I reckon most of them are 2WD.
At £13699 RRP for the 1.6 Visia, it satisfied my girlfriends' criteria and the local main NIssan dealer gave her a good p/ex price on her 206.
At around £2k per hike in trim level or engine size, the higher specc'd ones just seemed expensive and offered things she doesn't need or want.
Tried the Golf, but dealer had no petrol ones in stock and lets face there's millions of them around. And it was more expensive.
Girlfriend liked the Quashqai and if shes' happy then I'm happy. She's paying for it, it's her car so job done. Didn't bother taking anymore cars out for a drive, she decided that she liked the Quashqai so all done.
cheers
Stu
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'There are countless 2wd vehicles that beat the Qashqai hands down in just about every direction, especially handling and ride'.
Your opinion Bill and I respect it but disagree with it. I test drove a number of cars including the Golf and preferred the 2WD Qashqai. Ride is far superior to the Golf as is the build quality (I know I've had five Golfs).
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I'm considering the 4WD but it's another £1400.
What are the "countless" 2WD's that beat the Qashqai in every direction including unusual looks, glass roof, comfort, high level of equipment?
Convince me and I might shell out the extra cash.
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I appear to have ruffled a few feathers here for which I apologize, it's just that in my hilly, wintry world the QQ is marketed as a compact SUV where SUV=4wd. Not being au fait with GB prices (or your criteria) I'm not going to add fuel to the fire by suggesting alternatives, but being, at least in certain areas, marketed as as a SUV means that the QQ's basic 'high, rugged' concept is bound to adversly affect the comfort (i.e. handling & ride) compared to say, a Focus or Pug 207/307 etc. etc. But no matter, I'm sure it's a fine car and that you'll be very happy with it. I recommend the 'What Car' reader reviews if you want no-nonsense feedback.
Bill
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You've not ruffled any feathers that belong to me, Bill. I don't know where your hilly, wintry world is but in the UK the Qashqai is being marketed as urban-proof, whatever that means.
I just don't see the Focus or the Pug as quite the same sort of car, though I've considered both, and I suppose that's what Nissan had in mind. I've already looked at What Car and it seems to me that there are more fors than againsts. If we had enough snow here I'd probably buy a 4WD as opposed to the 2WD if I settle on the Qashqai. Cheers!
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I have recently part exchanged my Focus for the Qashqai Tekna 2.0 CVT have now done 2000 miles and am very happy. I did test drives in many cars including BMW AUDI LEXUS VOLVO but in my opinion none came near the Qashqai for comfort and styling. The seats are extremely comfortable , the panaromic roof is fantastic love the auto box the driving position is excellent. The teenage kids also love the car and it draws admiring glances in the street. All in all I have to say that in 40 years of motoring its the best car that I have owned. Well done Nissan 10 out of 10. It will be very interesting to see how the depreceation on the car goes , as I believe it is now about a year old. Any ideas?
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Glad that you're pleased with it KR.
The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive although ironically I'm flat out with a bad back at the moment and can't drive.
I agree re the kids - my teenage lad's mates think that it's really cool. The driving position is excellent and it's very practical. it's difficult to criticise much on it as long as you appreciate any shortcomings from the outset. Would have been nice to have a 12v outlet in the back for example. There is a Qashqai forum if you're interested at forum.qashqaiclub.co.uk/ I've picked some useful tips up from there.
I would expect it to depreciate fairly rapidly though like most mainsteam cars. Even if it keeps pace with a Golf (which it wont) over the first three years of its life, you'll still lose a fair chunk of cash I'm afraid.
Good luck with it.
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Son-in-law works for Nissan, and both he and wife have QQs at present. Reddish faces recently when wife used his car, moved the seat to the furthest forward position, where it locked irretrievably. S-i-L somewhat inconvenienced as he is 6'2". Car had to go to workshop to be fixed. So - QQ users - careful if you move driver's seat fully forwards?
Edited by Andrew-T on 07/09/2008 at 16:31
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Just completed 6000miles and 12 months old Still very pleased with the car despite one real problem.Experienced knocking noise from rear after 6 months,not unknown according to other owners However,despite usual suspects being replaced ie. rear boot lock,noise still persisted. 5 trips to local dealer could not solve problem until one small guy travelled in boot and discovered noise coming from the rear roof area.Eventually, fault found to be the panaromic sun blind when it was retracted.Nissan then sent 5 man team from Sunderland down to Essex and replaced Blind motor,modified blind fitted with new interior headlineing,result car now noise free! Full marks to Nissan for this level of customer care.However,they probably will have to recall some cars to fit new modified electric sun blind.I would say that this is the most comfortable to travel in and looks great on the road.Would definately recommend to other buyers who want something a little different.
