Nissan Dualis Problems

Both are well suited to everyday use around town. They're comfortable, fuel-efficient and safe. The Dualis is a little cheaper than the Sportage, but I would definitely go for the Sportage. I would expect them to have a similar resale value when it comes time to sell, but the reputation of the Sportage for quality and reliability would make it easier to move on.

I’m not surprised at the clutch requiring replacement in that time, but I am surprised at the gearbox problem. I would contact Nissan directly and ask for some assistance with the cost of repairs.

From my experience, the Grand Vitara has the best reputation for reliability and for you it ticks the boxes. Next would be the Honda CR-V, then the Dualis with the ASX definitely last.

While the CVT is a brilliant concept there have been problems with turning the concept into a reliable functioning gearbox, despite 40 years of trying. Shuddering can be a problem with them, and while Nissan might want to dismiss it as a characteristic of the transmission, it's only because they don't know how to fix it. You should do as it has been suggested, make a formal complaint, and pursue a settlement through official channels.

The Avenso Versis is a good all-rounder in the people-mover class. Other people-movers you could consider are the Honda Odyssey, Kia Grand Carnival, or VW Caddy Life, you could consider SUVs like the Ford Territory or Nissan Dualis.

Nissan spokesman Peter Fadeyev replies: "Nissan Australia has encountered only a handful of episodes where the Dualis shifter has been broken but these have been observed in rental cars and cars with certain aftermarket accessories fitted. The cause of the breakage is excessive force applied to the shifter to engage the car into gear without the driver applying sufficient force to the brake pedal to allow the car to be disengaged from the Park position. This matter hasn't involved recall." 

We compare vehicles against their class rivals and the Captiva is well behind its direct competitors in quality, driving and resale value. It is likely to be more costly than a Dualis — now called Qashqai — because, particularly as a Captiva 7, it is bigger and heavier.

The CX-5 is the better vehicle, but the Hyundai is likely to be cheaper and with much longer to run on the factory warranty.