Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

stever

If the url is too long to fit here, you can use makeashorterlink.com to post it.

Steve, Host

edev31

Linzybel,
I am in Pittsburgh, PA. The dealer is Wright Nissan. I didn't talk price at all since it was right off the truck, and the dealer also put their own "sticker" on with a dealer prep charge of $695! The salesman actually turned out to be a neighbor of ours, so he wasn't acting like your usual pushy car salesman (no offense to anyone!)and he didn't even talk about price once! I don't think they are in any way desperate to sell the Murano. Another salesman said that they had a lot of people coming in and looking at it and test driving it just in the few hours after it arrived! If I get any more info on pricing, I'll post!

cookie01

I also can't tell from the photo on the Nissan site how they've mounted that hitch. It looks very near the flat end of the exhausts... how'd they do that??

What was great to see on the acessories link was mud flaps and a bar for the grill area. Those who think the grill is a "bit much" might dig it with the protective bar on it. I thought it looked very good.
The body of the Murano is very clean, no cladding, no moldings, nothing. A few acessories would help a bit.

maxxed_out

i've been looking into this vehicle(SUV,wagon, whatever you wanna call it), and am interested on the release date, because it perfectly fits my family's needs(im not the daddy, im the son). My mom needs an SUV to be higher up, and basicly, she wants it cause every one else wants it. My dad, really needs a new, bigger, utility vehicle. We have been living with a car as a family vehicle, and we are kinda growin out of it. My grandma lives with us, my bro has his own car, turning 17 real quick, but he still travels with us, so thats 5 people. Our other car, was a 97 Accord, and its felling very small now. We would like to know when the release date is for the WHOLE country, bcause, apperently, it hasnt reached Virginia dealers because we have tryed to check it out, but cant find one anywhere.

thanks in advance

pbhatti

Someone mentioned that there won't be any Muranos in CT for two weeks but if you check Bob Sharp Nissan they have a white one listed on their site.

motormann

Andrews - my Murano Lease:

Msrp: $37047
Selling Price: $36200
Cap Reduction: $1400
Residual: 55% (39 Months)
Money Factor: 0.00225 (5.4%)

Hope that helps you!
MM

P.S> It's a great car! Like it more now than when we bought it; can't get the wife to give up the keys! Only negative so far is that the Satellite Radio isn't available yet at the dealerships (bummer, because I love XM Radio!)

ppower

what I find lacking is Nissan's warranty. Only 3yr/36k miles? Come on, they should make it at least 4yr/ 48k miles.

Ppower

andrews928

Thanks for the numbers motormann, at least you got them to take something off the car. CT does have Murano's. The Nissan dealer in Watertown has 5. I took a quick test drive and then they let me have it for the afternoon. I still love the way this SUV looks but I was slightly disappointed from a 2 hour plus test drive. Maybe I'm used to Lexus seats but neither my wife nor I could find the "perfect position". There always was a slight strain on the lower back. I have not found one CT dealer that wanted to sell this below MSRP but I think this will change. When a car is in high demand they are sold before they hit the lot. To my knowledge none of the Murano's were sold. Because of the MSRP and low residual I test drove a 2003 4Runner. I'm no truck person but the 4runner is sweat!!! The suspension that's in the sport model makes this thing corner very flat. The ride quality is almost on par with the RX300 and the lease on a $35,000 4runner is $ 485, no money down for cap cost with 3 year/15,000 miles.

troyy2k

On the Nissan web site, I attempted to "search dealer's inventory" for the Nissan Murano; However, that model does not appear on the pull-down menu for that search function. Is there a central number I can call to locate a car with the specific options and color I am interested in? How long does it take to fulfill a factory order?

kwyoon

troyy2k, from each dealer's page (pops up in a different window) you will be able to pull down the Murano if they have updated their site. Most dealers have, so try some other dealers. I have been able to see inventory of Muranos at a lot of Northern CA dealers through each dealer's WEB site.

teenboy13

This morning I was on my way to school. Once we get off the expressway, there is a Nissan dealer to the right. We turned the corner and guess what was sitting right in front. A brand new Murano! It was white and I believe the caffe latte leather interior. That means NYC Dealers should start getting them. This particular dealer was Star Nissan just incase anyone wanted to stop by and see if test drives were available.

