Ask an expert

I am experiencing a lag between pressing the accelerator down & the transmission responding, giving a jerk or clunk as it actually engages. I notice this mainly in slow traffic in town. (It has done 170,000 km). Is this able to be rectified so that it moves smoothly instead of clunking?

Second, unrelated question: I am wanting a vehicle suitable for towing a 1200kg caravan. The Volvo seems too high geared to do this easily on the flat. Would a Nissan X-Trail 2.5 litre petrol be a good vehicle for this, & are there any problems with NZ new ones, say around 2005?
Thank you.

There are a few possible causes. The delay could indicate a kick-down cable adjustmet (assuming one is fitted to your model) or it could be an internal problem, perhaps with pressures or valve body, but given the clunky downshift, it is perhaps likely to be the latter or internal wear (possibly clutch pack related). Either way, I'm sure a transmission specialist would be happy to go for a quick road-test with you and give some indication of the problem and likely costs involved.
The Nissan X-Trail enjoys a good reputation for reliability and would be fine tow the caravan. The year you are talking should have a conventional automatic transmission, rather than a CVT. CVT transmissions are not ideal for towing, so avoid models fitted with CVT transmissions.
Perhaps in an ideal world, diesel is better for towing due to the low down torque and fuel lower fuel consumption, but otherwise the X-Trail will do the job you require.