Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

jpappas123

Even more reason to buy it. Thats great news!

I hadnt heard of the FX35 version. Does anyone have any links to that info?

thanks

implicit

Go to the FX45 forum at freshalloy.com
the last info I heard was that FX45 would have 320HP

ppower

going to have a hump in the back seat floorplan . And will come with either a 3.5 V6 like the Murano or a 4.5 v8 320hp (est.). I think the FX45 looks very much like the Murano except for the front fascia. Same steering wheel, center console (except for the clock), same large flat dash top, parking brake foot pedal, interior door panel design, etc.

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/infiniti/2003/fx45/gallery/home02.shtml

Don't care for how the front headlights bulging out and are not flush and smooth. Price is the other issue, $40K+? Not sure if I would like that over the new VW Touareg which just won the C&D comparo.

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2003/january/030 1_comparo_bradsher.xml

Ppower

dklanecky

"I'm sorry but for someone who works for a company who supplies Nissan parts you should at least know that."

I'm not sure who you were addressing but I've never worked for any automobile company or one who supplies any parts to any automobile company.

I also made no comments about the various Nissan platforms, I'm well aware of all of the variations and their current use.

I'm simply a Nissan enthusiast and as my wife would say "car crazy".

bpraxis

Hello everyone and I hope you have a great holiday.

The original press reports pegged the Murano pricing starting at around $26,000 which made sense to me given the competition.

So we now know that the Murano starts at $28,700 and it is easy to option it to $34,000.

At this price after six months I do not feel the Murano will sell well unless it is heavily discounted by Nissan.

Come on, I can buy a new 2003 Lexus RX 300 for $32,000 after discounts at JM Lexus in south Florida.

And Nissan while offering fetching styling certainly does not have the prestige, dealer experience and warranty that Lexus has.

There is a limited market IMHO for individualists who will be attracted to the Murano and will be willing to pay the price.

I for one applaud Nissan for taking the styling risk and I am a big fan but not for the price.

The Z on the other hands looks like a good value as does the Infiniti G 35.

ppower

does start at invoice $25,490 +540 destination charge.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37149.htm

Places like www.carmax.com in Greenville, SC are selling them at about $200 over invoice.


RX300s are being discounted to get rid of them and make way for it's replacement the RX330.

Ppower

cookie01

Congrats guys. For all your chatting you've made the "most active" list for this morning.

Also, for those who sit tall. We got to sit in a Murano equiped with Sunroof last night (also, it was Copper with black/grey interior, beautiful) and the sunroof option does take away about two inches of headroom. My brother would not be able to sit comfortably in that model. His head was brushing up against the headliner.
I thought the sunroof was very nice. Cool controls.

Those of you who are paying close attention will note that the sunroof Murano we sat in had CLOTH interior. The sunroof is NOT an option with the cloth seats, and we asked about it. The dealer guy said the vehicles they've been receiving have come oddly equiped and the "regular" run will have only the options as packaged on the web site.
This ticks me off. Why can't you have cloth seats and a sunroof? Why can't you get traction control on a S.E. model??? Dang.

I know I can't buy this car until next fall. Maybe by then they'll have changed their ways.

ppower

From what I have seen on this option list you can get the sunroof without leather, but you have to get the premium package on the SL. You can't get a leather package though without getting the sunroof. You can get traction control on the SE, but you have to get the Popular package. Sounds like the dealer guy you talked to doesn't know much, but this isn't a surprise.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37149.htm

maxxed_out

what package do u have to get to get leather?
also, why does Nissan market like this? Putting everything into a package and making you buy another package to get the one you really want, to me, stupidous idea, all we want, is leather, sunroof, maybe heated seats, and maybe crome wheals, but, it looks like we'll have to pay over 32k to get that, we can only go to 30k.

please explain why they market this way, because they loose some of their customers when options make car to high for price range

linzybel

I, too, am ticked off by options pricing packages. On the Internet I got the name of the director of corporate communications who actually answered my phone call and who told me to keep posting stuff on the Internet detailing my complaints. He also told me to write Nissan and tell them, on the grounds that it gets people's attention in the pricing and marketing departments.

I've received several replies, and I think the more we complain about their "options" the more they may reconsider.

