I went to my local GoodYear Dealer and he sold me for 99.00 all four tires included at that price a standard road hazard warranty just as if I had bought the tires from them. It covers balance, rotate every 6000 miles and pro rated replacement for tires that can not be repaired because of road hazard damage.
Wal mart offered the same thing for less. I would certainly get that you will save the cost after about two rotations and replacment would be expensive if you damaged one beyond repair.
I tried to post this as a topic but was not allowed to so few people know about this option.
I have been reading this discussion, but there is very little discussion about the CVT transmission. I would buy the Murano tomorrow, but I am concerned about potential problems with the tranny. Is everybody happy with the transmission so far? Is anyone else worried about potential problems for this relatively new technology?
I'm not worried about it at all. I drove the Murano last weekend, and the transmission was smooth as silk. As far a reliability is concerned - two comments. First, Nissan's have a very low rate of problems (as you know). I'm leery of the CVT in an Audi, but not in a Nissan. Second, CVTs actually have fewer moving parts than a more conventional transmission and should actually be MORE reliable.
While the Xtroid CVT is Nissan's first coupled with a high torque V6 engine, Nissan has been building CVT's for almost 30 years - mostly for Asian models. Several articles on the Murano talk about Nissan's history with CVT's and the units they have produced so far show to be reliable. Another compelling feature of CVT's is that they are far less complicated than a conventional 4 or 5 speed automatic and should be less expensive to repair should that need arise.
The 18" tires on the Murano are actually $45 per tire cheaper than the 16" tires on my old maxima. www.tirerack.com just posted the prices for the Goodyears on the Murano and it's $95/tire (that's pretty reasonable - esp for 18s).
Just about to post same info that 92drexel posted before I read it. I wouldn't worry about finding replacements, there are so many different sizes being made now it shouldn't be a problem. Hey 92 drexel, did you check out the wheel choices for the Murano on the tirerack? Pretty good selection for a new model!
I welcome any feedback anybody would like to give me after reading the following: After parking the "Murano SE AWD with Nav." in a shopping center for one hour, the vehicle wouldn't crank the engine by just turning the key in the ignition. It was raining, and the key got wet, but I wiped it dry - I think. The vehicle started after 15 minutes when I was moving the transmission lever back and forth. Later, the dealer claimed that this incident could have been caused by a cell phone jack that was connected to the power outlet interfering with the "CAN", which is a computer network the vehicle uses as a command center. Furthermore, the dealer said that they checked all codes, and that they were OK. The vehicle has been doing fine since then, but I think it had to do with my inserting a damp key in the ignition.
That's interesting about the key not cranking the engine.
I've been noticing more comments about this type of issue with several brands lately. I suspect that the "ignition immobilizer" security feature may be at fault in a lot (if not most) of these cases.
The solution from my Nissan dealer was to insert the key and "wait a second or two" before turning it to start the vehicle.
He said the key has to be recognized by the security system or nothing will happen when you turn it to start the car and that sounds reasonable to me.
Hey guys - thanks for the information on the tires. That was REALLY helpful and moves me futher toward the final purchase.
The only real concern I have with the Murano really applies to SUVs in general (and I understand that the Murano is more of a car than an SUV). I worry that the raised height and blocky shape will compromise handling and make the vehicle difficult to live with. Can anybody comment on that?
BTW, the interior on the Murano is taking a bit of heat in some media sources. I really can't understand why. I liked the interior a lot. But, I guess, to each his own...
I agree completely. I love all the little details and I think the quality of materials is OK, especially in comparison to other vehicles of that nature.
I'm coming out of a '00 Maxima SE (loaded with all the options) that's been driven for 121,000 miles since September 1999. I still really like driving this car each and every day but need the flexibility of the SUV design (towing and 5 passenger + large dog).
I suffered through the same decision, can I deal with a SUV after driving a performance sedan for the last 3 1/2 years?
I've been test driving all the SUV's on the market for the last year or so but couldn't find one that I could live with every day for 125-150 miles per day (and the gas cost).
I drove the Murano SL and thought it was OK but a little too much body roll for my taste. Then I got an extended test drive in a loaded SE and that was it for me.
I ordered the SE AWD with all the toys on February 15th and can't wait for it to arrive (supposed to be early May).
Here's a suggestion. Take a test drive in a 2003 Maxima GLE (and drive it hard in the corners) and then do the same test drive route in a Murano SE and compare them back to back. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised at how well they compare.