jatt

Thanks for the Welcome Tidetester and the Hitch Pix Linzybel! I have never leased before and I am reading all the info that this site provides but I am curious about a couple of items my local dealer mentioned. An extra $500 for Governments Gas & Air conditioning Taxes, dealer administration charges and the Safeguard Warranty(a $5000. bonus theft policy) Now I know the Air is $100. but does the rest of it sound right to add up to another $400?? And does anyone know what this Safeguard thing is?? Thanks much and Seasons Greetings to all!!

jatt

Hi again. I, like a few others had liked the 5 spoke rims on the SL better than the 6 spoke rims on the SE so the dealer was willing to switch the SL rims onto the SE for me but warned me that I would loose the Tire Pressure Monitoring system by doing so. (the 5 spoke SL rims do not have the special valve stems that give you the tire pressure reading on the Information Monitor on the dash) Which leads me to my question. Does anyone know if the new assessory 'Chrome 5 spoke rims' have the tire pressure monitoring valves? They would look great with the chrome door handles. Thanks

linzybel

Jatt, I haven't seen anywhere that the tire pressure monitoring is available only on the SE. All I see is the Dynamic Control Package (which includes Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitor) must be ordered with Premium Package, leather, and sunroof on the SL; and with the Popular Package on the SE. Is it possible that they make 4 different kinds of rims: tire-pressure-monitor ready (or not) for the SE, and ditto for the SL?

Or maybe your dealer felt comfortable "ripping" a live one off, but didn't know how it should be reattached and would rather make the sale than worry about the technical details?

sean48

This morning (Saturday), I had the opportunity to test drive the long-awaited Murano. Since I had anticipated seeing and driving this car for so long, I was concerned about being disappointed by reality. I wasn't. This is one beautiful vehicle.

A 20-minute test drive won't tell you everything, but it will give you the opportunity to uncover any glaring deficiencies. I didn't find anything to dislike, and I really did like the way it handled and responded to my inputs. I expected the CVT to be a little weird, but it was really wonderful...smooth, quiet (with just a bit of growl from the engine under acceleration) and almost intuitively responsive. The steering was tight but not jumpy (this was an SL).

The leather interior was nicely finished. I read some complaints about the quality of the materials, but I thought they were rich (not lavish) and well-excuted...and definitely not plasticky. One really nice detail are the stainless steel sill plates in the front door openings.

The front seats were comfortable...good size...well padded...firm but not hard. The rear seat is incredible. I stopped at a Volvo dealer on the way to see the Murano just to have a reference point with the XC90. The Murano's rear seat is notably roomier (I'm 5' 10") than the rear seat of the XC90 T5 (five passenger) that I had sat in minutes earlier. The Murano's rear seat and legroom seemed to be "a size larger" than the XC90's.

The cargo area. Here the XC90 is significantly roomier than the Murano, due primarily to the curved design of the Murano. The Murano's cargo area was ample however, IMO. I took along a suit case just to get a better idea of the available space. This particular suit case (27.5" x 19" x 10") slipped into the Murano's cargo area with room to spare. I laid it flat (27.5" x 19" area on the floor), but it would have also fit well on either it's side or standing vertically (didn't do this, since we would have had to remove the cargo cover and it was raining at the time, so I wanted to get into the car and get it on the road).

Sorry for being so long-winded, but I just wanted to report that my expectations were completely met when seeing and driving this car. I've held off on buying a new vehicle until I could compare the Murano with the others on my list (GMC Envoy, Toyota 4Runner, Volvo XC 90 and Honda Pilot). It looks like, after the holidays, I'll be negotiating on the Murano.

P.S. - The dealer had sample boards with actual swatches of the exterior colors and interior fabrics and leathers. The cabernet actually tends toward being more of a brown versus the orange as printed in the brochure. I may take a chance on the cabernet interior.

ppower

From what I have heard it won't be out until Nov. 2003. Here is a spy picture of one http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,5608530%255E3065,00.html

interior pictures.

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000114655.cfm

Ppower

edev31

Thanks for the links! I think it looks great! I have heard from my local Lexus dealer that the Rx330 will be out in March or April of 2003, then I've read elsewhere not until next fall. The link to the Sydney photo shots says February! I guess we'll just have to wait and see! I appreciate the information!

