We're looking to replace an ageing v70 with a suitable 4x4 and are currently considering a Nissan X-trail (new) or a nearly new Hyundai Santa Fe (1 y/old). Should we be looking at anything else? Our current van is 1450kg max and we are novice towers.
Benefits of the Nissan - local dealer, good price for a new car with good availability. Early 40s mpg when solo. Downsides - poor in-gear acceleration, restricted to a manual
Benefits of the Santa Fe - auto available at reasonable 2nd hand prices, plenty of power. Downsides - nearest dealer 40-odd miles away making servicing/warranty work awkward.
What's the opinion of the more seasoned folks in here as to the better vehicle for us?
Obviously I can only go on my experience. I have owned my Santa Fe for nearly 3 years bought from a garage 30 miles away. They have always been accommodating and provided a courtesy car. One of the service receptionists lives in the same town and has brought the courtesy car to my house after work and taken my car to the garage the next day - fantastic service.
I tow a similar weight to your van and it tows with ease.
I am on my second X Trail but they are old ones, both 2002. I only swapped for an auto because of a knee problem and I suspect mine originated from where you are looking to buy, Wellington Motors?
I can only go on our own experiences and that is that Nissan have served us well. We run an ancient Almera too, we have had it 9 years and it was ex motability. Dad had an Almera until he gave up driving last year that was previously our friend's car. I have had a host of others over the years and not one has been a bad egg. Supreme reliability, easy parts availability and extremely comfortable.
We have only really had routine servicing and MOTs done on them, I had a sensor go on the first X Trail but that was it in 4 years of ownership and cost £140.
I know our garage would recommend Nissan over Hyundai, Kia and the like day in and day out as I have had the conversation with them. Expensive parts on the others for a start.
So I am Nissan through and through and I don't think you would go far wrong with one.
Doubt you'll go far wrong with either. We can recommend the X Trail though. We got ours at Christmas and love it so far. Good sized boot, loads of gadgets, nice to drive etc.
Ours is the 173ps Manual and the acceleration is fine for an SUV. An auto version IS available with the 150ps engine.
If your buying new it's worth checking to see if Caravan Club membership will still get you a discount on the X Trail. If they are it's worth joining?
If you are thinking of an X-Trail auto you need to check the towing weight which is much reduced compared to the manual. I have previously been an X-Trail owner and looked at them as a possible replacement for my Sorento but dismissed them because of the auto towing weight. If you want an auto I would go for the Santa Fe as they have a pretty good reputation as tow cars.
We have the Hyundai Tuscan, which has recently been replaced by the i35, the car is smaller and probably more economical than the Santa Fe, our caravan is around the same weight to yours and the Tuscan pulls it very well. Don't forget the Kia Sorento and Sportage, very similar cars to the Hyundai, perhaps worth a look.
If you are not set on a 4x4 have a look at Ford Mondeo estates. 2.0 litre engine gives 163 bhp and tbey have a really good reputation solo and towing. Dont buy new, the depreciation is horrendous, but get an ex demo or managers car with a few thousand miles on the clock.
Thanks for highlighting the auto limit David. I was aware of the x-trails low tow limit on the auto, hence going manual. We would prefer an auto if possible though.
Sorry Bob, mrs s has said a definite no to a Skoda.
We've just joined the Caravan club to gain 15% discount on a new x-trail if we decide to go ahead with that from new. I figured if nothing else, we still get an increased number of sites to visit and we can always cancel after 1 year if its not for us. With the discount, the car would cost less than the garage is quoting us for a 14 month old car... and with 0%finance on new cars (14.9% apr normally) would be a considerable saving in the longer-term too.
Test-drive booked for a Santa on Saturday, lets see how that goes.
i would definitely go for a 2006 auto 2.7 santa fe in black that has an lpg conversion and has done around 130k - high mileage but you can get one that drives like a dream is economical and well priced!!!!
seriously the santa is a good choice, i am on my second now and only selling because i have just bought a small camper and dont do the miles i used to do, so dont need it. the only problem i have ever had in 6 years of owning santa fe's are the reluctor rings (they corrode and make the abs operate at slow braking speed) i replaced them myself - 2 hours each side and they cost £20 for a pair, other than that no problems, cam belt every 50k miles as recommended along with all oil levels topped up inc gearbox etc might be a good idea to check re the warranty if its a year old, to see if its transferable.
Bessie500 there van is max 1450 so it wont be loaded to the gunnel, the miro will be around 1300 or less, so if you have a max tow of 1700 that is leaving you with a min 300kg to play with making it around 80%.
Saftlad, if you where to blind fold SWMBO and told her it is an Audi she would like it as thats exactly what it is with a different badge
Bessie500 there van is max 1450 so it wont be loaded to the gunnel, the miro will be around 1300 or less, so if you have a max tow of 1700 that is leaving you with a min 300kg to play with making it around 80%.
Bob have you ever weighed your van full ??I have and can assure you the weight soon tots up, look at the spread sheet below, the weight in both car and van is more than 200kg.......... and if you notice theres no clothes in that
when i say the Skodas not heavy enough its because it aint fact......... not because i dislike them or anything, i actually went to look at them before i got my Mondeo
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Topic: Another "Which Car?" Thread
is economical and well priced!!!! 