(Of course, you can buy the Max for way less money since the 2004's are arriving in the dealers soon.)
I have had my Murano for a couple of weeks now. The CVT transmission is rather noisy when you accelerate moderately or more as when passing another vehicle. Additionally, you can feel the vibration in the gas pedal. Has anyone else experienced this and is it normal?
Bkpratt - I have the latest version of Consumer's Digest car report on my desk. They are very critical of the Murano's interior. I don't have the page open but they gave the interior a 3 out of 10 and noted that the exterior styling might make up for the "debateable quality of the interior." I'm not sure where I read the other comments but I'll try to come up with some links.
I did also participate in a chat session with the editors at Consumer Reports, who were very critical of the plastics used on the Nissan/Infiniti interiors.
Understand, btw, that I disagree completely. I love the interior of the Murano. I would rate the Murano interior above Honda and Toyota's offerings, and on par with some lux. brands. There are so many clever details....
Dklanecky - Thanks for your input. I'll test drive the SE (I've only drive the SL - although I loved that). I agree that the Murano is an amazing all around package.
The Murano's interior is certainly superior to any domestic interior and it is also a lot nicer than the Highlander (which I rode in last week). I have to say that I liked the interior on the Murano as much as any vehicle I've seen (outside the Audi A4 Avant, perhaps).
The interior is like the exterior. It takes a few chances in order to avoid being boring. Overall, however, I really like it a lot. It doesn't matter to me if Consumer Digest doesn't like it. What matters to me, is that I like it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. And, in my opinion, the Murano's interior rocks!
I thought seriously about the G35 as well. Before I considered the Murano, I was thinking of going with a sports Sedan. So, before I test drove a G35 extensively a few hours before driving the Murano. No comparison. The Murano has a much nicer interior. But, maybe this is apples to oranges...
jdoby, the noise and vibration you feel does not sound normal. I would characterize CVT operation in my SL AWD as silky smooth and very quiet. You can hear the engine if it is working hard, but I've never noticed a noise specifically from the CVT. I've never felt any vibration from the accelerator pedal.
agarcia, I would think cellular interference with CAN is probably unlikely, but since your describe that you were messing with the transmission lever, perhaps the PARK cutout switch either wasn't working or needs adjustment. This cutout switch should prevent the vehicle from cranking unless the gear shift is firmly in the PARK position.
Heck, that's one of the main reasons I bought my Murano. Last Christmas I rode for many hours in a Ford Expedition and liked the higher seating/viewing position. Also liked how much better the old bod felt after hours on the road when it was time for a pit stop. Didn't care for climbing up into the thing too much, nice part of the Murano, you don't climb up into it but you still sit up high. I came to my Murano from a Subaru WRX and while I like Subarus (have owned 5), the Murano is great! Plus, no turbo lag. Does it handle like a Porsche? Well, no, of course it doesn't. If you want a sports car, buy a 350Z. I guess I'm past the days where you fall down into a car and have to pull yourself up to get out of it.
I understand what you are saying. I'm just concerned that the height will compromise handling. If you've owned Subarau, you may know that the Outback (which has an elevated clearance) doesn't handle as well as the base Legacy.
On the other hand, I love the headroom in the Murano. I'm not a tall guy, but I tend to sit very upright and I have a long torso. My head crashes into the roof of most sedans that have sunroofs.
I would have liked a vehicle that has lots of storage space, looks sporty, and offers an option of AWD, but doens't have the ground clearence issue. An example would be a Audi A4 Avant. The Subarau wagons are even closer.
But, that said, I still love the Murano and plan to close the deal on one this weekend.
I actually know a David S. I owned three Legacy Outbacks, the last being the LTD. and I liked all three very much. Liked them better than the WRX to be honest but I guess at 57 I'm now into my O.F. stage of life and I don't do the zoom-zoom thing too much any more. I live in the mountains of western NC with lots of twisty mountain roads and I'm enjoying driving the Murano very much. It's NOT a sports car. I hop into it for a drive for any excuse. If you get one, I hope you'll be happy with it.
I'm 50 and I don't zoom-zoom, but I do have senior moments and it took me a few to figure out what you were talking about, Dweiser. Let's not get any more clever on our family friendly site :-)
I was thinking the same thing (about the wheels selections listed on tirerack). I bought wheels from them a few years ago for my old maxima...however I think I'll stick with the factory rims (for now). I wish that the factory chromes were available when I bought my SL. Oh well...
