Buying a used car is always associated with certain risks. A reliable and economical parquet SUV in the middle price segment is the second generation Nissan X-Trail Columbia with an engine capacity of 2.0 liters. Time-tested Japanese quality, good cross-country ability and attractive exterior are the main advantages of this model. Like any car, the Nissan X-Trail has its own weaknesses that you should pay attention to before buying a car.

Weaknesses Nissan X-Trail Columbia 2008-2014(T31)

1. Engine overheating;
2. Variable speed drive;
3. Chassis;
4. Steering rack;
5. Cruise control button;
6. Power windows;

Read more…

Engine overheating.

One of the unpleasant problems is related to the performance of the engine, which requires systematic maintenance, otherwise by 100,000 km it will begin to cause inconvenience to its owner in the form of overheating. According to experts, even boring does not always give a positive result, and replacing an engine is not a cheap pleasure.

Recognizing overheating is quite simple: you need to move at a speed of no higher than 20 km / h for several kilometers, and then stop and transfer the box to the “P” position - parking and wait 10-15 minutes. Sometimes 5 minutes is enough for a red exclamation mark to appear on the instrument panel, which means “no movement allowed”. This is not a mass phenomenon and once again I want to repeat that it depends on the conditions and manner of operation. It should also be noted that with a mileage of 100 thousand km. the engine starts to “eat” oil, more than it should.

The CVT in the two-liter X-Trail is more reliable than other models in this line. But even with his work, certain difficulties may arise. Minor jerks and jolts while driving are considered one of the problematic moments and a weak point of this SUV.

It is quite difficult to check the variator on your own without involving professionals and conducting special diagnostics. Dynamic driving: Kickdown and acceleration to 100 km / h, and then braking will help you better feel if there are any jerks when driving. Smoothly depressing the accelerator pedal and gradually accelerating can reveal difficulties with accelerating that are not related to the power of the car engine.

The chassis can make itself known by 80,000-85,000 thousand mileage, and sometimes even earlier. Front struts, tips, stabilizer bushings and rear shock absorbers, as a rule, have to be changed by this time. Experienced car owners know exactly what signs are characteristic of a weak suspension. Are there any unpleasant sounds when driving in a straight line or when turning the steering wheel on an uneven road, how pronounced are they, what do they resemble: crunching, knocking, crackling, grinding. Running gear diagnostics will not take much time, if it is possible to contact a specialized service, then be sure to do it.

Steering rack.

The steering rack is another Nissan Ixtrail Columbia (T31) disease, a typical manifestation is knocking. To check, you need to drive the car on a road with bumps. In this case, knocks on the steering wheel will be felt. A common malfunction is a steering rack leak caused due to the untwisting of the rack fitting under the influence of vibration.

Problems with cruise control.

The cruise control button on the steering wheel stops working. Most often, the problem is associated with a breakdown of the cable, which cannot be repaired. Buying a new one will cost the owner about $400.

Power windows.

The power window unit often fails. How to check the performance of power windows is probably not worth explaining. But it is necessary to check this, especially since it will take a couple of tens of seconds.

The paintwork of these cars is surprisingly very weak and weakly resistant to reagents sprinkled on the road in winter. Unlike other cars on the X-Trail, new pockets of rust are detected every year. As a result, it is almost impossible to find an unpainted car without rust.

The main disadvantages of the 2nd generation Nissan X-Trail Columbia

1. Noise isolation leaves much to be desired, of course, on a flat track, there are no complaints, but on a gravel road, the creaking of the tailgate is quite audible.
2. In the cold season, during severe frosts, there is not enough power of the stove, it is cold in the cabin, apparently, the design does not provide for maintaining the desired temperature inside the car at -30 ° C overboard.
3. Aerodynamics is weak, but with a calm, measured ride, this is not a drawback.
4. With high mileage, the likelihood of "crickets" appearing throughout the cabin.

Conclusion.

The 2008 Nissan X-Trail Columbia with a 2.0L engine is a decent car with an ALL-MODE 4x4 electronic all-wheel drive system, a panoramic sunroof with an auto-closing system and many useful features. Timely maintenance and high-quality AI-95 will allow you to enjoy this car for many years.

P.S. Write in the comments about the weaknesses, illnesses and shortcomings of your Columbia X-Trail noticed during the operation of the car.

Weaknesses and shortcomings of the Nissan X-Trail Columbia (T31) was last modified: October 11th, 2019 by Administrator

(factory index T31) was created on a platform called Nissan C. The car turned out to be very popular, which is not surprising: for a little over a million they offered a mid-size SUV with a huge trunk. But is it worth looking for a "cunning", as the owners often call it, in the secondary market?