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Knightrider
I think Nissan have a known problem with this vehicle. I have read somewhere that the noise you hear from the rear is the shockers. It was on older vehicles apparently. Have a read of HJ's car review or long term test it may well be in thier. look at feedback problems etc. Hope you get it sorted.
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My 2.0 dCi Tekna is coming up to 12 months with around 16K on the clock. Without a doubt the best car I've ever owned. Very comfortable, good driving position, penty of power and no problems to report so far.
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Spoke too soon. I've just had the rear shock absorbers replaced as the bushes had failed. Seems this is a common problem with the original parts fitted.
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Wish I had found this forum sooner, my Qashqai will be 2yrs old in September.
I too thought the gear changes can be dodgy but just put it down to driver error!
Had the rear shock absorbers changed at 1yr service, had noticed the annoying noise from the rear but put it down to my rubbish rolling around the boot and the one of the bits of plastic holding the parcel shelf on had come off.
10months later the rattling in the boot is back and think the shocks may need done again? Only done 21k miles so thinking this is not a good sign.
I love the height and feeling of being safe inside my qashqai but I don't think it copes well with small bumps and rough patches on the roads I tend to be on A and B class roads in Scotland - I am not meaning off road tracks just normal roads for us here with a generous share of pot holes.
Meant to have heated seats in the front - how do others find this? Seems to heat up when it feels like it and even then not particularly warm.
Wish the demisting on frosty mornings was quicker I am out for 10min scraping etc with the A/C on full blast while B/F is away in his ford focus within about 3min....
BTW - I am a newbie to this - no technical knowledge and no idea of forum etiquette...
V
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How are you doing? - Fine so far!
Bit curious about your heated seats. I assume there will be switches for them?
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My heated seats work just fine, very toasty after a couple of miles.
The rear shocks has been a problem with this model, as Nissan bought a shed load of sub-standard parts from a Turkish source. When this problem first showed up, they were just replacing broken shocks with the same sub-standard parts; which is why some owners are are on their third set. They apparently have now sourced replacements from a better manufacturer and the poor Turkish parts should be a thing of the past.
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Mainly teething troubles V, which you almost always get with what is essentially a completely new model. I'd be inclined to fit some Spax or Koni shockers.
Re: the ride quality, what size wheels and tyres have you got?
HJ reckons 16" WHEELS WITH 215/65 TYRES are best.
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I agree with the teething troubles approach. The ride can be a bit jittery on a poor surface but on a decent A or M road on cruise control I find it very stable and comfortable.
I would like some help in putting phone numbers into the radio system. I follow the instructions, but can't get the system to retain the name so I can then add the number and so on.
Is this a common problem or is there something I'm missing? Anyone got any thoughts?
Thanks.
Edited by Optimist on 02/08/2009 at 16:53
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I have had no problem entering the numbers and names manually but have never been able to master the art of uploading them all by bluetooth from my phone.
Is this what you mean?
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An update whilst I am here.
IMO it's a very good car but if I have to be picky.
Know problems that i have had:-
1. I've had two sets of replacement shockers; had to wait nearly three months for the second set.
2. The alloys are corroding at the front and I have now been waiting over two months for replacements.
3. The auxiliary belt squeals like a pig when it is cold and damp.
4. Mine was subject to a recall re potential gearbox bolt fracture.
5. Main dealer still lags behind the best in show despite all.
6. There seems to be awful lot of rust around some of the suspension arms etc for a nearly new car.
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On the positive side: -
1. Driving position and height is great.
2. Price not too bad from new considering the bits that you get like bluetooth, climate control etc.
3. It drives well. Mine is the 1.6 which is adequate for my needs.
4. Interior fit and finish is very good as is general build quality, shut lines etc.
5. Wing mirrors are massive and the safest aid that I've had. Rear view is compromised though.
All in all it's not perfect but I'd still recommend and would buy another one.
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Still happy here with our 1.6 Visia. It start squealing like an old Metro a month ago and took it back to main (& supplying) dealer who changed the alternator drive belt FOC. And cleaned it as well.
I had also noticed that the fron black radiator grille was starting to fade to grey (cue 1980's Visage song) so mentioned that to dealer whilst I was there, saying it was poor for this to happen to plastic trim after only 18 months. They took pics & submitted claim to Nissan and Nissan apparently agree, so it will be replaced under warranty.
car was ready by 9:30am so no hassle with getting lifts or anything, drove into work just a little later than normal.
Everything else ok, no gearbox or rear damper issues.
So all still happy up in the North West with ours, and the main dealer back-up.