Does anyone hear a "clock" noise when driving over moderate bumps from the rear passenger side? I'm wondering if that's the same rattle that other folks hear?
Also, I feel a slight shudder when pulling away from a stop at slow speeds. It's almost like the CVT is confused as to which ratio it should be in.
Would you characterize the sound as a hollow popping or knocking sound, as if something was impacting a large plastic panel? Open the left-hand cargo storage in the rear deck, take a pencil, and sharply rap the pencil once against the bottom of the cargo storage compartment... does it sound like that?
i own a 2002 highlander limited 2wd w/15,000 miles on it. i also own a 2003 sl 2wd murano with 600 miles on it. observations: i much prefer the interior on the murano, but, nissan must re-design the light stalk. to put on the lights at night, you must go past auto, which means the lights go on, off and then on. the manual says don't turn the hid lights on and off, since it shortens their life. bad design. the HL has this right. the radio in the murano is excellent. hl drive very nice, murano better. hl radio impossible to see setting during the day. murano is no problem. hl has no option for steering wheel redundent controls. murano controls are excellent, and the cruise control design is perfect. overall, i prefer the inside of the murano. ride: murano and hl about the same. turning ease, murano clearly handles better. acceleration: murano clearly better. smoothness of drivetrain: murano much better. misses: murano needs to have factory designed body side molding. i ended up putting black euro design (5/8 x 5/8 black) on side near indent. looks oem (car is silver. spare tire, murano "full size", not width, hl full size. if you tow, this is a minor issue. towing ability: hl, great to tow with, murano, too soon, don't have hitch yet or wiring harness. widow controls: murano much better (hl doesn't light up the controls) by the way, on the murano, one of the buttons doesn't light at night. i think its the widow lock out button. is that correct. not mentioned in the manual. in summary, i like the murano better. anyone else have two suvs?
I noticed that missing light too and thought it odd, but by no means a problem. And I agree that the headlamp switch is stupidly engineered if you don't regularly use the auto function.
As a taller person, I had a problem with the HL dash; near the place where your left kneecap wants to be is a little door with a handle that sticks out just enough to be a problem when entering and exiting. No such clearance issue on any other vehicle I tried.
We test-drove a 2003 HL and both my wife and I felt sick to our stomachs with the amount of body roll (although I've never heard a HL owner complain). None of the other SUV's we tried rolled anywhere near as much. Subjectively, from most to least roll: Highlander, Trailblazer, Pilot, Vue, Rendezvous, and then Murano which felt virtually flat in turns.
Yeah, something like that. It's a hollow poping sound that seems to be coming from the passenger side in the rear. It's driving me CRAZY! Thanks for your suggestion, I'll check the storage bin.
What does everyone think about whether you need to get the dynamic stability control pkg if you get AWD? I live in Seattle and we get very little snow, but I also drive a Miata & I do tend to drive a little aggressively!
My other question is whether leather would be better vs cloth with a big dog? I thought leather would be a problem w/ scratches from the dogs nails, but the sales person I am dealing with brought up the point that the cloth sucks up the dog smell & leather wouldn't do that! We have a K-5 blazer in cloth that we will sell & it does smell like dog! What do you pet owners think?
If your dog sheds much (don't they all?) you'll be much happier in the long run with leather.
We've got an 75lb yellow lab who sheds year around and her hair is impossible to get out of the cloth interior in my son's Honda.
No problem in either of the Maxima's, both with leather interior. The nails scratching hasn't been an issue in either max, not sure why. I guess she doesn't use them when she's in the back seat.
Getting hair up off the carpet regardless of interior is going to be difficult.
We haven't had any issues with odor in either interior.
VDC and AWD target somewhat different issues, as you know. AWD helps if you loose traction by sending traction to the rear wheel. VDC kicks in if you are going into a skid, by appying the breaks and decreasing engine power. They aren't exclusive of each other, but having AWD should decrease the activity of the VDC system.
