2009 - 2010 Nissan Murano

nowakj66

I took a 2009 Murano LE out for a test drive today and I was very impressed.

It was roomy, peppy, and well appointed. I really liked how quiet and smooth it was. It has a CVT transmission so there are no bumps in as it changes gears.

The LE model is the top of the line features 20" wheels and a built in iPod interface right on the screen of the system. This one also had Navigation and a dual panel moon roof.

The iPod interface was just great. I plugged in my iPod and I could navigate at will on the Murano's screen.

The interior is a substantial upgrade from the prior Murano. The dash layout more elegant and little things like a telescoping wheel, power lift gate etc. have been added.

I brought it home and it fit fine in the garage. My wife even gave it a try and liked how smooth it was. She did say it felt massive and had a few blind spots. But it has big mirrors and a backup camera. She was also not fond of the MPG.

Not saying this is the one but it has a lot of attributes I like - v6, AWD, big back seat and a large opening to get kids in and out of the back seats.

nowakj66

I did have 2 questions about the Murano LE.

1. Does it come with a single moon roof if you do not opt for the dual moon roof option?

2. I prefer the metal trim around the shifter to the faux wood. But it the LE I tried came with faux wood. I wonder if the LE can be had with the faux metal trim a la the SL?

jmpage2

1. Nope.

2. No.

nowakj66

Thanks. As for the metal trim on an LE, my dealer said he could swap the trim to metal. My guess is for a charge.

I do think it looks better that way with the black leather but that may just be me.

rkon01

I agree with what you are saying. I want the LE and I am not a big fan of the Faux wood. The Aluminum trim is real nice. The only negative I can see with it is if it ever gets dinged it will be noticeable.

samf10

I am having a tough time deciding between the 09 Murano or the 08 RDX. I have driven both and very pleased with what both have to offer. It seems like the RDX comes with more standard features at the same price. Things that are important to me are comfort, performance/handling, cargo room, ride in snow (in Colorado) and mpg. The new Murano really looks cleaned up inside, and drives very smooth. The RDX handles great and is very peppy and fast, Great interiors as well, although somewhat cluttered. I would opt for a 09 SL Murano with leather, sunroof and possibly the tech and premium package. 08 RDX would I would opt for the base model as leather and sunroof are standard. I have test driven just about every CUV out there and my top 4 is 1-2 tie 09 Murano and 08 RDX, 3- 08 Veracruz, 4 08 Highlander. Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated.

P.S. if anyone is still looking for pricing with options, msrp and invoice, on the 09 Murano, check out the research section of cars.com

tazgirl3

Thanks for putting the word out on the cars.com site. Just what I was looking for!!

nowakj66

Funny you should say that because I am making the same decision! Right after I returned the 09 Murano from my extended test drive, I took an Acura RDX out!

The RDX is definitely the handler. Comparing LE to RDX Tech - here are my thoughts:

RDX Pros
- slightly cheaper
- second year of production (first year bugs and overpricing lessened)
- better visability
- more nimble feeling
- sportier handling

RDX cons
- smaller and less roomy
- turbo 4 potentially not as durable as v6

Murano LE Pros
- Smooth ride
- large interior
- Comfy roomy front seats
- iPod interface on LE works great
- 20" attractive rims on LE
- smooth and quiet
- amazing backup cam

Murano LE Cons
- Less outward visibility on front and rear corners
- First year pricing and possible bugs
- wood trim on LE (personal pref for Aluminum)
- More costly ($38k versus $35k for RDX tech)

On balance the Murano LE felt like a better deal to me.

samf10

All very good point. I away came looking at both saying a lot of the same things. It is amazing how many consumers do not like the faux wood. I certainly prefer the Aluminum as well in all Murano models (and a lot other cars too) over the fake looking wood. Murano does seem like the better all around car and more of a balance. Still a very difficult decision because of what the RDX offers. I thought I would get a lot of responses highlighting how much bigger the Murano is and space it offers. Which is true but only by a few inches here and there, RDX actually has more inch of rear leg room, Murano has 3 more inches luggage volume, and 8 inches in total exterior length.

Another major factor for me is at what price/deal these cars can be had at. A new 08 RDX can be bought for around $32,500. A similarly equipped 09 Murano today would be a few thousand more i believe. Based on all indications the car is too new for anything near invoice pricing. Let me know which car you decide. Would also love to know what everyone else thinks.

samiam_68

The RDX has a much smaller interior than the Murano. It also has very bad turbo lag - a tiny turbo motor trying to get a 4,000 lb vehicle moving from a dead stop. When I test drove the RDX, I found the engine performance unacceptable and unsafe. RDX needs to go on a diet and get a V6.