Needless to say, the biggest issue I have is that a SAFETY option, namely, the Vehicle Control Packages requires $3800 dollars worth of options (premium package, sunroof, and leather) just to to have the privilege of paying $750 for it. And in this climate, if you buy leather seats you'd probably end up paying another $500 for the cold package. Grand total: $5050 for a $750 SAFETY feature which ought to be part of every car. I've told them repeatedly that it's bone-headed decisions like this which:

a) erode loyalty
b) diminish sales

I can't see us buying for quite awhile.

diggydoc1

I test drove a fully optioned SL this weekend. It's a car I wouldn't hesitate to buy for around $5,000 less than the MSRP on the sticker. Great vehicle but NOT for $37,000! For that price I'll get an MDX or RX300 for the reliability, reputation and better resale.

ppower

To get leather you have to get the premium package on the SL and the sunroof. On the SE the popular package is the only way to get leather and is the only major package you can get on the SE. The SL mode is more ale-cart. I don't have a problem with the chrome rims only being offered on the top of the line model. Helps set it apart if the owner wants to get them and stops people from getting a stripped one and trying to pass it off as a loaded one. Either way you feel about it the chromed rim option is WAY over priced. Invoice for it is $877 just for chroming rims you have already paid for? I would just get the grey finish and have them chromed myself locally it would be way cheaper.

diggydoc, I agree there is no way I would pay MSRP or even close to it. I will probably order one through carmax and get it at or close to invoice.

I also agree that not being able to get the Dynamic Control package without paying for the high-end package is just bad marketing and you shouldn't have to do it. It should be an option no matter what other options you get.

Ppower

wildcorgis

I too agree with all the previous posts complaining about the option packaging. I really want to have leather but I don't want the sunroof. Any way, I think we are doomed either way. Toyota has about a million options on each of their cars and it's very hard to find one just the way you want it. The Highlander is almost impossible to find without the three major package groups, roof rails and tow hitch. The other end of the spectrum are the Hondas and Acuras which are basically packaged one way take it or leave it. Nissan is kind of in the middle. At least I've seen quite a few SL Muranos with no options for around 28,000 and a few loaded SE with NAV for about 37,000.

avery1

Looking for a car for my wife but won't consider the Murano because I insist on leather seats yet can't fit in one with a sunroof. I am only 6'4", and I like the seat upright. There will be so many cars out there to choose from in the next year or so that I feel ok about writing off the Murano.

implicit

Sorry I was talking to the guy above.

kwyoon

Looking back, I know I shouldn't have paid MSRP. I think $500 over invoice would have been okay. I was just overly hasty as I am on many car purchases.

But other than that, I love the car. I got the VDC option (along with the rest of the options that you have to get, but that's what I wanted anyway). As I was pushing the car to its limits the other day, it came in handy on a windy road that I almost spun out on.

I agree too that it should be a stand alone option for those not wanting the other stuff.

stever

Looking back, remember that it's worth something to be the "first kid on the block." Enjoy the ride - it's going to be a unique one for a while longer.

Steve, Host

ppower

I personally would rather be the 2nd or 3rd kid on the block and use the money I saved to also have a big screen HDTV.

Ppower

maxxed_out

I am glad people are behid me about Nissan's packaging. This way,if they ever want to please their customers, they can come here and see we want them to package diferently. Its a big problem when people like linzybel(jus usin you as an example) wont buy your car because it takes $5050 to get VDC when you should only have to pay $750 for a SAFETY option.

I hope Nissan changes their ways soon, bcause it looks like they would hae a lot more ppl buying their cars if they did.

thank you all for your response

cookie01

I sent an e-mail to a PR and Customer Service Pres at Nissan.
You should too.
Basically I said the packaging rules don't make sense. He said he would forward the concern on... maybe... But at least they know how I feel.

On the nissan site click on news. Many of the articles give e-mail addresses for top level decision makers.

afty

Writing them can actually make a difference. People on the Mazda6 board here were similarly upset about the option packaging on that car, so they wrote to Mazda customer service. Within 2 weeks, Mazda wrote them back saying that 6 more buildable combos had been added as a result of their email campaign. These companies really do listen sometimes.

kevin111

Went to go look at a Murano with a friend, and the dealer stated that the Murano will be transitioning from being built in Japan to Tenessee (I think, might be another location on the east coast).

What do you guys know about this? If this is the case, I would expect either a price drop / discounting off MSRP, and/or possible reduced quality?