OFFICIAL VERSIONS

Most of the X-Trails that appeared on the Russian market were imported by official dealers. Until 2009, all the cars we sold were made in Japan. Later, they set up production at the Nissan plant in St. Petersburg. It is gratifying that absolutely all modifications, both diesel and gasoline, were officially sold with us. This is good, because there is a great chance of saving all service documentation. We also have right-hand drive versions, but - mainly beyond the Urals.

GENTLE SKIN

X‑Trail is endowed with a masculine appearance, but the paintwork of the body is surprisingly delicate. After a few years, the varnish begins to become cloudy and rubbed - like all external chrome. And chips on the paint remain even after light blows with small pebbles. Worst of all, if they appear on a non-galvanized roof: the places of "combat contacts" quickly rust.

The main source of unpleasant sounds from the outside is the rattling plastic panel under the wipers.

The interior is also not without "crickets". The main one settled in the cup holders of the lower part of the center console. Seat upholstery, whether it be fabric or leatherette, does not differ in durability and after two years it is rubbed off, losing its marketable appearance. Usually by this time the rim of the steering wheel also peels off. But the heater upsets even more. Three years later, his motor begins to whistle due to wear on the brush assembly and collector, which promises an early replacement of the assembly part (10,000 rubles).

Do not be surprised if at one “perfect” moment the audio system or cruise control stops responding to the buttons on the steering wheel, which means that the cable has failed. If it cannot be restored, a new one will cost 10,700 rubles.

For cars in expensive trim levels, it will not be superfluous to check the serviceability of the electric seats, especially the driver's one, otherwise you will have to fork out a couple of tens of thousands of rubles. The frame of the driver's seat creaks regardless of the configuration: the sounds of an old sofa are emitted by many copies older than three years.

The battery usually lasts no more than three or four years in our climate. There are no particular problems with the generator, and its breakdown is more an exception than a rule.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART

The range of power units at X-Trail does not shine with variety - only in-line "fours". In the engine range, the 2.0-liter MR20DE gasoline engines (140 hp) and the 2.5-liter QR25DE (169 hp) are adjacent to the two-liter M9R turbodiesel in two power options (150 or 173 hp) .

More than half of the cars on the market are equipped with two-liter petrols - and they break down most often. Moreover, the owners of X-Trails of 2008 were in a worse situation: on some machines, the engines had a defect in the piston group and suffered from increased oil consumption. The piston was changed under warranty, so when choosing a car in 2008, it would be a good idea to check the service history.

In addition, after 140,000-150,000 kilometers, piston rings lie on some engines and oil consumption exceeds a liter per thousand kilometers. Decarbonizing does not always help, and then prepare 4,500 rubles for a set of piston rings and valve stem seals. Plus - what do you think? - five times more for work.

Be sure to inspect the engine underneath. After 60,000–70,000 kilometers, the sealant, which acts as a pan gasket, begins to leak lubricant. Re-pulling the pan bolts often helps, but sometimes the sealant needs to be re-applied.

Engine oil isn't the only fluid the X‑Trail is actively losing. If the antifreeze level regularly drops, check the expansion tank for leaks. A leak at the junction of the upper and lower parts is a signature feature of a two-liter unit. Less often, liquid oozes from under the thermostat gasket. If the antifreeze leaves, and no leaks are visible from the outside, things are bad. The MR20DE motor has thin-walled spark plug wells, and it is enough to overdo it a little when twisting so that the threads crack and antifreeze begins to enter the combustion chamber. Therefore, make it a rule to tighten the candles only with a torque wrench.

Otherwise, the two-liter unit is very similar to its older brother with the QR25DE index. If the car suddenly refused to start (this happens, as a rule, after 120,000-130,000 kilometers), then it's time to change the stretched timing chain (4,600 rubles).

Regardless of the type of engine, the fuel gauge is lying. Fortunately, the clogged and, as a result, sticky fuel level sensor is replaced separately (5600 rubles). But the fuel filter can be changed exclusively assembled with a gasoline pump (10,900 rubles). In order not to spend money on an expensive unit, for prevention, clean the filter mesh every 30,000-35,000 kilometers.

After 100,000–110,000 kilometers, the valves will have to be adjusted. You heard right: the gaps for all engines are set in the old fashioned way, by selecting the thickness of the pushers (adjusting washers are not provided). Not the most resistant engine mounts require replacement even up to 100,000 kilometers (6,500 rubles for the front and 2,400 rubles for the rear).

There are few diesel cars on our market - about 5% of the total. It's a pity! After all, the two-liter M9R turbodiesel has almost no weak points. Is that the return line of the fuel system ... Its tubes often burst (5400 rubles), and the sealing rings begin to let diesel fuel through.

