What Car? Used Car of the Year - Best 4x4

£10,000 to £20,000
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 SE+ ’02/02, 30k, £13,615
If you want to go off-road, you’ll be on the right track with a Nissan X-Trail. Last year, Toyota’s RAV4 reigned, but after drops in value for the Nissan, that’s now our preferred buy.

At first glance, you’d never know that this is a used car. It looks every bit as smart as a new example and has the same tough image inside and out.

The X-Trail’s blend of on- and off-road abilities is also excellent. On Tarmac, body movements are well controlled down a bumpy road, so it’s a very enjoyable drive, but that’s not achieved at the expense of a comfortable ride around town. It’s a fine workhorse, too, and if you venture into the wilds, you’ll find the Nissan capable there as well.

For more mundane duties, it also puts in a fine performance. There’s enough room for five, and the boot is big enough for their luggage. The driving position is comfortable and the visibility good.

No matter what use the car is put to, it proves solid and reliable. There have been no scares to report and the few problems that may have arisen should have been picked up under warranty.

Arguably, the diesel version is the better, especially if you regularly head off-road or tow. However, the cheaper prices of this 2.0-litre petrol version make it the better buy as a used car. You’d need to pay at least £1000 more for a diesel model.

In both, though, you’ll find plenty of equipment, but it’s worth spending the extra on the SE+, which brings climate control and a CD multichanger.

Also consider
Toyota Landcruiser Colorado D-4D GX 5dr ‘01/51, 36K, £18,680

Up to £10,000
Honda CR-V 2.0 ES ’00/X, 45k, £9530
The CR-V has enough substance behind its 4x4 style to meet the needs of most people. It’s easy and pleasant to drive, while there’s enough space to make it a realistic alternative to a mainstream family car. Providing it has been well maintained, and the previous owner hasn’t been over-exuberant when off-road or towing, there should be no reliability problems.

Also consider
Mitsubishi Shogun 2.8 TD GLS 5dr ’98/R, 64k, £10,075

Over £20,000
Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDi ’01/51 36k, £22,640
With the likes of the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 still very dear, the M-class is the cheapest way into a premium-badged 4x4. It’s not the most able on-road, but inside, there’s enough space for ferrying families while buying at this age means you’ll be getting a car with August 2001’s face-lift that brought marked improvements.

Also consider
Range Rover 3.0 Td6 HSE ’02/51, 32k, £33,170