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Comments
.A little annoying with back windows down while driving around 40 mph or more.
You can get rid of it by keeping at least one of your front windows also opened.
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
The big difference is the 30000 mile service. The maintenance schedule on Nissan's web site and the dealer include replacing fluids, filters, and other items that Edmunds does not include in its estimate. These include the fuel filter ($75), PVC filter, coolant ($60), transmission fluid ($60), engine drive belts ($145), and wiper blades ($35). I got the cost estimates for these items from another Nissan dealer on the Internet. There may be other items, but these along with the other service items push the cost above $500.
Does the owners' manual say what items need to be replaced on the Murano at 30000 miles? If the fluids and filters plus some items such as the drive belts need to be replaced, then the service will cost $500 or more.
I check out the maintenance requirements and the service department these days before I buy a vehicle. I have uncovered some real surprises in the past. For example, VW/Audi has two engine oil charts in its manual, one for "energy-conserving" oils and another for oils not designated on the API circle as energy-conserving. The dealer I bought my car from was using 10W-40. The charts said that energy-conserving 10W-40 could be used in the summer but that non-energy-conserving 10W-40 could not. No one including the service manager at the dealership could explain the difference. I called VW's headquarters, and an engineer there explained that the energy-conserving designation was as important as the weight of the oil. That's why VW included the two oil charts in the manual. Using the right weight but not the right energy-conserving designation could void the warranty. I checked out every brand of 10W-40 at a local auto store, and none of them were energy-conserving. Every brand of 10W-30 was energy-conserving. When I got back to the service manager with this information, he went into a panic and rushed off to contact VW and his suppliers. He got back to me in a couple of days to say that the 10W-40 he was using was energy-conserving. I checked with the service manager at another dealer, and he told me that 10W-40 can't be used because it could cause the check engine light to come on and could hurt the engine. He used only 10W-30. That was the dealer I decided to use to service the car.
So many dealers seem to have one service price for all models. A number of service items are included as "if applicable," but it doesn't seem to reduce the service price if they are not applicable. The price only seems to go up for special situations, such as the fuel filter being in the gas tank or a special part being required.
I remember reading somewhere a couple of years ago that lots of the bulk motor oils aren't API/SAE approved like the quart sized ones, even where the brand/weight labeling is exactly the same. Quaker State says that's a myth, but it'd be interesting to see if there's a "starburst" on the bulk oil drums at that VW dealer.
Steve, Host
I perused some of the posts here but didn't see anything about gas mileage.
My mileage drops to 20-21 when driving above 70 mph. Although the Murano is sleek, the wind drag at 80+ mph will kill your mileage.
I've read hours and hours of posts here after driving and falling in love with the Murano.
In Canada, we have two model choices for Nissan (SL and SE), and two model choices for Infiniti (FX35 and 45).
All Nissan Muranos in Canada are front-wheel drive all-wheel drive. All Infinitis are rear-traction all-wheel drive. There is no option for 2-wheel drive without AWD.
We don't have all the option packages either. If you buy an SL, you can add a sunroof or not add a sunroof.
If you buy an SE, you can get blue (not available in SL), and you can add the DVD Nav stuff.
So, SL lists for $39,500. ($1,000 for sunroof), and SE is around $48,000.
Things I've heard from sales people (don't all laugh at once): They're selling for MSRP, with no discount. The 2004 will be out in December, and September.
The lease rate from Nissan is 6.3%. I was looking at a 48-month lease with no deposit. Back up: I went to look at a new Pathfinder for when I return mine in September (2001, lease is up), and instead of a Chilkoot, I would rather have the Murano (I think, so far).
So, at 6.3%, incl. 15.5% sales taxes, for 48 months, $690./month. So, I called an independent leasing company. Nissan salesman told me that an independent will not be able to get a Murano. I get a quote of $622. from the independent lease person.
Nissan salesman tells me they're selling storm-damaged vehicles and I should stay away from them. I told him $622. was his new target (or less than that) if he wants to entertain the notion of keeping my business.
I'm also selling the '01 Pathfinder on my own, after they starting talking about how much they will want me to pay to bring it up to saleable condition (I have rust-proofed it, tinted the windows, installed a Boomerang, etc.), so I told him he could forgot about that option.
