The owners of freshalloy.com said their gonna do a write up for the Murano on Nov. 1 and pricing will also be announced then. One of the members also got to drive it around a course, and loved it. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB19&Num ber=319867&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=2
I just talked to a local dealer,said his guys were "in trainning" on the Murano today and will be coming back with prices. Also said delivery date is end of November or first week of December. Hopefully I can post pricing tomorrow.
From the other forum, one dealer had already come back from the training but he said they didn't get price info. nor a firm intro date. But he thought it would be on or around Nov. 1st.
He drove Murano, Highlander and Pilot, came out very impressed with the Murano. He even claims it drives and feels a class above the other two. Of course he is a Nissan dealer, so take it whatever way you want. But I am really excited, it's finally here.
Another poster there said he got a promotional mail from Nissan which states the v6 makes 245hp/246lb-ft.
I spoke to a dealer today in Toronto, Canada area and he told me that they were expecting first deliveries in mid-November and taking orders already for delivery at the end of November.
Two models would be available, both AWD with the higher model having some extra features and a sunroof. Prices for lower model $40,000CDN and higher model $42,000CDN. Can anyone confirm?
Below is the info from the other forum. The only info that's missing is the price, which should be available later this week or next week. Given its Altima platform and lighter weight (400-500lbs lighter than compitition), no wonder it's best in performance test and 2nd best in handling test (2nd to Forester).
Highlights:
Power: 245HP@5800, 246lb-ft@4400 Weight: 2wd-3801lb, awd-3955lb Milage: 2wd-20/25, awd-20/24 AWD system is similar to Honda's VTM-4 CVT standard, steel belt is over designed and should last for vehicle life (claimed by nissan people).
Here's the exact text: Here it is boys and girls. Everything you wanted to know about the new Murano and couldn't find someone with the info. Curb weight 2wd 3801/ 4wd 3955. Four wheel vented discs all around. 20/25 2wd. 20/24 4wd. 245 hp @5800rpm. 246ft-lbs@4400. Power to weight ratio 2wd 15.5. 4wd 16.2. New all wheel drive system fully auto on 4x4. Sends 100% front with vary amounts up to 50% rear based on demand. Has a switch in console to lock into 4x4 up to 18mph. Below 18 it maintains 50/50. Above 18 it kicks to auto mode. With the switch off it is always auto. CVT tranny is the only tranny. Traction control is optional. Vehicle Dynamic Control optional. Turnig circle diameter 37.4 ft. Antilock brakes standard. Brake assist is standard. Electronic brake force distribution standard. 18x7.5 wheels standard. P235/65-18 standard. Auto on/off headlights standard. Zenon lamps with angle adjust standard on 4x4. Fog lights standard. Power mirrors standard. Heated mirrors with memory tied to drivers seat optional. Power adjustable pedals with 3" of travel optional.(tied to memory seat) Ultraviolet reducing glass standard. Power sunroof optional. Dual exhaust standard. 8 way driver power seat standard. 4 way power optional on pass side. Head rests up front are 4 way. The rear seat shoulder straps are adjustable for height. Three head rests in rear. Reclining seatbacks front and rear. 60/40 in rear.Leather optional.(nice leather) I am told by nissan that the seats in this vehicle are the most expensive seats they have ever installed in a nissan. All trim that looks aluminum IS aluminum. Digital climate control with dual zones is standard. Microfilter is standard. B pillar a/c vents for rear seat. The list just keeps going. Compass is standard. Outside temp std. Tru tilt wheel, not a tilt column. Side air bags and head curtain standard. Tire pressure monitor standard. Wheelbase 111.2. Length 187.6. Height 66.5. Min ground clearance 7.1. Head room f/r 40.7/39.7. Leg room f/r 43.4/36.1. Fuel tank cap 21.7.
Contacted a few dealers in DFW area. Apparently the Nissan sales training differs by regions. These Texas guys will go to training only in late Nov. They are expecting Murano in showrooms in late Dec. or early Jan. From the latest infos, the Murano is really appealing and attractive to me. However, if Nissan delays it further past Jan., I just can't wait for it indefinitely and will just go with the Acura MDX.
A member, 74Zcarnut, posted the pricing for the Murano on freshalloy. His post:
SL AWD $29,799
SE AWD $30,599
SL 2WD $28,199
SL 2WD $28,999
Theres alot of standard features with these so dont let the prices scare you. As a example Nissan has here...A SL with the Premium package,sunroof,and leather is right at $31,996.
