The used SUV market is full of compromises when it comes to equipment levels because some manufacturers charge exorbitant prices for additional equipment a few others include as standard. One manufacturer who figures that a full-size SUV should come equipped with everything a driver could need without the necessity of add-ons is Nissan. The new Pathfinder is a Terrano replacement, offering full-size SUV accommodation for less than you might pay for an equivalent rival. Although the Terrano is dated, it continues to offer a good full-size SUV package and will be one of the used Nissan SUVs more likely to able to be bought for a very reasonable used price.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a big bodied full-size SUV that is powered in the United Kingdom by either a 2.5 diesel generating 171 bhp, or a 4.0 litre petrol V6 that pushes power up to 270 bhp. If that sounds like a lot of horses, it is. When it comes to overtaking the Pathfinder 4.0 should never be found wanting, simply floor the throttle and the engine will waft you around slower moving traffic like you were driving something half the weight. A full-size SUV such as the Pathfinder is never likely to prove frugal even when the 4.0 comes equipped with a five speed automatic transmission as standard. The diesel however should comfortably average 25-30 mpg, which is about what you might expect from most of the competition.

Improvements in ride and handling over the aging Terrano are obvious and transmitted to the steering which is particularly communicative for such a big vehicle. A full-size SUV is designed to provide a compromise between on and off-road ability, and the Pathfinder won't disappoint. It is very capable in the rough and, in 4.0 form, has the ability to make you forget that you're driving something this big.

The interiors of all but the base model offer seven seat accommodation, although the last two seats are primarily for children. There's also plenty of head and leg room, and as you might expect in a full-size SUV a high driving position allows for excellent forward visibility. You would also be hard pressed not to find a suitable driving position as the drivers seat appears infinitely adjustable. In the back all seats can be split/folded to provide flat luggage accommodation.

Because the Pathfinder is fairly new, finding a used example will probably only prove fruitful via the Nissan dealer network. New prices for the Pathfinder start at ?24,000 rising to ?31,965. However it remains possible to buy a new Terrano, priced between ?17,995 and rising to ?25,500. Obviously because the Terrano was introduced back in 1993, there will be many more examples available, and as with any Nissan, these excellent 4x4s offer good levels of equipment. So if you can't quite stretch to a shop soiled Pathfinder, the Terrano will make for a good alternative. Latest models are powered by either a 2.7 or 3.0 diesel, both with proven reliability. Although reliability is never going to be an issue in regard to a Nissan, and that's another reason used Nissan SUVs make Value-For-Money-Sense!