Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    =>For this problem:
    .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.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    I hope that is canadian Money lol. I just had the 3750 mi service on the FX35 done for $38 bucks but I have not seen what the other mileage costs are but that seems very high try shopping around.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Murano should be in The Edmunds Maintenance Guide, which will estimate what we think your periodic maintenance will cost.

    Steve, Host
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    Thanks for the payload figures from the owners' manual. I have an online account with Consumer Reports. I will e-mail CR to ask why its figure differs so much from the figures in the manual.
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    Edmunds' estimated costs for the Murano are $38.75 for the 3750 mile service, $118.10 for the 7500 mile service, $158.11 for the 15000 mile service, and $186.39 for the 30000 mile service. The 7500 and 15000 figures are not that different from the dealer's. The dealer includes some additional items such as balancing the tires and adding oil and fuel system treatments. Maybe the dealer quotes include tax and miscellaneous fees. The 3750 service can be done at a number of places, even some dealers, for something in the $30 range.

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Nice post, Ace. I suspect that many dealers just buy oil in bulk and go with whatever company gives them the best rates, ad co-pays, etc.

    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
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    Personally, I think that the dealership is trying to shaft you. I just got my first service (3750mile) done at the local dealer and it cost me just under $30 Canadian. $65 US equates to just about $100 Canadian or more than 3 times what I paid. Something must be wrong.
  • collinjeremycollinjeremy Member Posts: 16
    I'm thinking of getting a Murano for my wife this summer and was wondering what people are getting for fuel economy from this vehicle? I notice that Nissan claims 20/25mpg but they claimed 20/27 on my '03 Maxima when I'm really getting closer to 18.5 and have never gotten above 20mpg on the freeway (but then I average 80-85mph on the freeway).

    I perused some of the posts here but didn't see anything about gas mileage.
  • bcyimbcyim Member Posts: 10
    I average 19 mpg with 50/50 highway and city driving. I too average 80 on the freeway... ;)
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    I have an fx35 similar engine/weight dif transmission around town I get 16-18 did a 2600 mile trip and averaged 20.5 high was 21.9 low 16.8
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    16.8 - 17 on city, 20-21 on highway with around 2200 miles on mine.
  • 92drexel92drexel Member Posts: 153
    My drive is 80-90% highway and I'm consistantly getting 23-24 mpg (my best tank was > 25 mpg). I typically drive 60-65 mph.

    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.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    Hello:

    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).
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    use the idea that someone presented here:

    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.
  • kinghemikinghemi Member Posts: 5
    Rainbowfarm, strongly urge you to go to carcostcanada.com. Dont recall if their service includes leasing but I found then invaluable when I purchased my MO. also review freshalloy.com as virtually everything you touched on has been discussed at length there.
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    In my experience, you could get a very good price on Murano. Forget about MSRP! Let's talk about Invoice price
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    Thanks, xixisisi.

    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).
  • ek01ek01 Member Posts: 37
    Rainbowfarm:

    I bought an SE w/o navigation recently for all in $51,800.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    That sounds like about $3,000 under list/MSRP.

    $48k * 1.15 = $55k
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Although most people are using emails now, and most dealers seem to have finally figured them out:

    Blast Fax Car Buying

    Steve, Host
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    That was great. This approach appeals to my "nature". I can't stand dealing with the sales people and their BS.
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    Hi, give you a method to figure out canadian invoice price: [canadian MSRP] * ([US invoice price] / [US MSRP]).

    :-)

    Is it easy to work out? Trust me, I used this formula to buy my murano.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I was mentally juggling numbers (taking the US discounts that have been reported and multiplying them by the exchange rate). We end up at about 90% of MSRP.

    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!
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    I leased an SL with sunroof in Ottawa for 0 down $620/mth all inclusive two months ago. I leased from a leasing company here in Ottawa called ADDA leasing. The MSRP on the car was $41,481 which included destination and delivery. My purchase price was just about $39,000 plus they paid off about $1500 on a Maxima lease which I terminated early. Your target of $600 all inclusive should be attainable. Good luck!
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    Gerapau, many thanks. Are you saying that you handed them the Maxima with two payments left (my Pathfinder has two payments left, total of about $1350.), and your payment still came to $620./month?

    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
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    In the shifter, it says P, R, N, D-S, L

    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).
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    Actually I had 6 payments left and was over on my milage by about 20,000km. I paid off the kilometers and they paid off the remaining depreciation (which was about $1500). I thought that I would have to make my last 6 payments ($2500) but they told me that I just had to pay off the remaining depreciation (which they actually did). Now my Maxima was still in excellent condition with no scratches or dents. The condition of your Pathfinder may determine what kind of deal you can get. Are you over on your milage? How about wear and tear?

