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HI Lyn, well as a Nissan fan I may be able to shed a bit of light for you.  The main issue seen on the diesels is turbo and intercooler failure at around the 50,000 mile mark.  It is associated with the turbo not being allowed to cool down after working the engine hard. 

So if you are buying check to see if it has been done and if you hear a whistling sound when test driving walk away.  Ideally get one with a decent warranty on it and make sure it doesn't exclude the turbo.

I have the 2 litre petrol version, I deliberately steered clear of the diesel.  Our neighbour on the site where our van is had the diesel.  I asked if he had had any probs and he said no it had been great.  I asked the mileage and it was about 48k.  I said your turbo will go soon then, they are notorious for it lol.  Blow me down if he didn't text me a few weeks later to say the turbo had gone!  Apparently I jinxed it!

There are loads of threads on here so have a read, also on Honest John and Parkers for owners reviews.  Great cars, I love mine to bits and wish I had bought one earlier so if you can avoid the turbo issue you'll be fine.

Ali

We have just returned from a 5000 mile trip over 3 months around France , Spain , portugal with our X-trail 2.2 dci sport towing a 1420kg bailey pageant burgundy  and the car performed exceptionally well even on steep inclines , this are 4 th trip abroad in 3 years and 46,000 miles on the clock with no problems .

if you are buying under 3 years old will still be under warranty so should you be unlucky enough to have any problems Nissan will repair with out any quibble , you can also extend the warranty as we did to 5 years & 60,000 miles at a cost of £429 money well spent or if your buying from a main dealer make them include the extended warranty with your deal

Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 30/3/2009

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HI Lyn, well as a Nissan fan I may be able to shed a bit of light for you.  The main issue seen on the diesels is turbo and intercooler failure at around the 50,000 mile mark.  It is associated with the turbo not being allowed to cool down after working the engine hard. 

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Almost correct, but not quite. The turbo problem can happen at any mileage - some have gone with only a few thousands on the clock, others are fine after having done 100k. And while the turbo problem is made worse by them not being allowed to "spool down"  - you have to idle the car for a minute or so after hard driving, such as pulling off a motorway into a service area, otherwise there is no oil fed to the turbo bearings - there are a couple of other factors, too.

Originally, the diesel engines' electronic management systems set the boost too high, creating problems with blown seals and oil getting into the intercoolers. This has since been remedied with a recall. Ensure that the recall has been carried out before buying any used X-Trail made before 2008.

Regular oil changes (every six months or 6000 miles) are needed. Ignore the manufacturer's recommendation of annual/12000 mile changes.

However, to answer the original question - they are terrific tow cars. Bags of power, comfortable, great off road, good to drive solo, practical, luxurious and (if you look after them and don't drive them too aggressively) reliable, too.

Quote: Originally posted by Viggo on 03/4/2009

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Almost correct, but not quite. The turbo problem can happen at any mileage - some have gone with only a few thousands on the clock, others are fine after having done 100k. 

 

Yep mine went at about 10k.

Spampman,

                 Just got a 2004 Hyundai Tucson deisel, how long should I let it idle to cool down turbo. Do you need to do it everytime you drive it.

It's not often that you need to do it, as most driving ends with a slow speed section from the fast road to your destination, which has the same effect as idling as far as the turbo is concerned. It's only when stopping immediately after a fast (or hilly) drive that you need worry, so that usually means when you come off the motorway or stop in a lay-by.

You can buy a device that keeps the engine going for a while after you turn the ignition off, my colleague had it on his Mitsi Evo, he'd park up and walk away and the car would carry on for a few more seconds! 

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by LYNS24 on 30/3/2009

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Just wondering if any one has one?  If so what are they like to tow?  We have a 2009 Bailey Ranger 460/4 looking to get an Xtrail pretty soon we really like them.  Has any one had any problems with them?

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 I have a 2006 x trail 2.2 dci  had it from new pulling elddis 524 odyssey had no trouble at all . very good tow car.