What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards - Best 4x4s

£12,000-£18,000
Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi SVE 136bhp, ’04/53, 16k miles, £17,745

This is the second year in a row that the X-Trail has been king of the used off-roaders, although it was the petrol car which took the top spot last time.

The 2.2-litre dCi engine was introduced towards the end of 2003, and so priced itself out of last year’s competition. This year, though, it scooped our new Car of the Year award for best Compact 4x4, and so its place in our used top choices was assured.

The What Car? panel of used car experts selected the SVE as the model of choice, due to the amount of standard equipment. Although most will never see the muddier parts of a field, the Nissan is surprisingly accomplished in the rough, due to a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and good ground clearance.

On-road manners have not been sacrificed for off-road ability, as the Nissan has responsive steering, good control through corners, and a suspension system that irons out most bumps in the road.

The six-speed gearbox helps the engine remain quiet at motorway speeds, and returns a respectable 39mpg on the combined cycle. The diesel X-Trail’s ample pulling-power makes it an ideal towing vehicle, certainly more so than its big rival here, the Toyota RAV4.

The slight chink in the X-Trail’s armour is reliability, with a few engine gremlins appearing. However, it’s still a fine overall choice.

The launch of this diesel model at the end of 2003 coincided with a revised cabin featuring improved materials and build, making it even better value.

Due to the age and mileage of these cars, franchised dealers are usually the best places to track one down.

Also consider
Toyota RAV4 2.0 XT3 5dr ’03/53, 20k miles, £15,145
If you want a smaller 4x4 which is better suited to town rather than country, the Toyota RAV4 is definitely worth a look. Generating 147bhp, the powerful petrol engine is most at home during relaxed driving, and works well with the enjoyable car-like handling.

As a five-door, the XT3 is much more practical than the three-door versions. The RAV4 has a good reputation for reliability, with only a few small electrical faults causing issues. At this age try both main dealers and independents for the best cars.

On a different budget?
Up to £12,000
£11,495 Honda CR-V 2.0SE 5dr, ’03/03, 26k miles

Also consider
£11,595 Subaru Forester 2.0 X 5dr, ’04/53, 16k miles

Over £20,000
£25,495 BMW X5 3.0d SE Auto, ’01/51, 42k miles

Also consider
£20,095 Land Rover Discovery 2.5 Td5 ES 7-seat, ’02/52, 32k miles