Should you buy a used Nissan Qashqai Mk2?

If you’re looking for a value-driven used family SUV, the Nissan Qashqai Mk2 is a safe choice as long as you go for a later model. It might not be outstanding in any one area, but we marked it highly in across the board which makes it tricky to overlook, especially now that you can pick one up for around £4,500.

For us, the sweet spot in the range is the Tekna trim paired with the DIG-T 140 petrol engine. If you have a high annual mileage schedule, dodge the lesser diesels and splash out on the 1.7-litre dCi 150 in front-wheel drive form. For towing, a 4x4 model is the way to go, but there are better options if you need to pull heavy loads regularly.

The Qashqai’s, biggest headache is that the Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq do most things just that little bit better – and the Ford Kuga set a strong benchmark for this generation. We’d start by test driving a few Kugas within your budget and then seeing if a newer, lower-mileage Qashqai suits your needs better.

What we like

Later 1.3-litre engines are punchy, refined, and reliable. The 4x4 model is sophisticated, but watch out for poorly maintained examples. There’s plenty of passenger space, too, and the cabin trim shrugs off the abuse of younger passengers. Plus, used prices are very attractive.

What we don’t like

The Qashqai feels dated inside despite some clever tech, and it has a rather dull image and driving experience. Plus, the potential weaknesses of the 1.2-litre petrol engines is at odds with Nissan’s reputation. A slightly older Skoda, Audi or Volvo will gives you more of a feel-good, luxury experience for the same money when buying used, and it could be just as reliable.