Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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  • jayb0252jayb0252 Member Posts: 1
    Hi! Jay here. I purchased a 2004 Murano SL AWD, fully loaded. I love it. Handled very well this winter in the snow and icy conditions. I hope that you are as fortunate with your new purchase as I have been. I had a Chevrolet Blazer (1984) for almost 17 years and it was the most fun vehicle to drive (until I got my Murano). Fun to drive and lots of performance. Getting used to the CVT transmission took a little bit (doesn't shift) - it just keeps going faster :-)
  • tkoimmtkoimm Member Posts: 12
    If you look at my message above (#2366), you know how I feel about the Murano. Coincidentally, my wife has a 2004 Toyota Highlander Limited, and it's an almost flawless vehicle. It has a silky smooth ride, and I think there's a lot of zip in its 6 cylinder engine. I've never heard a rattle in it. Having said that, however, it's a lot more fun driving the Murano. The Highlander looks bland, and it does not corner like the Murano. The Highlander feels a little tippy when it takes corners quickly. The Murano takes corners with the grip of my Audi A4. Tom
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    I finally got around to driving both the SE and SL today on identical courses and I'm afraid I couldn't tell much difference. It's probably gonna come down to whichever model we can find in Merlot/Charcoal cloth. That is a rare combination here in central Texas but I now know that I can be content with either one.
  • muranormuranor Member Posts: 1
    In Canada, the extended warranty for 84 months/120,000km is $1,850.

    Is the extended warranty worth buying for 05 Murano SE?

    Your input is highly appreciated.
  • mcunninghammcunningham Member Posts: 5
    I purchased a new 04 Murano back in Feb. 05. I just rolled 3750 miles. The only problem I have had is poor radio reception. Gas mileage (mixed driving) has averaged between 20-22 MPG. The computer calculation is right on target versus my manual calculation. Lot's of room, excellent storage, comfortable ride. Incidentally, I have tried both 89 octane and 93 octane. Same mileage and performance on either grade of gas so far. No rattles no issues, enjoying the vehicle.
  • ridgeline_2006ridgeline_2006 Member Posts: 19
    Nissan Murano 2003 does not have an emergency release for fuel filler lid..!!!!! This is a very poor design from Nissan.. I wonder if this year model has this feature..
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Could you possibly provide us with the names of the automobiles you know of that have this "emergency release" for the fuel filler lid? :confuse:

    In the past, having trouble with the lid not opening on other cars, I used a small, slim flathead screwdriver or a shim. The failure rate is very low, and not something worth the trouble or expense of designing some "emergency" release for.

    I hardly think the issue is one so dramatic to lable it as poor design. Goodness! :P
  • ridgeline_2006ridgeline_2006 Member Posts: 19
    Do you own a Murano? If you do, take a look at the fuel lid. If you have a Murano, have the driver side door un-lock and other 3 doors lock and use the slim flatheat to open,... GOOD LUCK....You will destroy the filler lid if use the slim flathead to open. I still think is a bad design/POOR design for long run... The filler lid is not seal with gasket and water get inside between the filler lid and the gas cap then later the lock will be rusted.... Nissan's designer did not think on this issue.......Carelesss.....
  • angelusangelus Member Posts: 2
    Absolutely. This thing is noisy&rides like my 1971 Beetle! It is a shame. Nissan could have done so much better. Mine is a 05 model,I will sell it before 06. I am surprised so many other owners do not report on this annoyance.They all probably drove Fiats in their previous lives. Ha,ha...!
  • angelusangelus Member Posts: 2
    Have you tried this beauty @over 40mph on a concrete road? What were you driving before? Sorry,no pun intended.
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    Where are you located? I'm looking for a gently used '05 so I don't have to eat the big first year depreciation.
  • baldwin3baldwin3 Member Posts: 121
    With gas now at $2.50/gal and climbing, is 18.8 mpg sound reasonable for driving around country roads at 4,000 ft altitude. Have 2,000 miles so far and have not gone to the flatlands yet. Is it true that a dealer can computer-tweak the CVT to improve mileage and is it true that mileage gets better with 5,000 miles on the engine. Otherwise, not a single problem. Thanks
  • metfan1metfan1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi Gang: Lots of Murano testosterone in this forum. I am about to join the club and pull the trigger on a new 04 Murano next week. However my wife is set on the Sunlit Copper with Charcoal and I am hesitant. Just wondering if we will tire of the color. Anybody out there with the copper or have any strong opinions either way???
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Go for it!

    When I ordered my 03, I wanted the copper but the wife said no way. Now, two years later, whenever she sees a copper one she says I wish we'd of gotten the copper. So now we hqave 3 silver vehicles in the driveway! I thought the copper would turn out to be a fashion color, but it doesn;t appear to be the case, at least so far.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you do a customized appraisal here for a used '03 Murano, the "light brown" color is worth a little bit more than silver. (link)

    Steve, Host
  • skinnydogskinnydog Member Posts: 20
    Funny to see so many A4 owners buying or considering the Murano. I'm another one considering it :D
  • srikanth2305srikanth2305 Member Posts: 22
    Any one knows nissan offers this? We have a murano now and considering a Quest.

