Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • roadrunner70roadrunner70 Member Posts: 241
    since i have a 2002 highlander v 6 and a 2003, i can make some observations.

    each is different, but i like both. personally, i like driving the murano better, since the performance is better, the seat has better thigh support (but the hl has a slightly better seat back), and a much better radio. the controls are about the same, but i much prefer the steering wheel mounted radio and cruise. the engine in the murano is much smoother at idle, at acceleration,etc.

    i would not purchase any chrysler product. anyone buying a first year chrysler product had better be thick skinned. also, the pacifica is underpowered, as reported by several reviews and very thirsty on the fuel.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    In the US, can you buy a blue SL? In Canada, only SE comes in blue.
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    What I didn't really like about the Highlander was hard to identify, but I'm sure after driving one for a while, I'd be able to, as you have.

    I did notice the radio difference, and I do prefer Murano's placement of cruise and radio remote controls.

    For the seat, in the Murano, I feel like I'm in a huge comfy chair, while in the HL, I was unable to get it adjusted so that I was comfortable. Usually within a few minutes of a test drive, I can get the seat where I want it, but I never really felt comfortable in the HL.

    Far worse things could happen besides owning a Highlander, but it has no style, no personality. It's comfortable like a minivan is comfortable (in a boring way). There's just nothing special about it.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Blue SLs are very common at US dealerships.
  • hoverdrivehoverdrive Member Posts: 16
    Does any one know if the '04 Murano will come with the CVT transmission that can be put on a shift-able mode, like Audi’s. They show the Murano with that setup here at Edmunds, but I red someplace that it didn’t make it to production this year.

    Thanks
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    It's complicated enough to buy a vehicle here... I can just imagine the hurdles I'd have to go through to get a blue one in US, and then bring it here and plate it.

    I doubt that the Nissan financing would work, and that's how I plan to purchase.

    I wonder where they get these ideas from. "Don't sell blue SLs in Canada."

    "Yeah, that's a great move! People will love us for that one!"
  • kcimatokcimato Member Posts: 12
    Just picked up my SL Murano in black this week. I have been looking for a new SUV for 2 years now. Started out looking at the Santa Fe, Escape Tribute and Highlanders but noone was dealing since they were new. So I wasn't buying. Nothing seemed to come to my attention until the new explorer came out I loved the Mountaineer but gas mileage was too low. For kicks I drove the new Volvo and fell in love with it However it was out of my price range. Also looked at the 4 runner and Highlander again and then the Honda Pilot. I did like the drive but I did not care for the styling. Reminded me of our former minivan and 77 aspen wagon. A coworker of my husband suggested the Murano. I felt it was too funky looking and small but drove it anyway. I loved it from the start. Drove it again and loved it even more.I've already gotten over the funky styling
    Bought it at Carmax in Baltimore just under invoice price
  • zoocosmozoocosmo Member Posts: 13
    Hi everyone, I have a SE 2wd that has been a really fun vehicle but I think I may have a problem. I am noticing a film appearing on the inside of my windows. I think it is from a small radiator leak or something. Let me know if any of you have had this problem and how you fixed it. Thank You!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'm not sure how a radiator leak would deposit a film on the inside of your windows.

    Do you have any vinyl or plastic inside the vehicle? Heat can cause it to "evaporate" after which it will condense on your windows. A good window cleaner will remove it.

    tidester, host
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    I heard of this happening before, not on a Murano. It was heater-core/radiator leaking. The vapor condensed onto the inside of the windshield and it formed a film.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Thanks for the additional info - it may be that the ventilation intake pulls in vapor from the radiator. I still wonder if there was vinyl inside the vehicle.

    tidester, host
  • rainbowfarmrainbowfarm Member Posts: 59
    According to a dealer in Canada (I have called many of them, looking for one who talks the right stuff), blue SLs will be available in Canada, as will front-wheel drive.

    Production begins in August, with delivery in September, and people are already reserving their cars. I may do the same, to time it with the return of the Pathfinder.

    ... but what if I change my mind between now and then?... oh, no
  • kbaerkbaer Member Posts: 16
    Hi all,

    I've been lurking here for about 4 months now. I finally picked up my Sunlit Copper/Cabernet Murano last Friday after waiting since March 9 when I ordered mine from the factory. A couple of questions of those who also own a Murano. 1) What grade of fuel are you using? I don't know what the dealer put in for the first tank, but I put mid-grade in on the first fillup and all seems fine to me. 2) Did any of you opt for Nissan Security + extended warranty? I'm considering it since my car has pretty much all the options including the Nav system and Dynamic Stability Control which may be pricey to repair after the warranty period. Thanks to all who reply.

