Hyundai Sanata Fe vs Nissan X Trail?

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webble

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I am planning on getting a 4x4 and doing my tow test in the next few weeks and have narrowed it down to a choice of these two cars. I will be looking to tow a 14.2 and 15hh so just under 1000kg in horse plus trailer. Both are capable of this the xtrail is slightly smaller and more economical but can tow a bit less. Budget is around 4k so I will be looking at 04-06 plate in both, although the nissan looks as though it is nicer inside. So question is which should I choose and why?


I havent actually test driven either yet so I might hate one and I'm not sure how I feel about the dials being in the middle of the dashboard
 
I can't compare the two but I have an Xtrail and it tows really nicely, drives well, is very comfy and an all round good egg, I have an 07 so not too far adrift from what you are after.

Plus the boot is enormous so can fit in shed loads of tack!
 
I have a Santa Fe, a compromise because I need to over fields and tow occasionally but wanted the comfort of a car. Lovely car, but the parts are difficult to get hold of, as they are imported, the ones I need have to be ordered and paid for even though they can not say when they will have them, which could be weeks.
 
I've got an X-Trail (10 plate). Its great to tow and mine has a reversing camera which is great for hitching up the trailer when you're on your own! Its really comfy and as Batgirl said the boot is huge! I'm really happy with it. And also, I can switch between 2WD and 4WD, so saving money.
 
Another vote for the xtrail! Although my mechanic hubby says repairs are quite expensive on both (touch wood mines been very reliable!) I use mine a lot for work and mpg is really good, and it still tows my 401 trailer nicely.
 
Isn't the MAM on the X Trail quite low? I remember checking and thinking I'd be pushing it with a 560kg horse plus trailer on an automatic. Both of us have automatics, OH's has a tow bar, I keep hinting!
 
I've got an older x-trail 03 reg sport 2.2 diesel and it is a very good car, it has GWV 2050kg and towing capacity of 2t, The newer models can tow a bit more 2.2t I think.
I've test driven a brand new one recently and would not buy it - they come with smaller engines and feel decidedly mulish and underpowered, all the fun has gone out of driving them :(
If new, a good alternative is the mazda CX5 (I think that's what it's called).
 
it's not quite as simple as what the manufacturers say they can tow as the vehicle weight has to be taken into account. It's something like the trailer must not exceed 85% of the vehicle MAM. So you need to find out the vehicle mam (manufacturers website) and make sure your loaded trailer does not exceed this.

it can make quite a difference so you might be better looking at that ratio first and establishing which of the two vehicles you're looking at has the greatest mam.
 
Bouncydog said:
it's not quite as simple as what the manufacturers say they can tow as the vehicle weight has to be taken into account. It's something like the trailer must not exceed 85% of the vehicle MAM. So you need to find out the vehicle mam (manufacturers website) and make sure your loaded trailer does not exceed this.

it can make quite a difference so you might be better looking at that ratio first and establishing which of the two vehicles you're looking at has the greatest mam.
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I'm sorry but that is simply not true. Vehicle towing capacity is what it can tow.
 
cinnamontoast said:
Isn't the MAM on the X Trail quite low? I remember checking and thinking I'd be pushing it with a 560kg horse plus trailer on an automatic. Both of us have automatics, OH's has a tow bar, I keep hinting!
Click to expand...

Xtrail GVW (MAM) is about 2200 kg with a towing capacity of usually 2000 kg
 
Some of the petrol xtrails have a lower towing capacity, I looked at them as a local garage had a good deal but found they could only tow 1500kg
My diesel one is excellent though.
 
I never had a problem with fully loaded x-trail, ever. It just keeps going.
I just think that the new one's 1.6l diesel engine is not man enough, but plenty of people are happy. I bought something else and to replace my x-trail next year I'm looking at an Outlander, but they are much heavier cars.
 
Can't comment on towing horses, but can on an older x-trail. We bought an 04 high milage diesel one to bring us, the two dogs, and jam packed full(even the leg wells) over to Bulgaria and it was brilliant in every situation, bad roads, mountains in deluge situation, drives like a car. We do a lot of off road with it now and although very deep ruts need consideration, it is very versatile.
When we were looking for one we had trouble finding it locally, but got one in Bromborough by just not rushing into it and waiting for one to turn up. So if others can advise on towing, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend and old one for reliability and versatility. And we could have sold it ten times over since moving here a year ago, even though a right hand drive.
 
Equinus said:
Can't comment on towing horses, but can on an older x-trail. We bought an 04 high milage diesel one to bring us, the two dogs, and jam packed full(even the leg wells) over to Bulgaria and it was brilliant in every situation, bad roads, mountains in deluge situation, drives like a car. We do a lot of off road with it now and although very deep ruts need consideration, it is very versatile.
When we were looking for one we had trouble finding it locally, but got one in Bromborough by just not rushing into it and waiting for one to turn up. So if others can advise on towing, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend and old one for reliability and versatility. And we could have sold it ten times over since moving here a year ago, even though a right hand drive.
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Finding one in Bromborough would be very handy really. I will probably be looking at an 04ish age and dont want to have to travel far if anything happens in the warrenty period
 
webble said:
I am planning on getting a 4x4 and doing my tow test in the next few weeks and have narrowed it down to a choice of these two cars. I will be looking to tow a 14.2 and 15hh so just under 1000kg in horse plus trailer. Both are capable of this the xtrail is slightly smaller and more economical but can tow a bit less. Budget is around 4k so I will be looking at 04-06 plate in both, although the nissan looks as though it is nicer inside. So question is which should I choose and why?


I havent actually test driven either yet so I might hate one and I'm not sure how I feel about the dials being in the middle of the dashboard
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I have a Terrano which is way better than the X TRAIL. here check honest john website for reviews on those cars

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ its what people view when they want road tests and performance when buying a car
 
HGA-12 said:
I have a Terrano which is way better than the X TRAIL. here check honest john website for reviews on those cars

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ its what people view when they want road tests and performance when buying a car
Click to expand...
I did look at a Terrano but it was a bit too big and a bit thirstier thn the xtrail. I also looked at the Jeep but then I saw the cost of the road tax and changed my mind :lol:
 
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