No corrosion on alloys on ours, and the gearbox bolts were replaced as per the recall as part of it's first service last year.
cheers,
Stu
Edited by The Gingerous One on 04/08/2009 at 14:15
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No, Halmer. Bluetooth doesn't work for me either, but it's the manual entry I can't master. If there's some simple point you've noticed I'd be pleased to hear it. I can't get the hang of what you put in before you try to enter the name.
Thanks.
Edited by Optimist on 02/08/2009 at 22:21
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Mmm, not exactly a ringing endorsement for the QQ, this thread!
I see most owners would buy another, but with the faults they mention in a new car (in particular dodgy gearchange and replaced shocks) I wouldn't go near one...
And how can it be good in the city (as per the adverts) when rear visibilty is rubbish (and before anyone says anything sensors don't pick up everything!)?!
Nope, not for me, thanks!
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>>> Mmm, not exactly a ringing endorsement for the QQ, this thread! <<<
Tis a shame because my 05 Almera 1.8 is very good, I've owned it for 2.5 years now and it hasn't missed a beat.
Mayhap the QQ probs are the result of components sourced from without, which was one of BL's probs IIRC.
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Until a few years ago, I'd run Nissans for 17 years, and not had any major issues with any of them. Though it pains me to say this (as someone with some French ancestry), maybe they have only started cutting corners since they became Renault?
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>>>maybe they have only started cutting corners since they became Renault?<<<
My friend BIG Terry (now dead Terry!) used to swear by French engines, he used to be 'in oil' out in the middle east, responsible for some heavy machinery, he drove Laguna's for the last 4 years - and I mean DROVE, he never bothered with oil changes and minor stuff like that!
I think you'll agree LDO that its mainly the electrics and poor trim that lets the French cars down but - they are getting better?
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I think you'll agree LDO that its mainly the electrics and poor trim that lets the French cars down but - they are getting better?
Yes, now that you have pointed it out, I agree. It is the electrics and trim that are the problem areas. I hope that they are getting better, I really do.
It would be nice to say the same about Italian cars as well. I love Italy - but have always been wary of Italian cars. (And friends have had some bad experiences of Alfas, unfortunately). I know that there will be some very reliable Italian cars out there, but it's all about odds, isn't it? And with my luck......"If I dealt in candles, the sun would never set".
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>>>If I dealt in candles, the sun would never set". << -----> :-)
Italian cars and women are very fine, if a trifle highly strung and hence temperamental :)
I've never owned an Italian car, although I've worked on many and I must admit that I found them more or less ok - they certainly win top prize for looks (and the cars aren't bad either!)
I suppose that in today's world, with BMW, Merc and VW losing ground in the reliability and build quality stakes, many Japanese cars being built everywhere (except Japan) and French cars getting better & better (IMO), I might be tempted to 'cross the channel' myself.
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Optimist
Have you got the manual?
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Yes, and I've RTF thing, but still can't make the info go into the radio unit for the phone.
If there's a wrinkle you've identified, please post.
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IIRC Apparently the Qashqai does not have a rear bumper (crash) bar - just a plastic bumper cover. (Some article in autocar or what car about insurance tests front/rear collisions)
That would put me off straight away.
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I read about this protective bar issue a couple of months prior to purchasing my Qashqai. Nissan is not alone in having just a plastic bumper, many other makers use the same principal. Passenger safety is not compromised as there are both front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb the energy from an impact and protecting occupants within a rigid cage.
The main benefit of having a solid bumper is to reduce repair costs in low speed shunts, yet still Nissan has accomplished an enviable group 5 insurance rating on the 1.6 petrol, compared to a VW Golf minor repairs will cost a lot less.
I bought my QQ because to date it has achieved the highest ever NCAP safety rating in all sectors, also a new Golf is totally dull ( looking dated already ) overpriced and lacks a lot of desirable kit as standard.
So far reliability has been faultless, and its seems to be gaining a little cult following!
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>>> Mmm not exactly a ringing endorsement for the QQ this thread! <<<
The Qashqai is very reliable especially in petrol form, the Renault sourced diesels have been known to cause problems mainly concerning particulate filters. Customer surveys have scored the QQ reliability highly , recently in a JD Power survey it beat every small family hatch including the Golf and came third in the SUV category.
I have no issues with the fit or finish and the whole car fells robust and well screwed together, fold down the rear seat and throw your mountain bike in the back, that's the sort of car it is.
I would recommend a Petrol engined Qashqai ( preferably the 1.6 litre ) to anyone looking for sensible, reliable family transport with an adventurous twist to it's styling.
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Have they sorted the back seats out now so that they fold flat?