    KB
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    1. I'm using #89 or #92, you can use #87 but I don't suggest to use. On my one, city MPG: #87->15.5L/100KM, #89->14.5L/100KM #92->13L/100KM. Highway:#89->11.4L/100KM, #92->10.2L/100KM, so that actually higher grade is more econimical sometime.
    2. Personaly I don't think extended warranty's worth of that much money. If you do want to buy, can buy from other companies, much cheaper than Nissan.
  • kcimatokcimato Member Posts: 12
    In my search for a Murano there seemed to be a number of these cars with that color combination. IMO it seems that this might become dated fast. I'm sure anyone who graduated form the University of Texas would love that color (including my son )combo since burnt orange is their school color. Try searching in Austin!!!!
  • kbaerkbaer Member Posts: 16
    Yes this color combo was non-existant with the options I wanted. I even searched the Mid-Atlantic region with the same result. If you're not too picky about which options you want, you may be able to find the color combo.

    Good luck!

    KB
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Thanks for the feedback folks!
    I live in NJ and it seems like one in 20 vehicles available have this color now, which seems like a prety good shot, what with each dealerships showing at least 9 Muranos on an average. We got 11 dealerships in the state so that increases my chances. Although my heart says Lexus / Infiniti, It tends to agree with my mind everytime I spot a Murano ;o)
    I keep spotting them quite so often now adays may be due to better demand / supply ratio having been established and or maybe, I am on the lookout for my shortlist all the time!?
    Will kep you folks posted and I will be checking the forums everyday for the next 4 months at least (Although I love doing that, I don't want to wait the next 4 months - Getting all antsy for th enew car purchase!!!)

    Have Fun and Thanks once again!!
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    This for the United States, not sure about Canada.

    From Nissannews.com

    ·Manual shift mode for CVT on SE Models
    ·Added Sunroof and Touring Packages
    ·Standard 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar (replaces 8-way power seat with manual lumbar)
    ·Standard satellite radio pre-wiring and available mobile entertainment system pre-wiring (reception available when properly equipped with antenna and receiver and service activated)
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    Just installed them cause I often drove on highway and already found some dots by screes. Looks not bad and feel more secure now. I installed by myself so that total cost was just around CDN135.

    Also I've sent my Murano back to dealer, it seems they have fixed rattles from passenger front door and CD Player buzz noise.
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Hello!
    That is definitely something to look forward to ;0)
    This was one of the two reasons for me to consider the FX35 over the Murano. It's just a question of 35 horses VS. 3500 + dollars for me now!!
    Nissannews.com doesn't say anything about target release dates for the '04s. Would Dec-03 be a good time to get decent deals (as in invoice plus $500) on the 04 SEs?
    Your thoughts are greatly appreciated...
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    the manual mode would be enough reason for me to choose the SE over the SL. Previously I would have just taken an SL...but since I can't afford a Murano anyway...it doesn't matter now does it. LOL!

    I think the SE is a my favorite though.

    I'd say that the Murano will be out in Sept or October but I am not sure...
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Ditto here, Max!
    I was all set on the SL AWD with Moonroof, LEather and HID if I were picking the Murano but, Things are totally different with the Manual mode in th epicture now ;0)
    I did try the manumatic in the 04 Max and it was too good to be true. Dont now if the MUrano will be just as good, what with some 600 pounds extra and 20 less horses buit, beats auto any day. Considering the good feedbackon the SE's cornering ability, This HAS to be fun!
    No idea how harsh the SE is over SL - Ionly tried the SL AWD and it was really nice and quiet..
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    CR in its August issue mentioned that on a rare occasion, when steering hard, the power steering will not work. This was due to the power steering fluid not being able to catch up with the quick turning of the wheels. They also said this is rare, and may only show up once-in-a-while, if at all.