Plus, the Murano will give you better gas mileage and better resale value.

sud23

Is it true that if you get Navigation that you MUST get the dual moonroof?

stactum

Looks like it.

Actually they just released Build your Murano on Nissan.com

Linky

stactum

On cars.com they list 09 Murano invoice prices as such:

Available Styles / Starting MSRP / Invoice*
Front-wheel Drive S / $26,330 / $24,263
Front-wheel Drive SL / $27,880 / $25,688
All-wheel Drive S / $27,930 / $25,734
All-wheel Drive SL / $29,480 / $27,159
All-wheel Drive LE / $35,910 / $33,073

Does anybody have any information what packages invoice is going to be?

I did some analysis on Rogue and some other Nissan models and they roughly have 15% package markup, so BASED ON THIS ASSUMPTION package invoice prices could be:

Package / Starting MSRP / Invoice
Splash Guards / $125 / $108 (assumption)
Convenience Package / $550 / $478 (assumption)
Dual Panel Moonroof / $1170 / $1017 (assumption)
Premium Package / $1000 / $869 (assumption)
Technology Package / $1900 / $1652 (assumption)
HDD Navigation System / $1850 / $1608 (assumption)
DVD Entertainment / $1600 / $1391 (assumption)
Leather Package / $1600 / $1391 (assumption)

Calculations are based on Invoice=100% + 15% markup, not MSRP-15%.

There is also $745 Destination and Handling fee.

tazgirl3

If you go to cars.com and under research they list everything including all available options for all models at MSRP and invoice. From what I remember, your figures look the same or mighty close. Its good they put this out there so we can have a basis for bargaining if any with the model just coming out.

achadha1

looks like you cannot build the Murano LE with Navigation and the Entertainment system because of the standard dual moonroof.

bo_skeezer

The dual panel moonroof is an OPTION for the SL and LE.

samf10

Some of these "options" are actually part of larger packages it seems on the 09 Murano. If you want Nav on an LE you must get a Moonroof. If you want Leather on the SL you must get the premium package as well. I want an SL with leather and moonroof (noticed on the moonroof, perhaps b/c of dual panel, that it only opens about 70-80% of the way). I was on the fence to get the premium package ($1,000) or not, with leather i guess that choice is made for me. Leaning towards not getting the Tech Package for an additional $1,900, can live without bluetooth and intelligent key, etc.

Here in Colorado all Nissan dealers, have just one LE for the time being, (one dealer has a red SL, will get graphite or black exterior). 2 Dealers have offered the price splitting the MSRP and Invoice, so this is would be bring me to about $32,500, (sticker 33,995) Car would not be in till mid Feb. Does this sound fair? Curious to know deals people are getting out there. $32,500 would be competitively priced with the RDX, however lower APR's offered through Acura now on the RDX. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I am renting a car now and do not have the greatest luxury of waiting too much longer.

09murano

Go to the website and price them. NO BS, just trying to help. It is what it is. A delivered price of $500 over invoice, no freight or documentary fees. Go to the site. I just wanted to tell you guys where to get a good price.

09murano

I'm not in the business, and I'll be driving my Murano next week. And actually, my mother called me. I'm done arguing with you. Have you been to the site yet. The proof is in the pudding my friend.

samf10

Hey 09 thanks for posting about your deal, i appreciate knowing what other people are paying. I know it helps me and i would get one $500 over invoice in a second around here. I will check out fitzmall. Enjoy your new ride and congrats.

pnanduri76

First one to pickup 2009 murano fully loaded in Georgia on 1/22/2008 , with all options, paid sticker price $36675. Awsome drive, very quiet inside and love the hard drive music system, and flash drive to play mp3's and wma's. Love the auxilary input in the rare seat so I can connect Ipod or mini dvd player to view movies. Love the keyless entry and keyless start and power liftgate. very spacious interior vey luxary feel with dual panel moon/sun roof.

overall Exceptional car, haven't found any issues yet. averaging about 18-20 MPG in the city.

stever

Please remember to post the details of your new Murano purchase over in the Nissan Murano Prices Paid and Buying Experience discussion so others will benefit.

And rate your dealer over in Dealer Ratings and Reviews.

Thanks, and congrats on the new rides!

luvcars21

Hello All...

After going back and forth with the sales person here's "the best he can do":

2007 SL AWD
Sunroof PKG (sunroof, bose system, 6 cd changer, roof rack, etc.)
:: $28,000 before TTL.
(about $5500 below sticker)
1.9 finance for 3 yrs.

