav4 and Freelander because it came out on top in a 4 page Autocar review. The first 6 years we experienced no problems at all, enjoying the comfort on long motorway journeys, and the off road capability towing a 1 ton trailer full of logs or building materials. At approx. 140,000Kms the air intake sensor packed up, the symptoms being loss of power and only revving to 1800 revs, limp home mode. This set us back €450 for a standard Bosch component. 28,000 kms later there is a significant leak from the intercooler, so now searching Spain and UK for replacement asap. I am heartened by Kevin Windle´s experience (one of the first reviews), he claims 291,000mls, for me will be 465,600 kms.I wish. After all the negatives from other owners re fuel pumps, turbo´s etc, thinking a change may be in order, quit whilst ahead. Discovered last year the cockpit air filter had never been changed, it contained every dead insect from Morroco and Africa. 10 min job using a utube Aussie vid, worth googling. Have very much enjoyed this car to date.

Nissan Primastar 2005

I got my van in 2008 when it had only 42000 km on the clock. It looked great, well kept and paid €8000 for it. Mad so I was. I had a Transporter so it’s my own fault. It’s had a broken timing belt twice since, a gearbox down and now they tell me this engine egr is not working and the glow plugs need changing. First off do not skim the head ever, it never works properly after. Walk away, they are the biggest heap of junk on the road. My van has 98000 on now, but it’s cost so much to get it to there. Do not buy one; Renault you suck at vans, Nissan go make your own and ring me when you develop a reliable one. Junk, junk, junk!

Responses to this review

I agree. I have a Nissan Primastar, have put thousands into it and now needs 2 injectors. Anyone know where I get secondhand? Just a money pit... shame on Renault for letting out these crappy vans, mine is more often on a tow truck than on the road - BR Breitheamh from Ireland

Same here, ball of dirt they are - James H from Ireland

Nissan Pathfinder Tekna 2011

We bought this car as a 6 month old demo, I have to say overall we love car car and have had great service from the dealer; the car was recalled to have the rear diff replaced. My only niggles are the tyres as they make a horrible droning noise at speed (I will not be getting Continentals again) and today, whilst getting kids in the car, the rear door handle broke off. I have spoken to the dealer and it going to be sorted under warranty. I’m very pleased with the car and the service.

Nissan Note 2012

A nice car to drive, it feels solid and is nice and roomy inside, but my wing mirror covers keep coming away! Luckily it’s under warranty, but have been told they do not use clips anymore and they are just stuck on with double sided tape - rather a cheap way of doing things. I took it to the garage and the covers were stuck back on, but not correctly seated. I am worried I will lose them shortly!

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Visia 2wd 2009

Leased new in 2009 and just about to go back with 28k miles on clock. Would I replace with the same model? No! Good points are fuel (35mpg in town, 42 on a run) and servicing costs (£300 in 3 years!). Build quality is good and practicality is excellent. Bad points - THE ENGINE - it is horrible. Gutless at low revs and hates to be revved over 4,000 rpm! In addition to this, no sixth gear means motorway speeds are a very buzzy and noisy affair. Reliability has not been great either with difficult cold morning starts and it likes a drink of oil too. I would consider a better-specced, bigger engined one next time.

Nissan Almera Tino SE 2003

Ok, well it starts up first time and is as reliable as any Nissan, however, the biggest fault I have with it is the SCARY nature of the car’s handling on the motorway. I drive around 95 miles daily and even without any wind this car feels like its being hit by crosswinds far too often. Ive had the Suspension arm replaced a while ago, which was worn, but still no difference. Wish I knew how this could be fixed because otherwise it’s a good car. My advice therefore is if you want to use this on a motorway...good luck!

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 Acenta 2011

Don’t buy one, coming from an owner! I have a March 2011 1.5 dCi Acenta from new and it’s horrible. It won’t do more than 40mpg, it’s really noisy and has to be thrashed if you want to overtake. The seat bases have no support when going around corners and you roll too much about in them. Interior build isn’t good, nothing is screwed together - all just cheap plastics that slot into place, which means I can pull it apart with my bare hands! The DPF filter has clogged up leaving the car in limp home mode after 13000 miles! I dread to think what’s to come next. The injectors have already needed to be changed too! I just hope my car doesn’t develop the suspension problems other Qashqai’s are blighted with. My brother’s 2009 Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi is much better, 110k miles and its 100% reliable and much nicer to drive!

Nissan Cabstar 35:15 2008

I had the old Cabstar in the past and decided to upgrade to a newer 2001 truck, big mistake! I spent £1000’s on it before deciding the new models must be better, how wrong was I?! I bought a 2008 truck and within a week the fuel pump went, then the following week the clutch went. Now 6 months on and over another £1000 spent on calipers, discs, bushes, exhaust, track rod ends, OMG these trucks are like toys! Do your research before you spend your hard earned cash! Wish I had bought an Isuzu Grafter, which will be my next truck without a doubt.

Nissan Pixo 1.0 Ntec 2010

I bought my Pixo back in Dec 10. Straight away the car needed taking back due to rear windscreen washer being faulty (soaking my feet instead of the back window), which was repaired under warranty. Also the engine manifold needed replacing. Over the 2 years I’ve had the car I’ve had take it in 3 times for a repair/replacement manifold and the problem has occurred again. Boot space is poor, can only really get about 4 bags of shopping in there. Ride is ok in front, but quite bumpy if you’re sat in the back. On the plus side it costs pennies to run and the mpg is great, on long trips up to scotland i get 60/65mpg which is brilliant. I also find the handling good in and around town. On motorways it’s not so good. On windy days I feel I have no control. Speed not great either. If you’ve built up enough speed it’s fine, but if you get caught behind a slow moving vehicle it will take you some time to pick your speed back up. If I had found this site before buying the Pixo I probably wouldn’t have bought the car. Other people have had alot more problems than I have. If you don’t mind a cheap deal/ride then go for it. but I wouldn’t recommend to a friend.

Nissan Terrano 3.0 sve 2010

An excellent 4x4 with good off road capability, brilliant motorway cruiser and with top range of goodies, leather interior and electrics. Allround not the most economical at 30 ish mpg, but a first class all round 4x4.