Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Go to NissanDriven.com and build the vehicle you want, colors options, etc. At the end of the process, it gives you an option to locate the vehicle based on dealers proximity (in miles) to the zipcode you enter in the beginning.

    Pretty easy actually and it seems to be reasonably accurate although I have found that the different dealers seem to be "committed" to maintaining their list at varying levels.

    I would call and make sure the vehicle you want is still available in their inventory before you make a trip of any distance.

    Carmax.com maintains a similar inventory of new Nissan vehciles at their Washington DC store on line and they also show the difference between the MSRP and their selling price. Usefull starting point for local negotiations.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    go to nissanusa.com and do a search for dealers in your area. then you can search their inventory one by one.
  • wilsoniiiwilsoniii Member Posts: 19
    When you locate a car that you are interested on the Nissan web site's inventory locater be sure to record its VIN number. If you negotiate by email with the internet sales manager as I did, you can make sure that there is no opportunity to change the terms or car configuration when you arrive to pick it up. Using this method was the easiest and best car shopping experience I have ever had. No stress, no waste of time, and I got the exact Murano SE AWD I wanted at a very attractive below invoice price.
  • rmoosermoose Member Posts: 1
    Local dealer has a preowned '03 Murano AWD, Leather, navigation and most other options. It has 33,000 (yep, 33,000) miles on it. Salesman on the phone claims that it has "never been titled" and that it was a "fleet car used at headquarters." Assuming that I can cut through that sort of BS, what should I be concerned about with that sort of mileage in the first year. Oh yeah, dealer's opening price is $28,995.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    ask them to pull a carfax report. if they dont, then run away!

    most of the time, there is nothing wrong with a vehicle with that kind of mileage. if it has NAV, then you might be in the $27k ballpark.
  • qwestieqwestie Member Posts: 4
    I have fallen in love with the Murano. I have test driven it (along with Highlander and Pilot) and I am sold on it. There seem to be a lot of features for the money but it is the cost that is holding me back. Will I be pleased with the purchase, do I have to use Premium gas, how bad is the blind spot, and have you found any drawbacks to owning/driving the Murano. I hope to make a decision soon. Thanks!
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    Yes .

    Will you be pleased, there is no pleasing everyone. Some have complained so much about rattles they already sold theirs. Others have no problems and love'em. I'm more towards the love it. It's an awsome vehicle (It's a Z with a trunk).

    Premium gas, no you don't 'have to' but you will get better performance.

    Blink spot, not bad get those stick on curved little mirrors. Have them on all my cars.

    Drawbacks, yes, you will drive this car more than your previous vehicle, and as other have said, you'll have a permanent grin on your face.
  • jlhjlh Member Posts: 2
    WE have 1,000 miles on our 2004 SE AWD. It does have the Dynamic control Package. We got about 15 MPG (highway )on the first tank, 14.5 (city) and 13.46 (city) on subsequent tanks. The 13.46 was on 89 Octane while the higher mileage was using 87. We have had 80 degree + weather for the first 2 weeks of March (eat your heart out) here on the Central Coast of California so cold weather should be ruled out. I wrote Nissan but they have not replied (Surprise..surprise).
       When you lower the rear seat windows all the way it sounds like a helicopter is inside the cabin. WE hall 2 Labradors in the very back so good air is a must but don't really enjoy head throb too very much.
       I did manage to turn off the lights the other night at 35 MPH while hitting the joystick to go to the high beams.
       The good now. FUN FUN FUN. handling is terrific with the Dynamic control. Superb stereo, excellent leather,electronic dash board is nice. The headlights are just great at night especially in our deer infested area.
      Boy I hope the mileage gets better. I drive my Toy Avalon at 80 MPH and get 25 MPG. Makes me wonder if I should have bought the TOY HIghlander which is generic looking and sways considerably in turns compared to the almost sportscar feel of the Murano.
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    I have a 2003 SL AWD Dynamic ctrl.