Price includes an after market leather installation (I guess is worth about $1,200).

Is it still worth considering for an '07?

kwill1

I have been trying to find out what the aux rca ports are. With the premium package they replace the standard 3.5mm aux audio input. I can guess the rca audio will work just like the 3.5mm aux audio, but what is the rca video for? Will it feed the video to the DVD entertainment system if you get that option? What will it do if you don't have the DVD enternatainment system (and also don't have the nav system)?

I am hoping the rca video will show on the front screen, but that seems like such a cool feature that it would be advertised a bit more so I am not holding out much hope

samf10

Ok, so i am getting ready to put money down on the 09 SL AWD Murano. Was wondering what everyone thought about the Tech Package and if its worth it. It includes...Bluetooth, Power Liftgate, Xenon headlights, Keyless Entry/Start, Rain Sensing Wipers, heated outside mirrors. I was leaning towards not wasting the extra $ on it but it will only add $1300 to the sale price for me according to quotes. The tech package msrp's for 1900 but for $1300 might be. Is it worth it?

Also with Platinum Graphite Exterior does Beige or Black Leather work/maintain better. Was leaning towards Black Leather as it is easier to maintain and looks good with a Gray/Graphite car. Any thoughts?

madmanmoo

In my opinion, the Xenons are worth $1,300 alone. Everything else included is just gravy. That's a phenomenal price for all those extra goodies. The Bluetooth and power liftgate and the Keyless entry/start are things you'll use on a very regular basis and probably thank yourself for doing it. My advice is to go with it.

My wife has the earlier model Murano with Platinum/Black. Both exterior and interior are wearing great with no signs of age (even with a 10 month old in the backseat). We've had our vehicle for about 14 months now.

Hope that helped and enjoy the new ride. I need to get by the local dealership to take a look at the new ones in person.

-moo

pnanduri76

Hey man
If you can afford it go with Tech package, It is worth it, I love bluetooth in the car it is very clear and comfortable. Power liftgate is awsome, keyless start is excellent, and I always wanted Xenon's.

My friends feel It is awsome car with all the technology in the car. ofcourse I also purchased 60 month/100000 Service warranty just to be safe with all the technology in the car.

My car is silver with black leather, it has a good contrast, graphite with black leather also looks good.

pnanduri76

DVD watching on indash LCD is disabled by default however you can unlock it at best buy or circuit city, atleast thats what I was told by the sales person, so I might wait a while and get it modified.

hope this helps.

madmanmoo

Careful with that. I'm sure that will void the warranty and you'll be charge full price for repairs if any problems arise from that.

-moo

samf10

FYI 2009 Murano pricing/option page is now up on Edmunds.com

rosepointe

Glad to see that. I emailed them the other night asking when it would be done. That was a quick response.

samf10

Thats funny, i emailed as well today b/c a few other sites had their info up and Edmunds did not. Edmunds response told me it was added today. Wonder how many more emails they got.

jmpage2

The color/contrast quality of the center screen is very poor, I'm not sure that anyone would want to watch videos on it.

09muranosales

The CENTER SCREEN up front is NOT for watching videos, never has, and probably never will! The actual DVD screen is a high definition, high resolution screen found on large digital TV's, and is located on the roof. The CENTER SCREEN up front is specifically there ONLY to display audio, climate control, telemetry data and when in reverse, the rear monitor and NOT video. :shades: Evidently, your facts are wrong and or you never actually have been in this vehicle or had what you were looking at properly explained. Nissan has NEVER had a DVD upfront.

09muranosales

With the rebate and discount, $5500 below sticker sounds right, but the 1.9% for 3 years??? I doubt it. You get the rebate or the low APR not both, and there isn't enough profit just with hold back to justify a major loser deal. I see many pre-owned 2007 AWD Murano SL's with low teens for around $22,000. You'd be better off doing that, and the 6,000 in saving can pay for leather and such.

ronswm

pnanduri76:

You mentioned you have a fully loaded 09 Murano...did you get the SL or LE model?

I understand the SL can have all the options added that the LE has available, except for the 20" wheels. My concern is with the LE having the std. 20" wheels. I’m really impressed with the larger wheels – gives it a better stance.
Do you (or anyone familiar with this issue) know if the ride/handling would be rougher with 20” wheels compared to 18" inchers on the new Murano? If so, I may need to consider the SE model instead and add the other LE options to it. I don't want to have a crossover if it feels like a truck-based SUV.
BTW, I've never owned an SUV/CUV before, so this is a helluva shopping experience for me.
Thanks, any info on the large wheels will be greatly appreciated.

