[caorach]

I've been looking for a 4X4 for a while. Mostly been looking at the bigger ones (Disco and LC) but recently took a look at an X-Trail and was really most impressed. The big down side with the X-Trail seems to be a lack of available tyres for the 17 inch wheels which come as standard. Anyone know if 16 inch wheels will fit the 2009 X-Trail and where it might be possible to get some? I think it is possible to get General Grabber AT2s in 215/65R16 which should put the diameter back to very similar to the 17 inch wheels with the standard 60 profile tyres on them.

I will be doing about 20+ miles per week off road so not a huge amount but probably more than many people would do in a year.

 

[John Willett]

The Pirelli Scorpion seem to be a popular choice - and a friend of mine swears by thm on hid DIsco.

I'm sure they are available in 17"

 

[caorach]

The Scorpions are very road orientated and I'm looking for something that gives a bit more ability off road, I hope not to use all of it but where I'm going there is no one to pull me out so I'd like a margin of safety. I would like AT2s if I can get some 16 inch wheels at a reasonable price. Am keeping an eye on ebay as there are a few for sale on there but some of them are asking silly money, might also try a few local scrap yards to see if anyone is scrapping an older XTrail with 16 inch wheels on it.

 

[Scottie]

I had grabbers on one of my other 4x4 and thought they were very good.

 

[caorach]

Thanks for all the replies, it is useful info. Can anyone confirm that the older 16 inch Xtrail alloys will fit the newer cars? My understanding is that an alloy from a pre-2007 car should fit a new car just fine but thought it best to ask before I start around the scrap yards.

 

[yottie60]

I'd be wary of spending money on specialist tyres - you don't have a range box on the Xtrail, so any off road shenanigans will require a crash helmet and back belt, or an open sunroof. It's great on smooth surfaces in snow, but not really up for your woodland weekend pistes. ;-)

 

[caorach]

I am hopeful that it will do my job yottie60 on the basis that I know of a few folk doing very similar stuff with an XTrail who are not having any serious problems. However, i would like to fit more able tyres if only to cope with wet grass and the like. Wet grass can be a real killer and I've seen some pretty serious off roaders running on road biased tyres get embarrassed by very moderate grassy slopes

I'm still getting no joy on my question: will 16 inch wheels from an older XTrail fit on the new car? I'm pretty sure they will but am worried in case brakes have been changed recently.

Oh, I've also noticed that in Oz they have an Xtrail forum and seem to be doing some pretty reasonable off road work with them. By the looks of it some of them are doing more than I will need.