I didnít want to hijack the previous thread and I hope Boats and Outboards and she who must be obeyed are enjoying their X5. I am however looking around for a new vehicle.

On our list are

Nisan X Trail
Subaru Forester
Skoda Octavia Scout

As you can see I am not looking for an off-road vehicle nor anything too big. However it must be diesel, manual, robust and I would like to look after the pennies with fuel and servicing. I would like 4 wheel drive. Rear load bed to be similar in size to a focus estate and I wont tow much more than 1,500 mls pa. I will probably go for something 2 -3 yrs old but may go new if the deal is right. So budget is £15-25k

There are plenty of X Trails about. The Forester seemed good but I thought the panelling was a bit thin and tinny and I donít know about the flat 4 diesel. From what I have read some questions have be raised over the handling which surprised me as I have had legacies in the past which were great all be it very thirsty but they are just a bit too long. Nobody seems to have any Skoda Scouts that I could see and they wanted me to buy new without even seeing one!

We have already rejected the Kia Sportage, Nissan SquashedCow and RAV 4.

I had resisted adding previously as it didnt meet the requirements however it seems to meet yours...... Hyundai Santa-Fe
Have now had one three years and been VERY pleased with it , punches way above it's weight in towing capability. I tow a large twin axle van, and a 7.8 Ribcraft very comfortably. (not at the same time!)
You get alot of car for your money, with a fairly good spec
IMO well worth a look. Good luck with whatever you get

I'd second the Passat 4motion TDI Estate. Way cheaper than the Audi Allroad, bigger boot than a focus estate, superb engine - get the 1.9TDI 130 rather than the 2.0 in my opinion anyway its better, galvanised chassis to prevent rust, pulls really well. I always got over 30mpg when fully laden with 5.8mtr rib plus full load of dive kit, 45mpg+ when not towing. Getting hard to find low mileage examples now though.

Finally avoid the Sport version - it has 25mm lowered suspension which makes it useless for towing on anything other than flat surfaces!

I'd have bought an X trail ages ago if they didn't have Renault engines and wiring. The DCi apparently blows turbos regularly. Not heard of the conrod issue on x-trails but the d22 Renault engines on the mark 1 Navaras were famous for it. You don't buy Nissan anymore you buy a Renault in Nissan clothing.