Not really a hatchback but really an SUV, the Nissan Dualis (or Qashqai as it’s called outside of Australia) attempted to be many things to many people, however, this approach rarely results in success.

Sales success was near guaranteed for Nissan (with many in the company calling the Qashqai the Qash-cow), but now the budget-built crossover is getting on in age, and with many having traveled thousands of kilometres, should they be considered in the used car market at all?

The first-generation (J10) Dualis/Qashqai received a mid-life update in 2010 featuring a more angular front end, re-shaped bonnet, grille, bumpers, headlights and air intake.

The line-up was also revised with improved equipment levels and 2010 also saw the introduction of the seven-seat Dualis+2.

In 2013, the TS diesel variant was introduced, powered by Renault’s 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

What goes wrong with a used Nissan Dualis?

• CVT automatics are having major and expensive issues
• EGR problems
• DPF problems
• Steering and suspension issues beginning to occur
• Exterior trim failures
• Electrical gremlins
• Switch gear issues
• Tail light electrical issues
• Wheel bearing issues
• Suspension struts leaking

Should you buy a used Nissan Dualis?

In short, no.

While we are sure there are people out there that own Dualis/Qashqai that genuinely like them and have experienced very few issues, the potential problems looming are far too probable in our opinion.

Not only are they ageing very poorly, they were quite average even when new.

Plus, when there is a large choice of far better alternatives out there for similar money, we can only recommend against buying the problem-riddled Nissan.