IS A NISSAN JUKE CVT AUTO AS UNRELIABLE AS I’VE HEARD?

Q I want to replace my old automatic SUV with a newer, smaller one. I live in a remote rural area, so require good ground clearance. Four-wheel drive would be preferred but it is not essential. I drive fewer than 2,000 miles per year and my budget is about £5,000. Two Nissan Juke 1.6s locally fit the bill; however, I’m concerned about internet reports of reliability. Are there any statistics on how likely it is that the CVT [continuously variable transmission] gearbox might fail? What else should I look at?

– KG

A You’re right to be concerned. The first-generation Juke from 2010 to 2019 is known for being problematic, particularly with the Xtronic CVT automatic option, as you found during your due diligence in researching online before committing.

I don’t know of any concrete stats on failure rates, but most reliability surveys turn up a slew of owners who have experienced Xtronic issues.

The problem isn’t just gearbox failure – it’s also that it can’t be repaired easily, so the most cost-effective solution is replacement. A new gearbox can mean a £4,000-odd bill – almost the value of the entire car, in this case.

Regarding an alternative, reliable cars of the Juke’s size and type are hard to find within your budget.

Most short-wheelbase, second-generation Toyota RAV4s (2000-2005) will have four-wheel drive and the ground clearance you need. A well-maintained RAV4 should be durable but because of this, they are in high demand, so, within your budget, any model will be much older than the Jukes you were looking at – a 2004 example is about the best you can hope for.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is reliable and versatile, with the compact dimensions you require. Automatics are quite scarce, although I found a 2007 example with 86,000 miles within budget.

However, a Honda CR-V is the best small SUV for this sort of money, with a brilliant blend of on and off-road usability, reliability and comfort. I found a tidy-looking 2007 2.0 i-VTEC EX with 96,000 miles for £4,990.

iWithin a budget of £5,000 a mid-2000s Honda CR-V is good all-rounder and very reliable