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If you really need to convert to pdf I recommend pdfFactory from fineprint.com.
tidester, host
As background info, I bought my 2003 Sunlit Copper SL AWD MO on December 31st of last year (got a great deal), with 850 miles on it. I'm now over 18K miles. (No, REALLY).
My wife and I have two teenagers; boy, 17; girl, 15, and we were a bit leery of stuffing them in the back seat of ANY vehicle for any real length of time. The Murano (and the purchase of a mobile CD/DVD system) proved us completely wrong.
We drove an average of 675 miles each day of our vacation and the MO was a complete DREAM to drive and ride in. I burned both 85 and 87 octane (nothing higher) and realized gas mileages from 21 mpg up to 26 mpg. The highest figure, interestingly enough, was achieved at 80 mph, in the high plains of Wyoming, using 85 octane.
The seats (cloth) were fatastically comfortable, and the kids kept the back seats reclined so they could snooze or whatever. The fact that they never said a word about being uncomfortable speaks volumes.
The CVT transmission made driving through the mountains virtually effortless. I set the cruise control and watched the tach go up and down as we climbed the Rockies. One time it went into a different 'range' to handle a hill and bumped like a normal transmission will when it shifts. Once. Wow.
I used the AWD for the first time when I took 'er up an Oregon logging road that was less than flat.
For any of you that are on the fence about buying one of these babies, run to your Nissan dealer. I hope this helped somewhat.
O-O
The Pilot however is another issue. It will definitely cost you less (transmission wise) to service than the Murano.
I looked carefully (and test drove extensively) at all three of these vehicles and decided on the Murano over the 4 runner for the following reasons:
1.I didn't need the 4 runner's full time 4WD
2.The Murano's gas mileage is significantly better than the 4 Runner.
3.I didn't need the 4 Runner's admittedly tremendous off road capability.
I chose the Murano over the Pilot just because the Pilot is ugly (IMO) and I have no need for seating for more than 5, ever. The Pilot would have been a little cheaper but I couldn't get memory seats (I'm 6' and my wife is 5'), a sunroof, adjustable pedals, or much of a discount in the purchase price. I also seem to remember that the Pilot's mileage was a bit less than the Murano.
Everyone's needs are different and it's nice there are so many different vehicle choices out there that match up with those needs.
The drop in handling and power from the Maxima to the Murano was significant, but the least drop I could find at the time in the under $40k MSRP price range.
I also am closing in on an age higher than I care to admit and still really enjoy driving the Maxima and Murano, just for different purposes.
The Murano is far more flexible and a much better road cruiser (especially with SAT radio, the Bose, and the NAV system) than the Maxima.
The Maxima is really nice for short trips around twon when I need a little more cornering and acceleration performance every once in a while.
to me, however, the CVT PERFORMANCE is worth the extra cabbage.
According to the dealer I use for service, there has only been a s/b for the '03's.
Is anyone experiencing this problem with their '04's?
03 owners have to have service dept perform this function.
If so, what are some major changes from the prior year.
Urmez
Thanks!
I also put in the K&N filter right away (<1,000 miles) and was very careful to follow the break in directions for the first 1000 miles.
I'm using premium (93 octane where I live) and am averaging in 2004, 19.85 mpg, calculated both manually at each fill up and verified by the trip computer (the computer is off by + or - 1.5 mpg as compared to the manual caluclations I do).
If your driving in a lot of stop and go traffic, your mileage will be significantly less as it is a 4,000 lb vehicle and requires some serious effort to get it going. Once it's going, the mileage is better than any other mid size SUV.
The Mo will get 27-28 mpg at a constant 40 mph with no traffic to stop you. (Of course n o one can drive that way, but I've done it a few times on a particular strech of rarely traveled highway near where I live.
Here's the trick however. The Mo has a lot of wind resistance and the faster you go, the lower the mileage. I normally drive the freeways at 75-78 mph and get right at 20.5 - 21.0. The city driving is what will drive down your mileage as will speeds above 78.
tidester, host
What!?
Other than the stereo, I love my Murano.
I am shopping for Murano because I recently test drove one and fell in love with it. Currently own '02 Isuzu Axiom, nice SUV, but unfortunately it is discontinued model mostly because terrible marketing of Isuzu. I test drove Pathfinder, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Xterra, RAV4, Montero when I went with Axiom back in 2002. Murano caught my eyes and I was very impressed when I test drove it: very smooth ride (car like), impressive turn radius, nice exterior and interior, roomy inside (you can put 13" TV on dash:-), and the CVT transmission is excellent.