I have VDC in my Murano as a "must" option for a number of reasons, and you can also read some good reasons in the articles linked here. It is a separate system in addition to AWD. One reason I wanted it in the Murano is that I have Volvo's version of stability control, DSTC, in a 2000 S80. As far as I can tell it has only been used once while I was driving the Volvo, and I was quite impressed, both by the effectiveness and the split second duration of the correction. I'm in Victoria, BC, that quaint place to the north of you in Seattle. Although I learned to drive somewhere else where there actually are slippery icy roads all winter, I think stability control is worthwhile here for prevalent road conditions such as heavy rain, black ice and the greasy wet snow and ice we sometimes get on the west coast. And I agree with the post from Vancouver concerning how people here drive when a few flakes fall - truly frightening to those of us with actual winter driving experience. Although the Murano has a lower center of gravity than most SUVs, the system is still of value since many rollovers start with a sideways skid which the system is designed to prevent. Both these articles are very good, and quite convincing.
I don't think it is that storage bin. Please see messages 775, 849, 905, 1027, and 1062 on this board to read about the popping noise, what we checked, and how it was fixed.
Or skip straight to 1062 to read how it was fixed. ;-)
I never owned a 300M, I had a Maxima SE. The Murano is much smoother than the max and has more features (then again its 5k more than the max so it should have more features). The max. on the other hand, was faster and handled better (but that's to be expected).
All in all, I don't miss the max and I'm very happy I bought the Murano (one month ago to the day and time).
I never owned a 300M, I had a Maxima SE. The Murano is much smoother than the max and has more features (then again its 5k more than the max so it should have more features). The max. on the other hand, was faster and handled better (but that's to be expected).
All in all, I don't miss the max and I'm very happy I bought the Murano (one month ago to the day and time).
took the murano out for a test run today(-25 C) roads were empty on the highway so we thought we would check out the top speed of the murano. so we gunned it and it turns out that the speed is blocked at 185 km/h. does anyone know how to change this block or do i have to go to the dealer to get it done??
Also, sat the the fx45 this weekend at the carshow. if feels much smaller especially the entry/exit in the back seat. the front seats felt like racing buckets. they just wrapped around you and i love the long hood of the fx.
Not sure why you would want to drive an SUV any faster than that but the reason it is limited to 185kph is that the tires that come on it are only rated to 190 kph. Anything faster and they could fail (which would be a very bad thing in an SUV at those speeds).
We had quite a purchase experience (not sure if this belongs in the 'Best Pricing ...' thread. I had posted what I thought was 'our deal' there. But ...).
Believe it our not this was the condensed version:
We wanted a specific color/config and didn't want to wait 3 months to order. I scanned the nissanusa.com site for the right setup, but our configuration was not available nearby, and those I called didn't seem inclined to sell at a good price (ala CarMax, which is <400 miles away ~$400 > invoice + $124 fees). I began talking to the local dealer in Huntsville, AL about dealer trades. And I finally found one in Hendersonville (?), NC. The local dealer agreed to fetch the Gold SL AWD, w/ Nav, VDC, Premium, Leather, _free_ Cold Pkg, Mats, Mud Guards, & Cargo stuff (list 37,131, invoice 33,339).
At the last minute, they discovered this vehicle had had it's rearend (driveshaft/axle) removed and placed in an existing customer's vehicle. (Later new parts were inserted). So they said no to that 'dealer trade' and found one in Kingsport, TN.
Well, many of you are aware of the _stealth_ cold weather package. Until recently it was free and not mentioned on the invoice of SL vehicles. There's never been an official explanation of this. But they have since begun to charge for the option on vehicles built after a particular date. (Note that nissanusa.com now consistently shows the option is priced. This is not true. There are still some freebees out there). Knowing this, we specifically asked for a vehicle with the _free_ version of this package.
Anyhow, we agreed to buy the 'dealer trade' for $700 over invoice + $266 doc fee (I was disappointed by the lack of calligraphy in the documentation at this price). Unfortunately, on the day after delivery we discovered the Cold Weather Pkg was missing. (At the time this was a must have for my wife). So they investigated adding the Pkg aftermarket. Nope, not available. They also didn't think they could find another vehicle with the free Cold pkg, and I couldn't see us paying for it since I had found the proper vehicle in the first place. I offered to take the one with rearend work, if they included an extended warranty. Nope.
So we were looking at returning the vehicle, leaving everyone unhappy (including my wife, who had taken my Audi A6). We had already handed over a separately negotiated 1998 Honda HX coupe ($6400, matching CarMax). And they had already prepped it for resale, including a paint touchup.