That gives you power pedals,BOSE stereo,Xenon headlights,power front seats...etc
I checked out the Honda Pilot and although its exterior styling can't match the beauty of the pictures I've seen of the Murano I've got to say it's alot of vehicle for $32,000 (Loaded & with DVD)If the Murano comes out later than November and more than $32,000 I just may pull the trigger on the Pilot. A message above indicated prices closer to $40K. Jeez, I hope not.
The price looks good. (I believe the figure 74Zcarnut presented). It competes very well with Pilot price/feature wise, except in people/cargo capacity. It's more expansive than Highlander, but it also offers substantially more than Highlander.
I've talked to two dealer in my area, both are saying late Nov. or early Dec. avail. date.
On www.nissandriven.com, the Murano's flash presentation has been updated too. It confirmed a spec. change that's been floating around for a while: the max cargo space (with 2nd roll folded) is 81.6 cu. feet, 10 more than the old (leaked) number (70.8 cf). This mysterious change put Murano slightly ahead of Highlander (81.4) in this spec.
The spec. page also lists available options, they look quite impressive. One bad thing though, one has to order (almost) every lower level options before he/she can order a higher level option. E.g. 1) Dynamic Control Package requires leather seat & sun roof/ 2) Nav. system requires Dynamic Control and leather and sun roof?
Rear seat DVD is a DIO w/ 6.5" screen. Sounds like the same one in the Pathfinder, which is not widescreen but still retails for $1600, IIRC. Not good.
One bad thing though, one has to order (almost) every lower level options before he/she can order a higher level option
This is the Nissan way. Honda does it a bit differently -- buy a specific model that already has the features that one wants which usually translates to the highest model level having everything and no other options, except maybe NAV and RES, if applicable. Toyota does an ala-carte but good luck finding a vehicle with exactly what one wants.
According to the specs posted above, the Murano gets EPA mileage of 20 city/25 highway for the 2wd version. That is very impressive! The automatic Maxima and Altima with the same engine get 19 city/26 highway.
CVT is closer to stick shift in mpg, and is about 10-20% better than auto trans.
Crikey, how's your shopping list shaping up? I guess XC90 is on the top, right? Now seeing that Murano's trunk is not that small, is it climbing up your chart?
For me, right now it's Murano, Mountaineer, XC90 2.5T then Aviator. Price/value and safety are my top priorities. I still have to wait and see in person if I like Murano's look. I do like how it looks in those photos, not the burnt orange color though.
Man, my shopping list is downright confusing -- a lot of choices this time around.
XC90 is still at the top of my list (can't decide on 2.5T or T6 since the price differential is only $1800.00, need a test drive). Only question mark is whether a good deal can be obtained in the first year. Chances are not very promising...
MDX is a close 2nd due to 7-passenger cargo capacity potential. However, the lack of side curtain airbags really perplexes me. But it is starting to look like the MDX will be heavily discounted soon due to increased and stiff competition.
Honda Pilot is 3rd due to MDX qualities, but if I can make it to the 2004 model and if it also has VSA, have to justify why I pay extra for MDX.
Murano is 4th since the cargo capacity behind the 2nd row seat up is only 32.6 cu ft. This really pales in comparison to the first 3 on my list. But, I really love the reliability and quality of my Nissan Pathfinder and I expect the Murano to be as bullet-proof even with the CVT and the all-new AWD. And don't forget that sweet 3.5L VQ engine. In my experience, Nissans made in Japan have been pretty solid.
I also have to add the domestics (especially Envoy XL & Merc Mountaineer) to list, as the price advantage (especially with perferred partner pricing and other incentives) is just too large to not consider.
I'm kinda disappointed that the PathFinder/QX4 is not yet redesigned -- it will be postioned against the GX 470/4Runner and had better be the GREATEST as it will certainly the LATE-est...
With the exception of Jaguar everything that Ford gets it's hands on is suspect in my mind. And the experiences of owners of their X Model may mean that even Jaguar is not an exception to the quality problems Ford products experience. At the same time, Altima interiors and the problems experienced by new Maxima owners bring up concerns about de-contenting and cost cutting at the expense of traditional Nissan quality. The Murano has captured my imagination but personally I wouldn't buy either vehicle until the third year of production.
Edmunds First Drive states, "The rear hatch is split so that your cargo doesn't come tumbling out after the contents have shifted during flight." Does this mean the glass opens separately from the hatch? There in no mention of this feature in Nissan's specs.
Does this line confuse anyone else (taken from the Edmunds first drive): "Managing the power is a five-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) which benefits the driver in fuel economy and smooth operation."