Ron

luvcars21

Thanks 09muranosales...

You're actually spot on! I went back to the dealer to close the deal. And it was one or the other. Not both. So I walked out. After doing a little more research, I think I can get an 09 SL AWD for a little bit more which I am willing to do.

Again... the 07 was 28k... I figured I can get an 09 similarly equipped for about 31k...

thanks again.

leeroy44

I am faced with a similar decision. I wanted the SL 2wheel drive, then was going to put all the options on it. By doing this there is one main one you can't get. The drivers memory settings. Here is a list of what you can't get: What you don't get that comes on the LE are: power tilt and telescope steering, heated rear seats, wood trim, 4x4, 20"tires and chrome wheels, and memory seats. $3,500. on the LE will get you these items. I could live without all but the memory seats. I thought I had everything I wanted figured out, but just found out about the seats. I have always been driving Ford and GM, you always get memory seats! I don't know if the seats are worth the extra to me or not. There is about $3,000. between sticker and invoice. Maybe I can chisel them down to close to invoice!
Good luck, Leeroy

ronswm

Besides those extras you mentioned, I thought the power liftgate (tailgate) was only avail on the LE...I could be wrong. :confuse:

leeroy44

The power liftgate is part of the Technology pkg. available for the SL. One other thing I noticed that is available only on the LE is the interface with Ipod.

pnanduri76

Ron
Have fully loaded SL model. I did not feel a need to go for LE model, did not need ipod interface, 20" wheels and heated rare seats. I can actually play my ipod through auxilary inputs. but who needs an ipod, when I can load all my music on to a compact flash and hard drive on the car.
18" wheel ride on SL is very smooth and comfortable and very quiet inside. I am not sure about the 20" wheel size. it more feels like a luxary car to me.. doesn't feel like a huge suv.. only problem is because of the shape of the murano.. you have bigger blind spot. so have to be little more careful while changing lanes.
HOPE THAT HELPS.

madmanmoo

Wow, any premium that can be charged for a new vehicle sure went out the door quick. What other fees are associated with the purchase?

-moo

jmpage2

You are the one who is confused. The A/V jacks behind the center console CAN be used to display video on the center console screen when the vehicle is in park.

madmanmoo

Really? You've seen it done? Where's your source of information?

-moo

jmpage2

It has been conformed from people who actually have the '09 LE that has those AV jacks. The jacks, if hooked up to a video source, will allow for video display on the center console when the vehicle is in park. You can investigate this at www.nissanmurano.org/forums and many other Murano enthusiast sites.

The reality is that you can only get the overhead DVD player if you forego the moonroof option, which most people would not be willing to do.

If you want rear seat entertainment in a crossover, then look no further than the MDX, it has a great RSE package even though it does get a little bit pricey.

madmanmoo

Really.....

Just talked to Nissan rep. From the factory, you won't be able to play videos on front screen. Aftermarket? Well, with enough money you can do anything, but from the factory..... NO movies up front.

Sorry.

fitc

So you don't own an 09, actually. Therefore, anything you say is heresay. Sometimes dealers don't know if they're afoot or horseback... So I would not listen to them too much.

This is taken form the 09 Murano User Manual:

"Movies will not be shown on the front display
while the vehicle is in any drive position to
reduce driver distraction. Audio is available
when a movie is played. To view movies in the
front display, stop the vehicle in a safe location,
move the selector lever to the P (Park) position
and apply the parking brake."

Form the horse's mouth.... (Nissan)

Now we just need someone to confirm it - to actually do it! Apparently, it works on some Infiniti models, so I don't see why it can't be the case here.

_fitc_

madmanmoo

That's correct. I do not own one.

I guess the salesperson I talked to could be wrong. I just haven't seen anything else besides hearsay. If that's directly from the '09 Murano manual, then I guess it works.

-moo

jimmy2x

I believe that one other thing standard on the LE and not available on SL is the fancy IPod integration system that allows you to see your playlists and control everything thru the radio.

camble94

I don't usually get upset but stopped in to check out the new Murano the other day...it's a beautiful car. But the salesman was on top of me the whole 10 minutes before I stormed out. When would I be in the market? Am I trading the car I drove up in? Do I have another car to trade? What's my phone #? Hey dude, give me some space. So my visit to check it out and get a brochure were spoiled by high pressure sales...I will never step foot in there again. That's why consumers don't like buying cars. Luckily this atmosphere has improved at other dealerships, but not at Clay! I guess I will have to read about others comments about this car from the forum.