Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Nissan X-Trail?
2005 - 2007 Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Nissan X-Trail - low mileage use as a second car. Which would you recommend? Any issues to look out for with these?
Many thanks, Ben from Limerick
Ben McMahon (Limerick)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ben,
OK, first off, if it's a second car for short journeys and low mileages, go and track down a petrol model. That shouldn't be too hard if you're looking pre-2008, and it will save you from getting diesel particulate filter problems later.
Of the three, the Tuscon would probably be the most painless to own - it has a great reliability record and the 2.0-litre petrol version is decently frugal. Worth looking at a Kia Sportage of the same vintage too - it's mechanically identical and, to our eyes, slightly better looking.
I'd avoid the RAV4. That generation of RAV was very short on refinement and they tend to need clutch and flywheel replacements as the miles build up. Not a patch on the current, much more sophisticated RAV4.
The X-Trail is well worth a look too. You might struggle to track down the rare 2.0-litre petrol version, but it's worth doing so - it's more reliable than the diesel version and, as long as you go for the second-generation X-Trail, introduced in 2007, you're getting a massively spacious car that's surprisingly good to drive. Be picky though - it has to be that second-gen model, as the first X-Trail was a bit underwhelming. If you can't find a nice one, revert to the Tucson or Sportage.
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe