Our top selling second-hand Nissan cars

Nissan is one of our most popular brands, partly because its cars meet the needs and tastes of New Zealand buyers so well: it offers a great range of SUVs and utes in particular.

So let’s take a look at our best sellers.

Nissan X-Trail

Many people talk about “Goldilocks” cars these days. They’re the rare ones that seem to get everything perfectly in balance to create a truly great product.

You could argue the Nissan X-Trail is one of those. It’s far from rare; in fact, it’s our best-selling second hand Nissan model. But the reason for its popularity is that it’s very hard to find a match for the X-Trail’s combination of qualities and talents in other vehicles.

When the X-Trail was launched in 2001, Nissan was best known for rugged 4x4 vehicles. But the X-Trail was a new kind of “crossover” or “soft road” vehicle, with many of the advantages of those traditional Nissan SUV models like high ground clearance and elevated seating positions, but based on a passenger car platform giving great on-road ride and handling.

There have been three generations of X-Trail, each getting a little larger and more car-like. But the constants are a smooth ride, excellent practicality (some later models even have seven seats), a good choice of engines (petrol and diesel) and impressive fuel efficiency – especially from the second two generations that rely on continuously variable transmission, which keeps the engine running at the optimum speed in all driving conditions.

It’s actually no slouch off-road either, if your lifestyle takes you off the beaten track. Many models have AWD with a 50/50 lock, meaning they can tackle rough or slippery terrain quite easily.

Nissan Navara

New Zealanders simply love their one-tonne utes; so much so that it’s easy to think they are a phenomenon that belongs only to this part of the world.

The name of the Navara comes from the Navarre region of Northern Spain, close to where the Nissan ute is built for the European market (although a Nissan ute you buy in NZ is much more likely to be made in Thailand).

That does illustrate how the Navara has always been designed for a global audience, ticking as many boxes for as many different buyers as possible. It’s a broadly talented machine – maybe more so than any other ute, which is why it’s one of our top-selling models.

It has always been a tough and capable off-road and towing vehicle, but also stands out for its fuel efficiency. It has traditionally used relatively small capacity diesel engines, but matched rival trucks for performance and torque.

On-road manners that are superior to many rivals also attract family and more lifestyle oriented buyers: it’s a comfortable and secure handling ute that provides safe transport in city and open-road driving.

You’ll also find a choice of body configurations; everything from single to “King” to double cabs (the latter being especially popular) to suit your needs.

For those that want to enjoy the practical and image advantages of the Navara without the expense and complexity of 4x4, look out for the 2WD versions that have the same rugged looks and ride height but are tailored more for sealed-road use – and that little bit more economical too.

Nissan Murano

The Murano is a Nissan SUV with a difference; and a groundbreaking one at that. Back in 2001 the idea that an SUV could also be an executive or luxury vehicle was still very new. Or unheard of in mainstream circles.

Along came the Nissan Murano, which boasted concept-car styling atop the raised ride height of a conventional 4x4. The styling is just as futuristic inside, with sweeping shapes and even a touch of iconic sports car styling in the original model, with a separate instrument panel and orange-lit dials – just like the Nissan Z-car.

The performance and ride are smooth. The 3.5-litre V6 is the most common engine and it’s a highly acclaimed powerplant to boot: it made the “Ward’s Ten Best Engines” list (an independent programme by Ward’s Communications) for 14 years straight, from 1995 to 2008.

The smoothness is enhanced by continuously variable transmission, which also helps keep the big engine as frugal as possible. However, for even better fuel efficiency look out for the four-cylinder Murano that was sold in Japan.

It’s a great way to travel: spacious and styling for passengers, and fun for the driver. The on-demand AWD system enhances safety on slippery roads: it’s an “on-demand” setup that sends torque to the rear wheels only when required – another technology that helps save fuel. It also retains a 50/50 lock function for loose or very slippery surfaces.

Part luxury express, part 4x4, the Murano does prove that a second hand SUV can be even smoother, sexier and more refined than a used Nissan car.

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