    Thanks in adavance.
  • plawin1plawin1 Member Posts: 10
    I bought a Murano, but I was really looking for a tall station wagon. (The Dodge Magnum was a very close second. All the other wagons were too low.) Now that I have it, it seems to be higher and have a stiffer ride than I remember from the test drive. This is frustrating because Nissan advertizes the Murano as the "Urban Utility Vehicle", yet they give it an 8" ground clearance. I assume this is so it's classified as a "truck" for CAFE purposes.

    The high ground clearance gives it a high center of gravity. So they need big anti-roll bars to get it to corner reasonably (and I like the cornering. It's very good for a tall vehicle.) This results in a lot of sideways motion when one side finds a bump and the other doesn't.

    So, my thought is that the right "drop kit" could actually improve the ride on a Murano. The lower center of gravity would allow you to replace the bars with something smaller. Has anyone heard of such a kit for a Murano?
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Nissan doesn't offer any Owner Loyalty program, at least not to my knowledge.

    I wish they did, but my local dealer knows me and I feel like I always get pretty good pricing when I buy new. I've owned 3 Nissans, (95 Maxima, 00 Maxima and now 03 Murano) all bought new from the same dealer, over the last 10 years.

    Seem to me the loyalty programs out there tend to be in the domestic brands.
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    I know I see ads for Hyundai loyaly incentives and I believe also Kia.
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    I know that from time to time (maybe once a year) I do get coupons in the mail stating that since I am a current Nissan owner that I qualify for a $500 loyalty rebate. This is in Canada though.
  • shaniashania Member Posts: 1
    I got the same problem. My gas was on empty and I cannot open this gas lid.
    Called the dealer and he said the only way is to open the trunk and pry open the sidings and try to find a latch that would pop. Later the dealer changed the actuator-- worked only for week and now every time I have to fill-up , I have to go through the trunk rite. All my sidings are already hanging loose and falling apart.
  • numbersixnumbersix Member Posts: 4
    I'd like to purchase seat covers to protect the leather when we take the vehicle out for skiing, biking, hiking, etc., but am concerned about side airbag safety. Are full seat covers a hazard with respect to the airbags? If so, anyone know ofseat covers that are airbag safe? Any that are designed specifically for the Murano? Thanks...
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    There are some available, here's a couple of example's I found via Google:

    http://www.misssideless.com/homepage.html

    http://www.seatcoverworld.com.au/airbags.htm

    There are Lots more.
  • debbie6debbie6 Member Posts: 3
    Hi there, My husband was in a serious auto accident in his 2004 Murano he bought in October. He was driving down the road at about 25 - 30 mph when the car in front of him turned suddenly. He went to swerve and went into the oncoming traffic lane and could not get the car to go back or for that matter go right or left it was as if the power steering cut out. The lady he hit is seriously injured. I fanyone knows of anywhere i could find out more info or any other foorums you may e-mail me directly at luckyduck2001@aol.com. Thanks for your help!
  • ridgeline_2006ridgeline_2006 Member Posts: 19
    Shania: What year is your Murano? Can you give me more information on how you open the fuel lid from the trunk? Regards.
  • homeounerhomeouner Member Posts: 145
    Debbie; There has been a lot of comments about hard steering on the MO. CU said in there 04 review of the Murano that a steering defect was noticed and corrected in the 05 models. There are postings on alternator problems, no recalls but fixed as needed under warrantee, wont help much W/ a break down in the middle of no where. This steering problem is a safety issue and should be reported to the NTSB. Nissan will say that there is no problem, reminds me of the many problems G M had in the "70s and ignored.
  • debbie6debbie6 Member Posts: 3
    hi there, this is to homeouner or anyone else who knows - sorry i do not know much about cars can you tell me what MO is and CU in the above post and where i can find those reports. Guess we should have checked these things before the accident! thanks for your help! Debbie
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    MO = Murano

    CU = Consumer Reports(see first comment below from the review in their Used Autos section and 2nd comment from their latest 2005 review)

    Overview: The Murano's refined and powerful 3.5-liter V6 is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering strong performance and respectable fuel economy. Handling is responsive, secure, and forgiving with optional stability control, but marred by a steering defect; it can momentarily become stiff in certain conditions. A stiff and noisy ride is a significant drawback. The front seats are fairly comfortable and the interior is stylishly dressed, but the trim doesn't provide the rich feel one expects in this class. Although acess is easy and the seating is roomy, cargo space is limited.

    From the April 2005 Auto issue - The steering defect problem we experienced in our first test vehicle has been rectified in the 2005 model we tested, enabling us to recommend the Murano.
  • homeounerhomeouner Member Posts: 145
    Debbie: Sorry for the MO & CU, but another poster explained it very well and inserted the CU article about their test drive. The normal steering effort is the hardest of any power steering car i have ever had since 1955.? but handling is very good!! once your arm strength builds up. There ought to be call backs on the alternators & steering effort.
  • mevandemevande Member Posts: 190
    Hello all,
    I am contemplating buying a Murano. Does it have "near" car like ride quality? Thanks in advance!