BTW, I test drove another Murano at a different dealer (also SL AWD , Cafe Latte leather, totally loaded w/ Navi). The salesman was really cool, and I drove it for almost an hour on a major highway, cobblestone streets, over bumps, and then reverse out of a parking space to test visibility. Acceleration was great onto the highway, visibilty wasn't as bad as I'd expected with those rear windows. It handled pretty nicely over bumps, but not as cushy as the Lexus Rx300 I test drove a while ago. The salesman is going to call me when they get other colors in w/ the Cabernet interior which I'm dying to see! That may change my mind. I like the Cafe Latte, but we have beige in both of our cars now. I think the Cabernet would be something really different. I really want to like it so I can get one soon, and not have to suffer 6 or more months with my Expedition!!!

I really appreciate everyone's input, I have learned so much from this site (more than the salesmen, I think!)

Thanks again,
Edev31

ppower

that when the RX330 does come out it is going to be $2-3k more than it is now and maybe even $4-5k more (making it about $40k to $43k+ SUV). It is supposed to be bigger and has a bigger engine (which is just a nice excuse for auto manufacturers to charge more) and the talk about a hybrid engine with 30mpg is another excuse to charge more for it.

One option I will outsource is having the rims chromed. $1,200 for the chromed rim upgrade is crazy. Since, they are the exact same rim as the stock SL ones.

Ppower

jpappas123

I was up at Wright yesterday. The fellow I talked to was very accomodating. I don't think it hurt that I drove up in my G35 and he wanted to check it out.

Anyhow i test drove it and I was impressed. I will definately consider this vehicle when I make a crossover purchase. In fact I gave the dealer my name and told him not to call me till one comes in with Navigation.

My one complaint about the Murano is the dash when not equipped with Navigation. The amber LCD is VERY busy.

BTW we did not discuss price either. But I wasnt inclined to either because I get Nissan VPP.

jpappas123

BTW that $695 dollar charge for dealer prep was for ziebart type coat for the paint. I think thats really dishonest to put that on without asking the buyer.

J

andrews928

From what I hear the RX330 pricing will be the same or less than current pricing. Two reasons to believe this is, (1) It will be built in Canada and (2) you can't get into the low 40's because your in the GX470 price range. I forgot, one more reason. When Lexus came out with the SC430 it was less than a $ 2,000 increase over the SC400. This was a MAJOR re-design, convertible,new technology, $ 60,000 vehicle,etc. The RX330 will not be that much of a change over the 300.

andrews928

Saw a Deep Bordeaux today. It looks "brown". I kind of expected a deep maroon/red. I also got to look at a "luminous gold". I normally do not like gold but this looked pretty good. It had the "cabernet" leather which looks more brown than orange/red but I do not think it goes well with the rest of the grey interior. It finally does look like most CT Nissan dealers have Murano's in stock. So far the best deal is $ 400 under MSRP. Not good enough when you consider some of the other deals out there.

ppower

If, they all come with a hybrid engine that is what I would call a major design change. I still have a feeling with the larger engine and the option of being able to have a third row seat the price is going to go up.

Ppower

ppower

today in Orlando, FL and they had 8 to 9 of them in stock. They had the copper color and the gold. The gold to me looks to light and almost washed out looking. Guess, I was expecting a more rich deeper looking color. Have not seen the Bordeaux yet. The salesman was talking how he got deals on 350z for $1k over MSRP. I just looked at him and said, "I would be expecting a $1k under MSRP or better deal on a Murano." He didn't think a deal like that would be ever had. I just came back and stated, "funny you can get a Altima 3.5SE on the Internet now at invoice and with a couple hundred in fees." I think the deals will roll in, just have to look for them. Read an article stating that Nov. truck sales have been down 16% across the board this year vs last Nov.(oh, and SUVs are part of the truck segment or 24% down for Nissan). Link: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/021203/na_fin_us_auto_sales_table_1.html

So, I think we know who's ball the corner is in.

I like the "cabernet" leather, looks redish brown to me almost like the 1803 shoes I had on. I will not buy black leather just because of the heat factor.

