Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

gt3996

I went to a dealer last week and test drove an SE then an SL on the same road, under the same conditions. In my opinion, the SE simply handles better. I liked it so much better, I bought a used 2004 SE the next day. If people call better handling (less roll in the corners) harsh, than I am all for it. The SL is still a great call, just not as agile - it's that simple.

autobuy

I just bought an 05 SL AWD that I ordered an aftermarket 2"receiver hitch for. I checked the instructions in the Nissan wiring harness kit at my dealer's parts department. You will need to stay with the factory wiring harness from Nissan. The kit includes a new fuse that will need to be installed in the fuse box. The connections seem to be up by the tail lights if I remember correctly and it looks like an elaborate kit. It is NOT a simple single plug in and wire routing. The kit also includes an extra fuse, cable ties and a rubber grommet for the wire pass through to the under side of the car. The installation instructions for a Murano receiver hitch that I have seen on line look pretty simple. You do need to remove the tow/tie down hook and release and lower the exhaust system to install the receiver hitch. I will let you know if I encounter any problems. I will not get the hitch until next week. Good Luck

Mine is only 2 days old, no rattles yet(hopefully never)

snowrider

Has any one installed one of those vortex generators/velocity tuners on your murano? They are supposed to be installed on your air intake and are supposed to increase your HP and MPG. If any one has any experience with these can you please give me your opinion of them. Thanks

stever

Check out Gas Saving Gizmos & Gadgets.

Steve, Host

mortensen

does anyone have the "husky floor liners" for the 2nd seat in their 2005 murano? I'm thinking of getting them but want to know how they fit? Thanks.

carguy83

It may be too early for this question, but does anyone know how common the Dynamic Control Package is? Easy or hard to find muranos equipped with it?(More specifically looking at an SL with touring package)

ricksofla

Before I plunk down a lot of cash on a used 2003 (SL/AWD)Murano, I thought it a good idea to get some opinions from owners. 2003 is the first full model year. After reading a considerable amount of BLOG on transmission problems, I have concerns about the reliablity as compared to an '04 or '05. Or, for that matter, are there inherent transmission problems for all years. Comments would be appreciated.

:confuse:

gyver65

I have heard that their biggest problem for 2003 to 2005 models is the alternator which was part of a recall. I just bought a new 2005. I mentioned the recall to the dealer but they seemed to (or pretended to) know nothing about it. Hopefully I will not have any problem but you never know. I traded a 2000 Honda Odyssey for it. With the Odyssey I was on my third transmission and second EGR valve. I never trade a vehicle but I was desperate to get rid of the van.

Anytime you buy a new or used vehicle you are taking a gamble. There is alot of good information on these forums but for the most part people visit the forums if they are having problems or are in the market for a new car. I'm sure there are plenty of people that have Muranos that never visit the forums because they are happy with their vehicle. I would focus on trying to get the best deal possible. You will not be able to predict any major problems the vehicle will have in the future. Some vehicles of the same make and model tend to have more problems than their brothers and sisters for no apparent reason.

Good luck!

ricksofla

Thanks for the info. It's a help.
The current owner bought new from a local dealer. For what's it's worth, I can purchase an extension of the Nissan warranty. Jury is out on whether that offers peace of mind or confirms insanity.
I'm considering killing the deal and going to the dealer for a '05 left over or demo.

angelab39

I have a 2003 Murano which I have now had since August 2003. I have to say it has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned. Aside from routine maintenance, the only times it has been in the shop have been for a new battery (which did go early at less than 1 1/2 years, but I'm not so sure that's a Nissan issue) and the leather cracked on one of the seats on the side and had to be replaced, and the CD player was skipping a lot and needed to be replaced. After experiencing the first year of the 2002 Altima, Nissan was lucky to maintain my business, but the Murano has proven very fun to drive and reliable thus far. However, I only have 23,000 miles on it. I would suggest an 04 or 05 if you can do it though because of the integrated satellite radio.

angelab39

When I looked into adding XM to my 03 Murano, it was going to be about $600 to add it. Though the vehicle is wired for it, my understanding is the cost of both labor and parts is significant.

ricksofla

Does anyone have information on whether the 06 bumper skid plate will fit earlier models? ('03).

