1996 Nissan QX SEL 3.0 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing, to date. The car still feels like it rolled off the production line this morning.

I've searched all over and I can't find a single fault - not even a bit of loose trim.

General Comments:

I'm very impressed. Its not as quick or as comfortable as my SAAB was but it is very refined and very well built. I only bought it because I couldn't find a decent replacement SAAB (where have all the good ones gone??).

V6 is a Japanese marvel. Not brilliantly quick but so so quiet and refined. Arguably the best I've ever come across and I've tried the usual stuff (M-B, BMW, Lexus, etc).

It is anonymous but that doesn't bother me. Depreciation? Who cares. I bought it for less than 10k. Not bad for a 3 year old car that costs 30k new and has done less than 12,000 miles a year.

Equipment levels excellent and the CD system is the best I've ever heard. Quality of the leather is the best I've come across too.

Nissan approved used scheme is brilliant (good warranty, RAC cover, free MOTs, exchange scheme, etc). I feel like I've bought a new car.

Any downsides? Haven't really found any yet. The interior is a bit sombre I guess and the boot space is not exactly class-leading. Whoever styled it had very little imagination, though its overall size gives it some presence.

I thought SAABs were the best thing since sliced bread but this is quite brilliant.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th February, 2000

10th Jan 2002, 05:19

I have now sold this car (Jan '02). Mileage 67k. Almost 2 years of good motoring. Nothing went wrong with the car during that time. The interior coped very well with the abuse that my family gave it and the engine/transmission still felt very fresh.

It has dated in that time and modern cars in that class look a lot fresher. We have bought a roomier, more practical car (see entry under Toyota Avensis Verso) but I will always miss cars that provide such sterling service.

An excellent car if it fits your needs (large, comfortable, reliable), but I accept that German equivalents are far more tempting.

1996 Nissan QX SEL 3.0i 24V petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Headlight bulbs have gone.

Alloy wheel centre plastic caps have fallen off.

Airbag failed to work.

General Comments:

I have to say this car has been a real disappointment. It lacks character or style. My 1.6 Mazda Xedos 6 had more oomf than this 3 litre barge. Not recommended and disappointing Nissan reliability too!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2000