GIVE THE BELT

On the X‑Trail installed "mechanics", "automatic" (6-speed) or CVT.

The traditional manual transmission is very tenacious. Perhaps her only ailment is that in cars of 2010, the clutch had to be changed for 30,000-40,000 kilometers due to a defective disc.

The six-speed "automatic" Jatco JF613E is found exclusively in tandem with a diesel engine, and this unit is an infrequent guest in our market - although six out of ten diesel cars are equipped with an "automatic". But in terms of reliability, Japanese hydromechanics is almost as good as conventional “mechanics” - provided that the oil is changed every 50,000–60,000 kilometers. Of course, the solenoids in the valve body are not as reliable as those of Jim's "automatic" GA6l45R (it is familiar not only to owners of American cars, but also to BMW lovers). However, thanks to a competent management program, they live no less, like the whole box as a whole.

Modifications with the Jatco JF011E variator must be recognized as the most expensive in operation. Not only repairs, but also routine maintenance flies into a pretty penny. For example, replacing expensive Nissan CVT Fluid NS‑2 oil (every four years or after 60,000 kilometers) and an oil filter will cost about 16,000 rubles, including work. And the push belt, which requires replacement every 150,000 kilometers, will cost 20,000 rubles. But the cost savings can be even more expensive. If you miss an oil change, the wear products will jam the oil pump pressure relief valve (13,000 rubles) and the unit will be oil-starved. The belt will pull the cones of the variator (52,000 rubles). Together with the cones, the valve block (45,000 rubles) and the stepper motor (6,800 rubles) will suffer. The failure of the last failure is usually accompanied by a hang in one gear.

The cardan shaft joints and CV joints are reliable, just be sure to monitor the condition of the anthers (5600 rubles per set). And do not forget that X‑Trail is an SUV, not an all-terrain vehicle. Long forays into serious off-road and frequent slippage can sentence the electromagnetic clutch for connecting the rear wheels (43,000 rubles).

LIGAMENT RUPTURE

The X-Trail suspension is similar to the Qashqai suspension in both design and problems. The weakest link is thrust bearings (1000 rubles each). Dirt and sand entering the bearing wear it out over 20,000–30,000 kilometers. But this applies to cars of the first three years of production. Later, the assembly was finalized, extending the life of the bearings to 100,000 kilometers.

Racks (2,000 rubles per set) and anti-roll bar bushings (1,100 rubles) serve a little longer than 40,000 kilometers. To replace the latter, you will have to remove the subframe, on which it would be nice to change the silent blocks at the same time. For versions with a 2.5‑liter engine, they are not sold separately, but similar parts from a two-liter modification will do. Silent blocks and ball bearings of the front lower arms (6,400 rubles each) last up to 80,000–100,000 kilometers. On this run, the turn of wheel bearings comes up, which are changed only together with the hub (6400 rubles each).

In the rear suspension, the most hassle is with the lower shock absorber bushings, especially in cars of the first years of production. After restyling in 2010, the bushings were finalized, and the sore was left behind. Knocking on the supports and plastic casings of the front shock absorbers? This feature is easier to put up with than trying to eliminate it.

The steering rack is quite reliable and does not start knocking before 140,000-150,000 kilometers. When turning the steering wheel, the steering shaft cardan shafts (4400 rubles) often make a sound and its rubber seals creak. Silicone lubrication has already become a ritual for X-Trail owners.

Reliable and braking system. For some cars, the ABS block failed - most often after storming fords and other mud baths.

Despite childhood illnesses, the X‑Trail T31 series has become a real bestseller among crossovers. It is very tempting to get a lot of car for relatively little money.

In terms of price, only Mitsubishi Outlander is comparable to it. Korean competitors Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are even more expensive by 40,000-50,000 rubles.

X‑Trail loses less than 9% in price per year. And if you decide to buy it, it's better to aim for the version with "mechanics" and a 2.5-liter engine.

The ideal option is a diesel engine with a classic "automatic", but you will not find such cars during the day with fire. And a more affordable automatic version with a CVT, even in good condition, can require considerable operating costs.

WORD TO THE SELLER

Artem MELNICHUK, director of used car sales salon

Sales are not clear. I can’t say that the X‑Trail is a slow car. Buyers love it for its large trunk, spacious interior and good off-road capability for a crossover. The fastest sold cars with "mechanics". The electromagnetic clutch and especially the variator are alarming for many: a possible repair will cost a tidy sum (although the variator does not necessarily require repair).

Another great advantage of the machine is that over the years its resale value decreases very slowly, if not at all. But if the car has an opaque service history, it is almost impossible to sell it at an affordable price.