Rick

rogalb

I guess it's a matter of perspective.
Coming from a sportscar, the SE seems, at worst, just firm. The shocks seem valved a bit tight for sharp edges and do transmit a bit on those sharp edges and speedbumps, but it seems otherwise fine. I drove an SL and knew I'd end up springing for different springs to help control roll, and so opted for the SE up front.

A good compromise position, for the tinkering set anyway, is to get an SL with it's relatively plush shocks, and then throw in some Eibach or H&R springs, or a full Nismo suspension package. All of those also provide a lower ride, and thus better handling still.

That will yield less roll than an SL, but still be pretty comfy

rogalb

complete anti-physics crap bought exclusively by the feeble minded. I can't believe the FTC still allows them to be sold.

tidester

I can't believe the FTC still allows them to be sold.

I think the standard is "does no harm." Or was that the FDA?

tidester, host

homeouner

Several months ago a news note that the govt. was opening an investigation into whether the fuel tank of MURANO SUV was susceptible to puncture from road debris during normal driving after four complaints of the fuel tank being punctured during normal conditions. Has anyone heard of any more information.

homeouner

From Homeouner; In the early 1970s a device looking like a 1/4" thick gasket that was installed btwn. the manifold and carb. called hydro-catalist was popular. It cost apx. $15.00. It looked like s small soup strainer W/ two layers of screening for 2 brl. carbs. or on the primary of a 4 brl. It was touted to increase milage by 10-12%. This was the days of retarded ignition and before catlitic converters so the instruction were to advance the timing 2-3% which would give a little better performance and miliage any way. The shop I would visit several years later had a box full he had removed as being worthless. What goes around comes around.

tidester

The FTC does actually offer some good advice (some call it common sense) for improving gas mileage and, for the record, does not endorse any products.

tidester, host

hollywd

Last week I purchased a new 2005 SL with touring package. My window sticker says I should have a cargo net, but I don't see anything that resembles a net. I have the cargo cover - is there some way this converts into the 'net' ? Or should there be a separate piece?

Seems like a silly question, but I can't find any info or pictures of this cargo net.

droo

It's a whole different piece than the retractable cargo cover thing.

I've heard of these being stashed in one of the rear storage compartments (on either side of the spare tire), and the dealer forgetting to point it out to a new owner.

pier

I had the same problem. They forgot to install one. The dealer apologized and ordered it. Two weeks later, the part arrived.

I'm not too impressed with it - a little flimsy.

jbgraham

I ran across this interesting article in the London Times (online). Murano folks might find it nice reading. Perhaps it had a previous posting here. Sorry if that's the case. J

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-1610992_1,00.html

roadrunner70

i have three problems and i am coming up on the end of the 36 month warranty.
1. noticable pre-ignition, even with premium (different brands) on slight accel at lower speed. anyone else have this problem or a solution?
2. there is a crunching sound which sometimes comes out of the right front end on hard left turns. problem/solution?
3. loose drivers seat. had it fixed once and came back. has anyone had this fix and not have the problem again. its a waste of time to fix and possibly have it worse the next time.
4. any decent deals for a service contract for the murano??
thanks. rr70

roadrunner70

transport canada has opened an investigation. shield being installed, not clear if it applies to 2, 4 or both wheel drive and which year.

roadrunner70

search around. not hard to install and parts not that expensive.

stever

"With sales up, demand up, and supplies down, Nissan doesn't feel they need to slap a whole lot of incentives on this vehicle...and they are right."

On the downside of its production life, the Murano is hotter than ever (Strategies for Smart Car Buyers)

Steve, Host

migsdad

I would appreciate any feedback, i.e., significant maintenance or operational surprises, on the 2003 SE. I have my eye on one with 31K. Will use vehicle to commute approximately 70 miles daily plus any road trips. Thanks in advance.

sliceopizza

I have a 2003 SL with 38k on it and have had no problems at all except for a few squeaks here and there. It's a great road car. It corners really well for a big car. Fun to drive. I read about some really weird problems people have had but I haven't experienced any of that.