    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.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I bought 102,000 km on the PF (34,000/year) and it's now at 96,000, so I have 6k left, which will get me to September. So, the expected residual value is lower (since I paid and put more miles on it, it has a low buy-back).

    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.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    So, I discovered Pacifica today. Very similar to Murano (the only thing like a Murano that I have found so far). The rest are all boxy, trucky.

    I'm in trouble now (indecision). Good thing I have 3 months to decide.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I refuse to pay a penny more than $700/month...

    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
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I don't think the Murano and Pacifica are similar at all. The Pacifica is an AWD wagon. It doesn't sit high like a Murano or other SUVs. If you want something to compare the Murano to, try the Mitsubishi Endeavor.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Pacifica is available both FWD & AWD
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I drove the Montero (too small, engine and body), and I drove the largest Mitsu. I think that it's also an Endeavor. I'll have to try the smaller one. The Outlander looks a bit too small. I think Endeavor is still too "truck" for me.

    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".
  • wmiller4wmiller4 Member Posts: 97
    Murano Owners,

    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.
  • rwmillerrwmiller Member Posts: 5
    I have only had mine since the spring but, according to the manual, they stay on until you switch them off. There are several warnings about ensuring you turn them off when the seat is empty or you are warm enough.

    Bob
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    Does anyone know the ground clearance of Murano? I don't see it in the brochure, or here, or Nissan site.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We say 7.1 in. for the SE AWD 4dr. Probably the same for the FWD and SL models.

    Check the specs under the New Cars section of edmunds.com after you drill down to the Murano for other details.

    Steve, Host
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I just ran over to hondacars.com. Pilot listed as 8", Murano at 7" (who wants to argue for 1/10th of an inch). I was comparing to Pacifica (5.9", and one owner says he scraped bottom on steep driveway).

    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!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Clearance is one thing - overhang is another. My Quest is bad to scrap the front bumper going over dips and I doubt that another inch would help a lot. That could explain the Pacifica owner's problem.

    Steve, Host
  • schnarpselschnarpsel Member Posts: 2
    I was wondering if there are any drivers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who experience various rattles with their Muranos. If so, we'd like to directly "compare rattles" - much easier than describing them on a message board. We figure this could also help for the inevitable discussion with the dealer...

    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!
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    Just discover the driver side door pocket can be expandable.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    They review six mid-size SUVs, the Murano is one.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    The first time it "expanded", I thought it had broken, which did not impress me, until I realized it was a "feature".

    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!
  • ronnocronnoc Member Posts: 7
    i drove the Murano recently. I really liked the room(I am 6'4"). They did a good job by not trying to squeeze in a third seat. I don't really like the grill; the Infinity grill is much better imho. The only thing about the dash that really bothers me are the three google-eyed gages like a three eyed frog sticking out of the dash. However I think I could get used to those. The fuel costs really concern me however, since I drive approximately 2000 miles per month. Even if it actually gets 20 city and 25 highway, given the fact premium 92 octane fuel is supposed to be used, then cost-wise that is the same as 17 city and 21 highway using regular 87 fuel (assuming a 15% differential between 87 and 92 fuel- it may be more or less differential elsewhere). Also, from what comments I have seen on the internet the highest mileage I have seen claimed is 20-21 highway with average combined mileage in the 17-18 range. If this is to be expected, then the fuel costs will be the same as if one had a regular fuel burning gas guzzling Surburban getting 14-15 miles per gallon. If anybody has been getting better mileage, please let us know. I am very leary of the potential money going out the tank.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    Ronnoc:

    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.
  • ronnocronnoc Member Posts: 7
    I didn't start out looking for an SUV. I wanted a car, but I can't find one with comfortable seating for my long legs that has a truly usable back seat for other family members and that will be reliable transportation and not be a second mortgage rather than car payment.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    I have tried all three grades in my Murano and it seems happy with all three. Mileage is maybe 1 m.p.g. better with highest octane. I imagine performance is probably better too but I don't notice any difference and hey, I'm cheap.
    :)
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    If you really want economy, something like a Saturn has leg room, and is cheap.

    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 :-)
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I suppose it's done now. I drove the Highlander today. Can't really fault it, and it's priced right, but I can't say that I like it any more than the Pathfinder. There's nothing "special" about the ride, which is, I suppose, smoother (more car-like) than the PF. The 3.0-litre from Toyota doesn't even come close to Nissan's 3.5 V6, even though it's a bit more economical (burns less fuel).

    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.
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