The Nissan Qashqai has been one of Britain’s best-selling cars for well over a decade, and it’s easy to see why. It’s roomy enough for a family, cheap enough to run day today, and it drives more like a hatchback than a big SUV. That popularity also means there are thousands of them on the used market — which is great news for buyers, as long as you know what separates a good one from a tired one.
This used Nissan Qashqai buying guide walks you through the generations, the engines, and the checks worth making before you hand over any money.
Which generation should you buy?
First generation (J10, 2007–2013) — the car that started the crossover boom in the UK. These are now the cheapest way into a Qashqai, often well under £4,000. Expect higher mileage and some age-related wear, but the basic design is sound. Look for later facelift models (2010 onwards) for a better interior and updated styling.
Second generation (J11, 2014–2021) — a big step up in refinement, safety kit, and fuel economy. This is the sweet spot for most buyers today. Prices vary hugely depending on mileage and trim, so there’s usually something to suit most budgets.
Third generation (2021 onwards) — still relatively expensive used, and most examples are barely out of warranty. Worth a look if your budget stretches, but the J11 offers far better value.
Petrol or diesel?
For most people buying a used Qashqai today, petrol is the safer choice.
The 1.2 DIG-T and later 1.3 DIG-T petrol engines are well suited to school runs, town driving, and the occasional motorway trip. They’re cheaper to insure, cheaper to repair, and they don’t have a diesel particulate filter to worry about.
The 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi diesels make sense if you cover serious motorway miles — think 12,000-plus a year. Below that, short journeys can cause the particulate filter to clog, which is an expensive problem to sort out. If you’re looking at a diesel, ask how the previous owner used it.
One more thing to consider: if you regularly drive into London, a diesel needs to be Euro 6 to avoid the ULEZ charge, while most petrol Qashqais from 2006 onwards already comply. Check the V5C or ask us — we list Euro status on our vehicles.
Manual or CVT automatic?
Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic is smooth and easy in traffic, but it’s worth being a little more careful when buying one used. On a test drive, listen for whining under acceleration, and make sure the car pulls away cleanly without hesitation or flaring revs. A well-maintained CVT with a documented fluid service history is fine — one with an unknown history is more of a gamble.
Manual gearboxes are simpler and generally cheaper to live with, so if you don’t mind changing gear yourself, they’re a sensible pick.
What to check on a used Qashqai
Whether you’re buying from a dealer or privately, run through this list:
- Service history — look for regular oil changes and, on diesels, evidence the DPF has been looked after.
- MOT history — free to check at gov.uk. Advisories tell you a lot about how the car has been treated. Repeated advisories for the same fault are a red flag.
- Suspension noises — knocks over speed bumps often point to worn drop links or bushes. Not expensive to fix, but useful leverage on price.
- Panoramic roof — if the car has one, check the headlining and boot corners for damp. Blocked drain channels can let water in.
- Electrics — test the reversing camera, parking sensors, air con, and every window and mirror. These are common niggles on older examples.
- Tyres — check all four match and have decent tread. Mismatched budget tyres often signal corner-cutting elsewhere.
- Timing chain — on the 1.2 DIG-T, listen for a rattle from cold on start-up. A healthy engine should settle quickly.
None of these are reasons to avoid a Qashqai. They’re simply the things worth ten minutes of your time before you commit.
What about mileage?
Don’t be put off by a six-figure figure on the clock if the history backs it up. A 110,000-mile Qashqai with a folder full of receipts is usually a better buy than a 60,000-mile car with no paperwork and a patchy MOT record. Motorway miles are gentler on a car than years of short cold-start trips.
Buying from a dealer vs privately
This is where it pays to buy from an established dealer. When you buy from a private seller, the car is sold as seen — if a fault appears next week, that’s your problem. Buy from a dealer and you’re covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which gives you the right to reject a faulty car within the first 30 days.
You also get the car checked before sale, help with paperwork, and the option of a warranty. For the sake of a small difference in price, it’s usually worth it.
Looking for a used Qashqai in Reading?
At 1st Choice Motors Limited, the Qashqai is one of the models we stock most often — we usually have several on the forecourt across different years, engines, and trim levels. Every car is inspected before it’s listed, and we’re upfront about mileage, history, and condition.
Browse our current used Nissan cars in Reading →
We’re based at 21–23 Boulton Road, Reading, RG2 0NH, and easy to reach from Wokingham, Bracknell, Basingstoke and Newbury. Call +44 7348 590631 to arrange a viewing, or get in touch if you’d like us to look out for a specific spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nissan Qashqai a reliable used car?
Yes, the Qashqai has a solid reliability record, particularly the second-generation models from 2014 onwards. Like any used car, condition depends far more on how it has been maintained than on the badge. A Qashqai with full service history and a clean MOT record is generally a dependable buy.
How many miles is too many for a used Qashqai?
There’s no hard cut-off. A well-maintained Qashqai with 120,000 motorway miles can be a better purchase than a neglected example with 60,000 town miles. Focus on service history, MOT advisories and overall condition rather than the number on the odometer.
Should I buy a petrol or diesel Qashqai?
For most buyers, petrol is the better choice. The 1.2 and 1.3 DIG-T petrol engines suit school runs, town driving and occasional longer trips. Diesel only makes financial sense if you cover roughly 12,000 miles a year or more, mostly on motorways.
Is the Nissan Qashqai ULEZ compliant?
Most petrol Qashqais from 2006 onwards meet the ULEZ standard. Diesel models need to be Euro 6, which generally means registered from around September 2015 onwards. Always check the specific vehicle’s V5C or emissions details rather than assuming based on year alone.
What are the common problems with a used Nissan Qashqai?
The most frequent things to check are suspension knocks over bumps, water ingress around the panoramic roof if fitted, occasional electrical niggles with cameras and sensors, and on the 1.2 DIG-T a timing chain rattle from cold. None are universal faults, but all are worth checking on a test drive.
How much should I pay for a used Nissan Qashqai?
Prices vary widely by generation, mileage and trim. First-generation cars often sit under £4,000, while later second-generation examples typically range from around £4,500 to £8,000 depending on age and condition. Our current Qashqai stock and pricing is listed on our used Nissan page.