    Never get under 20 MPG, avg 21. 80% hwy @ 80 MPH

    I also have my two dogs (Vizslas) in the back.
    Rear windows down, wind buffering, happens in a lot of cars, crack you front windows a bit.
  • jlhjlh Member Posts: 2
    dmmakoski

    Did your car take a while to "Break in" and get that kind of mileage that I expected ?

    thanks
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    most cars take awhile to break in. i have 5000 miles on a 6-month old car, and have gotten nowhere near the EPA estimates. (could have something to do with my foot)

    also, nissan, ford, honda, toyota, etc...will not do anything for poor mileage unless the engine light is on. the numbers on the window sticker are EPA 'ESTIMATES' that the government requires manufacturers to post on their vehicles. they are not manufacturer numbers.
  • oreokeoreoke Member Posts: 14
    All,

    I'm just about to go over 6,000 miles on my Murano (end-of-year 2003 SL AWD, cloth seats, Bose, sunroof) and, with the minor exception of the gas mileage, I'm truly in love with this beastie! I just got back from an 1,100-mile trip that I considered her 'sea trials' and by far she's the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned.
    When I drive around town at home (80% highway/20% city) I get about 19 - 19.5 mpg. On this trip I noticed speed made a huge difference. At 80 mph she only gave me 17.5 mpg, but at 72 - 73 mph that jumped to 19 mpg. There was some wind to contend with on each half of the trip so I know that made some difference. Overall, I was hoping for better 100% highway mileage, and maybe she'd give me that if I could keep my foot out of her rear. ;)
    How many of you have spooled yours up to 100+ mph? I just had to (heh) and I was VERY impressed with the way she hunkered down and handled.
    I had a passenger in the back for the nine-hour return trip and he told me that was the most comfortable long trip he's EVER taken. And I didn't even ask him. Kudos to the Nissan engineers!

    O-O
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    Break in, no not really.

    I started watching my mileage at around 1500 miles. Now I am using the trip computer and even reset it once.

    I'm planning on using Mobil 1 thei summer and an expecting even better mileage say 22 I would hope.
  • dodoc2003dodoc2003 Member Posts: 20
    Typically, I average just under 20 mpg on roughly 50/50 highway/local driving. Of course, without the heat/AC on, it bumps up a little (I assume that when manufacturers test for fuel economy, nothing is really turned on, all of which can affect fuel economy). If I'm strictly going highway, I've gotten up to 22 mpg. I'm also in the Chicago area meaning the fuel we get contains up to 10% ethanol. From my understanding, this will reduce the fuel economy of any vehicle. Overall, I would say I get pretty close to the claimed fuel economy.
  • qwestieqwestie Member Posts: 4
    Wow, I am very excited (a bit nervous) because I will be picking up my new SL AWD (loaded) tomorrow. Good price, $200 over invoice and I get to take advantage of the last day of Nissans great interest rates.
    Any guidance from anyone out there...should I purchase the extended warranty now, what about putting on a paint sealant, what type of gas (mileage is a worry for me)? Is there anything else I might need to know. Thanks to all.
  • gone2mauigone2maui Member Posts: 7
    You won't be disappointed. I have an 04 SL AWD, Super Black with Caffe Late leather interior. Fully loaded including nav and sunroof. I didn't get the extended warranty because I felt the base warranty is good enough. I did get the paint sealant (negotiated it to $450 and had them throw in a rental car for the day).
    Good luck and enjoy the ride!
  • gone2mauigone2maui Member Posts: 7
    Can someone tell me what the 'usual' break in period is? I asked the sales rep and he said to wait 10,000 miles before long hauls. This seems awfully high to me. All help and advice is appreciated.
  • qwestieqwestie Member Posts: 4
    When I pick up my car today I am planning on asking about breaking the car in. I will post what I find out. What type of gas are you folks putting into your Murano?
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    break-in procedure is as follows (ive been through this a couple hundred times) ;-)...

    for the first 1200 miles:

    1) dont take the RPMs over 4000
    2) dont accelerate at full throttle at any speed
    3) avoid hard braking as much as possible
    4) dont tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Try to avoid driving "long" periods of time at a constant speed ie, driving at 55 mph for the first 100 mile trip. The Murano helps avoid this problem with the CVT because you can change the "program gear" to change up the rpms for a few minutes easily.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    i forgot that one...

