Used Nissan Qashqai Review

The Nissan Qashqai has become one of the most recognisable sights on our roads, and for good reason - it’s a fantastic family SUV that looks great, provides unbeatable ride quality, and has the engines to match.  But what should you look for when searching for a used Nissan Qashqai for sale? Which engines and trim levels are the best fit for you? Find all the answers in our Nissan Qashqai review.

How does it look?

Looks have never been a problem for the Nissan Qashqai, with the original, launched in 2007, being the first conventional family car with SUV styling. Creating a genuine family SUV crossover was a bold move, but it proved to be the right one, as evidenced by the 2.3 million Qashqais sold to date.

The original (2007-2013) and second-generation Qasqais (2014-2021) do a great job of wrapping up what is quite a large car in an attractive and unintimidating package. There are splashes of chrome, vibrant colour choices, LED running lights built into the headlights (on some trim levels) and large alloy wheels with attractive designs. Even the entry-level Qashqias look the part, with great curves and stylish flourishes that give it a level of sophistication you don’t always get with cheaper models.  

When you head inside, the Mk2 Qashqai has a smart and grown-up interior that has a more premium feel than the original, while the seats offer unbeatable comfort over longer journeys without being too firm for shorter trips.  

What's it like to drive? 

The Nissan Qashqai provides excellent ride quality without being particularly inspiring to drive. It soaks up the lumps efficiently while transferring very little of that bumpiness through to your seat. On slower roads, Active Trace Control uses tiny amounts of braking to keep the car on its trajectory, which helps to maintain a smooth ride at lower speeds. It also glides nicely along at speed, although the 19-inch alloy wheels can be a bit bouncier on the motorways.

The steering is light and requires very little effort. That’s good, as it makes the Qashqai easy to drive and park, but bad as it reduces the interaction between you and the car and makes the experience immediately forgettable.

Is the Nissan Qashqai reliable? 

If you’re looking for a good used Nissan Qashqai for sale, reliability should rightly feature high on your priorities list. However, the Qashqai does not have the best reputation for reliability, with several common issues, particularly with the battery. There have also been some poor Driver Power satisfaction survey results over the years and a long recall list. That’s unexpected given that the Nissan is usually synonymous with reliability.  

For the most part, though, Qashqai drivers report being happy with their cars, you just need to make sure you buy carefully. Look for models with a full service history, buy from an approved dealer, test all the electrics and take it for a thorough test drive before you buy.   

Is the Nissan Qashqai a 4x4? 

There are four-wheel-drive versions of the Nissan Qashqai but they’re quite rare, so you might have to look hard to find them. Most Qashqais, particularly those with smaller, more efficient engines, are front-wheel drive only. If you want the 4x4 version, you’ll have to spend more on the powerful 1.7-litre diesel engine and one of the higher trim levels. 

Which is the best used Nissan Qashqai to buy? 

The early Mk2 Nissan Qashqais feature 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines and 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesels. In both cases, the smaller engines outperform the larger engines in terms of smoothness and cost. A facelift in 2017 brought some engine changes, including a 138bhp and 158bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine and a new 148bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine to add to the 113bhp 1.5-litre engine, which remained as before.  

Of these, the 1.3-litre petrol strikes a perfect compromise between smoothness and economy, making it best suited to everyday use. The 1.5-litre dCi is the most economical engine if you cover lots of miles, while the extra pull of the 4WD 1.7-litre dCi makes it the best pick for towing. 

When it comes to the trim, the entry-level Visia model includes cruise control and air conditioning but misses out on some of the more desirable kit, including alloy wheels. The Acenta trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, and dual-zone climate control to the lineup. 

N-Connecta, the next trim up, gives you keyless entry, bigger wheels, privacy glass, and more safety equipment. At the top of the ladder are the Tekna models, which include a panoramic glass roof and part-leather seats, but they also have the 19-inch alloy wheels that compromise the ride quality. So, while it’s worth upgrading from Visia to the Acenta trim, you don’t need to go any further than that.  

How much is a used Nissan Qashqai? 

A used second-generation Qashqai starts at around £5,500. That’ll get you a 2014 diesel model with plenty of miles on the clock. The early 1.2-petrol engines are fewer and further between and will set you back around £6,500.

If you’re looking for a 2015 Nissan Qashqai for sale, expect to pay up to £8,500, or between £9,500 and £11,000 for a top-spec model from 2016. A post-2017 facelift model will cost up to £15,000, while 2019 and 2020 Qashqais start at £18,000. A 2021 Nissan Qashqai will cost upwards of £20,000.

How does it compare to other Nissan models?

If you know you're in the market for a Used Nissan but you're not sure which model has taken your fancy, then it's your lucky day! We recently took the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, two of the UK's most popular SUVs, to compare the interior and exterior designs, practicality, and pricing of both cars. Just hit the link below to find out more:

Are you on the look out for a used Nissan? Take a look at Tangelo's current used Nissan Qashqai stock and get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable sales team to book an appointment or a test drive at our Exeter Customer Hub.