I looked at a Qashqai two years ago and they didn't - understandable in a Micra but quite ridiculous in a car that size.
The other thing that put me off, as someone has said above, is the awful rear visibility - again a quite unnecessary capitulation to the stylist in a car which is going to be bought for reasons of practicality rather than style.
Edited by Avant on 03/09/2009 at 23:47
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>>>I would recommend a Petrol engined Qashqai ( preferably the 1.6 litre ) to anyone looking for sensible, reliable family transport with an adventurous twist to it's styling.<<<
I'm a BIG fan of the Qashqai comrade, one of the very few cars on the road these days that does anything for me, I drive an Almera 1.8SE auto at the mo - had it 2.5 years now, 100% reliable, quite economical and does what it says on the tin ... even the Note is an excellent concept from Nissan IMO.
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Have they sorted the back seats out now so that they fold flat? >>
I doubt it can be done. If you look at the external body shape you can probably see why. Headroom in the rear isn't great either but I knew that before I bought it.
I've got a 2.0 petrol CVT (there's no auto option on the 1.6 and you have to have 4WD on the diesel auto which may or may not have problems with the DPF) and it goes along very nicely. I expect the performance to continue to improve.
The rear view isn't perfect but it's actually quite a small car so with parking sensors there isn't a problem parking it and overall rear visibility with wing mirrors is fine.
The design continues to grow on me and the doors shut with that pleasingly solid clunk. While it's not a Range Rover there is a feeling of sitting slightly above the traffic. It handles well.
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Forgot to say the one extra I ordered was the glass roof. Really makes a difference but you can cover the whole thing up if you choose.
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Note is not a Nissan concept - it is a re-badged Renault Modus.
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>>> Note is not a Nissan concept - it is a re-badged Renault Modus <<<
Hardly! but it is *based* on the Modus/Clio floorpan.
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>> >>> Mmm not exactly a ringing endorsement for the QQ this thread! <<< The Qashqai is very reliable especially in petrol form the Renault sourced diesels have been known to cause problems mainly concerning particulate filters.
I wasn't just talking about reliability... its supposed to be a car for use in the "city" but rearward vision is compromised... someone mentioned a bad gearbox, the list goes on... reliability isn't everything!
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Rearward vision is compromised in loads of cars because of the upswept design towards the rear and the smaller window in the hatchback.
I'm not sure what it is coming at you in the city that would cause a problem. With the rear and door mirrors I think rearward vision is generally ok. Have you driven the car, b308?
How many cars get a "ringing endorsement" on here? For everyone who loves, say, the new Hyundai range someone else will point out that the interior is a bit cheap; even Mercs get trashed by some posters and they've not exactly got a poor reputation generally.
All cars have a list that could go on and while reliability may not be everything, tell that to the bloke whose car persistently fails to start in cold weather, because it's quite a lot!
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I'm not sure what it is coming at you in the city that would cause a problem. With the rear and door mirrors I think rearward vision is generally ok. Have you driven the car b308?
Nope, but I have looked closely at it, and didn't like the rearward vision so didn't go any further... In city or town driving I feel that good all round and especially rear vision is a priority, mirrors have too many blind spots, but...
Everyone has different priorities!
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After 25K in mine, I can honestly say the (lack of) rear vision has never been an problem.
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the white vans that cut their way through the traffic seem to do oK with no rear vision & just side mirrors. Seems to be a cult of drivers who prefer to look over their shoulders than use the rear view/side mirrors to reverse, maybe they are the ones signaling with their arms as they don't trust the indicators...
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I wasn't just talking about reliability... its supposed to be a car for use in the "city" but rearward vision is compromised... someone mentioned a bad gearbox the list goes on... reliability isn't everything!
I will be totally honest with you regarding rear visibility from my experience. I sold my 2006 Ford Focus to purchase my QQ, and reversing into parking spaces is much better than the Focus. The rear window on the Focus is almost horizontal making parking guesswork at the best of times, obviously not an issue for many motorists as it sells by the bucket load and is used by many driving schools.
The majority of owners will not have a problem with rear vision, again lets not single out Nissan as even prestige makes like the Bentley GT has compromised vision. Regarding poor gearboxes again IMHO it has not got the snappy short throw of the Focus but it is still slick and precise, I have no complaints in this department.
Yes someone may have had an early model or Friday afternoon car with unacceptable quality, but if you check out problems with so called prestigious makes Nissan still produces quality cars for sensible money.
My work involves driving a Mercedes Sprinter van all day in London, all you have to aid reversing is the wing mirrors, again it means that you just use a bit of extra caution and sound your horn when about to reverse.