WORD TO THE OWNER

Lev TIKHON, owner of the Nissan X‑Trail crossover (2011, 2.0 L, manual, mileage 46,000 km)

This is my second X‑Trail. The main criteria for choosing a car were a spacious interior, high ground clearance and low price.

The first X‑Trail, produced in 2007, lived with me for four years, during which I wound 200,000 kilometers. The biggest trouble happened on the 63rd thousand, when the rear gearbox fell apart. It was replaced under warranty, but the dealer had to drive 250 kilometers. The rest of the car was very reliable. In addition to the gearbox, I only changed the thrust bearings and the stabilizer struts. And the clutch at the mechanical box did leave 200 thousand!

When it came time to change the car, there were no questions - only X‑Trail! Therefore, in 2011, I became the owner of an updated "cunning". Like the previous one, a two-liter engine and a manual gearbox. Yes, and the package is the same. But the assembly is already Russian, and, in my opinion, it is worse than the Japanese one: they obviously saved on materials and some little things. But I still think that the car is good, especially on long trips. The voyage to Greece only strengthened me in this opinion.

THE WORD TO THE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

Stanislav OLYUSHIN, master-acceptor of the technical center "Flagman-Avto"

Like most crossovers, the Nissan X‑Trail is a complex car and requires a lot of maintenance. The biggest problem with a two-liter gasoline engine is the short resource of the timing chain. I recommend changing it every 100,000 kilometers. For work, excluding the cost of spare parts, you will have to pay about 12,000 rubles.

The diesel engine has problems with the rear circuit of the vacuum pump and the injection pump pressure reducing valve.

The suspension is too stiff, which affects its reliability. Stabilizer struts and ball bearings run an average of 30,000-40,000 kilometers. But you won't be charged much for suspension repairs. For example, a complete rear suspension bulkhead will cost 7,000 rubles (excluding the cost of spare parts). Maintenance also cannot be called very expensive - an average of 5000–7000 rubles, including all consumables.

Invulnerable cars do not exist, no matter what advertising inspires us. Problems and shortcomings, specific “sores”, are present in each mechanism. A car is a combination of a huge number of mechanisms, and everything that spins, rubs, switches, rotates, and comes into contact with the external environment is subject to deformation and is potentially vulnerable. The Nissan X-Trail is no exception. In fairness, we note that Lexus, Porsche, Mercedes are no less vulnerable and have their drawbacks, pros and cons.

Until 2009, all Nissans were imported from Japan. After the opening of the assembly plant at the plant in Shushary near St. Petersburg, the flow of imported cars in the European part of Russia dropped sharply, and Nissan supplies of local assembly appeared. Deliveries from Japan are relevant for Siberia and the Far East, where even right-hand drive versions are often found.

Versions and improvements

When buying a used car, especially not as cheap as the Nissan X-Trail, you need to understand that many components are worn out, and no one will replace expensive parts in excess of the necessary pre-sale preparation. Consider the Nissan Xtrail pros and cons in order to navigate the secondary market.

Weaknesses of the Nissan X-Trail were consistently worked out by designers, engineers and designers. The shortcomings of previous versions are eliminated quite quickly. Only a car made entirely of titanium and launched into orbit, beyond the atmosphere, can be invulnerable.

Ixtrail has an incredible amount of improvements and restylings. Cars Nissan X-Trail T30: 2001, 2003; : 2007, 2010; : 2015 — differ from each other quite significantly. The car of the first wave was progressive for its class, but the interior trim was frankly rustic. Restyling 2003 was carried out according to the requirements of consumers, for whom a line of wishes was specially opened. In 2007, the shortcomings of control systems were eliminated, CVTs, interior, and trunk were improved.

The most popular in the secondary market was the 2007 version,. This is due to the relatively low price and the presence of major technical innovations. Besides everything that could break is already broken and replaced, accordingly, with a skillful choice and a certain amount of luck, you will not have to invest in expensive repairs immediately after purchasing a car.

Modern disadvantages and shortcomings of the Nissan X-Trail T31 according to car owners:

Washer reservoir - a simple plastic container with tubes

1 No washer reservoir level indicator

You can understand that the liquid has run out only by the absence of splashing on the glass ... And this can lead to the fact that the pump that pumps the washer will deteriorate - it is not intended to work "dry".

2 Unreliable fuel level sensor

Xtrail has two. One on the fuel pump, the other - separately. Usually a "separate" sensor is to blame. From constant contact with our "quality" fuel, contacts with all the consequences are oxidized. Can be cleaned with a simple kit "cotton swab + solvent".

Illumination of buttons on the driver's door in the dark

3 Buttons on the driver's door do not light up properly

In particular, the power windows are not illuminated. It would be possible to make the backlight not from the side, but “from the inside” ...