        Question I have is, does anyone know if Nissan plans to conduct a recall (most likely the federal regulation commision will force them anyway)? I have a friend who has one, and know someone who is interested, but worried about this issue.
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    I have notice this morning the flat tire warning is off, since I have a SE it do have a tire PSI report, but when I get off the car to check the tires, it all seen O.K. the display show one of the tire PSI 20.
    For the safe side take the car to the dealer, find a nail inside. thanks to the tire check feature, can you think about it what can it happen if the car is on the highway.......
    the only thing is the display not showing which number for which tire.
  • andytruckandytruck Member Posts: 7
    I am decided on getting a Murano but not sure if I should wait for the 2004's. Would the second year be more reliable? What about the steering problems Consumer Reports found? Anybody have any suggestions about buying now or waiitng three months?
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    For example, the 2004 will have a few upgrades.

    Like the 10 way power seat with power lumbar support.

    A manual shift mode for the SE and other upgrades.

    If you can wait, I say wait cause those goodies sound good to me, especially the manual mode for the SE.

    Prices should be pretty good for both. I mean you should be able to get invoice for the 2004 cause the truck will not be a makeover or anything so I say if you can wait, I'd wait.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
  • ohiosuvohiosuv Member Posts: 33
    I have had my Murano (SL AWD w pkg's) for a week and really enjoy it. Feel like I made the right decision from a price/value standpoint relative to the other vehicles (Touareg, XC90). Just washed it inside and out for the first time and did not find anything wrong. Some have talked about noises or rattling, but I have heard none. The vehicle seems better put together than I had expected. Just thought I would pass on my good experience thus far, as sometimes these boards can be skewed toward problems.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    For what it's worth, my experience with my "new" Murano (picked it up Feb. 1st) have mirrored ohiosuv's.
    It took me a while longer than 1st week to wash mine however.
    :)
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    2003 SE, AWD, Silver with Charcoal Leather interior and all options. MSRP $38,063, paid $34,963 + TTL.

    I've got 300 miles on it already and I'm more impressed with it on every mile. Excellent build quality from the inital impression. Quiet inside at both highway speeds and around town. Getting 19 mpg on the first tank so far, (based on the systems calculation, no gas added yet).

    Nav system is great and while the Bose sounds good, it's not quite as smooth as the Maxima's I've had in the past. Speakers probably need to be broken in as well as the engine and CVT.

    It's pretty cool not having any shifts, (unless you count going from Ds to D as a shift). It's very quick already and I'm having a hard time keeping it below 4000 rpm and below 60mph.

    Most new vehicles I've purchased in the past have been accompanied with some rather intense buyer's remorse almost right away. None at all with the Murano (at least so far)!
  • peterkleinpeterklein Member Posts: 1
    Have had my silver Murano SL for a week. Better than average power. Head-turning looks. Tighter turning radius than my Avalon. Fuel economy could be better. It runs just fine on regular unleaded. Front cup holders are useless; cups fall over. Pulled my hands-free plug out of the front 12V receptacle and the receptacle came out of the dash. Dealer had to re-install it. Smooth performance. Great sound system. Leather could be of better quality. Rear bumper should have rubber step insert to prevent scratches. Paid $1,200 less than Edmunds quote PLUS got dealer to throw in a remote starter!
  • terrafirmaterrafirma Member Posts: 212
    Turn the cupholder tray upside down for smaller size cups.
    There is a rubber bumper protector (OEM Nissan part) that sticks right on- and it's really inexpensive.
    You got the 12V fixed so it looks like all your wishes have been fullfilled!
  • cgainescgaines Member Posts: 4
    I had a Navigator and wanted a smaller suv. Drove almost all of them,X5,330,XC90,4runner,Mercedes. One test drive of the Murano and I found my car. Great ride,smooth,great handling. Not had any problems or rattles. Great suv for the price. Didn't make since to pay more for a name. Would recommend it to everyone!!
  • farkel4251farkel4251 Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know if either Nissan or some company in the aftermarket sells a car bra for the Murano? If so, can you tell me who it is?
  • ruoregonruoregon Member Posts: 8
    I've been looking at the Murano since it was first introduced. Wish I could get out of my lease early and pick one up.
    I have noticed in my travels that there seems to be a lot of inventory at the various dealerships. I've been to one dealership in Denver and they had 38. The dealership in Reno had 16 and my local dealership here has 15. Was told that sales have "died" over the last 6 weeks. Could it be the glitter has worn off? Or are folks just waiting for the bad weather to come back.
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    goto www.xpel.com

