Cars!

You do realise that a Qashqai is only 35mm (about an inch to you and me) longer than a Honda HR-V? The new model is not as big as the older model was.

The Honda is another good one to look at in my opinion, for no other reason than they tend to be fairly bombproof in terms of reliability.

Best dealer experience will be the Toyota by a country mile - they really know how to treat their customers, and their reliability is also legendary.

Ford Ecosport doesn't get good reviews at all - it seems raising the Fiesta platform up to be an SUV has destroyed the ride and handling. Ford dealers often leave a lot to be desired too.

Have you considered the Vauxhall Mokka? I am indifferent toward Vauxhall's, but they do have some quite remarkable deals on at times - - the one I have seen recently is 5 years 0% finance, and 5 years free servicing.

Also, don't forget the Hyundai and Kia offerings, especially the Kia as that 7 year warranty is very hard to argue with.

Or, there is the Renault Captur or Kajar too - the Kajar is actually quite pretty, and they do a metallic red colour that is absolutely stunning when you see it in the metal - much better paint than my Qashqai has.

 

@Sheal - this article might be of some interest to you.

 

Yep, I went looking for a another car in September with a view to a Hatchback or the like and having a change from the C.Max. I spent weeks looking at all the makes and models around and felt really cramped and squeezed in by them including. surprisingly, the Ford Focus which I felt cramped in. My lifelong buddy, who goes on the annual fishing trip to Rutland with me and has fished with me for too long a time to mention, told me to take a fishing pole case with me to make sure it would fit in......if not, then look elsewhere!!!
In the end I finished up looking a a row of ...........C.Max's I sat in the one I thought would do [only 14,450 miles on the clock], and felt immediately free to move around in the seat without being hemmed in, looked at the price and bought it. It's got an Irish plate, so I call it the Paddy Wagon. I only ask that a car be comfortable, reliable and have enough power to get me out of trouble if needed......and, for me, the C.Max does that.

 

One other thing that does run in the Juke's favour @Sheal - it is built in Sunderland, so insurance will be cheaper than it is for a car built overseas, and parts availability should never be an issue.

Much as I didn't like the ride on the Juke, and found the interior a bit disjointed (bearing in mind that I had very recently came from Jaguar and Audi land), I could not fault the quality of the interior.

One other thing - if the QQ is anything to go by, the heater on the Juke will be about the best in the bunch. The QQ has the best heater I have had for years - - nice and cosy without overheating you.

Oh, and if you do end up with a Juke, ask the dealer about the service plan - I pay £19 a month and that is my services taken care of for the next three years (major or minor), and the first MOT free, as well as a discount on accessories or parts.

The only thing my QQ has ailed was a front parking sensor being a bit over enthusiastic, and a rattle from the airbox under the bonnet - - both cured under warranty. And I still grin like a Cheshire cat when I fill it up. I put £40 in it last night and that will do me three weeks - in the Audi that would have been £75 for two weeks.

 

Yes, their service plan is transferable to any Nissan main dealer, and is even transferable forward to another owner should you sell it on.

One other nice thing, by taking the service plan and keeping it serviced with the Nissan dealer, you get free 24-hr roadside assist renewed each year you service the car - not that I would think for one minute you would need it, as reliability seems to be quite good as long as you pick the right engine. The CVT gearbox (auto) is apparently a really nice drive too - nice and relaxed.

Much as I loved my Jaguars and Audi, I have to admit that I am really chuffed with my QQ - it is anything but exciting, however it does absolutely everything I could ask of it with the minimum of fuss, and is probably THE cheapest car to run that I have ever had.

PM me if you want my mobile number to bounce ideas off on Monday. I have a meeting at work from around 10am to noon, but anything outside those times I should be able to answer. You have my email too (I think) if that is easier. Happy to give an opinion anytime if it helps.