This was the first I have heard of this.

andrews928

I first put a deposit on a Murano in July. In December the dealer wanted MSRP so I pulled my deposit. Up until December 14th every CT dealer wanted MSRP. Less than one week later things are different. One dealer took off $ 1,300 from MSRP, another dealer $ 1,500. (on MSRP of $34,300) I have decided to wait until January since the larger dealers will be getting another 20 Murano's during that month. If your having trouble moving the first group of cars one can imagine the discounts in 2 or 3 months.

ppower

hoping for. I have 3 more months on my junk jetta lease. I figure by then I will be able to get one at invoice or even below if Nissan has trouble selling them.

Ppower

ps does the 928 stand for Porsche?

andrews928

That was pretty good. Yes 1987 S4. After driving Porsche's my entire life I switched over to a Lexus SC430. I then made a clever move and thought my wife could use a second vehicle besides the RX300. What a generous guy I am. I said a Porsche 928 would be perfect for you, at 165mph plus you could get any place you wanted to in minutes!!! Good luck on the Murano pricing

brydymond

Some of the posts here indicate that some of you actually drive these.

How is the mileage....REALLY. Nissan's figures are very good, but I don't trust them or understand how a large vehicle, with a large V6 and huge tires can get better mileage than its car equiilent (CVT or not)

kevin111

Considering that the Honda Pilot is supposed to get 17/24 and is 600 lbs. heavier and does not have a CVT tranny, I believe it. The CVT really does help in the efficiency of the engine since you do not loose any energy and momentum changing gears like in normal trannys.

kwyoon

I've been keeping an eye on the gas mileage on my Murano and it's pretty good. Here's what I've been getting:

CITY: ~16-17 (I have a lead-foote. My wife could probably get 20. This is still pretty good since I got around this much on HWY with my 5.4L Expedition before)
HWY: ~24-27

maxxed_out

believe me.. it wont help if I(as in ME) email them, because i am a 14 year old. Dont really think they would care what i think, i cant get parents to try for me, because they say i care about cars to much, and that its just Transportation, what? just transportation, vehicles do alo more than that these days, and if they do, they could save some bucks on a purchse of a nissan, anyway, i cant buy a car, so Nissan probably will ignore me, thats why i think me emailing them will nt change their mind, but i strongly believe they are wrong

maxamillion1

First off,

Carmax of Greenville is by far the best car dealership in this area, bar none!

I was greeted at the entrance by Stan McGintry. Stan was very curtious and knew a lot about the Murano. Stan gave me as much info as possilbe about the Murano and Altima, and he was just down right friendly and he didn't try to pressure me into anything. That was nice especially considering how salesmen and saleswomen try to pressure you into buying right away.

The Murano is a very nice vehicle. I looked in about 4 of them.

* Murano SL with Premium Pkg.,and Sunroof which was Super Black with Cafe Latte.

* Murano SL with Premium Pkg., and Sunroof with was Luminious Gold with Cafe Latte

* Murano SL with Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., and Navigation system and Sunroof which was Midnight Blue with Cafe Latte

* Murano SL with Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., and Sunroof. This Murano was Sheer Silver with Cafe Latte Leather. A wierd combo if I might add.

Each Murano was nice, but the Silver one looked the best IMO. I didn't see any with Cabernet interior trim, but I am sure I won't like it. The Cafe Latte looked the best IMO.

The Murano is very roomy and the design is very nice both on the inside and outside. The materials used are pretty good, I have seen better, but they are better than the Altima's. I like the Murano overall better than the Pathfinder, and much much better than the Xterra. I only WISH the Murano was available with a manual tranny, and that I could afford one. Well, too bad.

mkp1984

for you guys that keep talking about not paying msrp and opting for a rx 300 and others must not have driven both machines. there is no comparison in driving experience. granted, lexus always puts out a nice product but you need to drive the murano to believe it.

ppower

Greensville also seems to have the lowest prices I have seen so far. And as for mkp1984 and MSRP there is no reason to have to pay MSRP on a new Murano. Unless you let emotion dictate your purchase. Which is exactly what salesmen/women would like have happen to you.

Ppower

ps I don't like the RX300 because of the stupid looking shifter being part of the dash.

zhiminwen

Finally put down a deposit for a midnight blue MDX Touring with Nav. for earlier Feb. delivery. I have been following these two SUVs for months, especially Murano, almost believing it will be my next vehicle with the thinking that it is more fun to drive and offers more bang for the bucks.