    just dont use cruise control for 1000 miles...at least not for more than a minute or two at a time.
  • gbuachargbuachar Member Posts: 9
    I am having a hard time finding a Murano AWD with VDC package here in MN. Does anyone who live in the snow country know if it is beneficial to have that option?
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    It was also hard for me to find AWD with VDC in CT. They must ship them all to the south %^)

    Alway I kept my dealer searching and found one in the next state MA.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Maybe dmmakoski is on to something? I found my AWD with VDC in NC!
    :)
  • gbuachargbuachar Member Posts: 9
    dmmakoski, did you find vdc useful in the snow?
  • b_topb_top Member Posts: 4
    Today is the first full day I have owned my 04 SL AWD Murano and it came with VCD so you can get it in Minnesota. But to tell the truth I must see an improvment in the gas mileage before I can say that I made a very good decision in this purchase because, I am only getting 14.6 mpg in just city driving. I did get detailed information from my Salesperson that there is a break in period if appox 1200 miles. When can I expect to see an increase in the mileage???
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    My 03 Murano SE AWD with VDC got as low as 15mpg during break in and has slowly but consistently gotten better.

    I'm now at 16,000 miles and getting 20-21 in the city and 21-22 on the highway. I keep the tires inflated to about 36lbs cold pressure and I also switched over to Mobile One 5-30 and 10,000 miles.

    I'm very happay with the mileage I'm getting now considering the size, shape and weight of the vehicle.

    I'm a bit dissapointed that I can't get better highway mileage but the Murano just isn't slippery enough to get above 22 or so at 80 mph.

    The best mileage is at about 45 where I see in the 25-27 mpg range but you can't drive very far at that speed.

    Keep in mind tha every time you stop and start again is the worst mileage as it takes a lot of gas to get the beast moving, but when it's moving, it's pretty efficient.

    I've actually modified slightly my normal route to work to one that has less traffic lights for this very reason.

    The Murano also uses significantly more gas when it's engine and CVT are cold than when warmed up so if you have lots of short trips (<5 miles), your mileage is not going to be great.
  • b_topb_top Member Posts: 4
    So all I can do is wait, and hope for the best after my break in period. Does the Murano need the 91 octane rated gas or can I just give it a couple of drops every three to four tanks full? The reason for this ? is this is my first forary into another car manufacture as I have owned strictly Fords for the past 50 years. To be honest when I wanted a new car I happen to drive by a Nissan dealer and caught a glance of the Murano and said to my wife that (that is one ugly car I have ever seen) So I ended up buying it on 03/31/04 and got one hell of a deal on it.
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    What kind of deal did you get? Just interested as I may be looking in a couple months.
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    Yes and no. When it snowed here I chickened out driving the MO since it was so new and took the bus into work but....

    Our Toyota has it and it is very good, really helps you from swinging out the rear end.
  • b_topb_top Member Posts: 4
    Got the 2004 SL AWD $50.00 over Invoice from Luther Nissan Kia in Inver Grove Heights, MN
  • gone2mauigone2maui Member Posts: 7
    Thanks! I hope you're enjoying your new Murano. I use premium fuel in mine.

    Enjoy the ride!
  • qwestieqwestie Member Posts: 4
    All newest entries very interesting to read as I just picked up my Sl AWD (no VDC but ok since I live in CA) on 3/31/04. I am really concerned about the mileage issue (I had that in mind before the purchase) and am learning a lot reading your messages. b_top, you did get a great deal. I paid $200 over invoice and thought that was good. I am wondering about using a mid grade gas 89 octane...any advice there? So far so good, I really love her but I still love my '93 Maxima.
  • gbuachargbuachar Member Posts: 9
    b_top, do you find Luther in Inver Grove Hts. curtious and helpful? I was turned off by Morries in Brooklyn Park.
  • mkilshotmkilshot Member Posts: 9
    Hi, anyone interested in comparing the two? I am buying next year. Was having M in mind. Now with hybrid the ride, the mileage, and the power should be better. Design could be a minus, but reliability is a Plus. Not considering Hilander -- no offense, but a bit traditional look. What do you, guys, think? I would honestly like to hear something negative about the hybrid, as it would cost quite a few K more. Thank you in advance.
  • eweisseweiss Member Posts: 11
    I've been reading the Town Hall posts for a while now, and wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the great info. My '04 SL MO arrives tomorrow. Can't wait!!
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    Congrats!
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    Hi,
    Keep us posted on how it works out for you, especially from a problems/reliability standpoint. The Murano is on my very short list for a fall purchase for my wife and I love hearing how they're working out for people. Kind of narrowed down to Murano or Eddie Bauer V8 Exploder. Both have pluses and minuses. The Ford has good discounts, better for towing, may even be better on safety. The MO is better gas mileage, styling, etc. Anybody got anything to chime in on which they'd go with? Probably MO since it's a MO board. I'm in MN and I've heard bad things about the MO's ability to keep a windshield clear of ice and snow and debris, plus snow tires on 18"ers could be big ging a ling!!
  • dmmakoskidmmakoski Member Posts: 72
    We looked at the Ford explorer, seemed like it's little brother the Escape had more passenger room!

