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Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    they dont reccommend it for best possible mileage, they reccommend it for best possible PERFORMANCE. that tells me "more HP, less mileage"
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Most people don't experience decent mileage until the car gets broken in a bit - my Nissan van didn't hit its stride until after it had 10,000 miles on it. A lucky few get great mpg right from the start but I don't think that's the norm from reading Town Hall.

    Lots of stop and go is going to hurt the mileage in any event.

    Steve, Host
  • ccermakccermak Member Posts: 260
    Performance to me means the motor operating at it's greatest potential and efficiency. Premium fuel in the 3.5 should yield better mileage than 87. I know I've read many posts on here with people keeping track and showing a ever so slight increase in mileage using premium fuel. The big debate was always if the ever so slight increase in mileage was worth the extra cost of the premium fuel. I believe dklanecky and the guy who has the S2000 now kept track. Unless I'm thinking of somebody else.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    ive never gotten better mileage with premium over regular. the only time i ever use premium is when the gas cap says to...
  • als2rtals2rt Member Posts: 4
    Hi all,

       This is my second time I've been through (almost) the entire Murano knowledge base on Edmunds, so I thought I owed it to all to post my 2 cents.

    Chapter 1) Helen

       For the record, I don't own one. I wish I did.
    As it often happens in the automotive arena, I was asked for car buying help from women. First my sister-in-law and now my mom.

       My sister-in-law, Helen, is very difficult to get a straight answer out of. She didn't know what she wanted. SUV, coupe, nada. Her history was Acura Legend (loved it), Acura CL (liked a lot),
    Honda Civic (hated it). The lease was running out on the Honda and I had to find something to make her happy, but $$ was a factor too. I looked at a lot of cars. Coincidentally, on the same day I came to her with the Murano brochures, she had seen one on the road and liked it. Progress!

       Of course, newspaper ads from #&*@ing dealers with unrealistic come-on pricing doesn't help. She didn't understand that we simply could not get a well equipped '04 Murano with leather for $299/mo.
    She gradually came around to reality. She really wanted to keep her payments below $400/mo, not easy.

       I made the circuit of dealers in the Fort Lauderdale area (not fun) and used their prices against each other. We were just about to accept one dealers's price when I called another one on the phone. They usually will not discuss price on the phone, but I told him what offer we had and he agreed to match that with tax included.

       She put $2K down, 48 mo lease at $399/mo. which kept her below her $400 target. Then she agreed to the additional electronics warranty which added $14/mo. All in all a pretty decent deal, but I had to do a TON of legwork to get it. Endicott Nissan in Pompano, Fl.

       So far, we love the Murano. Zero problems in 3K miles except for the idiot that rear-ended her 1 month after lease. It was very minor, just tore the rear bumper skin. That was replaced and repainted and all is fine. I added the splash guards myself (easy, recommended).

       She has not learned all the controls and electronics, but she is technically challenged and realizes that this is her fault.

    Chapter 2) Mom.

       Mom has been driving a '91 Cadillac Allante for the last 12 years. Mom is getting older, so is the car, so it's time to get sometime more practical for her. She's held out as long as she can. She was looking at the Buick Rainier. We did test drive one and it was nice, but I like the Murano more. We were looking towards GM because my brother works at Cadillac and we could get a few percent off from their "family discount" program, but I don't think it is enough to tip the scales when you consider factors like rollover tests, side curtain airbags, ride comfort, and styling. All of those factors clearly are in favor of the Murano.

       I printed out reviews, test data, and features and mom is now solidly in the Murano camp.

       Here's the good part. None of all that running around trying to get the straight story and a good deal from different dealers. I used Edmunds to get the MSRP, Invoice, and TMV figured for the SL FWD with the options she wants (Touring package, Splash Guards). I found out, as expected, that the MSRP was a tad over $33K and TMV (real price) should be just over $30K, with Nissan offering $1K rebates right now.
    It's nice to verify your guestimates.

       I went a bit further and requested a quote from a local dealer through the Edmunds interface. I was a bit leery of this because I didn't want a high pressure salesman calling and nagging us. I also wanted to catch them off guard and walk in with figures all ready. I was wrong. It couldn't have been easier.

       A lady that handles all internet sales for Naples Nissan called today. She was very nice and NO pressure. She said that they realize that people that come from internet referrals are doing their homework and they KNOW what they should pay, so they make it easy. $100 off invoice, period. No haggle. Nissan promotions still apply, which is currently $1K rebate or 2.0 financing.