sierralady

I have a 2004 Murano with 28K miles. I have had the engine replaced (oil change screwup at dealership), rack & pinion steering mechanism replaced alternator replaced, miscellaneous minor problems and fixes. I get 18.4 mileage on regular gas, mix of small town and mountain driving. I use studless snow tires in the winter. I like the car and the way it handles, I am unhappy about the gas mileage and I do not like the dealership at all. I live an hour away from and over an 8,500 ft mountain from the Nissan dealer; if anything happens to my car that they must keep it overnight, they give me a Kia Rio or similar to drive, which means I cannot drive home in the winter. Absurd. I just pray that nothing will go wrong in the winter. I have an extended warranty, purchased when I bought the car. It is transferrable.
At the time I bought the car, my husband pressured me to buy it over the Lexus RX330. I have regretted my decision since the engine replacement (dealer kept the car 6 weeks and gave me a Kia Rio to drive).
Here's my dilemma - I have someone who wants to buy the car, for $27K including tires and warranty.
I don't think the Murano is a reliable car anymore. I think I would be happier with an equivalent RX330 and the great customer service I hear you get at Lexus.

I guess my reason for selling the Murano and getting the Lexus is that I feel the Murano is not a stable car and will not be as reliable as a Lexus product. As well, I think the Lexus will hold its value much better than the Murano. Then there is the dealer issue. So, I think I should sell the car while I have such an excellent opportunity and upgrade to the Lexus.

Any and all advice, comments appreciated.
sierralady

stever

Did you Appraise it? If the price is in the ballpark (private party, good condition, etc.), sell it and move on. The holding the value point would be less important to me than having access to a better dealer.

It may be worth it to see what kind of deal you can get trading it for the Lexus and that experience would give you a taste of the service you can expect from your local Lexus dealer. Good luck!

Steve, Host

sierralady

Thank you! I just did appraise it, its $24K, plus tires (cost $1400) and extended warranty ($2K), so that's a good price. I want to try to buy private party, in Nevada, where I live, effective 1-1-2006, any car, boat, RV or motorcyle bought from a private party has NO SALES TAX. We bought an RV and tow car end of January, big tax savings. I have a willing buyer, she has seen the car and knows its been meticulously cared for and is very, very clean, so wants it. I have to find a Lexus a couple of years old, my husband will NEVER let me buy a new car again after this one. I can drive the tow car while I find a Lexus, so no hurry. I would like to get rid of it, it has left a bad taste in my mouth and I don't trust it. thanks!

sierralady

gelliot

There is a new recall issued as follows:

Nissan will be conducting a voluntary safety recall on approximately 226,000 Model Year 2003-2006 Murano vehicles to add a fuel tank shield in front of the fuel tank. Note: This issue was first raised as a preliminary investigation in September of 2005 – GOV05:190

homeouner

Re: Murano fuel tank puncture. Consumer reports in the latest issue tells about a recall to add shields to the fuel tank to -protect it from being punctured. Would have been nice to hear the notice from Nissan first! While they are under there they ought to add a support hanger between the exhaust system and the body behind the front muffler to prevent it from bouncing around so much!! Just slap the muffler with the flat of your hand to see how poorly it is suspended. As bumpy as the SUV rides the exhaust has really got to be flexing up and down, causing a fatigue cracks and to fall off. From the front connection to the next hanger is nearly 12 ft.

easym1

2004 Murano AWD / K&N air filter and oil filter / Mobil 1 oil / oil change every 5km. / Use regular unleaded / Currently at 25,200 km. I also have another car that I use once in a while...Last summer, my combined average was around 18.3 MPG between highway and city and around 17.1 this winter.
I was hoping for a decent MPG just like those other friends of ours that posted here showing 22-24 MPG!. I'm always easy on the gas and normally commute after rush hours. Our ave city drive here is between 60-80 km/hr and in the higway is 100 km/hr. Once in a while I will exceed the posted rate by 10 km/hr. I try not to go beyond that because there are so many cops in our area.

I think that some Murano's for one reason or another are made better than others.

I hope that my MPG gets better as I put more in more mileage.

I like to encourage our friends to keep updating us on MPG.

Good luck to all.

alanpgh

I installed my Handsfree speakerphone and iPod in my '06 Nissan Murano SL today.

It is quite spectacular!

The handsfree is a Nokia 6556i (Carrier: Verizon Wireless) with a Nokia CK-7W car kit. The mic. is mounted near the visor so as to pick up my voice clearly. Nokia provided a remote control for volume and answering a call. Operates Bluetooth or direct connection. Truely handsfree; no headset needed. All I can say is WOW!