We tried to come to terms with the Sales Mgr. I even offered to split the cost of the cold pkg on a different vehicle (again would be dealer traded). But we were at an impasse. Finally, we exchanged keys, and they took my wifes tag from the Murano and replaced it on her Honda.
When we were ready to leave, the Mgr came back in with a last attempt. Would we take the existing vehicle if they dropped the price $700 (to invoice)? (I had originally told them the pkg was a must have and didn't want money). I guess I was tired by this point and they actually offered $300 more than I expected ($432 pkg invoice). I looked at my wife and she said OK. So the mgr leaves to tell everyone including our salesman that the deal was back on.
Ha! The next person we see is the sales mgr again! He says we didn't actually pay $700 over invoice. It was $500 over + $200 market adj (for advertising). He went into a spiel about how it was a $500 adjustment at the originating dealer but only $200 here. (I guess that was supposed give us a warm feeling). But the bottomline was that he would only take $500 off, since that was true invoice plus the market adj. My wife could see my temp rise. We simply said 'no thanks' and (after swapping keys again) he stomped out.
My wife and I were both angry, but before we could leave, in comes our sales person. He apologized and said they would cut us a check for $700.
So in the end, we got the vehicle for invoice + $266 doc. Would I go through this again for invoice pricing. NO. A good low price with no hassles should certainly be available. The extra isn't worth it. I would, however, give our sales person high marks anyhow. On the other hand, the sales manager turned out to be a zero in the end.
Our sales person also acknowledged the power of the internet (I had referred to edmunds and carmax several times). It's been a tremendous benefit to share info with you folks here.
I'm sorry your deal got all screwed up. Sure can take the fun out getting a new car. Not exactly sure which dealer you're talking about in your post (AL or NC) but I took delivery of my Murano Feb. 1st, from the same dealer (Hendersonville, NC) you mention in your post, after what I can only describe as a very pleasant negotiating process including trade-in of my WRX. I was treated extremely fairly and decently by BOTH the salesman (Andy) and the sales manager (Gary, I think) and they continue to treat me very well after the sale so I would have to say that perhaps way too many variables (wrong package, trades, etc.) were introduced in your deal that were perhaps beyond both their and your ability to come to terms with. I have no ties (financial or otherwise) to this Nissan dealer (Hunter), never dealt with them before buying my Murano, but wanted to say I was treated very well and would recommend them to friends. Again, sorry you had problems with your dealer.
dweiser, In the end, I was pleased with the deal here in AL. I just wouldn't go through all that again for the money involved. It was interesting, as are many things in life, nonetheless. I've glad you had a pleasant buying experience.
Your dealer (Hunter, Hendersonville NC) was to have provided the original dealer trade to my dealer here. But after they pulled the rear end out of the Murano (to be placed with an existing customer), my dealer didn't want to put me in the reworked vehicle.
I originally tried to buy the vehicle directly from Gary there in NC. I told him I would buy for the same price available from Carmax (~$400 over invoice, Greenville SC). But Gary said they would only go as low as $1000 over invoice 'to relatives of employees'. Gary was very friendly and did tell me what they would accept as a trade from my dealer. (They wanted a similarly equipped light colored Murano, Nav optional). The dealer trade was the only way to go, but in the end my local dealer pulled one from NE Tenn.
I wonder if Hunter in NC is disclosing to their customers that the loaded Gold SL AWD w/Nav had some significant shopwork done.
I apologize for being unclear in my previous message. Mark
To forum users in Canada. What has been you experience to date with your purchase price against dealer invoice? With only 2 dealers where I live and 4 others in the province, competition nowhere near as intensive as our friends to the south enjoy.
Well, that's what it's called in the owners manual. Does anyone know if there are tricks involved in getting seat/mirror/pedal positions connected to the 2 keyfobs? I've followed the simple instructions, but no luck. I can position the seats by pushing the 2 buttons on the door, but not the keyfobs. Any ideas?
Comments
Wal mart offered the same thing for less. I would certainly get that you will save the cost after about two rotations and replacment would be expensive if you damaged one beyond repair.
I tried to post this as a topic but was not allowed to so few people know about this option.
