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SweetP1 · 29-05-2012, 11:29

Hi,
I'm new here so hope I'm posting in the right place! I'm hoping to buy a 07/08 car and am looking for opinions on the Toyota Avensis and the Nissan Qashqai. I drive a small 3 door at the minute and it's just not practical with a baby seat and large buggy which doesn't fit in the boot! I want something safe and economical and think I've narrowed my search down to these two. If anyone drives one, particularly if you have children, could you give me your opinions please? Thanks

captainspeed · 29-05-2012, 11:41

They're two very different types of car. The Qashqai would be a lot more practical though.

**godtabh** · 29-05-2012, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainspeed

They're two very different types of car. The Qashqai would be a lot more practical though.

Why?

I'd go for the Avensis. The boot in the Qashqai isnt as big as I thought it would be when I was buying a new car at the start of the year. Went for a C4 which has a bigger boot.

The Qashqai has a high drive position which was good

The Tyre Dude · 29-05-2012, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainspeed

The Qashqai would be a lot more practical though.

How so?

Yakuza · 29-05-2012, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Tyre Dude

How so?

Lifting the kids into their seats (and buckling them in) is easier in a QQ than a saloon due to the higher seating position.

The boot on the QQ isn't as big as the Avensis (410 vs 509 litres), but the shape might be more practical for buggies etc, and access is easier with the hatch. I drive the +2 variant, and its boot volume is 550l (with rearmost seats folded down). It's also comfortable to drive long distances.

One caveat - it's as boring as hell, but it'll do me until the kids are bigger (and can sit and buckle themselves into their seats), then I'll be looking at some form of estate with a bit of pedigree (Audi Avant / BMW Touring). At this point I don't think could ever buy a saloon again.

MugMugs · 29-05-2012, 12:21

I drive a liftback Avensis. I can fit everything I need in including myself. This weekend it will be taking two kayaks, gear, paddles, tents, beer, cool box, chairs, clothes, diving gear and a bike on the back and it'll take it fine.

No shortage of space in the rear and if the weather turns bad then it'll take me and my airbed in the back too....... Maybe with the kayaks outside though.

MarkR · 29-05-2012, 13:08

Agree with the above, another avensis driver here. Go for a liftback, and look for leather seats.

The Tyre Dude · 29-05-2012, 13:16

Last ime I looked at a Qashqai I couldn't figure out where all the kids stuff would go, that boot (5 seater) looked way too small to me.

Why limit yourself to an Avensis as well? It's hard to beat a good estate for maximum versatility when it comes to family. A Mondeo, C5, Accord would all be worth a look.

SweetP1 · 29-05-2012, 14:06

Thanks for all your replies, lots to think about! I like the idea of the height in the Qashqai but my Dad found a good deal on an Avensis. Think I should probably test drive both before I decide.

Zubeneschamali · 29-05-2012, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetP1

Think I should probably test drive both before I decide.

Absolutely! I'd say there's a 50-50 chance you will hate the Avensis if you've never driven one before.

bazz26 · 29-05-2012, 16:43

The Qashqai is a compact family hatchback with higher ground clearance than other hatchbacks in that segment. The main advantage to it is the high driving position and tall headroom, other than that it has average size legroom and boot. People like them because Nissan cleverly made them look like a SUV.

I'd say the large buggy would probably fit into an Avensis size hatchback a bit more comfortably in this case.

shawnee · 29-05-2012, 17:17

The quashqai are quite poplular and selling really well for Nissan. The have the higher seating and view which appeals to many. They do not have the jeep feel and would be a lot lighter on fuel than the 4 wd or jeeps. Could never understand why people in the city drive around these jeeps, they are not really very smooth on the road and many are guzzlers on fuel.

SweetP1 · 29-05-2012, 19:20

I'll definitely test the buggy in the boot before I buy, not getting caught agian!

MugMugs · 29-05-2012, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetP1

I'll definitely test the buggy in the boot before I buy, not getting caught agian!

Surprised the Octavia with its tardis like boot hasn't crept in here.

Julo12 · 26-08-2012, 19:23

Just wondering did u decide on one of these? I'm looking at these two for the same reason as fitting baby stuff and dog in Yaris is not fun! Any comments on fuel efficiency, tax and insurance comparisons? Find the Toyota really reliable too - are Nissan as good?

29-05-2012, 11:29	#1
SweetP1 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	Toyota Avensis or Nissan Qashqai? Hi, I'm new here so hope I'm posting in the right place! I'm hoping to buy a 07/08 car and am looking for opinions on the Toyota Avensis and the Nissan Qashqai. I drive a small 3 door at the minute and it's just not practical with a baby seat and large buggy which doesn't fit in the boot! I want something safe and economical and think I've narrowed my search down to these two. If anyone drives one, particularly if you have children, could you give me your opinions please? Thanks

29-05-2012, 14:06	#9
SweetP1 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	Thanks for all your replies, lots to think about! I like the idea of the height in the Qashqai but my Dad found a good deal on an Avensis. Think I should probably test drive both before I decide. Last edited by SweetP1; 29-05-2012 at 14:11. Reason: Spelling!

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29-05-2012, 11:41	#2
captainspeed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 2,105 Adverts \| Friends	They're two very different types of car. The Qashqai would be a lot more practical though.

29-05-2012, 12:21	#6
MugMugs BANANA'ED Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dark Side of the moon Posts: 8,605 Adverts \| Friends	I drive a liftback Avensis. I can fit everything I need in including myself. This weekend it will be taking two kayaks, gear, paddles, tents, beer, cool box, chairs, clothes, diving gear and a bike on the back and it'll take it fine. No shortage of space in the rear and if the weather turns bad then it'll take me and my airbed in the back too....... Maybe with the kayaks outside though.

29-05-2012, 13:08	#7
MarkR Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Shannon Posts: 6,110 Adverts \| Friends	Agree with the above, another avensis driver here. Go for a liftback, and look for leather seats.

29-05-2012, 13:16	#8
The Tyre Dude Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Adverts \| Friends	Last ime I looked at a Qashqai I couldn't figure out where all the kids stuff would go, that boot (5 seater) looked way too small to me. Why limit yourself to an Avensis as well? It's hard to beat a good estate for maximum versatility when it comes to family. A Mondeo, C5, Accord would all be worth a look.

29-05-2012, 16:43	#11
bazz26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Co. Limerick Posts: 20,098 Adverts \| Friends	The Qashqai is a compact family hatchback with higher ground clearance than other hatchbacks in that segment. The main advantage to it is the high driving position and tall headroom, other than that it has average size legroom and boot. People like them because Nissan cleverly made them look like a SUV. I'd say the large buggy would probably fit into an Avensis size hatchback a bit more comfortably in this case.

29-05-2012, 17:17	#12
shawnee Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the shed or in the Garden Posts: 1,584 Adverts \| Friends	The quashqai are quite poplular and selling really well for Nissan. The have the higher seating and view which appeals to many. They do not have the jeep feel and would be a lot lighter on fuel than the 4 wd or jeeps. Could never understand why people in the city drive around these jeeps, they are not really very smooth on the road and many are guzzlers on fuel.

29-05-2012, 19:20	#13
SweetP1 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	I'll definitely test the buggy in the boot before I buy, not getting caught agian!

26-08-2012, 19:23	#15
Julo12 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 36 Adverts \| Friends	Just wondering did u decide on one of these? I'm looking at these two for the same reason as fitting baby stuff and dog in Yaris is not fun! Any comments on fuel efficiency, tax and insurance comparisons? Find the Toyota really reliable too - are Nissan as good?