As for as the iPod goes:
I control the iPod manually, but it does direct connect to the Bose 6CD radio, so the sound quality is very good. In my previous auto, I had a similar set-up, but with an FM modulator, so this is a step forward. I used the PAC module as the interface. I can provide additional info. if requested.

Having XM Sat. Radio, a Handsfree speakerphone, and my iPod installed is really Nervana! Thanks to all for your advice and inspiration!

Alan

mjc134

I have had no transmission problems, my exhaust does not hang down (IMO), I get superior gas mileage and I have had no failures on the vehicle at all. I am completely satisfied with my car. It's an 04 (purchased 2/05 new) I have 31,000 miles on it. Gas mileage is 18/19 City and 22/23 Hwy consistantly. Yes I had the alternator replaced during the recall, but never had a failure. Like any vehicle brand out there, some are not assembled as well as others. This vehicle is so comfortable and a joy to drive. I drive a lot of miles and I purchase a new car every two years, however this one I may keep for a while because I am really enjoying it.

donrno

With five weeks and 1500 miles on a new SL AWD w/Touring, I thought I'd check in. No problems so far. It's a really fine way to go down the road. Gas mileage is running 20-21 mostly in town on regular. Best segment was 24 mpg coming home from the dealer 30 miles south. It handles very well on ice, snow and cross winds. Smooth and quiet on pavement and gravel roads. My basis of reference is a '96 Explorer which has been a super SUV.

alanpgh

Have had my '06 Midnight Blue Murano SL AWD for about 5 weeks. Have driven about 1100 miles with no problems. Spectacular in all respects. XM Radio is near CD quality. And my Handsfree/Headset Free Cell phone set up works great. Added a PAC direct interface to my radio for my iPod. Can listen to songs and podcasts in CD quality. What a Car!

Thanks for everyone's help!

Alan

scottyw

I recently bought an '03 Murano and have been very happy with it. It did not come with a DVD package and am looking for one for rear (headrest mount, etc). Has anyone out there installed or had one installed that they are happy with? I understand that Nissan offers one that comes up out of the center console. Can you get that put now or would the headrest mounts be more affordable, work better? Thanks, ScottyW

mdosanjh

Alan,
what is PAC direct for hooking up an i pod to the existing Murano sound system?
Thanks.
Mike

mdosanjh

That is great mileage.
I was wondering are you using premium gas, I have 06 SE AWD and avg about 14/mpg city driving using reg gas. I was going to switch to premium in order to increase fuel mileage. I have 1100 miles on the vehcile. Any input?
Thanks.
Mike

ctx

I'm in the process of negotiating an '06 Murano and the dealer seemed to think there was a front end (grill perhaps?) redesign coming in '07. The dealer didn't seem to know anything else about it though. Anyone hear something like this?

surefire58

Ipod, where did you find the PAC module for the Murano? Any info is appreciated.

Steve

surefire58

I have an 03 AWD SE, and am interested in what other tire choices are out there?

Steve

alanpgh

surefire58:

Order a AAI-NIS2 module for my iPod. See product halfway down this web page:
http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Auxiliary%20Inpu- t

Also, I ordered it from Logjam Electronics:
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/
Here's a link to what I ordered:
http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/pacaainis.html

You may also need a mount for the iPod: I bought mine from www.proclipusa.com.

Good Luck!

Alan

alanpgh

surefire58:

I am trying to send you an email related to my post above. I can't find your email address when you click on your name above. Please send me your email address by clicking my name above and going to my link on carapace.

Thanks,
Alan
(alanpgh)

surefire58

Thanks Alan, I've been waiting and waiting till something like this came out. I Also use the proclip!

Much Appreciated!!

surefire58

Quick ? Do I order both parts... silly question I'm sure, but looking at the diagram I wasn't sure.

NC-X2i
PAC AAI-NIS2 2003-2006 Nissan/Infiniti Auxiliary Audio Input

Now another ? for you I have an 03' Murano SE, with the SAT button as part of the audio, can I hook up Sat radio to the onboard system... I installed after market sat (XM). I would love to consolidate everything.

Thanks again
Steve

mdosanjh

Alan,
Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.

Mike

tonepam19

I also bought a 2004 Murano without factory roof rails and can not find afttermarket roof racks to carry a kayak. Have you had any luck or responses in finding a roof rack system? Comments/Suggestions?