If you want a heap of info on the xtrail go to the australian xtrail forum. Just google it. There is heaps of honest info and they are more than willing to help you out.

I have an 08 Petrol xtrail with CVT so I can not comment on the diesel/manual version. Generally overall it's not a bad car but by no means a serious 4x4. There are plenty of after market parts for servicing to keep your costs down especially if you do it yourself.

Steve.

 Not looking for a serious 4x4 just a tow vehicle for a jetski and the odd trailer from bunnings.. 

 My dad manages a car parts store and always says never get a jeep, the parts are too hard to find and there are too many issues with them.

EDIT: get the Nissan

 Of people agree with what u are saying. A mate had one a said the parts are bloody expensive, but dam I like the look of them.

 Looking at their latest add cpaign - only chicks buy jeeps

did u look at the rav/ suzukis

 Might just do that though.

 For 20k you could get a 2009/10 Nissan Pathfinder which would be better than xtrail...

 Or if chasing a smaller car, I'd have to agree with Shark1 and look at the Suzuki Grand Vitara, which are still true dual range 4x4

If you get a Rav 4 make sure you do oil change and filters at 5000km.

They have a habit of clogging up the oil pickup strainer in the sump and bingo , you have no pressure and no big ends.

Son has an Xtrail petrol and loves it

Agree with the boys , if you dont think you will ever need low range , or a bit of clearance , why buy a awd /4wd at all

plenty of good cars out there, cheaper and more comfy. Only you can deceide, in saying that however

 if you got something like a pathy, suzuki or god forbid a JEEEEP ( kidding jeep boys)

the options always there to head down a track or beach, whilst still easy to park and reas priced to serv , rego, fuel costs etc etc.

My only exp with jeeps was a 2002 grand chero , 4 litre 6, auto of course,( really not the best model , being a petrol) that we had for 3 years, not a bad car , heavy on fuel

no matter how you drove it, great off road, only had 90,000 on clock , numerus electrical gremlins, check eng lights etc, and

when fixing some small bits that broke , elect windows etc , parts were overpriced, the local dealer was rude and unhelpful

and they didnt seem to sell small bits , only the whole component, eg , entire leccy window ass instead of just the broken clips.

However I did buy things off usa ebay very reasonble for it , you just had to wait 3 weeks.

And this is only my personel opinion , I dont like c.v.t trannys, or jeep commercials with kids in bucket hats haha.

 Have a look at the Kia sorento, it does have dual range and is right within your budget.

Have a look at the turbo charged forester, should be able to get a 07 for that much, tows my 17' glass boat quite well and even goes alright on the beach if your that way inclined. Ive got an 05 and the only thing ive had to do aside from scheduled servicing has been replace the top tank on the radiator and cv's