    Safe. hmmm U-haul won't even rent you a trailer if you have an Explorer.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    murano has FAR more safety equipment than the explorer.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    I had the same concerns when I was shopping for my next vehicle, starting in 2002.

    I had already narrowed it down to an SUV for the flexibility of the vehicle (and I needed more towing capacity than the 1,000 lbs my 00 Maxima SE could handle).

    I couldn't make the move to a domestic, even though I tried them all. The gas mileage was just terrible and the reliablility and crash test scores were abysmal. While the reliablility seeming to be getting better all the time, is still now where near the Hondas-Nissans-Toyotas.

    Drove the Highlander, no soul, nothing but tan colored interior available in the 03's with XLE V6, so it was off the list.

    Drove the Pilot and thought, now this isn't a bad compromise. Actually placed an order out with the local Honda dealer, told it would be 2-3 months to get my preferred color combination (Silver Exterior/Black Interior).

    While I was waiting for the Pilot, the Murano was announced. After some research, I decided to cancel the Pilot order and wait for the Murano.

    I now have the 03 SE AWD with all the options including NAV and Nissan's XM Satellite radio. I was delivered July 29,2003 and now has about 17,000 miles on it.

    Mileage has now consistently been 19-20 mixed driving and 21-22 highway with great acceleration and handling (for a 4,000 lb vehicle) using 93 octane premium gas.

    I think if you really drive all of the vehicles, you'll come to the same conclusion that a lot of us have, the Murano offers an excellent blend of performance, flexibility, and style for a very reasonable price.

    The safety features are very nice including side curtain air bags and side seat air bags, available traction control and dynamic stability control, good crash test scores, and very few if any, significant first year build issues.

    The CVT was originally my major concern with the relatively high horsepower of the 3.5 liter VQ engine, but so far, has performed flawlessly and certainly achieves better gas mileage than a comparable automatic transmission could.

    This was my third first year build Nissan 95 Maxima, 00 Maxima, and 03 Murano. All three have been excellent overall, and all three were built/assembled in Japan.
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    Can anybody chime in about the MO's winter capabilities? The only posts I've read so far say the MO is NOT that great in winter, like the huge windshield with the degree of rake makes it hard to keep clean for both the defroster and windshield wiper. Also read the wiper motor sucked and wasn't powerful. Since I'm in MN, the winter handling of my next purchase is a huge factor. How does the AWD handle the snow? Do I need Bli$$aks even though it's AWD?
  • eweisseweiss Member Posts: 11
    Hi. I've had it for three days now, and I can't be happier. Gas mileage is MUCH better than I expected, to start with. It was delivered with 160 miles (they had to drive it to San Diego from Los Angeles), and it averaged 22 MPG. I got same on another drive up the freeway. Not sure about city driving yet. I went from an Explorer to MO (still have the Explorer), and I looked at the new Explorers. They're nice (and have great discounts right now. Hmmm...), but the allocation of space is very different. The MO gives the rear seat more room, while the Explorer forced a third row in, a la Pilot & Highlander. Plus, the design for the MO is much more bold than the Explorer. I also think there's no comparison when it comes to safety features. Don't know about snow/cold driving :-). Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    I live in the Milwaukee area and while it's certainly not Minnesota, it's not that far away (climate wise).

