T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ? https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t128859 Runboard| T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ? en-us Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:41:10 +0000 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:41:10 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054774,from=rss#post2054774https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054774,from=rss#post2054774I've recently upgraded from a T30 II ST to a 2011 T31 Diesel TS X-Trail. Overall, no real regrets doing the upgrade, more just a few niggly things that I guess I'm going to have to work around and/or get used to. The biggest one is the spare tyre. I do go off-road from time to time in out of the way places where there isn't a lot of traffic. Relying on a 'temporary' spare isn't for me. Also, I've moved up a tyre size on the main tyres from 225/60 to 235/60 - I wanted to keep using Cooper ATR's and I had to go up a size for the 17" rims. I didn't want to go down a size... Now this leaves me with a bit of an issue - the spare tyre is now even more of a different size to the main tyres. The main tyres at 235/60 won't fit in the spare tyre well, so I can simply get another one of these for the spare. I'm currently working on this issue, and it maybe a case of getting a 215/70 on the 16" rim which might just squeeze into the tyre well, but I'll provide more details on this when I achieve it. The single front recovery point also concerns me. On the old T30, I used a tree trunk protector as an 'equaliser' strap when doing recoveries from the front. With new T31, there is only one front recovery point. From other posts on this forum, it seems that you can not fit a 2nd one. I guess I coulud always just do rear recoveries between the recovery point and tow bar and avoid the use of the front, but it would've been nice if they kept it. I also don't think the T31 has as many front storage compartments as the T30. I actually liked the centre dash setup and am sad to see this go in the T31. The T30 had many more places to store gear up the front and also had a couple of small places in the rear as well (I liked keeping a pack of cards or UNO in the back armrest holders). Having said that, the T31 does have a much larger glovebox and the rear doors now have their own storage compartments that the T30 did not. Other than that, I find the T31 a better vehicle overall. The interior is nicer looking and has lots of little things added over the T30. I love having the new information display with the fuel usage etc, as I find I can adjust my driving to achieve the best fuel economy, as well as get other details such as the time driving etc. I also like/hate the rear draw system. Like it because I now can keep some gear in there all organised and free up some space in the boot. I also think that the height of the rear boot area (from roof to floorboards) stays the same between the T30 and T31, but the T31 has the extra draws, giving more carrying capacity. I hate the rear draw system, as it is a painful experience getting to the spare tyre - you have to remove quite a number of pieces (2 boards, tray, tray system). The T30 was just one board. Having said that I don't think I'll need to get to the spare tyre all that often, so maybe not a major issue, and in all honesty I'd take the rear draw system anyday. It is quite useful. You can also remove the rear draw system and just put in the floor boards if you don't like the draws and get even more height in the rear boot area. The electronic wizardry in the new model also seems the goods. Haven't gone off-road yet to really test it (I am interested in the Braking limited slip diff setup), but on road the vehicle has definately been more behaved and the traction control definately has the goods to keep the car point in the right direction. I actually find the T31 a bit souless to drive because it is just too easy - you point the steering in one direction and puch the accelerator. It simply goes that way. The T30 you had to 'fight' a little bit to keep it under control, which was fun but could get tiring. I think the T31 is better in this regard - seems safer and less tiring to drive, but the T30 feels more fun. I also think the weight difference is noticeable as well - the T30 feels light and springy, whereas the T31 feels a bit more solid on the road. Again this contributes to how each one drives as noted above. T30 wins here - it just seems 'fun' and nimble to drive. Power - I had the older petrol T30 before they brought in the power reduction, so it supposedly has slightly more power than the T31. Having said that, the T31 is an awesome beast to put the foot down on and I absolutely love it. I think the Turbo Diesel is helping here with its major increase in torque. I'm also waiting to break in the new car before I try out towing a lightweight camper trailer. I found the petrol could do it, but it just seemed to struggle uphill a bit. Hoping that the Diesel it becomes barely noticeable, and just driving it uphill without towing, I can feel the difference - the Diesel definately feels like it can 'pull' more uphill. So overall, I have no regret going to the T31 (except for the price tag!) and would recommend anyone thinking of upgrading to the T31 to test drive the Diesel. It feels more 'car-like' than you'd expect. Just note that if you get the Diesel, it does need to get a good high speed run every now and then and wouldn't suit people who do only quick short trips all the time. I also keep finding small touches on the T31 which just point out how much more refined it is over the T30, making it a nicer car to drive.nondisclosed_email@example.com (ExyCol)Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:03:05 +0000 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054628,from=rss#post2054628https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054628,from=rss#post2054628quote:Robbo0001 wrote: I will vouch for the power difference between models, as we have blown Steve off several beaches in straight line starts between the T30 and T31. .... and that's with Dave carrying 2 extra passengers (ie kids) nondisclosed_email@example.com (loafer)Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:29:08 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054602,from=rss#post2054602https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054602,from=rss#post2054602Exactly the feeling I get Les with my T31 LOL nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:39:25 +0000 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054595,from=rss#post2054595https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054595,from=rss#post2054595 Good, its not just my T31 that feels like it starts off in 3rd gear all the time. Lesnondisclosed_email@example.com (Les deB)Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:55:22 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054570,from=rss#post2054570https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054570,from=rss#post2054570Indeed Dave, the T31 is heavier and bigger in size.