Cheap Qashqai, any reason why not?

[TheJimi]

My girlfriend looking at these for her next car. She tends to operate at the sheddier end of the market and run her cars until they die.

So, I'd say budget is max 5k, but realistically she's more likely to spend around 3-4k.

Anyone bought a cheap one? Good idea?

[RSTurboPaul]

Why not?

Because they are life-sappingly depressing to drive and serve only to satisfy the market within which 'high seating position' apparently means the driver feels safe dawdling around at 45mph or bumping into things in car parks?

[S9JTO]

Bad idea because Qashqai.

[TheJimi]

RSTurboPaul said:

Why not?

Because they are life-sappingly depressing to drive and serve only to satisfy the market within which 'high seating position' apparently means the driver feels safe dawdling around at 45mph or bumping into things in car parks?

Her current car is a 1.6 Mk1 Mazda 3, and think my opening post made it obvious that she's unfussed about driving enjoyment.

Anyone got anything constructive to add?

[GreatGranny]

Can't go wrong if that's the type of car she wants/needs.

And it's not sheddier end, that less than£1k :-)

[Deep Thought]

TheJimi said:

My girlfriend looking at these for her next car. She tends to operate at the sheddier end of the market and run her cars until they die.

So, I'd say budget is max 5k, but realistically she's more likely to spend around 3-4k.

Anyone bought a cheap one? Good idea?

Decent cars, seem to be loved by anyone who owns them, very popular, diesel option seems to be better, the 1.6 petrol variant gets a bad name for being lethargic.

[warch]

TheJimi said:

My girlfriend looking at these for her next car. She tends to operate at the sheddier end of the market and run her cars until they die.

So, I'd say budget is max 5k, but realistically she's more likely to spend around 3-4k.

Anyone bought a cheap one? Good idea?

My wife bought a 2007 petrol one a few years ago and its been really good as a family car. It's cheap to run (40-42mpg), easy to work on, well made and not too bad to drive (certainly much better than a typical 4x4 SUV). Even at 11 years old it looks like it did when it was new, whereas my 13 year old Golf is rusty and looks ready for the scrapyard.

[nunpuncher]

We nearly bought one for around that sort of price recently. We put a deposit down but I found a bit more change down the back of the couch when a newer lower mileage IX35 turned up.

I think it's all depends on the engine. The 1.6 petrol is meant to be pretty dire to drive. Most common is the 1.5DCi which if memory serves me correct is belt driven and therefor you need to check servicing has been done as and when required.

[Hammer67]

TheJimi said:

My girlfriend looking at these for her next car. She tends to operate at the sheddier end of the market and run her cars until they die.

So, I'd say budget is max 5k, but realistically she's more likely to spend around 3-4k.

Anyone bought a cheap one? Good idea?

I'd avoid the 1.6 petrol, sluggish and thirsty.
The 1.5Dci is much better on both counts. (But needs proper and regular servicing.)
Tyres can be expensive especially on 18 and 19 inch wheels. (Spare wheel was a cost option, had a tin of goo as standard, useless.)
Not as big inside as the outside might lead you to believe.
Rear shock lower bushes fail, resulting in knocking noises from rear. (There was a recall on these so might be a FOC fix if needed).

Otherwise usual checks apply.

[ZX10R NIN]

If she's doing mainly town work go for the 2.0 petrol in Tekna & you'll land OH a decent car she can run into the ground:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[kieranblenk]

My brother in law has one; 10 plate which they've had about 5 and a bit years. It's on well over 100k now and has been very reliable and tough - it's been recently used as a van for a big house renovation project and only now are consumables starting to let go (clutch, washer motor etc). It's always filthy and I don't think it's been serviced for about 4 years either.

Its a bomb basic 1.6 Visia so is equipped like a cave and makes my MILs 1.0 Splash seem like a SR71 it's that sluggish. Guzzles petrol too. However, very few cars would stand up to the abuse that car gets. If it's just to throw stuff/kids in and drive to work/school/Tesco/visit family kind of journeys then you can't do much better - I can see why they're so popular for that purpose.

In contrast my other BIL has a 15 plate X Trail and that doesn't feel as sturdy and hard wearing as the older Qashqai.

Edited by kieranblenk on Monday 1st October 16:26

[warch]

I'm surprised people think the 1.6 petrol is thirsty. Underpowered possibly, but not thirsty.

Anyway, I'd recommend a petrol one, older modern diesels (if that makes sense) are a liability. IRRC both 1.6 and 2.0 are Nissan engines and pretty much bombproof, plus they are less in demand than the diesel version.

[Slushbox]

Have the later Renault 1.5Dci (K9K) in my ex's Dacia. Engine is good.

No DPF woes, but cambelt service at six years/60,000 miles, anything up to £600+ at main dealers. Some clutches judder, turbo lag can bog in first gear on hills. Problems with electrics on some Qashcows.

Engine needs correct spec Renault RN020 5W30 oil.

Nissan customer service not famed for providing customer service.

Check Qashcow forums for thrill-a minute tales of woes on the Tekna models. The cheaper specs seem less prone to bits falling off.

Edited by Slushbox on Monday 1st October 16:49

Edited by Slushbox on Monday 1st October 16:49

[HustleRussell]

In the wake of the VW emissions scandal I read an article on real world exhaust emissions compared to manufacturer claims. IIRC the 1.5 DCI Qashqai was about the worst offender (If your GF cares about such things)

[Willy Nilly]

A lot of them look like they don't get very well taken care of to me. It might be an Essex thing though.