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Well just thought I would update those that are interested on our experiences so far with the X-Trail!

So far we have been really pleased with it and it handles better than we expected and on a long drive to Norfolk at the weekend was really comfortable! On average we are getting 39-40mpg combined but more on long motorway runs, which for a fairly large 4x4 we don't think is too bad.

We still need to get a tow bar fitted so haven't towed with it yet and probably won't be getting this done till around Feb as our first Holiday for 2012 isn't planned until April. The V5 came back this week and shows the mass in running order of 1700kg but with a max permissible weight of over 2000kg. From looking on other forums most people seem to report an actual weight (when taken to a weigh bridge) of between 1700kg and 1800kg. Once the tow bar and dog guard are fitted we will be taking it to a local weighbridge to get a final "actual" figure as it will be good to know for when we decide to get a bigger van,

Pros: The sports version has SOOOOO many extras its hard to remember them all! We also have the extreme roof rails & lights which look great. OH loves the heated / cooled cup holders. Bluetooth radio / 6 CD changer is really nice and the selectable 4x4 seems to work well. Boot space is also vast but we need to get the dog guard so we can fill up the luggage area without fear of it falling on to our 10 month old!

Cons:....Umm well no major ones so far. The only thing I have noted is that the reversing light isn't that bright and is very low down which means you don't get a lot of light behind.

Looking forward to seeing how it tows in the new year!

Cheers

Darren

  Hi Darren

Hope you get on well with your Xtrail, must say we had the 2005 SVE xtrail & it towed our Bailey Pageant very well untill we had the turbo blow £1350.00 later, still towed well, then change our van to a Coachman Pastiche 560 secound turbo blown, now tow with a Hyundai Santa Fe, better than the Xtrail by far.

      Kiters

Quote: Originally posted by kiters 59 on 30/11/2011

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  Hi Darren

Hope you get on well with your Xtrail, must say we had the 2005 SVE xtrail & it towed our Bailey Pageant very well untill we had the turbo blow £1350.00 later, still towed well, then change our van to a Coachman Pastiche 560 secound turbo blown, now tow with a Hyundai Santa Fe, better than the Xtrail by far.

 

      Kiters

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Hi Kiters,

Yes we had heard about the turbo problems on the T30 model (per 2007) so took the decision to borrow a little more money and went for the newer T31 version with the 2.0 DTI engine. At the moment there don't seem to be the same problems reported with this engine but just to be safe we have taken a 13 month warranty out with warranty direct which covers all the main components (inc Turbo) for £250 just to be sure! The T31 is also a bit heavier and has a slightly bigger boot which were other factors in our decision. Test drove a CRV and Sorento but just prefered the X-Trail and with a weight over 1700kg and 100kg tow ball limit it should suit us for years

Hi Terry,

Good choice and I am sure you will be very happy with it. We have the sports model as well with the expedition roof bars/lights and love it! We are still yet to tow with it as the tow bar is been fitted next week. I still keep finding thinks on the X-Trail after reading the manual (i.e push and hold the door "lock" button for 5 seconds and then the doors lock automatically when you drive off). We have just brought a nissian dog guard off e-bay and this was really useful at xmas when visiting family as we could stack the boot up without fear of things flying forwards. In terms of off roading I would say the x-trail is up there with the freelander and pips the CRV to the post (may mate has a CRV and is impressed with the i 4x4 on the X-Trail). Once the towvbar is fitted I am taking it to our local weighbridge to get a accurate kerbweight so will post the result in a few weeks.

Darren

Hi Terry,

We ordered the official Nissan X-Trail floor mats when we got ours as these fit the retaining clips on the floor and have "x-trail" stiched in silver on each side. You can get them from here or your local dealer:

http://nissan-xtrail.sgpetch.co.uk/pages/accessories/detail/model=290/category=ROOT-interior/accessory=Velour+Mat+Set/id=8991

I think they are worth the money and do look nice when fitted. You can probably find some on ebay as well.

We have ordered a fixed swan neck towbar over a flange type. I am not that bothered about a removeable one and also think a fitted one protects the bumper when the OH is reversing!! Our fitter said it would look neater and also it will have less effect on the reversing light / fog light which are quite close to the towbar. I have also opted for the 13pin socket and we are just getting an adaptor for the van........as we intend to keep the car for years we felt this was more future proof for when we change to a newer van. Our fitter said when he does X-Trails he runs new cables direct from the battery and this involves taking out a fair bit of trim, he estimated it is a 3 hour job. We are paying £340 which includes the adaptor for the van..........you may get it cheaper where you live as prices "down south" can be higher!!

Check out the UK X-Trail forum if you need any technical advice: http://www.x-trail-uk.co.uk/

Hi Terry,

No the holes in the mat just loop over the "pegs" sticking up from the floor, there isn't anything that then holds these in place. I have had mine for getting on for two months and have had no problems with them moving, etc.

Darren

I can see your issue with the bikes but personally I would probably stick them on the roof. The main issue for us was how practical the car was when not towing. When we thought about it we probably only tow around 20 times a year, i.e to and from holidays. The rest of the time we wanted a car with good boot space for visiting family, good mpg, reliabilty and ease of use. I was close with the FR2 but just felt the X-Trail gave us more for our money and the 2.0D is a fantastic engine. Good luck with whatever you decide to go for!

PS: Our X-Trail weighed in at 1820kg with 1/2 tank fuel and me in the drivers seat so more than many websites will quote.