      So it looks like by this time next week mom will be in a (probably blue, with Cafe Latte leather) Murano SL FWD for $29.7K.

      Of course, if anyone has any advice or cheaper prices, please bring it on!

    Allan - bandwidth hog and Murano fan
  • dodoc2003dodoc2003 Member Posts: 20
    I purchase mine in 4/03 so just about 6 months after the debut. I followed inventories of all the local dealers for about a month so knew how well the cars were moving and at which dealerships they were moving from. Then, called up dealerships (went through the internet salesperson) and told them what I wanted to pay. If they accepted, I would come down. Ended up getting $400 below invoice which was pretty good at that time.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    first, what the heck is the electronics warranty??? the nissan warranty covers all of it.

    second, if you had such a good experience with the first dealer, why didnt you go back to them?

    that shows me just how sorry our sense of loyalty is in this country.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    When I last bought a new car my salesperson left the next day to sell Jeeps. Seems like a certain someone was in here selling Hondas just a year or two ago :-)

    There are some reasons to try to buy from certain dealers (convenience mostly), but most of us buy consumer goods based on price. There's nothing unique about a car, so why pay more for one?

    Steve, Host
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    yeah, but he didnt even try.

    i can understand if that happens, but to not even pick up the phone?
  • als2rtals2rt Member Posts: 4
    > second, if you had such a good experience with
    > the first dealer, why didnt you go back to them?

    > that shows me just how sorry our sense of loyalty
    > is in this country.

    Different cities.
    I would have gone back to Endicott in Fort Lauderdale, but mom lives in Naples, Fl. Easier for us and better to have a good relationship with the local dealer that will be doing the service.

    I stated the dealer names (and my satisfaction) for other potential buyers.

    Allan
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    that sounds reasonable.
  • toddeicheltoddeichel Member Posts: 2
    Hi all, I'm just about to pull the trigger on buying a new Murano (SL AWD w/ touring, black w/ charcoal leather) and I was just wondering if anyone can tell me if the memory seats are tied into the key fobs or if you still have to hit the button on the door to change the settings? Thanks....
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    memory seats are not with the keyfobs...

    however...

    the display/vehicle settings are with the memory seats.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I have been looking at the Murano a good bit lately.

    Since I bought my Altima I have been thinking about what I might get next.

    The Murano is what I think I might get next...

    Also, Bowke, what's the deal with the 05s?

    I hear a S model will be available. Will it have alloy wheels and all that stuff or will it be basic?

