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Hi,

We are currently thinking of changing our 56 plate 1.9CDTI SRI Vectra over the coming months. Although the car tows our Bailey Ranger without any problems (under 85% ratio) we would like to go for something bigger as our intention is to upgrade to a bigger van over the next 2 years and would like a 5 or 6 berth van with fixed bunks. These vans are too heavy for the Vectra as they seem to range from around 1440kg to 1500kg. So having looked around I think I am going to consider either a Nissian X-Trail 2008 model or a Freelander 2 2007 model. Both of these seem to be coming in around £12-£13k which is at the top of our budget. We like both but can't decide which one is best.......so far our thoughts are:

X-Trail - Looking at the 2L DCI Trek 2008 model. Can get one a year or so newer and with less miles than the freelander. Comes with more options such as bluetooth and Nissan are generally thought of as very reliable. The downside for us is the kerb weight is lower, although this seems to range between 1625kg (Autotrader) to just over 1700kg (caravan club matching service) for the same model...it seems this is a common issue trying to find this out! The nose weight is also less at 100kg. I think the boot is also a bit bigger which is key as we have a 10 month old!

Freelander - Looking at the 2007 S model 2.2 Diesel. Bigger nose weight and slightly higher kerbweight so may give us more future proofing. Reviews on the new model seem good but I had the previous freelander (2001) and didn't rate it! I prefer the look of this model and it seems a bit more "compact" but that may just be me!

MPG and Road Tax seems fairly similar and both will tow a braked trailer up to 2000kg (although we normally aim for around 85% of kerbweight).

Would welcome other members view on our choice especially if you have either model. We had considered the Volvo V70 but have decided not to look at this as the nose weight limit is 75kg. Also looked at the Kia Sorento but OH didn't like the model version we can afford (although likes the 2011 model but way out of our budget!!).

In particular we would be interested in the servicing / running costs of either model and what they are like to drive mon-fri and tow with!

Cheers

Darren

Thanks Rich,

I think we will call the caravans clubs technical line to confirm the kerb weight of the x-trail. I have been on a few forums for these and there seems to be a common issue with Nissian quoting a range for each model as it depends on what options are fitted. Autotrader and Auto Express show the kerb weight around 1645kg but the caravan clubs matching service shows it at 1705kg! The van we are looking at is around 1440kg so if its around 1700kg then that will be spot on for an 85% match. I suppose the lower weights not the end of the world as its still only around 88% which should still be fine! These figures are based on a 2008 X-Trail Trek!

Never had a jap motor so it would be a move in to a new area for us. As mentioned above the previous freelander we had 10 years ago wasn't great but I keep hearing more positive reports about the freelander 2.

Hi Ian,

Do you know what the kerbweight of your X-Trail is? Just want to be sure it will be suitable for towing upto 1440kg before making the decision to purchase!

Many Thanks

Darren

Hi

We have a 2009 2.0Dci 173 X-Trail Adventura, owned from new, mileage now on 38,000 miles. Hoping to upgrade to a heavier van, we were concerned about the quoted kerbweight so hubby took it to our local weighbridge, with him (approx 11stone) and a half tank of fuel it weighed in at 1806kg. we absolutely love the car, it has not missed a beat and tows very well.

HTH

Kate

Quote: Originally posted by Zafiral on 27/10/2011

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The 06 onwards Freelander is ahead of the 07 onwards X Trail in the latest Warranty Direct survey.

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I tend to treat reviews with caution but have you read these ?

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/land-rover/freelander-4x4/summary/25581-3

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/nissan/x-trail-4x4/full-review/25728-3

Unfortunately, both are fairly good, its a tough choice!!

The new Feelander is streets ahead of the old one apparently, but it couldnt possibly be worse! 

Thanks Gary,

They were a very useful read and I was interested to note there have been some gear box problems reported with the freelander especially with those that tow caravans!! As this is the main reason we are buying one then this is food for thought! They said they these have been fixed under warranty (when reported) but as a 2007 model would be out of warranty it would worry us! It was also interesting to note that the test freelander didn't acheive anywhere near is claimed MPG!

As you mention the old model was a complete dog! We had a 2001 model and the build quality wasn't great with lots of minor niggles from new. We ended up selling it after 18 months and looking at the problems that they had with the engines as they got older I am glad we did!

I guess I am cautious as once bitten..............!

Thanks Ian, I would be interested to know. I may be wrong but it could be printed on the V5?

Darren

Quote: Originally posted by Zafiral on 27/10/2011

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The extra noseweight will be irrelevant as I can't think of a caravan that has a max noseweight above 100kg. Above 100kg is usually for horseboxes.

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Thanks, I wasn't aware of that. This is our first year with a van so are learning slowly. So on the basis that the x-trail is 100kg there is no benefit in this respect over the Freelander.

I just need to bottom out the kerbweight now.......! I am thinking of going to view one at a local dealer and may even ask that if I was to buy it would they get it weighed at the local weighbridge for me. Published weights vary from 1625 to 1715kg but most forums seem to say that owners find they are over 1700kg when actually weighed.

Worse case a 1625kg weight would be 88% on a van of 1440kg........I take it that this wouldn't be the end of the world as the 85% rule is only a guideline?