Would I buy another Qashqai? Without doubt yes!
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OK my Qashqai is three years old now. It's a 1.6 Acenta (57 plate)
Mileage is low as I had two back operations in 2008 which meant I didn't get around much that year.
The car hasn't been perfect but then again I'v e never come across on from new that has.
I've had:-
1. 2 x sets of rear shockers.
2. Can't get out or in of of the vehicle when it's really cold as the front doors freeze shut. Had to climb over seats and out of back which doesn't help when you've had spinal surgery.
3. Rattling cat cover which had come loose.
4. Front wheel bearing drone and had to be replaced.
5. 2 x alloy wheels corroded
All above done under warrany which runs out soon. No. 2 has not been mentioned or sorted yet.
It's done 18k and still on origianl tyres. Car is excellent despite the above and I would have no hesitation is recomending one. Most of my travel is local and it returns 37mpg (according to the car itself). 50 mpg on a motorway run. It's relatively underpowered but not an issue for me. Really well put together car and I like it. As a private owner I'm not sure whether to keep it or chamge when it comes up to its third birthday.
Things that I like are:-
1. My 17 year son loves it :)
2. It feels really well made.
3. Absorbs the bumps better than anything I've owned.
4. High driving position is great.
5. Relatively cheap to buy and run.
6. It's practical yet different.
I wish that they had designed the rear lid to rise higher :( it sits lower than any car I've ever known which is criminal for a car this tall. At 6' 4" I've banged my head more than once.
Halmer
Edited by Halmer on 17/10/2010 at 17:49
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Only 18k on the clock and replaced shocks, not to menton front wheel bearing, alloys corrosion and freezing front doors ? That’s a lemon if yo ask me…
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Every new car that I've ever had, and I've had a few, has been a lemon then.
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I can imagine the QQ 1.6 petrol is indeed a bit underpowered. The very same engine ,1.6 petrol is great for my little Note but a honking great heavy QQ? Waaay to small for my taste.
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Have to agree lemon mate.
I've had many new cars over the years and that sounds like a huge amount of repairs to me for just 18K miles. My Xtrail has just had to have the alloys re-furbed after 7 years and 40K. SWMBO thought they didn't need it but I am more fussy. Still on original shocks and two of the original tyres (5mm left). Only just changed the pads and disks this year. The dealer was surprised as it's a 2.5 Auto big heavy car. Drive it smoothly, don't curb the alloys and regular cleaning kept them good. Still on the original wheel bearings etc. Yep you got hosed mate.
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Naaah you're wrong me old fruit. Talking out of your bottom
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We have a chap at work who bought a brand new,diesel powered one about two years ago. Nothing but trouble from day one.Various problems,had new rear shocks at about 10k,then had low oil light showing for about thirty seconds before it went out. He had this car serviced at a Nissan dealer bang on schedule,checked the oil etc. Nissan could not find the problem and needless to say he sold it and was glad to see the back of it. Possibly the bean counters have got hold of Nissan in recent years.I had a `93 Primera from almost new,excellent car.
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Sorry but 30 years of driving and eleven cars bought from new disagree's with you Halmer.
I've had Fords, Nissans, Fiats and Citroens and three SEAT' s that have each covered more than your 18K mileage with NO faults whatsoever NO wheel bearings, NO replacement shocks etc.
Last time I bought a set of shocks (many years ago) it was for a BMW323i and that was 10 years old at the time. The original ones still passed an MOT but I wanted to lower the suspension and so put new springs on it. New shocks were done at the same time. Please note that was a choice not a necessity.
As I said current motors are a 2003 X trail -original shocks and bearings at 43K and a 2010 Note that replaced a well worn 80K 02 X-Picasso - on original shocks/ bearings.
So if there's volume from an orifice mate..please look closer to home.
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Halmer, I can't understand how you don't think thats rubbish given that you have only covered 18k miles in three years. Perhaps as you say every car you have ever had has been a lemon (must be the case) so your expectations are being met!.
I have had many new cars over the years from Ford, Mazda, Alfa & Lotus and not had such an experience. (yes! even with the Lotus).
Edited by AnotherWaiting on 20/10/2010 at 21:05
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I have just seen a G reg Nissan Bluebird and it still looks tidy after all these years! I had one and it was built like a tank. Does not sound like the Qash is going to be around that long!
I thought Nissan was going to up the Renault quality not bring Nissans down.
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Maybe my expectations started from a low base given my experiences to date.
My wifes 6 1/2 year old 1.2 Fiat Punto has hardly missed a beat ironically at 50,000 plus miles.
Thanks for the interest and comments. Some valid points and food for thought ta.
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