Nissan Qashqai 2007 - 2013 guide

Buyer's guide to the Nissan Qashqai Mk1: 2007 - 2013.

While other firms experimented with 'soft roaders' - cars with 4x4 looks, but not the off-road ability – the first Nissan Qashqai established the crossover class as we know it today. It was introduced as a replacement for the slow-selling Almera and Primera family cars, so it was hatchback-sized, but with a raised ride height and SUV-inspired styling. This change in approach did wonders for Nissan's sales, with the Qashqai achieving figures that its predecessors could only dream of.

When the Qashqai arrived, there weren't many real rivals for it. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V were larger and SUV-like to drive, while Honda's original HR-V had gone out of production just before the Qashqai was launched. The only other real alternative, albeit a very poor one, was the Dodge Caliber. Today, the Qashqai Mk1 can now be considered an alternative to family hatchbacks of the same era, such as the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Opel Astra, but one that offers more space for the money.

What's it like?

Since the Qashqai Mk1 was launched after Nissan had joined forces with Renault, that firm's excellent dCi diesels were available. In fact, the ratio of Qashqai diesels for sale is eight to one over the petrol versions. The 1.5 dCi is the most common and it’s always paired with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. If you want an automatic or four-wheel drive (or both), then the 2.0 dCi diesel has them, but it's rare. The 1.6 dCi replaced the 2.0-litre diesel in 2011 with the same drive options. Petrol power comes from 1.6- or 2.0-litre engines, and the larger was offered with four-wheel drive, although both engines can be had with an automatic gearbox. These petrol models are scarce in the classifieds, though.

As well as the standard Qashqai, Nissan also offered the Qashqai+2, which was a slightly larger model featuring a second row of seats in the back. The rearmost row is small for a seven-seater, so only really suitable for kids, but there is more boot space than in the five-seat Qashqai.

Which model to go for?

We'd choose a 1.5 dCi model for the lowest running costs so long as you’re doing the mileage to justify having a diesel, and these versions are the most abundant on the used market. For cars of this age, we'd recommend choosing one based on condition rather than its model year, although we'd at least seek out an SV or SVE model for a better specification. A high mileage shouldn't be a deterrent if it comes with evidence of good maintenance, but a lot of Qashqais have seen tough lives as family transport.

Does anything go wrong?

The Qashqai’s central locking key fobs can suffer from electrical gremlins, while ignition barrels are known to fall into the steering column, which can be a pricey fix. Tailgate trim can drop off, but more significant are noises from the rear suspension - these rattles are a sign of wear, while damper failure isn't uncommon either. Make sure you take any car you are considering for a good test drive before committing to buying.

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