WHEN a car is fashionable, it is always going to cost more than some similar vehicles second-hand.

But the reverse is also true and that makes Nissan's Terrano 4x4 much more affordable than a Mitsubishi Shogun after a few years.

The Nissan is a good family and leisure vehicle, with strong off-road and towing ability and plenty of space in the five door.

There were only diesel engines for some years before production ceased in 2007 - 2.7 or 3.0-litre with 122 or 154bhp.

Both are pretty agricultural and fairly noisy and even the bigger unit doesn't have much in the way of real performance.

Economy is not great in the 2.7 and actually better in the 3.0-litre and Nissan reliability has always been close to the best so they last well.

Service history is always a good idea, as is a check for underside damage from off-roading.

They are much more comfortable than smaller 4x4s and road-holding and handling are fair.

There's a good level of equipment and many five door models have a pair of removable children's seats in the boot.

: Mitsubishi Shogun Sport