03 Altima Totaled/X-TRail?

[Cyprs]

Been away from forum awhile, got into an accident,hit from behind at estimated impact of about 50mph. This 03 Altima 5 star impact rating saved my wife's and my life, it crumpled and absorbed the hit, we walked away unmarked but sore a few days. Thank God to be alive. Altima totaled.

Going to Nissan Dealership tommorrow to deal on a 05 X-Trail XE AWD. (this vehicle not available to Americans) It is built on Altima format, 165 HP QR25DE, same as Altima's QR but the torque is modified with 10 less HP. I understand all the Cat converter issues are resolved in this QR now. This X-Trail has been in Europe 4 years now, 2nd year in Canada. It has five star impact rating and the AWD is basically same as Murano and Q4 Infinity I am told, very high end system.

Any one owning or have experience with this X-Trail, safety now real big feature, this X-Trail is higher or more visable, AWD and safer in my opinion. Drivers Seat program on tv give this X-Trail full credit, they find it faultless, I find them very fair in assesments.

Any one know if this is a proven solid choice from Nissan for my family of three passengers?

Cyprs

 

[eljefino]

Glad you came out alive and well.

If it's the same platform, how does the weight compare between the X-trail and the Altima? Being on the same platform likely means you've got the same engine cradle, wheelbase, front suspension mounting, rack & pinion... might have the same basic floorpan or it could be modified. I would hesitate to assume that the five-star rating would just magically transfer over to a taller vehicle. Differences in crashworthiness exist between 2-door coupes and 4-door sedans of the same model, even.

If it's not available in the USA I would find out why: Marketing, emissions, safety regs, and fuel economy are four reasons usually quoted by the manufacturer. You'd want to make sure it's not the safety regs...

 

[seotaji]

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05 X-Trail XE AWD. (this vehicle not available to Americans)

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Americans, just think of a Honda CRV when thinking about this car.

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Any one know if this is a proven solid choice from Nissan for my family of three passengers?

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The X-Trail gets top marks in european car reviews, as the AWD system can actually go off-road (with the proper tires of course) and it has decent safety features and interior amenities.

The thing I don't like as much about SUV's are the chance of roll over if hit from a certain angle. Of course most of the cars on the road today are the taller SUV's so it's most likely ok, but still I'm not a fan.

 

[Cyprs]

Thanks guys, I wonder why Nissan doesn't offer this choice to America to rival the CRV? I don't knock Honda, driven many Hondas, may even look at one tommorrow. Cost is biggest issue with Honda for me.

thanks,
Cyprs

 

[seotaji]

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I wonder why Nissan doesn't offer this choice to America to rival the CRV?

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I dunno? I guess the car needs to be adjusted for the U.S. market and they are unwilling to spend the $ since they don't know how it will sell?

I prefer the CRV to the X-trail, it seems a little safer.

[ January 22, 2005, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: seotaji ]

 

[Cyprs]

Just ordered an X-trail, what I found out is the X-trail is built by Nissan in Japan for European market for last 3 or so years. The X-trail is now shipped accross ocean as in old days, the 05 is first introduction to North America in Canada, this is a 100% Japanese built SUV. They are selling like hot cakes in Canada now, I don't imagine it will take long for the mega Nissan factories to start building them in the States if the X-trail continues to stay on the roll it is now in Canada. For all it's worth.

Cyprs