Answer
Feb 12, 2019 - 05:39 PM
Hi there
The phenomenon you mention (getting clogged up) relates to the exhaust particulate filter (DPF). This is indeed a real problem, and the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai are just two of a long list of vehicles which suffer from this issue. Essentially, it's caused by the car being driven for short distances, which doesn't give the DPF opportunity to reach its optimal working temperature. Because it doesn't reach the optimal operating temperature, it doesn't have a chance to burn off the soot particles it has trapped on the trip, eventually leading to it clogging up the DPF itself. This will force the engine into safe mode, reducing power and affecting driveability. It can usually be cleared by driving on the freeway at fairly high speeds for an extended distance, but in some cases, it can only be cleared by replacing the filter (which is very expensive).
Believe it or not, but diesels don't offer as much of a fuel saving in town as they do in long-distance driving: they work best when run at a steady speed, and their efficiency drops quite dramatically when asked to accelerate and decelerate often. So, unless you're planning to also use the vehicle for frequent long-distance trips, you might as well stick with petrol, as the diesel's reduced fuel costs will take a long time to offset its higher purchase price.
Using your criteria, we searched on AutoTrader for SUVs with less than 50 000 km on the clock, costing less than R200 000, and because it will probably be mainly used in town, with an automatic gearbox. One of the options which popped up first was the Renault Captur 88kW Dynamique, and we think that's a very good choice: stylish, easy to drive, fairly powerful, spacious, and reasonably exonomical, it will suit your budget and your wife's needs very well.
Hope this helps!
The AskAutoTrader Team
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