Toyota Avensis or Nissan Qashqai?

SweetP1

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

Leonard Hofstadter

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

godtabh

captainspeed wrote: »

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

captainspeed wrote: »

The Qashqai would be a lot more practical though.

How so?

Yakuza

The Tyre Dude wrote: »

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

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

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

The Tyre Dude

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

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

SweetP1 wrote: »

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

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

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.:p

SweetP1

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

MugMugs

SweetP1 wrote: »

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

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?

r3nu4l

I have a QQ and an Audi A3. The boot on the QQ is far bigger and higher than in the A3 and the shape of the QQ boot is excellent for fitting in even very large buggies. It's a very comfortable drive with a high driving position and I find getting my daughter in and out to be a simple process. We also use the QQ for holidays as we can fit more suitcases in the back thanks to the boot shape.

The 2.0 L Tekna dCi is the spec to go for in my opinion as its great on fuel and despite the turbo lag, when it does kick in its great. Another reason to get one is that the spec on this model is hugely high, xenon lights, leather seats, cruise control, electric folding mirrors, panoramic sunroof (on per facelift models) and Bluetooth.

That said, it will never be an 'exciting' car but it is very safe and comfortable and makes a perfect vehicle for my wife to get our daughter to nursery and back every day.

starlit

I'd recommend either. Preference for either the Nissan Qashqai or VW Volvo!? or an Opel Astra but Toyota Avensis is good too!