Trunk cover Nissan X-Trail

4 Uncomfortable tailgate

Tablecloth class. It could be something more practical.

Gas stop fifth door Nissan X-Trail

5 Weak stops of the fifth door

Gas stops Nissan X-Trail do not always cope with the heavy fifth door. This is especially noticeable in cold weather and in the cold.

Operational problems

The relatively serious problems of the Nissan X-Trail begin after a year of running. Rust appears on the 5th door, which was famously slammed several times. There may be problems with the paintwork on the roof, especially if you had a chance to ride through the bushes and not notice the small scratches that appeared. There are problems associated with insufficiently accurate handling, testing extreme modes of the car, checking the possibilities.

Wiring problems and cable abrasion

From the practice of operation, it is quite obvious that all moving parts are subject to increased wear. As for the wires and loops laid in moving mechanisms, they also wear out, wear out, the insulation deteriorates, the wiring closes, the wires break and fray, and microcircuits fail.

Traditional car problems with electronics; this is abrasion of control wires, loops, breakage of controllers and buttons. What can I say, even if in old VAZs the brake lights and turn signals fail, and on the left side, where the driver's door provides an additional mechanical load on the wires. So, in the Nissan X-Trail, part of the control wired systems, buttons and cables are located on the steering wheel. Loops of the audio system, cruise control, speakerphone, located on rotating elements, are subject to abrasion.

Right front door wiring

In the hands of a competent electrician, the problem with loops is easily eliminated. If there was no competent electrician, or the abrasion of the loops is catastrophic, that is, not “a bit of isolation”, but “in rags”, repair and replacement of control loops will cost a dozen or two thousand rubles.

The Nissan X-Trail electric seat adjustments are also weak points due to increased mobility. This is especially true for the driver's seat. Depreciation of electrics and cables is inevitable. And in the case of the Nissan X-Trail, a significant part of the electrics is located in the moving parts, which increases wear and tear many times over.

In addition to direct mechanical impact, there is a problem of condensation of excess moisture, difficult temperature conditions, strong heating near the rubbing parts of the mechanism, and unreliable protection of some components from dirt.

Sensors

Sensors that transmit data incorrectly are serious shortcomings of the Nissan X-Trail from the very first to the latest models. Quite often, this is a problem for a car owner who does not want to spend extra money to replace the combined unit. By the way, the combined nodes in the Nissan X-Trail are decent.

Open type resistor sensor: contacts constantly float in the fuel

Fuel sensors. Xtrail has two. The contacts of the fuel gauge are sticking, clogged and oxidized, for this reason the sensor readings are not very accurate. The pros and cons of the car in this case is pointless to measure.

Fuel level sensor, which is combined with a gasoline pump

The problem can be solved in the usual way, simply by cleaning the boards. The “right” filter is no problem, but the “left” one is combined with the fuel pump. Replacement will cost more than 10,000 rubles. For this reason, many drivers are limited to cleaning the right one, which does not contribute to the effective operation of the level indicator.

In extreme conditions, which, according to the Nissan X-Trail regulations, include sub-zero temperatures, component replacement should be carried out more often.

The same applies to the oil filter.

Expensive components

Cheap repairs for the Nissan X-Trail are impossible in principle. Considering the pros and cons of the Nissan X Trail, it should be noted that expensive components are recommended for replacement at the end of their service life.

This applies to scheduled work with a CVT gearbox. Most CVTs use a special CVT Fluid NS-2 which is more expensive than regular transmission fluid. An oil filter that needs to be changed at the same time as changing the oil has additional features and costs decently. It is recommended to change the oil 2 times a year, which is about 32 thousand annually. In case of problems with the variator, and they occur due to incorrect user actions, an unscheduled oil change can be supplemented by changing the belt and grinding the pulleys.

Technical flaws

Small sores on the Nissan X-Trail, especially those bought on the secondary market, are very unpleasant for the driver - these are plastic rattling parts in the cabin, as they are called "crickets". The driver's problem is that getting used to not paying attention to small clicks and creaks, you can miss a serious trouble. The howl of the variator, of course, cannot be confused with anything, but it’s easy to miss the clicks and taps of the steering rack.

Let's list the most vulnerable places of the Nissan X-Trail in terms of unforeseen squeaks:

• Outside - a panel above the wipers. By the way, if the cold is approaching, it is advisable to replace the regular wipers immediately, they are often made of rubber that is not sufficiently resistant to frost. A nasty scratch on the glass instead of a soft glide can be an unpleasant surprise.
• Center console.
• Heating system. The motor whistles and clicks in it, which will eventually have to be replaced.
• The seats, although of the latest design, are stuffed with electronics, but after 2-3 years they creak almost like a grandmother's spring sofa. This is, in principle, normal. None of the drivers complain about the seats and everyone finds the adjustment system very convenient. And they just get used to the creak and are surprised when strangers, for example, when selling a car, pay attention to rather loud creaks.