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sun, 17 Jul 2011 07:27:12 +0000 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054569,from=rss#post2054569https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054569,from=rss#post2054569I will vouch for the power difference between models ,as we have blown Steve off several beaches in straight line starts between the T30 and T31. I think the T30 is lighter as well, but just thats me guessingnondisclosed_email@example.com (Robbo0001)Sun, 17 Jul 2011 06:27:47 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054553,from=rss#post2054553https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054553,from=rss#post2054553After driving the T31 for 3 weeks now, I can firmly say that the 2.5LT CVT feels less powerful than my T30 2.5LT Auto, but that's expected, but I also reckon it is less powerful than the standard Series 1 T30 Auto. I don't know, but I certainly miss the power I had with my T30 and I reckon if am gonna try and push this CVT on the road it will punish me with extra fuel consumption. I'd rather drive it like a granny and vent out my "power hunger" in driving the Merc LOL Seriously though, I reckon if we put the standard T31 2.5LT CVT against the standard T30 Auto on a race track, the T30 will win. Having said the above, the extra features and comfort-wise (plus the evident extra room in the T31) certainly makes it a very attractive option to upgrade to and I have no regrets at all.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:22:59 +0000 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054542,from=rss#post2054542https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2054542,from=rss#post2054542We had a T30 for three years, mainly highway use, and liked it a lot. Very good for long weekends with all the stuff we typically take. We have had the T31 for 18 months and put in 53,000 Km on it on a long trip (see post "Hello from Colombia"). It has been excellent, and is in our view a great compromise for this trip. We enjoyed the T30 however are very pleased with the T31. The T31 has more power to weight ration, however much of the reason for this was that the T30 had level 3 protection so was carrying a lot more weight. nondisclosed_email@example.com (AlanandMarce)Sat, 16 Jul 2011 10:53:50 +0000 Re: T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051501,from=rss#post2051501https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051501,from=rss#post2051501I recently sold my 2005 Ti and purchased a 2nd hand 2008 Ti. Luckily, it was still under 3 year manufacture's warranty, and have taken it back twice with; 1) Gear stick sticking in Park 9 times out of 10 (fixed under warranty) 2) CTV remaining in Auto even though Manual selected (fixed under warranty - took 3 weeks for part) However, in saying that, I'm still happy with the new one, the larger size boot just being perfect for my "goodies". Although I was used to the old centre instrumentation, I'm glad the new one has it in front of the driver. I find the petrol consumption better in the new one, but also find it very sluggish on taking off - feels like I'm in 3rd gear, but on the open road its very good. Recently, I did lose all power going up a very steep driveway having selected CTV 1st gear, just to try it out. Going up the same driveway in Auto wasn't a problem. My wife preferred the old one to the new one, I think because of the bigger size of the new one? Then again she didn't like the old until she drove it for a couple of weeks, when it then became "her" car. My daughter now has the old one, and she's happy with it. Les  nondisclosed_email@example.com (Les deB)Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:29:05 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051334,from=rss#post2051334https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051334,from=rss#post2051334I can really recommend up grading to a T31 as they have been a very good car and if you have had fun with your T30 you will get even more out of the T31 with all the new features in them! Regards Scotnondisclosed_email@example.com (freewill11)Sat, 02 Apr 2011 07:01:37 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051329,from=rss#post2051329https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051329,from=rss#post2051329You won't be disapointed with a T31 Mike, like any new car, you quickly forget what the old one was like after a few months. All cars have their little downsides as the CVT and all its technical dramas. If your T30 is still going well, then you have plenty of time to make up your mind.nondisclosed_email@example.com (cooch t31)Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:19:35 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051314,from=rss#post2051314https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051314,from=rss#post2051314Hi Mike, Nice topic and I will be able to tell my experience in June-July this year when I get my new T31 (2.5 CVT) In terms of power, 125KW for the new T31 2.5LT petrol CVT is on par with the post 2006 T30 models and maybe even a bit more powerful in terms of torque. After driving my T30 with the power mods, I don't think I can dream of having a T31 match that and am not gonna try and make it any faster either (wife's car) nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:32:08 +0000 T30 TO T31 TRADE UP, ANY REGRETS ?https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051311,from=rss#post2051311https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2051311,from=rss#post2051311 After having had my exy for a few months, and done a variety of trips in it, it has really earned my respect. I really enjoy owning this car, and have been mulling over the idea of upgrading next year to a T31. Thing is, with mine having 165,000 km's on the clock ( runs perfectly mind you) the recent talk about timing chains has concerned me, and driven me to consider a lower k's vehicle. If anybody has changed up from the T30 to the T31, have you any regrets ? what about the power difference ? Do you notice the lower Kw and the bigger sized vehicle when behind the wheel ? Does anybody who has doen this wish they still had the previous model ? I would also like to go automatic next time too, any down sides to this ? Mikenondisclosed_email@example.com (mikebloke)Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:22:28 +0000