So, I'm interested in all these funny noises in the Murano, in the CVT issues (it is less peppy than the PF, with the same engine), and in what CANADIANS have paid for a Murano... how low will they go?
Has the "new buzz" worn off? Have the dealers become more negotiable? I'll go to where the best deal is. The car can be shipped, driven, etc. I am near Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City.
I have enjoyed all the material here about Murano and will be back for more. Gotta go pick my colour (but sure would like the blue).
I will fax several sales managers at several Nissan dealers, from my corporation, requesting a quote for a Murano (with all the details). This is it. Quote, or don't. That removes all the sales person B.S.
I haven't stumbled on that anywhere yet: the Canadian invoice price. That's why I'm interested in what Canadians have actually paid. I will go to carcostcanada.com and I have been toggling between freshalloy and here (this made me realize/remember that Nissan has truly been a trend-setter during my lifetime, and Murano may be another example of that).
I bought an SE w/o navigation recently for all in $51,800.
$48k * 1.15 = $55k
Blast Fax Car Buying
Steve, Host
:-)
Is it easy to work out? Trust me, I used this formula to buy my murano.
I'm looking at the SL at 39,500 plus all the weird charges, and 90% of that is about $36,000. Using an on-line lease calculator, adding $1,000. for "fees" of some kind, just in case, and using Nissan's 6.3% lease rate, letting the Nissan Canada calculator add destination charges, etc., I come to a 48-month lease at $587.47, taxes in.
If I remove the $1,000 (since Nissan added the dealer and delivery charges for me), I get a monthly payment of $560.36.
Since the best I've been offered yet is $622.xx, somebody has some slicing to do. I read the Fax Blast info, and will get around to that soon. My Pathfinder's lease is up in September, which gives me time to sell it, and start negotiating, and continue reading about noises in Murano, warped windows, etc... have a good old "sleep on it" that lasts through several midsummer night dreams.
I am focusing on an "under $600" payment solution from somebody, and that has now become my goal. I don't care if it has to come from Newfoundland on a ferry. That prices is just right for me!
I'd go for something like that! I am not interested in the sun/moon/stars roof ($1,000 CAD), so I should do okay. Ottawa is an hour from here. I have been dealing with Rendez-Vous Nissan in Hawkesbury. They did okay for the Pathfinder (they matched the best price I found anywhere).
I'll see what happens after the fax blast, and under no circumstances will I pay to return the Pathfinder. It is selling for $22,000 US, and $24,000 CAD. My residual is $18,600. I'll sell it for $22k or so before I pay them to take it back.
Your experience is very helpful to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to offer it.
RF
and I wondered what the S was for.
Apparently (from the Edmunds test drive), it's a sport mode.
But, if I'm in D-S, how do I go from D to S or from S to D?
Does one nudge the lever to left or right, or what? I saw nothing anywhere to change driving mode. Of course, there were plenty of buttons and knobs whose purpose I have not yet deciphered.
I'm putting the screws on my preferred dealer for $600/month and he takes my Pathfinder (two payments left).
Now there is no written rule that says if they made the deal with me that they will make the same deal with you but it never hurts to try. I simply told them what I was willing to pay and that if they did not match it I would wait for my Maxima lease to expire before buying and that in the 6 months my tastes may change. I did this at the dealer (Graham Nissan) and they said that they could not match it with a lease from Nissan but that if I went through their own leasing company that they could match it so that's what I did.
As far as sport mode is concerned, to go from D to S you push the lever to the right. When you do this your rpms will increase by about 2000 Giving you a little more pep.
That's interesting about the dealer suggesting an outside lease agent. My dealer is pushing for Nissan financing, but he may change his tune when he realizes I WILL take my business elsewhere.
Thanks for the D-S info. On the PF, I push a button and the overdrive comes off, increasing revs (down into 3rd gear), slowing me down (I usually use it for braking, since the PF never lacks power to accelerate).