Are there any other crossovers or true SUV's that I should test drive (besides those mentioned above) before sticking with Murano? Never test drove Pilot because, to be honest, I never liked overrated (in my opinion) Hondas. I have seen some posts where people are complaining about rattles and other noises. Is this a common issue, or only with some Murano’s? My budget allows me to trade my Axiom with used Murano. Should I go with ’03 with low mileage or ’04 with high mileage? The only reason I am asking is because the Murano was first introduced in 2003, especially its new CVT transmission, and if there were some defects in design, they could be fixed in 2004 model, although knowing the reputation and build quality of Nissan, they wouldn’t put Murano in production without thoroughly testing the new model.
Owning ’84 Pontiac 6000, ’90 Maxima, ’93 Altima, ’93 Colt Vista, ’97 Camry, ’98 RAV4, ’00 Maxima in the past and currently ’02 Millenia and ’02 Axiom, I love Nissan the best, and look forward to seeing Nissan taking 1st place on world’s market over Honda and Toyota. Almost going bankrupt 4-5 years ago, and now crowded dealerships (just comparing my last three visits to local Nissan dealership with others) - way to go, Nissan!
I haven't heard anything to indicate that GM's CVT is more complicated or has more parts than anyone else's CVT - the whole idea of a CVT is fewer parts.
Ford has a 6 speed in reserve in case the CVT doesn't work out:
yoyo123 "Ford Freestyle" Aug 7, 2004 5:28pm
Steve, Host
My only concern is there are quite a few posters on various boards complaining about some serious issues: Alternator, Possessed windows & locks and a few with CVT failtures. (My Envoy hasn't exactly been a model of workmanship and I've had just about every issue possible, however they have been addressed and fixed and don't want to start all over with something in the same league!) I've also seen a post or two regarding very poor defrosting of the front windshield....a concern since the past couple of winters have seen significant snow fall in the north east.
In a nut shell, what percentage of Murano owners have had problems of some type or another?
And how many are truely satisfied with their purchase?
How would you rate the climate control system? - I've seen a few posters indicating poor heating performance as well.
Thanks,
Ray
It does have some of the window creaking, but it's not too bad. As far as the door locking, I think that most of the time it the cause of unlocking the doors without opening them. This will cause the car to re-lock the doors. This can be disabled.
The alernator issue has me worried but what can you do.
It a great vehicle, room, handling, and performance, with pretty good gas mileage.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5651007/
Envoy was one of the worst and Murano one of the best (least likely to roll) which makes sense since it's built on the Altima (car) frame.
Highs:
This is without a doubt the best Road Trip vehicle I've ever ridden in. The combination of the higher seating position, the sportier SE handling, the CVT (with it's infamous "S" position), nice, powerful 3.5 liter engine, the XM radio, the towing capability, and the NAV unit make it just about unbeatable, in it's price range.
Gas mileage has averaged 19.34 MPG as calculated manually at every fill-up with the mileage computer calculating a tad high at 20.15 MPG, about .80 MPG off in total. My best mileage per tank fill up was 24.4 and my worst was 12.9. I switched to Mobile One at 10,000 miles and use a K&N air filter as well.
I changed the oil and filter at every 5,000 miles, rotate the tires at 15,000 and my total maintenance costs were 162.12 for the year.
My largest fill up was 20.971 gallons. My average fill was 17.09 gallons. My most expensive fill up was 20.515 gallons of Premium at $2.249 per gallon or $45.93. I bought gas 40 times during the 12 months, 19 times 93 octane, 15 times 89 octane, and 6 times 87 octane. Gas mileage and overall engine performance seem to be the best with the 93 octane, so I'm sticking with it going forward.
I think that the overall design of the Murano's exterior body is outstanding, particularly when it comes to washing, waxing, and detailing in general. There are so many nice clean body panels and tight seams that I can literally quick detail the entire exterior of vehicle in less than 15 minutes (not counting all that glass).
The overall look of the Murano is still very attractive from almost any angle I still catch other drivers sneaking a peek almost every day while I'm on the road and sitting in traffic. I also still enjoy the look of the Murano from almost any angle, which to me is a sign of the overall great design.