    Mike :)
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    I won't compare the handling to any car. I consider the Murano as a truck with better handling. Aside from the gas consumption, you'll notice that the power steering is almost not a power steering. I would expect a less stiffer one from Nissan...Other than that, it would turn heads for sure...Murano is a beautiful SUV.
  • debbie6debbie6 Member Posts: 3
    thank you both for your responses! We did file a complaint with the Safety Board and it looks like there are 8-10 others that have had this problem. Thanks again.
  • smartgazzsmartgazz Member Posts: 6
    Does anyone have any idea about new 2006 Nissan Murano? Such as any minor or major redesign? Any info will be very appreciated since I am now getting into buy the 2005 Murano but not sure to wait for the 2006 version.
    Thanks
  • tkoimmtkoimm Member Posts: 12
    The Murano was recently introduced in England this year. If you read the Murano reviews in the British car press (online), you will note that they describe a car that has been modified, and allegedly improved, with hundreds of changes for better performance, which supposedly are going to be incorporated into the 2006 Murano in the USA.
  • smartgazzsmartgazz Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the info. It would be great if you can suggest me the website of the British car press.
  • tkoimmtkoimm Member Posts: 12
    Check out the reviews of the Murano on the following websites: Telegraph UK, Parker's UK and Auto Express UK. Tom
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    Hello everyone,

    I finally purchased my 2004 Murano SL yesterday after test driving other SUV’s. Actually I traded in my 2002 Isuzu Axiom, which I enjoyed very much. The Murano is the basic SL AWD with no additional fancy options – just what I need. My questions to you are:

    1. Is it possible to install a roof rack on Murano that does not have one? If so, where can it be purchased?
    2. I would like to install cargo cover and cargo net as I am so used to these accessories from my Isuzu. What is the best place to purchase these accessories from?
    3. What is the best place to purchase a towing hitch (with harness), and how easy is it to install the towing package? Has anyone installed the hitch from U-haul?
    4. I had a tape player in my Axiom that I used for connecting my laptop (for playing DVD’s and using navigation software) to the audio system of the vehicle. This Murano has no tape player. What are my options of connecting my laptop to Murano’s audio system? Although the Murano has no tape player, it seems like the previous owner had satellite radio installed in the car as there is a base with weird connector made by Delphi (SKYFI Car Cradle) that has audio cables and power cable attached to it. I hope I can use the audio cables for connecting the laptop, but the display show “No SAT” when I press SAT button. The attached cables wired from Murano’s audio (somewhere from CD player).
    5. And finally, there are 8 bolts that I found in the glove box. Each bolt has a sharp end on one end and thread on the other. Does anyone know what these bolts (or pins) are for?

    It is the second day of my purchase, and I am looking for a reason to start this beauty and drive somewhere...
  • drawmerdrawmer Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone,

    Could anyone educate me about the Six-speed manual mode CVT on the SE model? Does it mean Durano can be driven in both manual shift and automatic? Thanks.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Since there are no actual gears in the CVT, only preset computer programs, just leaving it in D is what most do. The pre-programmed "six speeds" are just for entertainment value, IMO.

    I actually like the original 2003 Muranos that had D, Ds, and L.

    Ds really flies.
  • andytommoandytommo Member Posts: 33
    I have an '04 SE, and several people who have been in my car have commented that the manual mode is just for show and nobody would ever use it apart from the first couple of times, before the novelty wears off......well 17,000 miles later it hasn't worn off yet.
    I do leave it in Drive most of the time yes, but if Im in a sporty frame of mind, I'll knock it across to manual and have a play with the 'gears'.
    On a highway if I want to pull out and do some overtaking I'll pop it across and down a few gears to 4th or 3rd; if I manage to find a windy country road somewhere at night its good to play between 2nd and 4th - all my previous cars (in the UK) have been manual, and theres nothing like being able to lock ur car in the proper gear for driving around twists and turns. I also use the manual mode to slow the car down (saves the brakes) if im coming to a red light, circle, etc.
    Is it worth spending extra on the SE for the manual mode, that depends on what kind of driver you are. Coupled with the upgraded suspension, to me it was worth it, for making the driving experience that little bit better.
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    No suggestions on my message 2417? Not at all?
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    The only thing this board lacks is a Tombstone!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Have you bought yours yet? What color did you settle on?

    tidester, host
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    Will do the deal on Monday. Merlot SL. It's taken me a while 'cause there's not a lot of that color in stock.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Fantastic! Be sure to come back and give us a full report.

    tidester, host
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    Just curios ...what gas mileage you get on your Murano, driving in such a sporty -aggressive way :))
    BTW..in the UK, Nissan is offering a Murano Diesel version...too cool to be true!!!
    Hope they’ll import some here too….Just hoping )
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    VW too!
  • herml23herml23 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know when the new 2006 Nissan Muranos will be released? I am looking to buy one soon and didn't want to buy a 2005 if the 2006s are going to be released soon.

    Thanks
  • scottshivscottshiv Member Posts: 2
    Is cabernet leather still an option on the Murano? A salesman said no and customer service said yes.
This discussion has been closed.

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