Ppower

jn_151

We have been checking out all of the various SUVs as the lease is nearly up on my wife's Rav 4 (we will never lease again). We waited for the Murano to come out before buying because we really liked what we had seen on the internet. We have driven the Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and many others.

We test drove a well equiped white Murano SL last Friday night (go to the dealership around 8:30). We both loved it and sat down with the dealer to order one. After going over all of the options, we spec'd out the exact car that we drove, so we bought that one right then and there. I followed the wife home in my Volvo S60 T5 and had trouble keeping up with her! Man, that thing really scoots. On Saturday we did some highway driving and we MPG in the high 20s. So far, we are getting high teens overall.

So far we are very happy with it!

andrews928

Thanks for the link. I 100% refuse to pay MSRP for the Murano. I did talk to a Nissan dealer in CT on Friday and he was at least honest enough to say that many people that are interested in the Murano cannot justify the price when looking at the competition. This is especially true when you look at lease numbers and know what the car will be worth in 3 years. We as consumers can have a major impact if we all refuse to pay MSRP. If they want to sell 50,000 2003's they better start making deals because there is only a small percentage of people that will pay MSRP and by January they will have to do something. Have you noticed that most of the Murano's on the dealer lots have not been sold?. Compare that to the Honda Pilots. Not a good sign.

ppower

and with they way the current sales numbers are they (dealers) are in no position to try and strong arm people. Also, this Nissan dealer had 10+ 350z sitting on the lot. All the 'rare' and limited supply hype isn't working, at least not on me. Plus, I still have 3 months on my Jetta lease. And I don't have to buy a car to replace it, can just drive my Mustang until I find something for what I think is a fair price. If, I have to I will go through a local auto broker and have him order me one from the factory. My brother did this on a Jeep and got it for about $300 over invoice.

I think one thing working for us is the exterior design on the Murano. I think some people will be turned off by it. It is to forward looking for them. Which to me only helps me get one for what I want. Many people are used the shoe-box look for SUVs.

Ppower

clpurnell

What did you pay for your murano if you don't mind me asking also what is the full equipment list and what part of the country are you in. I think that info will be helpful to us all.

Thanks!

jpappas123

anyone know what the invoice proce on the Murano is? Has anyone tried to do VPP?

jn_151

We got $500 off MSRP.

The dealer was pushing one of those rust proofing, paint protection, interior protection deals. What do you guys think of those things? Dealer rip off, or is there some benefit?

troyy2k

"If, I have to I will go through a local auto broker and have him order me one from the factory. My brother did this on a Jeep and got it for about $300 over invoice." (ppower)

I've never heard of an auto broker; how do I find one? I would be interested in ordering from the factory, because I can wait a few months for the car to arrive. When you go through an auto broker, could you still lease the car?

ppower

still lease one or not. I am going to talk to my brother and find out more about it. It is just like you can find some dealers that you can go to the dealer auto auctions with and pick out a car there. The dealer will buy it, but you need to have financing already setup for it. And then you just buy it from the dealer. I have a friend that has a dealer's license and I can go with him to dealer auctions. Just need to pay him $100 over the price of the car.

Ppower

wildcorgis

I've seen and driven the Murano and absolutely love d it. If I could convince my wife to let me trade my 8 mo old Pathfinder I would consider doing it.

I too have noticed that here are alot of Muranos on the lot . The dealer I visited had 6 around for the last couple of weeks, btw loved the Bordeaux with Cabarnet cloth ot leather interior. I think that the price will come down real soon and there will be some bargains to be had. I am wondering and my wife is somewhat opposed to the high price.I think it's justified by the high content level and the awesome looks but my wife thinks it 's pretty close to the price of a RX300 and the Honda Pilot. In fact she would be just as happy with a decked out Highlander.I think the Murano is up against some stiff competition. It does fill a niche how big is going to be the big question .

chitom

in Baltimore had a Murano listed for $2500 off MSRP.

dick4295

The carmax.com in the Washington, DC area, lists the car for $150 over invoice.

ppower

has 4 for sale at just over invoice too.