I know Nissan was gonna use a 7 speed but ditched because there were some problems with getting it to work with the AWD system. But since its a CVT, it doesn't have any preset gears and thus no 5 speed transmission. It's just a CVT.
As far as I know, Nissan nixed the 7-gear offering on the CVT. It would have been offered on the SE models. And yes, placing preset gear ratios in a CVT kinda defeats the purpose of the CVT which presents near infinte gear ratios. But then again, I think Audi offers it on the A4
Rumor has it that the full-size SUV that Nissan is coming out with will be named Pathfinder. But I agree with your comment that if the Pathy does live on as a redesigned midsize SUV and stays true to its offroad traits, it better be up to par with the new 4Runner.
And sorry, I have a preference for non-domestic brands so incentives or not, I just can't add any to the list. Just a personal preference...
I just added the Murano to my list of possible vehicles I will be purchasing next summer. I prefer the crossover SUVs over the real thing. What drew me to the Murano was it's edgy styling and it's expected gas mileage. I read 20/24. Does anybody know how accurate that is and if that is for the 2WD or AWD model?
I have read that it is estimated to be under 3300 lbs! I personally do not believe it, but if Nissan was able to accomplish this feat with a mid-sized SUV, I am impressed!
I just discovered this car yesterday... and not through any advertising.. that's for sure!
But I stopped by the dealer and asked for a brochure. The information is very limited. The store manager said he'd just sent an order in yesterday for 11 Muranos.
I asked if he had a spec sheet and he said they'd not been sent. His Muranos should arrive Mid-December.
He said they come in all the standard colors, blue, black, silver, etc.
I can't wait to drive this puppy. I just have the feeling it will be a gas. Luckily I'm not ready to buy yet, so I get a chance to see how the CVT holds up. I guy I work with used to be an auto columnist. He says there's never been a successful CVT in mass production. Scary...
There have actually been a bunch of CVTs in mass production. Not sure how successful they have been. Off the top of my head, the following cars sold in the US have or have had a CVT transmission: Subaru Justy Honda Civic HX Honda Insight Mini Cooper Audi A4
I'm sure there are more. The only real innovation of the Nissan CVT is that it handles more torque than any of the others. We will have to wait and see how well it holds up.
Is there a red interior in cloth or leather? If so, praise is due, something other than black, grey or tan. Now if they only had some decent financing.
Hmm, for a brand new model, it depends on the length of the finance term. Over 36 months, I'd say no. The fed just got lending rates again this week, so even Saab has gotten in on 0% financing.
For a brand new model, which is likely going to be going at or very close to MSRP for the "early adopters", 4.50% - 4.95% sounds like the going rate for a 36-month loan. Credit unions may be slightly lower, but it seems reasonable to me.
SAAB is a GM subsidiary so they can take advantage of the incentives offered by GM to sell cars (the GM Supplier program pricing can be used on SAAB now, too.) Nissan is famous for offering low payment leases in this area as well as rebate incentives for purchasing. They rarely offer low financing for any term unless it is end-of-life for a particular model. You can get a good deal on current models, but the financing will usually be "standard" financing.
The Murano is a great looking vehicle! Can't wait for them to show up at dealers in December to see them in person.
I've made this mistake numerous times and have purchased newly introduced vehicles after their initital market release. I can almost assure anyone here that if they wait 3-6 months after initial release, you'll be able to pay a few hundred dollars over dealer invoice. I've read the initial reviews of this vehicles and most are lukewarm at best. I've heard the interiors are typical Nissan cheap and the ride is VERY firm. I was expecting a Lexus RX300 clone with Nissan styling, but I am starting to think otherwise. I also agree with MANY posters that the car DOES look like a modernized AMC Gremlin!!! I also will give the FX45 (Infiniti) a look too. Different platform, 8 cylinder engine and perhaps a bit more refinement.
Having seen the Murano in person, I don't agree that the interior looks cheap. It is much better than the Altima's and at least on par with the Maxima's. Better than the G35's also.
However, I do agree that if you can wait 3-6 months before you buy, you will save a lot of money. I went through the same thing with the new Altima last year. I wanted to buy when they first came out, but no one would budge from MSRP. So I waited 4 months and was able to buy the car for $500 over invoice, saving close to $2000. Pricing will work out the same way for the Murano.