After three test drives of each, the above is almost true. The Murano is definitely more fun to drive, smoother and quieter (the wind noise of MDX at > 60MPH is still quite a bit). Both engines are powerful (the 260hp vs. 245hp/~500 pound weight difference) although Murano is more responsive and smooth (CVT cut in here) at moving speed and MDX is stronger at low RPM. Due to the adjustable pedals and a much better headrest, I feel much more comfortable in Murano's driver seat. The Murano's second row seat is also better, IMO, especially the middle one (the one in MDX is so hard to sit on).

On the value side, with a price tag difference of ~$7000 (MDX Touring Nav. based on what we paid, Murano AWD fully loaded Nav based on what is offered by Nissan dealer, $400 over invoice), the MDX still lacks: xenon headlight, head airbags, adjustable pedals, tire monitoring system, emergency braking assist, UV tinted windshield and front window, active driver headrest, and small things like one touch sunroof, auto up/down front passenger window, retained accessory power, window down from keyfob, etc. Including MDX's intangibles of luxury name, slightly beter warranty, proven reliability vs. Murano's first year model, I still think Murano is a better value.

Sound like I should have purchased Murano. Well, if not for that stupid small reargate window and wide D-pillar that creates huge blind spot. Even the internet sales manager of one Nissan dealer thinks Nissan had over-done it. I think I can get used to that. But my wife just can't accept that.

I fell great about the MDX purchase (this thing finally settled). It is a great overall package. I actually used the MDX, as a feature benchmark to dismiss honda Pilot, as a performance benchmark to dismiss RX300, as a value benchmark to dismiss overvalued offerings from Volvo and BMW. Only the Murano have come close nearly beating it. I think Acura should improve the interiors and add some of the things that a luxury vehicle should have, even that means increasing the price. I will definitely own it for at least 4 years. Maybe my next vehicle will be Murano-like, great value, yet a bit more fun to drive.

ppower

blind spots are mostly created by improper mirror adjustment. For some reason most people think they need to see the side of their car when using the side mirrors. If they would toe the mirror out more like it should be the D-pillar wouldn't be a issue. Try driving a semi or even a box truck sometime with no rearview mirror then you will experience a true blind spot. As, for your vehichle selection sounds like you gave up a lot and paid more to do it. But, if I had to chose another SUV than the Murano in the about the same price range it would probably be the MDX or the new Volvo one. Good luck!

Ppower

cookie01

I too think the blind spot issue is odd. What about all the service people that drive cargo vans? You can't see out the back of those things, but everyday in every neighborhood these vehicles are used to make multiple trips and stops.

I'm not saying it isn't nice to be able to whip your head around and "make sure" there's not a garbage can or something behind you... but how often do we really do that?

In another camp... would we all like to drive Pacers? If I remember correctly there were NO blind spots in that car.
Buick and others are offering monitors that beep at you if you back too close to an object. I'm sure that would drive me insane..

I doubt I would dismiss a car I really loved because of a blind spot.

dener

I purchased a Murano this week and I love it. I, too, have noticed the blind spot on the passenger side of the vehicle. I adjusted my mirrors while driving in the middle of a 3 lane road until I no longer "lost" cars beside me. This works well and I am getting used to it. Glancing over my right shoulder gives me more peace of mind, but doesn't do much good because some cars are much shorter than the Murano and still can't be seen.

andrews928

First, I have an RX300 with 48,000 miles and have spent over 3 hours in the Murano. I put a deposit on the Murano in July when most people did not know what a Murano was. One word about the Murano "disappointment" I have tried to like the Murano but there is nothing it does better than an RX300. I am not a big fan of CVT, ride quality is OK, the 3 foot dash drives me nuts, the HID lights suck (compared to my SC430), the cargo area is small. JUST MY OPINION!!! I'm not going to buy another RX, the boredom factor. Bottom line is other than looks it had a limited "excitement factor" and when someone lease's for 3 years and you feel that way in the beginning it is a tough sell. And after all that ranting and raving I like the looks so much I still might lease one with the right deal.

ppower

What version (SL or SE) of the Murano have you test driven? The cargo area is much bigger than the RX300s. As, for the dash on the Murano I would think you need to either get the Cab interior or the Char. interior colors so you don't have dash glare on the windshield.