The Xenon headlights are outstanding and with the adjustable height, can light up the night like nothing else I've ever driven. The memory seats are really nice with me being 6' and my wife being 5'2"
Lows:
I've got a rattle coming from what sounds like the driver's side B pillar that I cannot for the life of me locate and stop. This is the only one I have in my particular Murano. (Knocking on wood.)
This thing can really suck up the gas when it's driven in the cold weather for short trips and doesn't have a chance to warm up sufficiently. I've seen an indicated 10 mpg in the winter until it warms up and then it moves up nicely as thing warm up. It doesn't seem to be the engine that's slow to warm up either, I think it's the CVT. I wonder if some kind of transmission heater would improve this cold weather mileage?
Gas mileage above 78-80 MPH drops off very quickly as the MO isn't as aerodynamic as its looks might make you think.
The main NAV unit (player) died on me and was replaced under warranty (part price ~$2,000). Makes me wonder about the reliability of the unit at 150,000 miles and beyond and whether I'd pay to have it fixed if (when) it fails.
I think Nissan really cheaped out on the TPMS that doesn't indicate which tire is low, only that one is.
Overall, this is the best-designed and engineered vehicle I've ever owned or driven. It's not perfect, but it's awfully close to being perfect for my uses.
Workmanship is bad: floor mats are unraveling after 6 months, stitching on the seats is unraveling, wind noise is unbearable, brakes squeal, parking brake cable broke and will take days to be fixed.
Design is horrible: nothing is intuitive, placing the windshield wiper on the right steering column is stupid, the light switch should be on the left dash, the manual is poorly written, the information system tells you nothing, the radio is mediocre, remote door locks don't work.
Dealer service sucks: the 30 minute oil change took 90 minutes, they never have parts in stock, $249 for the 7K service, no shuttle or loaner cars.
People stop and tell my wife it's a cool car and she thinks that's great, but my trade-in (a 98 Mustang) was a much better car in terms of quality, workmanship and dealer service.
If I were in your place, I'd keep the Envoy and save up for a Cayenne. If you really want a Murano, I've got one cheap.
ok...first of all, youve been driving a ford, and you were used to that. but dont disparage an automaker because you cant handle change.
the manual is very well written. when you figure out how to read it, then let us know.
the radio is fine, and the remote door locks work fine...you will see when you read the manual.
What?! You've got to be kidding! After owning Ford you don't find Murano well designed? Of course when people get used to old fashion knobs and switches and from model to model same green illuminated instrument panels, it is difficult to find modern design to be intuitive.
I don't have Murano, but I am planning to purchase one very soon and cannot even look at anything else after test driving several Murano's - new and used. I owned a few Nissan's in the past (Maxima and Altima) and found Nissan's quality to be better than overblown names like Honda's and Toyota's (also owned). User's Manuals of my former Nissan's were very well written, although not in "Nissan For Dummies" style.
The only serious problem I had was a bad CD player in the first month. My dealer replaced it and I have had no problems with it since.
I have taken my Murano to my dealer for occasional noises. Each time, they eventually find the problem and fix it. They offer me my choice of a loaner or a shuttle to/from work while they are working on it. I never got this level of service from my previous [Ford] dealer.
The same dealer does all the oil changes and tire rotations, and the prices for these services are competitive with 10-minute places in my area.
It seems pretty evident that Nissan got a couple of truckloads of bad alternators at some time in the past. No problems on mine... yet?
The CVT technology was both a selling point and a cause for concern. As I was getting a new model in its first year, with a relatively unknown transmission, I opted for an extended warranty for the peace of mind. As you can read here and elsewhere, any fears of tens of thousands of Murano CVT shredding themselves haven't come to pass.
CVT's been great. I was concerned at first since it's a new technology (here in the US, anyway) but it's been flawless. Plus, the warranty covers it to 60k miles. I had an Explorer previously, but this car blows it away.
I am planning to purchase Murano SL AWD 2004. Does anyone has information about future of Murano ? Is Nissan planning to come with 2005 Murano ? And if yes, what are the new features of it ?
Thanks,
-Sankalp
But those were for the European edition :-)
European-specification Nissan Pathfinder and Murano SUVs to debut in Paris (Just-Auto.com)
Steve, Host