On the Murano, I can see the sport setting coming in handy to add some pep to the CVT. I called Mr. Dealer about it, and he has invited me in for my 3rd test drive. I may give the SE a shot. They have a used one (already, do you believe it?). I'd really love the blue one, but I refuse to pay a penny more than $700/month, and it would have to be SOME car for me to pay that! Apparently the ride is harder on the SE, and I'm trying to get away from that hard ride.
I'm in trouble now (indecision). Good thing I have 3 months to decide.
But just think! In 2 years with a 2% inflation rate that $700 monthly payment will only amount to $672.28 in today's dollars! :-)
tidester, host
Yes, the Pacifica is either AWD or FWD, and either would be fine with me... I'll have to decide on the extra $2k for AWD after I see what kind of price they end up selling for in Canada in a few months.
Chrysler calls it a wagon. There's no sense arguing why I find it similar to Murano. Both are comparable, and acceptable to me. I know that anything sold as a wagon, except Pacifica, just does not cut it for me... too small, confining, low. If it's a wagon, it's an awful big one, fine with me.
Forest is like a wagon, too, and like a truck at the same time. What I don't like about Forester is that it's too much like a wagon and too much like a truck at the same time. If they had dared to make a radical departure, maybe they could have captured some of this "Murano niche".
When you turn on the heated seats do they stay on until you turn them off or do they shut off after a set period of time?
If they shut off after a period of time, how long do they stay on?
Thanks in advance! Love this car, Wish I had one!
Bill M.
Bob
Check the specs under the New Cars section of edmunds.com after you drill down to the Murano for other details.
Steve, Host
I realized the other day, opening door of Pathfinder, that I have never had to worry about scraping a curb, etc., since it's plenty high enough, and I never want to go back to delicately opening door and looking for curb height and risk of removing the bottom of the door!
Steve, Host
We are hearing at least three different ones: Two probably originating from the loudspeakers on the dashboard, the third one an elusive but persistent rattle somewhere on the rear passenger's side.
We've tried to remove everything from the cargo area, even took out the side tool compartments, no change. We secured and unsecured the rear seat belts, took out the cargo cover, etc. - the rattle is still there, sounding kind of plastic-y, not too loud but VERY annoying.
Anyone interested, please post here or e-mail iup@gmx.net. Thanks!
You know, I have (today) driven both Mitsu Monteros (Sport and not Sport), and the Saturn Vue. Nothing, nothing, nothing, under $50K CAD can touch my Pathfinder.
Given the Murano "issues", I will either:
* take a chance on Murano
* go for the deal on the Chilkoot
* wait for '04 Murano.
* wait for a killer deal on a Pacifica.
Nissan has got real winners (PF and MO). Murano is so nice, I'd almost be ready to deal with whatever it takes to get one repaired/whatever, if it acts up.
So... when are the '04 Muranos coming out?
If anyone hears a believable date, I'll be very interested.
One dealer tells me September. Another says November-December.
The more I drive the rest of what's available, the more I know I will be back at my Nissan dealer!
I have this same engine in a Pathfinder, and it says "high octane recommended". Since I don't pull a boat, etc., I can use any type of fuel I want. It runs fine on regular, but like any car (and especially in winter), it runs better on high octane (and "they" say that mpg is increased).
If you're looking at an SUV, the fuel economy does not get much better than this. Unless you're looking at cars, not trucks, instead of Murano, you will be paying much higher fuel costs.
I mean it uses less fuel. Okay, I mean it's cheap and I would never buy one, but economy is not my prime motivating factor. I also want lots of space for me and for stuff.
There are spacious vehicles that consume less fuel. In SUVs, Murano is one of the best. The boxy types consume more fuel. My PF costs about $75./month more in fuel that the Murano should/would/might... I hope so because that $75. is going towards the payments! That's in Canadian dollars, not in real money :-)
I think I just eliminated everything but another PF and the Murano. Tonight, I met yet another extremely satisfied Murano owner (Gold SE, since April), a woman about my age (older than 30, not old enough to retire, but getting there).
I didn't ask her about price, because I figure they soaked her for MSRP. She went on and on about the ride, the comfort, and all the usual (the Murano Mantra).
I guess I'm sold. Now I just have to work through the details: sell the PF, etc.