I like observing other people and their car choices. So I was more than a little interested when my neighbours across the road bought a Nissan X-Trail. They had previously run an X-Trail that went with Sally's job and although it had broken down a couple of times and they had ended up driving a Honda CR-V for a couple of weeks, it was the Nissan that persuaded them to part with their own money. Another friend in the village also runs an X-Trail which replaced his Subaru and he's a practical, no-nonsense type who would not have bought it for its image but for rather more sensible reasons. Most of the time, the X-Trail runs round in front wheel drive. In fact you can buy a purely front wheel drive version of it but I see little point in that. Most X-Trails will have the full 4x4 system that's controlled via a switch on the fascia. You can select automatic mode, when the cars flicks in and out of 4x4 as required or lock it in 4x4 mode. Unlike Nissan models such as the Patrol and Pathfinder, or even the older Terrano II models, the X-Trail is not really so much of a true 4x4 beast. It lacks the ground clearance to get it easily through deep ruts and the underside will soon catch on the ground beneath. Provided you bear this in mind, though, the X-Trail is still quite a useful tool. If you live at the top of a steep hill where it gets difficult if it snows or freezes, for instance, then the X-Trail could be the ideal car for you. It will also tackle mild green laning where the surface hasn't been carved up by tractors (agricultural vehicles do far more damage to these lanes than off-roaders but farmers never own up to this). Grassy fields and muddy surfaces are also within its capabilities and if your leisure time regularly takes you into such terrain then the X-Trail could be useful. The rest of the time, the X-Trail is a superb family estate car. It has good space front and rear for adults, a decent load area accessed through a large tailgate, and is comfortable into the bargain. It has far better ride quality than people have come to expect of a 4x4 and in normal use is as good as a conventional car. At launch in 2001, the X-Trail came with a 2.0 petrol engine or a 2.2 diesel. A 2.5 petrol engine arrived in 2003, with a far better 2.2 diesel in 2004, and these diesels are really the cars that should interest you if you can afford them. Otherwise go for an earlier diesel unless your mileage is very low, in which case a petrol model will be a cheaper buy. The trade-off is that it will be more difficult to sell on again and will probably only do half the miles per gallon. The 2.2 dCi diesel I had a few weeks ago was getting up towards 40 mpg, which is excellent. Now the car has been about for around six years, there's a wide choice of X-Trails, both standard models and special editions, some of which even had spotlights on the fronts of the roof rails. Best idea is to buy on condition first, remembering to check for underside damage and sagging suspension if there's a towbar. Servicing is due every 9,000 miles and insurance starts at Group 9. A 51 plate 2.2 Di Sport will set you back about £8,600 while the last of the on a 53 is £11,700. But only £500 more will get you the better dCi and it's £500 well spent. Buying a 51 plate 2.0 petrol will save about £1,100. Maurice Hardy