Nissan X-Trail is not the cheapest car and requires a considerable investment in monthly maintenance, filters need to be changed in accordance with the maintenance schedule, regardless of cost.

With proper driving and regular maintenance, the new Nissan X-Trail will not cause problems.

Disadvantages Nissan X-Trail video

Nissan X-Trail (T31) - produced from 2007 to 2014, this is the second generation of the car. In general, Japanese and moderately reliable car. The body does not immediately rust, regardless of assembly. Cars produced before 2009 were assembled in Japan, and after 2009 these cars began to be assembled at a plant near St. Petersburg. In general, the paintwork is durable, but if chips appear, they must be immediately painted over so that rust does not appear. Corrosion appears on the tailgate after 3 years. First of all, the place near the lining under the number begins to bloom. Under warranty on many cars, the tailgate was repainted.

The rear bumper can easily be damaged when driving off-road. A new rear bumper costs $170. The windshield has to be changed because it is not very strong and can crack even from road stones, it costs $ 300. Dirt accumulates between the frill and the windshield, which will lead to squeaks, but you can get rid of this problem with a sealant or additional sealant.

There are also some nuances with the doors: it happens that the cables fly off the outer or inner handles, because the fastenings of these cables are not very reliable. This problem is especially relevant in winter on cars manufactured from 2009 to 2014. Dealers even started a service company that did the sealing of this node. There are times when the fuel level gauge shows incorrect data, because after 7 years of operation the sensor board oxidizes. But you can wipe this board with alcohol and for a while the problem will disappear.

After 5 years of service, the stove fan motor may start to make noise, if it is not changed, it will start to whistle, such a new motor costs $ 130. There are times when the buttons on the steering wheel suddenly stop working, but this happens no earlier than after 100,000 km. run. The wiring cable is to blame, if you change it, the buttons will work again, such a new cable costs $ 150.

Motors

In most cases, the Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a 2-liter MR20DE gasoline power unit made of aluminum, it uses a chain in the timing drive. The same motor is also installed on the Nissan Qashqai. After 100,000 km. mileage, it is necessary to adjust the valves, choosing the height of the pushers, because there are no hydraulic lifters here.

The 2.0-litre engine is sometimes in trouble, especially on older cars. Increased oil consumption was noticed on cars in 2008, because the engine had defective pistons. They should have been replaced under warranty. If it was noticed that the amount of coolant is decreasing, then the first thing to do is to check the thermostat sealing ring and the expansion tank, it happens that it can leak at the junction, a new tank will cost $ 30. You also need to change the spark plugs carefully so as not to overtighten, because the wall of the spark plug well may burst, after which a trim will appear in the engine, and antifreeze will enter the cylinders, and exhaust gases into the cooling system. Because of such a trifle, you will have to change the cylinder head, which costs $ 1,200.

Other than that, motor mounts don't last longer than 100,000 miles and cost about $50 each. If the support is out of order, then vibration will appear on the body. If you do not flush the throttle every 50,000 km, then floating idle speed may appear and power will be lost. The chain in the timing drive will begin to stretch after 150,000 km. Therefore, it is better not to allow it to stretch and change it for $ 70. If this business is started, then one day the motor will give an error and will not start.

After about 170,000 km. run, the engine begins to consume more oil - about 0.5 liters per 1000 km. The cause may be stuck rings in the piston grooves. They can be changed, a new set of rings costs $80. But if the cylinder walls are worn out, then such easy costs cannot be dispensed with. The cylinder walls can wear out if the engine overheats. Therefore, you just have to add oil, because a new aluminum block costs about $ 2,000.

In addition, the motors begin to eat oil for another reason, this happens after 80,000 km., The oil flows out at the junction of the block and the pan. Re-tightening the bolts might help. But in most cases, it is necessary to change the sealant in the block, which is located there instead of the gasket. On cars produced before restyling, it was often that the rear seats began to smell of gasoline, which means that the sealing ring of the fuel level sensor or fuel pump was damaged. In 2009, on this occasion, there was a service campaign to replace seals.

A new pump costs $180, it has a filter that is designed to last the life of the pump, but still sometimes it happens that this filter becomes clogged, so you have to remove the fuel pump to change it. A sign that you need to change the filter may be that the engine starts to choke despite the fact that the car has a full tank. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary for prevention every 60,000 km. clean the fuel filter.