After parking the "Murano SE AWD with Nav." in a shopping center for one hour, the vehicle wouldn't crank the engine by just turning the key in the ignition. It was raining, and the key got wet, but I wiped it dry - I think. The vehicle started after 15 minutes when I was moving the transmission lever back and forth. Later, the dealer claimed that this incident could have been caused by a cell phone jack that was connected to the power outlet interfering with the "CAN", which is a computer network the vehicle uses as a command center. Furthermore, the dealer said that they checked all codes, and that they were OK. The vehicle has been doing fine since then, but I think it had to do with my inserting a damp key in the ignition.
I've been noticing more comments about this type of issue with several brands lately. I suspect that the "ignition immobilizer" security feature may be at fault in a lot (if not most) of these cases.
The solution from my Nissan dealer was to insert the key and "wait a second or two" before turning it to start the vehicle.
He said the key has to be recognized by the security system or nothing will happen when you turn it to start the car and that sounds reasonable to me.
Any comments?
The only real concern I have with the Murano really applies to SUVs in general (and I understand that the Murano is more of a car than an SUV). I worry that the raised height and blocky shape will compromise handling and make the vehicle difficult to live with. Can anybody comment on that?
BTW, the interior on the Murano is taking a bit of heat in some media sources. I really can't understand why. I liked the interior a lot. But, I guess, to each his own...
I'm coming out of a '00 Maxima SE (loaded with all the options) that's been driven for 121,000 miles since September 1999. I still really like driving this car each and every day but need the flexibility of the SUV design (towing and 5 passenger + large dog).
I suffered through the same decision, can I deal with a SUV after driving a performance sedan for the last 3 1/2 years?
I've been test driving all the SUV's on the market for the last year or so but couldn't find one that I could live with every day for 125-150 miles per day (and the gas cost).
I drove the Murano SL and thought it was OK but a little too much body roll for my taste. Then I got an extended test drive in a loaded SE and that was it for me.
I ordered the SE AWD with all the toys on February 15th and can't wait for it to arrive (supposed to be early May).
Here's a suggestion. Take a test drive in a 2003 Maxima GLE (and drive it hard in the corners) and then do the same test drive route in a Murano SE and compare them back to back. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised at how well they compare.
(Of course, you can buy the Max for way less money since the 2004's are arriving in the dealers soon.)
Good Luck with your decision!
I did also participate in a chat session with the editors at Consumer Reports, who were very critical of the plastics used on the Nissan/Infiniti interiors.
Understand, btw, that I disagree completely. I love the interior of the Murano. I would rate the Murano interior above Honda and Toyota's offerings, and on par with some lux. brands. There are so many clever details....
Dklanecky - Thanks for your input. I'll test drive the SE (I've only drive the SL - although I loved that). I agree that the Murano is an amazing all around package.
I mean, look at a Blazer.
Consumer Reports and Consumer's Digest can't profess to be experts on anything besides statistical data.
The interior is like the exterior. It takes a few chances in order to avoid being boring. Overall, however, I really like it a lot. It doesn't matter to me if Consumer Digest doesn't like it. What matters to me, is that I like it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. And, in my opinion, the Murano's interior rocks!
I thought seriously about the G35 as well. Before I considered the Murano, I was thinking of going with a sports Sedan. So, before I test drove a G35 extensively a few hours before driving the Murano. No comparison. The Murano has a much nicer interior. But, maybe this is apples to oranges...
agarcia, I would think cellular interference with CAN is probably unlikely, but since your describe that you were messing with the transmission lever, perhaps the PARK cutout switch either wasn't working or needs adjustment. This cutout switch should prevent the vehicle from cranking unless the gear shift is firmly in the PARK position.
I came to my Murano from a Subaru WRX and while I like Subarus (have owned 5), the Murano is great!
Plus, no turbo lag. Does it handle like a Porsche? Well, no, of course it doesn't. If you want a sports car, buy a 350Z. I guess I'm past the days where you fall down into a car and have to pull yourself up to get out of it.
On the other hand, I love the headroom in the Murano. I'm not a tall guy, but I tend to sit very upright and I have a long torso. My head crashes into the roof of most sedans that have sunroofs.
I would have liked a vehicle that has lots of storage space, looks sporty, and offers an option of AWD, but doens't have the ground clearence issue. An example would be a Audi A4 Avant. The Subarau wagons are even closer.
But, that said, I still love the Murano and plan to close the deal on one this weekend.
I live in the mountains of western NC with lots of twisty mountain roads and I'm enjoying driving the Murano very much. It's NOT a sports car. I hop into it for a drive for any excuse.