    The Murano windshield is hard to clear (with an ice scraper) because of it's size (like all SUV's?) but I have had no problems at all with the defroster or wipers keeping things clear during snow/ice. The rear wiper isn't great, (kind of small in my opinion) but seemed to serve it's general purpose.

    The automatic climate control won't run effectively until the vehicle is warmed up.

    I got in the habit of starting mine and letting it warm up for about 3-4 minutes before I drove off.

    The one flaw in the design is that the wipers are very difficult to raise when the car is shut off. They kind of hide below the hood line and you have to be very careful lifting them out to clean under them.

    I lived in Minneapolis (well Blaine)for three years and I don't know if I'd buy the Murano if I didn't have a garage to keep it in at night.

    Just too much glass to clear (IMO).

    The AWD version gets around fine in snow on the standard Goodyear tires but I personally plan on getting a set of dedicated snow tires for next winter. I like the high level of confidence that dedicated snow tires provide and also the extra life I get out of my regular tires/wheels.

    I only noticed the AWD functioning under 18mph when getting started up. Otherwise I never noticed it working.

    I have 17,000 miles on mine and took delivery on July 29th.
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    Thanks for the input. I live in Lino, right next to Blaine. Grew up in White Bear Lake. If we do get a MO, which I think we might if can stomach the payment that comes with it, it will be garaged next to my 2000 Max. My wife will probably drive it. Then when it's paid off, it's my turn for a new something ;-)
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    Had my Muranoro about a year now in Ottawa and I have had no problems as far as defrosting or clearing the front window with the wipers. As dklanecky said, the stock tires weren't too bad for winter driving but as the tread wears I am sure they will get worse.
  • biglabigla Member Posts: 4
    I'm in the market to buy the SL AWD Murano in the next week or so in Lansing Michigan. The sticker on the loaded package without the entertainment system is $36K and change. I've heard. From what I hear, I can talk the price down, but don't know what my tactics would be or what is considered a good deal to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Brian
  • dijdij Member Posts: 9
    bigla,

    A good place to start is to use this web site to research the invoice price for the vehicle you want. That gives you a starting place for negotiations. Some people have been able to get below-invoice pricing (usually on last year's model after the new ones came out, but not always). I offered my dealership $299 over invoice plus tax, title, and license, NO FEES. I might have been able to get a better deal, but the vehicle I wanted wasn't anywhere to be found within 350 miles so the dealer had to get one off the next boat in. My sales people had to work hard to find a car for me so I felt like they'd earned some commission.

    Mine hasn't come in yet (supposed to be in a week from today!), so I haven't signed on the dotted line but I'm hoping I don't have to fight when them over silly fees.

    You may be able to do better. Depends on how easy it is to find the vehicle you want and how much they want to sell it. End of the month is next week and Nissan has good financing (.9% for 3 years or less, 2.9% for up to 60 months) so you may be able to get a sweet deal.

    Go to the NissanUSA site, configure the vehicle with the options you want, and check dealer inventory near you to see if what you want is in stock.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    advice #1: be upfront. if you are ready to buy, make an offer. dont be mousey about it. theres no easier way to turn a dealer off to you than by being squirrelly.

    #2: find invoice pricing on the one you want WITH THE SAME EQUIPMENT, and add whatever you consider to be a fair profit. most people i deal with consider 2-3% to be fair.

    #3: be at least a little flexible. if they get at least reasonably close, then save yourself the aggravation and get the new car.

    the less hassle you create for yourself, the happier you will be in the long run with your purchase. many will disagree with me, but if you research JD Power, they will back me up.

    im not saying to pay MSRP, but dont create more stress than necessary either.
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    Does the Murano with it's AWD start out as good as a Subaru or MDX, or Exploder or Tahoe in the snow? Obviously factors like tires come into play, but I've heard that MDX's do great in the snow and I'm wondering if Muranos would be similar? Anybody have kids? How is it getting car seats in and out and general kids type stuff? That's in the plan and the Misses will NOT get a minivan! I'm thinking the Murano would be better than other SUVs because the back seat seemed lower without having to reach up to lift in and out.
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