The diesel version of the X-Trail is quite rare, only 5% of cars with a diesel engine. This M9R turbocharged diesel engine is a joint development between Nissan and Renault, the volume is 2 liters, the engine is a model of 2005. In general, the motor is reliable if it is not spun to the cutoff. In 2013, this motor was modified, the engine ECU was reflashed, and the maximum speed was reduced. Also, do not drive strongly in a vegetable way, and keep the car idling for a long time, if you often drive through city traffic jams, then the particulate filter will clog. Therefore, it is advisable to flush the recirculation system every 60,000 km., Then it will be possible to save the USR valve, which is not cheap - $ 280.

In addition, the return line of the fuel system also requires attention, because plastic pipes can burst in frost, and fuel can enter the exhaust manifold, this will be indicated by the smell of fried diesel fuel in the cabin. The high-pressure pump from Bosch and the converter do not tolerate low-quality fuel. These spare parts are quite expensive, it is better to refuel only with high-quality fuel. Nozzles are also quite expensive - $ 300 each and they do not like washing the engine. If water gets between the nozzle body and the block head, this will lead to corrosion, after which they will fail, and also turn sour in their places and it will be difficult to get them for replacement.

Transmission

The diesel engine is accompanied by a six-speed automatic Jatco JF613E, which first appeared on many models of the Mitsubishi brand, and this box was also installed on many other cars, it is considered one of the most reliable. The main thing is to just change the oil in it every 60,000 km., Do not make sudden accelerations and do not feel sick in traffic jams, sometimes you need to give the car a quick acceleration, then it will last at least 250,000 km without repair. And after this run, you just need to change the clutches and the valve body with solenoids, this, of course, will not be cheap.

There is also a 6-speed manual, it also has few problems, you just need to change the clutch every 150,000 km. The clutch kit costs $120. On some cars in 2010 with a 2-liter gasoline engine, there were problems with the driven disc, so the clutch failed after 50,000 km.

There is also a CVT gearbox Jatco JF011E / RE0F10A, it must be checked especially carefully before buying, especially if it is paired with a 2.5-liter engine. But if you drive carefully, especially the variator is not killed with sudden movements, then it will quietly serve at least 200,000 km. But it happens that after 120,000 km. while driving, a hum may appear, which means that the bearings of the drive and driven shafts have already worn out, each of which costs $ 40. It also happens that there are problems with the drive belt, its replacement will cost $ 200. The main thing is not to forget that the variator does not like abrupt starts and driving through city traffic jams. The lower the speed, the greater the gear ratio, so the belt at this moment bends strongly and wears out quickly, and the variator also does not like it when the car sticks into the curb or immediately clings to the road after slipping.

Thanks to such situations, a belt that has rotated leaves scratches on the pulleys. And the pulleys, in turn, gnaw at the belt, erasing the teeth of the belt. During a sharp acceleration, the CVT begins to slip, wear products appear that can adversely affect the valve block, and the pressure of the working fluid may increase. To avoid problems with the box, you need to change the oil more often. On cars after restyling in 2010, the CVT has already been finalized and the control program has been changed.

And those who have older cars should also update the variator program or ask the previous owner if he did it. In 2012, there was a massive service campaign about this. In the same year, Nissan increased the warranty period for CVTs from 3 years or 100,000 km. up to 5 years and 150,000 km. If during the ride you notice jolts during the shift, then you need to change the gear oil as soon as possible, here comes Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 branded oil, you need 8 liters in total, it will cost $ 110 and a filter for 60.

As for the multi-plate clutch for connecting the rear axle, although it is expensive - $ 700, it does not cause any problems. Especially if you don’t drive hard in off-road mud, because this clutch is poorly protected from sand and dust. It must be understood that the X-Trail is more of an SUV than an SUV.

Steering is via a steering rack that costs $450, but it usually doesn't wear out until after 160,000 km, but the rods and tips fail at about 120,000 km. The rods are $40 and the tips are $60. The very first X-Trails that were brought from Japan in 2008 were recalled because it was suspected that some cars did not have a steering gear needle bearing installed, which would lead to to loss of control in the future.

In 2009, they also made a modernization in the steering so that the steering shaft cardan, which costs $ 90, does not quickly fail. Only in 2011, a problem was discovered that the control unit of the electric booster could turn off right on the go, so the modules were changed without problems under warranty. The creak of the steering wheel can appear during a turn, this is due to the rubber seal of the steering shaft, it can be changed periodically, and if the place where the creak is heard is lubricated with silicone grease, then the problem with the rudder creak will be solved. The front seats can also creak, and the rear sofa can tap.