If you get one, I hope you'll be happy with it.
BTW, I'm 40 and I don't do the zoom-zoom thing either!
I appreciate all of the information and feedback you all have given me. It has been very useful, to say the least.
Steve, Host
(soon to be in an OB Ltd)
Also, I feel a slight shudder when pulling away from a stop at slow speeds. It's almost like the CVT is confused as to which ratio it should be in.
Anyone else?
This SUV is like a car (San Antonio Express-News)
Steve, Host
i much prefer the interior on the murano, but, nissan must re-design the light stalk. to put on the lights at night, you must go past auto, which means the lights go on, off and then on. the manual says don't turn the hid lights on and off, since it shortens their life. bad design. the HL has this right.
the radio in the murano is excellent.
hl drive very nice, murano better.
hl radio impossible to see setting during the day. murano is no problem.
hl has no option for steering wheel redundent controls. murano controls are excellent, and the cruise control design is perfect.
overall, i prefer the inside of the murano.
ride: murano and hl about the same. turning ease, murano clearly handles better.
acceleration: murano clearly better.
smoothness of drivetrain: murano much better.
misses: murano needs to have factory designed body side molding. i ended up putting black euro design (5/8 x 5/8 black) on side near indent. looks oem (car is silver.
spare tire, murano "full size", not width, hl full size. if you tow, this is a minor issue.
towing ability: hl, great to tow with, murano, too soon, don't have hitch yet or wiring harness.
widow controls: murano much better (hl doesn't light up the controls)
by the way, on the murano, one of the buttons doesn't light at night. i think its the widow lock out button. is that correct. not mentioned in the manual.
in summary, i like the murano better. anyone else have two suvs?
As a taller person, I had a problem with the HL dash; near the place where your left kneecap wants to be is a little door with a handle that sticks out just enough to be a problem when entering and exiting. No such clearance issue on any other vehicle I tried.
We test-drove a 2003 HL and both my wife and I felt sick to our stomachs with the amount of body roll (although I've never heard a HL owner complain). None of the other SUV's we tried rolled anywhere near as much. Subjectively, from most to least roll: Highlander, Trailblazer, Pilot, Vue, Rendezvous, and then Murano which felt virtually flat in turns.
My other question is whether leather would be better vs cloth with a big dog? I thought leather would be a problem w/ scratches from the dogs nails, but the sales person I am dealing with brought up the point that the cloth sucks up the dog smell & leather wouldn't do that! We have a K-5 blazer in cloth that we will sell & it does smell like dog! What do you pet owners think?
We've got an 75lb yellow lab who sheds year around and her hair is impossible to get out of the cloth interior in my son's Honda.
No problem in either of the Maxima's, both with leather interior. The nails scratching hasn't been an issue in either max, not sure why. I guess she doesn't use them when she's in the back seat.
Getting hair up off the carpet regardless of interior is going to be difficult.
We haven't had any issues with odor in either interior.
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45992/article.ht- ml
http://www.edmunds.com/news/innovations/articles/43043/article.ht- ml
We have had our Murano since November 21 and love it. The Volvo hasn't been driven much since then.
Didn't you own a 300M? If so How would you compare the Murano to it.
UncleDavid
If you like the G35 alot test drive the FX35 also.
Or skip straight to 1062 to read how it was fixed. ;-)
All in all, I don't miss the max and I'm very happy I bought the Murano (one month ago to the day and time).
All in all, I don't miss the max and I'm very happy I bought the Murano (one month ago to the day and time).
Also, sat the the fx45 this weekend at the carshow. if feels much smaller especially the entry/exit in the back seat. the front seats felt like racing buckets. they just wrapped around you and i love the long hood of the fx.
Believe it our not this was the condensed version:
We wanted a specific color/config and didn't want to wait 3 months to order. I scanned the nissanusa.com site for the right setup, but our configuration was not available nearby, and those I called didn't seem inclined to sell at a good price (ala CarMax, which is <400 miles away ~$400 > invoice + $124 fees). I began talking to the local dealer in Huntsville, AL about dealer trades. And I finally found one in Hendersonville (?), NC. The local dealer agreed to fetch the Gold SL AWD, w/ Nav, VDC, Premium, Leather, _free_ Cold Pkg, Mats, Mud Guards, & Cargo stuff (list 37,131, invoice 33,339).