Ppower

kwyoon

You guys in Washington DC and Greensville are lucky - No haggle, easy price. I guess even if you live outside of those cities, you can still buy it and either have it shipped or fly there/drive it home (might be kinda fun, as long as you don't live in CA like me).

ppower

the Dealer Holdback. Use it against the dealer when going for the kill on the price.

http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/holdback_list.html

Ppower

edev31

Jpappas-

What exactly is VPP? I remember reading something about it on these posts. Is it a Nissan employee/family discount thing? How are you able to get VPP?

BTW-the G35 is sweet! I saw one the other day in greeen-loved it! How do you like it? My husband loves the Infiniti FX45 that is due out in January(of course he only knows about it b/c of my extensive research for our next SUV!) I've read that the FX45 is based on the same platform as the G35. There is only one Infiniti dealer in Pittsburgh (in Monroeville) if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if that will change due to the increased popularity of Infiniti vehicles.

andrews928

CT dealers crack me up. Everyone I called last week would only sell at MSRP. Started working with a dealer that initially was $ 400 under MSRP on Sunday, we are now down to $ 1,330 under MSRP. I urge anyone that is interested in the vehicle not to pay MSRP, just find the dealers that want to sell cars and you will find a deal.

edev31

Andrews928,
You mentioned that the Cabernet interior had grey interior accents (I'm assuming the dash closest to the windshield, carpet, etc.) Is it more like a charcoal? In the official brochure I got from the dealer, they show a picture of the full Cabernet interior and it looks like beige accents (like the color carpet, dash, etc. that is in the Cafe Latte). I wonder if the lighting was just off in the brochure?

Also, I'm disappointed that the Deep Bordeaux looked brown. I thought it would be maroon/wine also. That was my second choice if I didn't like the Sunlit Copper!

Thanks in advance!

andrews928

I would say the dash area and other accents are more grey than charcoal. Again just my opinion but when I saw the pictures of the Sunlit copper and the cabernet interior that's what I wanted. I changed my mind on the cabernet int., it just looks like a odd combination and not as orange/red as in the pictures. Now the Deep Bordeaux looks brown to me but maybe not to other people. Also I was outside when I saw both, I'm sure it looks different in a showroom. No matter how someone describes a color I think you need to actually see the car's and develop your own opinion.

maxamillion1

I live only 65 miles from Carmax of Greenville. Muranos are nice!

ppower

is it true in SC the tax on cars is 5% or a max of $300? I about flipped when I saw that on the carmax website. Hell, that would save me $1500 just buying one in SC vs FL. Plus, from the carmax site you can even order one from Nissan through them (6-13 is what they state for standard delivery time to them)! Would almost have to be crazy to get it from some where else.
Ppower

jpappas123

1. VPP is an employee type pricing plan for Nissan and Infiniti. It applies to all employees of Nissan and of supplier companies. The company I work for supplies drive train components and superchargers to Nissan. Basically what the program does it lets you go in no haggle 2.5% over invoice. anyone who is interested in knowing or who is eligable can check it out at www.insidenissan.com

2. G35 is very sweet. I actually got the first one delivered in Pittsburgh. As far as I know the FX45 is based on the Murano platform, which is actually the Altima. The FX45 is going to be a monster...if you have the cash its definately worth a look, should be out next month.

3. Yes the only Pittsburgh Infiniti dealer is Monroeville. When I bought my car back in March the guy told me they were trying to get a second Infiniti dealership in the North Hills. THis would be a big win!

dklanecky

Sales tax is normally paid when you license the vehicle and usually that occurs in the state where you live.

Now if you move to South Carolina you'll get a great deal on that sales tax but otherwise I think your stuck paying the tax rate in the state where you live.

It's still a great price on a newly introduced vehicle.

pbhatti

As far as I know the FX45 is based on the Murano platform, which is actually the Altima.

The FX is NOT based on the Altima's platform (FF-L), instead it is based on the G35's platform (FM). The FX is gonna be RWD and optional AWD. There will be a FX35 (around 280hp) and a FX45 (around 310HP).

implicit

The FX45 is based off the FM platform which is shared with G35 and Z. It is RWD not FWD like Altimas FF-L platform. I'm sorry but for someone who works for a company who supplies Nissan parts you should at least know that.

implicit

You beat me to it!

ppower

the internet sales guy from carmax. But, I have an Ace I can use. My sister lives in SC. So, I can get it licensed there.

Ppower