Does anyone know if the Burnt Orange interior color (shown in the first set of the photos on the Fresh Alloy site)that we've become so familiar with has been replaced by the Cabernet color? When Nissan finally announced interior colors, only Cabernet (red) Cafe Latte (beige) and Charcoal are listed.One of the photos on Edmunds First Drive shows the Cafe Latte interior with Midnight Blue exterior (nice!) My local Nissan dealer called last week since they were placing their first order, and I asked him, but he didn't know anything about the Burnt Orange color. He did say that the Cabernet is not available with all exterior colors, but is available with Pewter, Silver, and Sunlit Copper. The fact that they are pairing the Cabernet(red) with Sunlit Copper makes me think that maybe all of those original photos were the Cabernet color?? But they sure looked orange to me. I can't wait for the Murano to finally arrive so I can test drive it and see if it will live up to all of the hype. I think anything with a car platform will drive better than my Expedition that I can't wait to dump!!!
Comments
Just remove the space in the word Number.
Here's the link wrapped around some html: link
Steve, Host
He drove Murano, Highlander and Pilot, came out very impressed with the Murano. He even claims it drives and feels a class above the other two. Of course he is a Nissan dealer, so take it whatever way you want. But I am really excited, it's finally here.
Another poster there said he got a promotional mail from Nissan which states the v6 makes 245hp/246lb-ft.
Two models would be available, both AWD with the higher model having some extra features and a sunroof. Prices for lower model $40,000CDN and higher model $42,000CDN. Can anyone confirm?
For the Murano move near the bottom.
Yachtie
Highlights:
Power: 245HP@5800, 246lb-ft@4400
Weight: 2wd-3801lb, awd-3955lb
Milage: 2wd-20/25, awd-20/24
AWD system is similar to Honda's VTM-4
CVT standard, steel belt is over designed and should last for vehicle life (claimed by nissan people).
Here's the exact text:
Here it is boys and girls. Everything you wanted to know about the new Murano and couldn't find someone with the info. Curb weight 2wd 3801/ 4wd 3955. Four wheel vented discs all around. 20/25 2wd. 20/24 4wd. 245 hp @5800rpm. 246ft-lbs@4400. Power to weight ratio 2wd 15.5. 4wd 16.2. New all wheel drive system fully auto on 4x4. Sends 100% front with vary amounts up to 50% rear based on demand. Has a switch in console to lock into 4x4 up to 18mph. Below 18 it maintains 50/50. Above 18 it kicks to auto mode. With the switch off it is always auto. CVT tranny is the only tranny. Traction control is optional. Vehicle Dynamic Control optional. Turnig circle diameter 37.4 ft. Antilock brakes standard. Brake assist is standard. Electronic brake force distribution standard. 18x7.5 wheels standard. P235/65-18 standard. Auto on/off headlights standard. Zenon lamps with angle adjust standard on 4x4. Fog lights standard. Power mirrors standard. Heated mirrors with memory tied to drivers seat optional. Power adjustable pedals with 3" of travel optional.(tied to memory seat) Ultraviolet reducing glass standard. Power sunroof optional. Dual exhaust standard. 8 way driver power seat standard. 4 way power optional on pass side. Head rests up front are 4 way. The rear seat shoulder straps are adjustable for height. Three head rests in rear. Reclining seatbacks front and rear. 60/40 in rear.Leather optional.(nice leather) I am told by nissan that the seats in this vehicle are the most expensive seats they have ever installed in a nissan. All trim that looks aluminum IS aluminum. Digital climate control with dual zones is standard. Microfilter is standard. B pillar a/c vents for rear seat. The list just keeps going. Compass is standard. Outside temp std. Tru tilt wheel, not a tilt column. Side air bags and head curtain standard. Tire pressure monitor standard. Wheelbase 111.2. Length 187.6. Height 66.5. Min ground clearance 7.1. Head room f/r 40.7/39.7. Leg room f/r 43.4/36.1. Fuel tank cap 21.7.
SL AWD $29,799
SE AWD $30,599
SL 2WD $28,199
SL 2WD $28,999
Theres alot of standard features with these so dont let the prices scare you. As a example Nissan has here...A SL with the Premium package,sunroof,and leather is right at $31,996.
That gives you power pedals,BOSE stereo,Xenon headlights,power front seats...etc
link to post
I've talked to two dealer in my area, both are saying late Nov. or early Dec. avail. date.
Thanks.
tidester, host
Here's the link:http://www.nationalpost.com/driversedge/story.html?id={D9520C10-039C-45F7-B7AE-319269D7B9A7}
Rear seat DVD is a DIO w/ 6.5" screen. Sounds like the same one in the Pathfinder, which is not widescreen but still retails for $1600, IIRC. Not good.