At the last minute, they discovered this vehicle had had it's rearend (driveshaft/axle) removed and placed in an existing customer's vehicle. (Later new parts were inserted). So they said no to that 'dealer trade' and found one in Kingsport, TN.
Well, many of you are aware of the _stealth_ cold weather package. Until recently it was free and not mentioned on the invoice of SL vehicles. There's never been an official explanation of this. But they have since begun to charge for the option on vehicles built after a particular date. (Note that nissanusa.com now consistently shows the option is priced. This is not true. There are still some freebees out there). Knowing this, we specifically asked for a vehicle with the _free_ version of this package.
Anyhow, we agreed to buy the 'dealer trade' for $700 over invoice + $266 doc fee (I was disappointed by the lack of calligraphy in the documentation at this price). Unfortunately, on the day after delivery we discovered the Cold Weather Pkg was missing. (At the time this was a must have for my wife). So they investigated adding the Pkg aftermarket. Nope, not available. They also didn't think they could find another vehicle with the free Cold pkg, and I couldn't see us paying for it since I had found the proper vehicle in the first place. I offered to take the one with rearend work, if they included an extended warranty. Nope.
So we were looking at returning the vehicle, leaving everyone unhappy (including my wife, who had taken my Audi A6). We had already handed over a separately negotiated 1998 Honda HX coupe ($6400, matching CarMax). And they had already prepped it for resale, including a paint touchup.
We tried to come to terms with the Sales Mgr. I even offered to split the cost of the cold pkg on a different vehicle (again would be dealer traded). But we were at an impasse. Finally, we exchanged keys, and they took my wifes tag from the Murano and replaced it on her Honda.
When we were ready to leave, the Mgr came back in with a last attempt. Would we take the existing vehicle if they dropped the price $700 (to invoice)? (I had originally told them the pkg was a must have and didn't want money). I guess I was tired by this point and they actually offered $300 more than I expected ($432 pkg invoice). I looked at my wife and she said OK. So the mgr leaves to tell everyone including our salesman that the deal was back on.
Ha! The next person we see is the sales mgr again! He says we didn't actually pay $700 over invoice. It was $500 over + $200 market adj (for advertising). He went into a spiel about how it was a $500 adjustment at the originating dealer but only $200 here. (I guess that was supposed give us a warm feeling). But the bottomline was that he would only take $500 off, since that was true invoice plus the market adj. My wife could see my temp rise. We simply said 'no thanks' and (after swapping keys again) he stomped out.
My wife and I were both angry, but before we could leave, in comes our sales person. He apologized and said they would cut us a check for $700.
So in the end, we got the vehicle for invoice + $266 doc. Would I go through this again for invoice pricing. NO. A good low price with no hassles should certainly be available. The extra isn't worth it. I would, however, give our sales person high marks anyhow. On the other hand, the sales manager turned out to be a zero in the end.
Our sales person also acknowledged the power of the internet (I had referred to edmunds and carmax several times). It's been a tremendous benefit to share info with you folks here.
I have no ties (financial or otherwise) to this Nissan dealer (Hunter), never dealt with them before buying my Murano, but wanted to say I was treated very well and would recommend them to friends. Again, sorry you had problems with your dealer.
In the end, I was pleased with the deal here in AL. I just wouldn't go through all that again for the money involved. It was interesting, as are many things in life, nonetheless. I've glad you had a pleasant buying experience.
Your dealer (Hunter, Hendersonville NC) was to have provided the original dealer trade to my dealer here. But after they pulled the rear end out of the Murano (to be placed with an existing customer), my dealer didn't want to put me in the reworked vehicle.
I originally tried to buy the vehicle directly from Gary there in NC. I told him I would buy for the same price available from Carmax (~$400 over invoice, Greenville SC). But Gary said they would only go as low as $1000 over invoice 'to relatives of employees'. Gary was very friendly and did tell me what they would accept as a trade from my dealer. (They wanted a similarly equipped light colored Murano, Nav optional). The dealer trade was the only way to go, but in the end my local dealer pulled one from NE Tenn.
I wonder if Hunter in NC is disclosing to their customers that the loaded Gold SL AWD w/Nav had some significant shopwork done.
I apologize for being unclear in my previous message.
Mark
With only 2 dealers where I live and 4 others in the province, competition nowhere near as intensive as our friends to the south enjoy.