Is a used Nissan Qashqai a good buy?

The Nissan Qashqai is one of the best value, best equipped and most stylish SUVs you can buy. Its popularity was assured from day one and an update in 2017 helped to keep the Qashqai feeling fresh in the face of new competition from the likes of the Ford Kuga and Peugeot 3008.

It's also pleasant to drive, with a relatively roomy interior and a reasonably sized boot, all of which make it a good all-rounder in a market awash with appealing rivals.

One thing, though: the Nissan Qashqai rides more comfortably and is more economical on smaller wheels. The 19-inch rims on high-spec versions make it feel quite firm and bumpy, so unless you love the looks and are willing to put up with an uncomfortable ride, save your money and stick to models with smaller wheels.

The entry-level Nissan Qashqai Visia trim doesn’t offer all that many creature comforts, but move up the trim levels and the luxuries accumulate quickly. Top versions include Nissan’s impressive SafetyShield tech to keep you safe on the road.

Read our full Nissan Qashqai review

Which used Nissan Qashqai should you buy?

The Nissan Qashqai is available with four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive. However, considering the extra weight and negative impact on fuel consumption of the four-wheel-drive mechanicals, we’d recommend sticking with the more popular front-wheel-drive models.

The addition of four-wheel drive certainly doesn't turn the Nissan Qashqai into a go-anywhere 4x4, but does make it a more useful tow car and offers a little more all-weather grip.

An update in 2017 brought in sharper styling, plusher cabin materials and useful improvements in fit and finish, so later models are well worth seeking out if your budget allows. And since there's a newer version on the roads now, prices for the previous Nissan Qashqai are likely to represent even better value.

What used Nissan Qashqai trim levels are available?

If you're looking for a used Nissan Qashqai, the good news is that there are plenty around thanks to its huge popularity. That also means you can afford to be choosy when it comes to what version you choose.

Nissan Qashqai Visia

Entry-level Visia trim was never a big seller, but someone looking for a reasonably well-equipped family SUV for hatchback money would do well to check it out. All the essentials are here, including air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, hill-start assist and electric front and rear windows. Crucially, it also has a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, a feature not often included on entry-level models.

You do get steel wheels rather than more stylish alloy wheels and the steering wheel is plastic rather than leather, but otherwise, it’s a smart-looking trim featuring body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors that avoids looking too basic.

Nissan Qashqai Acenta

This is the level at which the Nissan Qashqai starts to shine with dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus automatic lights and wipers all part of the deal.

Look for Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium trim which includes Nissan’s Smart Vision Pack comprising lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and front and rear parking sensors. Other features include keyless entry, sat-nav, a digital radio and a panoramic glass roof.

Acenta Premium models were more expensive than basic Acenta variants when new, although it was possible to specify the Smart Vision pack alone on an Acenta for £500. Pick up a used model, however, and the difference is likely to be far smaller, making Acenta versions a great used purchase.

Nissan Qashqai N-tec

Mid-range N-tec trim arrived in 2014 as a replacement for Acenta Premium. It adds a big dose of technology to the Nissan Qashqai in the shape of a 360-degree parking camera that you operate via the touchscreen media system, and Nissan’s Smart Vision pack (lane departure warning system, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, high beam assist and front and rear parking sensors). Given the Qashqai’s poor rearward vision, finding a used model with this pack is a sensible idea.

Also included is an engine starter button and electric-folding door mirrors, that make squeezing the Qashqai into tight parking bays that bit easier, along with smart 18-inch alloy wheels.

For just £550 more, new buyers could have N-tec+ with a full-length panoramic sunroof and roof rails. The modest price increase explains why, today, you’ll find many more used N-tec+ than N-tec models, generally with around £500 still separating them.

Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta

Of all the trims, this one dominates the BuyaCar listings. It arrived with the 2017 update as a replacement for N-tec and N-tec+. Like those trims, it’s well equipped, with highlights being rear parking sensors, electric windows all-round, sat-nav and the Smart Vision pack.

You're sure to find a decent N-Connecta model to suit your budget, making this one of the best Nissan Qashqai options to choose.

Nissan Qashqai Tekna

Luxury is the name of the game with this Tekna trim. Technology includes Bluetooth, cruise control, hill-start assist, dual-zone air-conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, a digital radio, a seven-inch touchscreen media system and a reversing camera.

But then this model really gets into its stride with features such as a panoramic glass roof that helps make the bland interior brighter and airier, LED headlights for night-piercing illumination and 19-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a full leather interior, heated seats, intelligent park assist and electric seats.

If all that’s not enough, there’s Tekna+ boasting quilted Nappa leather seats with memory function and power adjustment for the driver, and power adjustment alone for the front passenger. As a brand new car, it was very expensive.

As mentioned above, though, those large alloy wheels reduce comfort, with all that metal between you and the road making the ride somewhat uncomfortable. So, if comfort is high up on your list of priorities you may want to go for a model with smaller wheels.