Ppower

ps I also like the 928 Porsches.

andrews928

I have driven both an SL and SE. I should have been more specific about cargo area. I was referring to the luggage area. With the rear seats up I believe the RX has more room in the "luggage" area than the Murano. Unless my perception is wrong with the rear seats up I have a difficult time believing my (2) ST Bernards will fit back there. They do on the RX with my 2 kids in the back seats. I'm sure this is not a concern for most people that are thinking about purchasing a Murano.

andrews928

I did not notice the glare issue from the dash,it's the size of the dash. The vehicle is so "sleek" I do not understand why they put that huge minivan dash on something that is so far away from being a minivan. It's almost as irratating as the RX300 shifter location.

ppower

I think they have to do that because of the engine compartment size. More stuff is being shoved under the dash as apposed to being in the engine compartment. The cargo department is 7 cubes bigger in the RX300 vs the Murano with the seats up. I personally don't have the problem. Zero kids and only two mini-dachsunds. The SE should have a stiffer ride that is why I asked.

Ppower

pf01

I doubt that the D-pillar is a problem when driving, but it can be annoying when parallel-parking. I live in a big city, occasionally the parking space I can find is so tight, I have to get out my Pathfinder to look at the distance before I can make next move.

Regarding the styling of the thick D-pillar: beauty is all about proportions. Ancient Greeks found that out more than 2 thousand years ago. The current Murano styling is such the area of glass and the area of D-pillar have a 1 to 1 ratio. Personally, I think if Nissan can make the glass area just a little bit larger, to reach a 3 to 2 ratio, approximately the so-called "Golden Proportion" by the Greeks, it will look better.

jpappas123

I have been weighing the pros and cons of 2wd vs AWD. In either case I recommend the TCS and VDC. Hpwever I just cant see ANY advantage to AWD on this vehicle or any of these new crossover vehicles.

Can anyone please help me to understand why I should pay 1600 dollars for an AWD package that only works up to 18mph?

These crossovers are Front wheel drive when they arent in AWD. Is there some reason the Murano should need AWD more than the Altima?? If im missing something please tell me.

Is the new breed of AWD crossovers just a bunch of marketing? On my test drive in the Murano the dealer told me they had no plans of getting any 2wd vehicles and would only order one if someone had intrest.

thanks folks

ppower

One might want to question the need of the VDC/TCS option with AWD. Read this article it talks all about the AWD and how it helps torque steer and how the VDC/TCS engaged light never came on when they pushed the AWD model to the limits, but did come on when they did the same with the FWD only Murano. After 19mph the Murano will use AWD, but it is in auto mode. This would be why the VDC/TCS never came on in the AWD models I would guess.

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/nissan/2003/murano/firstdrive/home.shtml

jpappas123

interesting article. Id like to see some more technical specs on the AWD system. Sounds like even Fresh Alloy wasnt privey to everything they wanted to know.

thanks

J

jpappas123

interesting article. Id like to see some more technical specs on the AWD system. Sounds like even Fresh Alloy wasnt privey to everything they wanted to know.

thanks

J

ppower

Yes, I am interested in seeing a full magazine test on the Murano. I have yet to find a review that has the 0-60 times, 1/4 mile, and 70-0 braking distance.

Ppower

pbhatti

This site has 0-62 MPH, 62-0 braking. The Murano is at the bottom of the page.

http://www.ajac.ca/CL/AJAC/AJAC.nsf/web/COTTY2003TestData

ppower

The Murano did great. Only SUV faster in that group is the BMW X5 4.6. The Murano did just as good as the BMW X5, range rover, Mercedes Benz G500, and XC90 in the braking department (give or take a foot doesn't mean anything). The Honda Pilot didn't do so good in the braking, which would only be a larger margin at 70-0. Too bad they didn't have the Toyota 4Runner in that test too. The Murano also got 2nd in the 80-120 highway speed test behind the X5.

I can only laugh at the saps that bought Hummer H2s. What a pile of over-rated junk.

Thanks

Ppower

andrews928

Per RT 2003-4Runner SR5/V8

0-60mph 7.8sec

60mph-0 135ft

I will assume the V6 about 150lbs lighter and 10 more HP will do slightly better.