Suspension

In the previous generation Nissan X-Trail, many of the suspension elements were taken from the Almera and Primera cars. And in the 2nd generation of the X-Trail, the suspension costs the same as in the Nissan Qashqai. Therefore, their problems are about the same. Initially, not a particularly successful design was at the lower mounting of the rear shock absorbers. It uses gas-oil shock absorbers, which cost $60 each. Cars prior to 2010 had a nasty rumble due to a broken bushing. But after restyling, this problem was eliminated and the rear multi-link suspension began to serve for a long time. Silent blocks must be changed after 180,000 km., Shock absorbers - after 90,000 km. The front also serve about the same amount. Shock absorbers cost about $200 each. The bushings serve for 60,000, and the stabilizer struts for 100,000 km. They cost little money.

The x trail has been produced for not so long - since 2000. The concern during this period managed to introduce two generations of the car, although the new Nissan x trail is not too different from the first. But there are enough reviews of this model, but what about its daily operation?

A few thoughts on the exterior and interior

Appearance x trail from drivers received high marks: the first generation for an interesting and quite advanced look, the second - in the first place, for the modified headlights.

“I like his appearance, nothing superfluous, everything is neat and clear.”

But the owners are most interested in the first generation Nissan x trail salon, because its dashboard is located in the central part of the dashboard. Motorists note the inconvenience of such a solution, because you have to constantly be distracted in search of the panel at first getting used to. Otherwise, the owners speak positively about the salon:

• praise deserved finish, durable and neat;
• there is enough space inside to accommodate everyone comfortably;
• very good, our compatriots say, that there are a large number of various drawers, pockets and niches in x trail.

At the same time, it received a first-generation interior and negative characteristics for insufficient seat support. And, as if having heard the opinions of Russian drivers, the Japanese concern changed the interior when creating the second generation. Those who have been able to compare both models say that:

• there are much more adjustments for the front seats;
• all seats finally received good lateral support;
• the geometry of each seat has changed for the better, so that long trips in this car do not seem tiring at all;
• the instrument panel returned to its usual place;
• a glove compartment appeared with the functions of a refrigerator and a thermos as standard.

Separately, motorists single out the luggage compartment, which, in their opinion, is characterized by a sufficient volume (in the second generation it is 603 liters, and with the seats folded down, even 1773), a convenient opening and a two-level floor. Here, experienced owners turn their attention to the drawer under the floor: its coating is very well chosen - non-slip, easy to clean.

Engines: their pros and cons

The first generation x trail is available with the following units:

1. 2.5-liter 165-horsepower gasoline engine;
2. 140-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline;
3. 2.2-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 116 hp, equipped with an excellent cooling system.

Petrol options are equipped with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, while the diesel is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

For the second generation, the same gasoline engines and a new diesel engine are available in two versions:

4. 150-horsepower in combination with a 6-speed manual or automatic and 173-horsepower paired with a manual transmission.

The best engine, according to our motorists, is a 2.5-liter, since it is its power that the car has in full. On the other hand, not everyone is satisfied with the consumption of this engine: up to 14.5 liters in the city in winter.

But in general, the 2.5 liter engine is unpretentious, efficient and very easy to operate. Plus, it works great in almost any environment. The only problem with daily use of a car can arise with a variator: as drivers say, it heats up in traffic jams, and therefore the machine selector gives an error. As a result, the car begins to respond sluggishly to pressing the accelerator pedal. The solution to this problem can be to change the oil in the box and clean the sensor contacts.

And how does he behave on the road?

Both generations of the x-trail are equipped with an electronic all-wheel drive system, which under normal conditions only works as a front-wheel drive. The system provides three modes of operation, giving the driver the opportunity to block the center clutch.

“It's very handy that the car has several drive modes. And it’s also great that it is the front that is constantly working: it’s not so often that four-wheel drive is needed. ”

Motorists speak very well of the operation of the all-wheel drive, as well as all related systems:

• the car feels confident on slippery surfaces;
• high clearance provides a great service in the winter, and also solves the parking problem;
• the stabilization system performs its functions flawlessly.

But if we talk about the car of the first generation, then the new owners can expect an unpleasant surprise - noise from behind. Initially, you might think that the reason for this is poor sound insulation, but, as the experience of using Nissan by our compatriots has shown, in this case we are talking about the “fragility” of the rear-wheel drive gearbox. Although in some cases noise is caused by wheel bearings.

Final conclusion and cost

If we talk about this car as a whole, then it has no serious shortcomings. This is confirmed by all owners without exception. The only tangible disadvantage of the Nissan x trail is the price of maintenance. Drivers say that every odd MOT flies into a round sum if serviced in full. However, car care is a personal matter for each owner.

If you're thinking about buying a new 2013 Nissan x trail, it will set you back around $1,300,000 for a mid-range model. Motorists say that the car is worth the money.