This is the Nissan way. Honda does it a bit differently -- buy a specific model that already has the features that one wants which usually translates to the highest model level having everything and no other options, except maybe NAV and RES, if applicable. Toyota does an ala-carte but good luck finding a vehicle with exactly what one wants.
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/nissan/2003/murano/firstdrive/home.shtml
Crikey, how's your shopping list shaping up? I guess XC90 is on the top, right? Now seeing that Murano's trunk is not that small, is it climbing up your chart?
For me, right now it's Murano, Mountaineer, XC90 2.5T then Aviator. Price/value and safety are my top priorities. I still have to wait and see in person if I like Murano's look. I do like how it looks in those photos, not the burnt orange color though.
XC90 is still at the top of my list (can't decide on 2.5T or T6 since the price differential is only $1800.00, need a test drive). Only question mark is whether a good deal can be obtained in the first year. Chances are not very promising...
MDX is a close 2nd due to 7-passenger cargo capacity potential. However, the lack of side curtain airbags really perplexes me. But it is starting to look like the MDX will be heavily discounted soon due to increased and stiff competition.
Honda Pilot is 3rd due to MDX qualities, but if I can make it to the 2004 model and if it also has VSA, have to justify why I pay extra for MDX.
Murano is 4th since the cargo capacity behind the 2nd row seat up is only 32.6 cu ft. This really pales in comparison to the first 3 on my list. But, I really love the reliability and quality of my Nissan Pathfinder and I expect the Murano to be as bullet-proof even with the CVT and the all-new AWD. And don't forget that sweet 3.5L VQ engine. In my experience, Nissans made in Japan have been pretty solid.
Others in the horizon: Lexus RX330 and VW Touareg
Oh well, the joy of the hunt...:)
I also have to add the domestics (especially Envoy XL & Merc Mountaineer) to list, as the price advantage (especially with perferred partner pricing and other incentives) is just too large to not consider.
I'm kinda disappointed that the PathFinder/QX4 is not yet redesigned -- it will be postioned against the GX 470/4Runner and had better be the GREATEST as it will certainly the LATE-est...
Can anyone explain why the engine doesn't produce the same torque output found in the Pathfinder?
Here it is.
Steve, Host
I know Nissan was gonna use a 7 speed but ditched because there were some problems with getting it to work with the AWD system. But since its a CVT, it doesn't have any preset gears and thus no 5 speed transmission. It's just a CVT.
And sorry, I have a preference for non-domestic brands so incentives or not, I just can't add any to the list. Just a personal preference...
EPA Fuel Economy
City/ Highway
2WD 20/25
AWD 20/24
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
21.7
If they stuck the CVT into the Altima it could reach 29MPG on the highway- maybe even more. You can find more info on the CVT here.
http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/2003vehicles/murano/specs.shtml
But I stopped by the dealer and asked for a brochure. The information is very limited. The store manager said he'd just sent an order in yesterday for 11 Muranos.
I asked if he had a spec sheet and he said they'd not been sent. His Muranos should arrive Mid-December.
He said they come in all the standard colors, blue, black, silver, etc.
I can't wait to drive this puppy. I just have the feeling it will be a gas. Luckily I'm not ready to buy yet, so I get a chance to see how the CVT holds up. I guy I work with used to be an auto columnist. He says there's never been a successful CVT in mass production. Scary...
Expecting 3 in December.
Subaru Justy
Honda Civic HX
Honda Insight
Mini Cooper
Audi A4
I'm sure there are more. The only real innovation of the Nissan CVT is that it handles more torque than any of the others. We will have to wait and see how well it holds up.
SAAB is a GM subsidiary so they can take advantage of the incentives offered by GM to sell cars (the GM Supplier program pricing can be used on SAAB now, too.) Nissan is famous for offering low payment leases in this area as well as rebate incentives for purchasing. They rarely offer low financing for any term unless it is end-of-life for a particular model. You can get a good deal on current models, but the financing will usually be "standard" financing.
The Murano is a great looking vehicle! Can't wait for them to show up at dealers in December to see them in person.
However, I do agree that if you can wait 3-6 months before you buy, you will save a lot of money. I went through the same thing with the new Altima last year. I wanted to buy when they first came out, but no one would budge from MSRP. So I waited 4 months and was able to buy the car for $500 over invoice, saving close to $2000. Pricing will work out the same way for the Murano.
I can't wait for the Murano to finally arrive so I can test drive it and see if it will live up to all of the hype. I think anything with a car platform will drive better than my Expedition that I can't wait to dump!!!