    I'm think about it too but it's $695 full kit installed.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Check www.nissannews.com on Friday. They post the previous months sales on the 1st of each month. Murano sales have been running about 4500/month on average. They were exactly half their target for the year (50K) in June.
  • lfanlfan Member Posts: 61
    Taking a snapshot of inventories of 3 dealers in the mid-Atlantic, the number of Muranos in stock actually is 20-50% less than when I made my purchase back in mid-June. Looking at Car-Max dealers, the Murano prices have actually held steady or gone up slightly which may reflect the reduction in inventory.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    broke 5000 for july. This is a runaway hit for nissan. check www.nissannews.com for details.
  • texextexex Member Posts: 5
    We just bought an '04 Maxima SL and '03 Murano SL in one fell swoop. (-Happy sales guy.) I was expecting to drive the Max and my wife the Murano, but she switched on me at the lot - for just one week. She loves the Murano and gets a lot of head-turning when she drives it. After a Tahoe, it's a hoot to drive. It's actually the drive I pick when we head out on the weekend.
  • disla71disla71 Member Posts: 4
    I am a happy owner of a midnight blue SL, got it at the end of January and already near the 9K mark! Just wanted to submit an update on the gas mileage, it is definitely better during the summer, I averaged 23.5 mpg on the highway with average speed being 65mph, with A/C on; get about 18-20mpg driving elsewhere. There is not much real city driving for me, I live in a suburb.
    Now, has anyone experienced problems with the wheel alignment and position of the steering wheel? I noticed the wheel being slightly to the left, like 11 o'clock osition, brought it to the dealer twice, will test the results of their second alignment soon, the first try wasn't satisfactory. The tires don't seem to get affected by the wrong alignment, so I assumed just the steering whell being a problem.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    The Murano plant has been in conversion to build the 2004 model. (According to the dealer.)

    My dealer told me the last MY 2003 orders were accepted from the dealers in early May, and scheduled to be built in June.

    It seems like Nissan pushed out all of their inventory of 2003's to the dealers in July since they knew the 2004's wouldn't be hitting the lots for a while.

    While it may look like a lot of inventory right now, no additional (2003's) ones are coming in.

    The next ones you see arriving will be the 2004's. When, I don't know, nor have I seen any credible information about the expected arrival date.
  • cgainescgaines Member Posts: 4
    My husband was getting luggage out of the back and scratched the top of the bumper. Is there a guard or any proctection for that area?
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Here's an on line source for Murano parts. I have the bumper cover on ours to keep the Dog from scratching it as she jumps in and out. Works great and was only $24.

    http://www.courtesyparts.com/murano/index.html
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    dog ride with you in your Murano, watch out for the aluminium on the console. On another site Murano owners were disappointed when their dogs dented it when going from the front to back seat.

    Seems to be thin aluminium.
  • kyim67kyim67 Member Posts: 13
    I dented it too when I accidently hit it with my soda can. Does anybody know how much it would cost to repair or replace the aluminum console?
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    I would think that this aluminium console would be an ongoing problem as far as denting it. To pay to get a new one and dent it again, just doesn't seem to be the right solution.

    I have seen wood kits for the Murano that go over the aluminium and I think it added some class "up scale" to the interior. Now I know that some people like the aluminium and that's what they want, Ok fine, but this is just an alternative to having to put up with dents. Just a thought.
  • gary132gary132 Member Posts: 8
    I am thinking of getting the Murano, and am considering colors. I looked at all the colors on the lot, and noticed that all the midnight blue cars showed streaks, blotches, and some fogging, while the other colors were clear.

    Anyone here have midnight blue (disla?) and have you had any problems keeping it clean and shiny?
  • dodoc2003dodoc2003 Member Posts: 20
    I have had my Midnight blue Murano since the end of April. I chose it because I feel that it stands out better than any of the colors currently available. As with any dark color car, it will be harder to keep clean say compared to a silver one but when it's perfectly clean, it looks awesome. I don't have any problems with streaks or blotches and I don't know what you mean by fogging. If you always maintain a nice layer of wax, it will look nicer, even if it's dirty.
  • ohiosuvohiosuv Member Posts: 33
    Personally, I stayed away from the dark colors (black, blue, red) because I think the front end has a bit of a cheshire cat look and wanted the chrome to blend in with the car color better. To a lesser extent, I wanted a color that would not show dirt well. I chose silver. If you are going to get a dark color, you might as well get black since that color looks great on any car.
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