    I am wondering about that...
  • pearliepearlie Member Posts: 6
    You still have to use the buttons but you won't be sorry...(If you get all these features), it controls the seats, steering wheel and pedals, too
  • pearliepearlie Member Posts: 6
    My dealer told me that the 2004 model I bought uses regular gas...The manual confirms it...It says to use 87 octane and up...87 is regular...89 is midgrade...the gas cap door recommends premium based on the high performance Maxima same type engine...I find that regular runs just as good ..I have tried all octane levels now ( 2004 Sl AWD ) Great car !
  • pearliepearlie Member Posts: 6
    No because except for an Escalade, you can't compare GM with the quality you get with Nissan, esp. a Murano
  • pearliepearlie Member Posts: 6
    Hey, extech...Go get a Murano ! You WILL HAVE FUN driving it....That was one of my first impressions on the test drive and now I am a proud owner of a pearl 2004 SL AWD since July 23, 2004
  • pearliepearlie Member Posts: 6
    Cheap Paint ?! Not possible...There is hardly any plastic molding on this vehicle >>>>Whoever wrote those reviews must be jealous that they don't actually own a Murano.Sounds like an Element...
  • dadoftaydadoftay Member Posts: 136
    I'm with you pearlie, the finish on our MO is superb. Now plastic, you want some noise from interior plastic, come ride in my Safari van. It'll make you love your Murano even more.
  • toddeicheltoddeichel Member Posts: 2
    I actually got a pdf copy of the owner's manual and it looks like you can link the memory settings to the keyfobs. When you set the memory settings, the light on the button lights up for 5 seconds. Click unlock on the keyfob you want to be related to that setting and then whenever you use that keyfob in the future, it'll go to that setting just by unlocking the door....
  • danvidarstledanvidarstle Member Posts: 10
    How much would it cost for an 03 SL AWD rim to be replaced?? How much does the rim cost and how much would the tire cost? Feedback would much appreciated
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    wow! i learn something new every day!
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Check e-bay, they're all over there, both SL and SE wheels.
  • fezzfezz Member Posts: 4
    I just got my 04 Murano last week and I am loving it thanks to all of you for quotes and issues. Just want to share my experience. I got my in Northern California for 600 under invoice. A beautiful SL AWD with Touring Pkg and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
  • michael2003michael2003 Member Posts: 144
    Here's a link to the Nissan News website to get the latest info about the 2005 Nissan Murano.
    http://www.nissannews.com/
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    I know I'm in the Murano Forum. I own a Murano. Any thoughts from Murano owners on the new 2005 Pathfinder? Thanks.
  • dadoftaydadoftay Member Posts: 136
    Talked w/ my Nissan man today. Says that Nissan is going into a little teamwork with Toyota for some hybrid technology. Yes, the MO is on the block for a little gas/electronic tech. Toyota is supplying the motors/converters. The new Pathy is built on a variation of the Titan/Armada platform with the 5-link in the rear, 3 rows of seats, and of course the 250hp 3.5. Supposed to be like a luxo Explorer, according to him. Hell, give Nissan another year and the Sentra will have 3.5 power. By the way, the Xterra is the one to watch, according to his "spec sheets". I guess he wanted to get me excited-- it worked!
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Anyone know more about the hybrid Mo as in if it's real and roughly when it might be available?
    Thanks,
    Don
  • snowridersnowrider Member Posts: 3
    Can anyone out there tell me what you think of the Navigation System in your Murano. I am in the process of buying myself a Murano and I am trying to decide if the Navi system is worth the extra money. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    I have the Mo w/Navi and I can tell you that I am glad that I have it. Is it worth the extra $1700, probably not, you can buy a handheld/palm type navi system for a few hundred dollars that works just as well. But the vehicle had everything I was looking for, and with the 1000 cash back and 500 under invoice from the dealer I basically looked at it as a free upgrade.
  • temtem Member Posts: 3
    You have to buy the Dynamic Control Package to get the Navi System, so the cost is really $2,400. If you don't want DCP, that's a deal killer. You can buy a top notch unit for under $1,000, move it from car to car - including to your next new car - or sell it later and recoup some of the cost. The main disadvantage is that an aftermarket unit can't be tied into the existing display screen (I am told).
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    Sorry, forgot about having to buy the stability control package, I just never considered buying the Mo without it, so I never included it into the cost.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    I have an 03 Murano SE AWD with the Nav. I have ~28,7xx miles on it and I really like the vehicle a lot.

    This was my first NAV unit of any kind and I now have a significant problem. I'm not going to ever buy another vehicle without the integerated NAV. It's just way too practical for everyday use for finding all kinds of destinations.

    I really like the idea of always having a map visible, on a nice large color screen, that I don't have to worry about being stolen if I forget to hide it or something like you'd have to do with an aftermarket solution.

    You certainly can save a few $$ by buying an aftermarket Nav unit but I don't think you'll have anywhere the ease of use that the factory Nav offers. Get in start the vehicle, press the "i agree" button and your on your way.

    It is very user friendly, IMO and well worth the roughly $1700 over the life of the vehicle.
  • montaguemontague Member Posts: 2
    How do you get inventory info for all the local dealers? I am in the Chicago area. I will put my money into a Sunlit Copper SL FWD if I can get the right price next week.
       Also, a few posts ago someone claimed that Nissan had announced prices on the 2005's on their Nissan News site, but I don't see anything about the 2005 Mo.
  • nornenorne Member Posts: 136
    "This was my first NAV unit of any kind and I now have a significant problem. I'm not going to ever buy another vehicle without the integerated NAV. It's just way too practical for everyday use for finding all kinds of destinations."

    Where do you go everyday that you absolutely must have NAv system on your next purchase? Most people use their cars for work or go to the same routine places that require no NAV system.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    How about finding the closest ATM or bank, regardless of where your currently located?

    How about a list of a particular type of resturant for lunch (Chinese, Thai, Japanese, or whatever anybody?)

    How about the closest anything? They're all in there.

    How about re routing around a an un-expected traffic jam or road construction? How about finding a new street or address or route, on a whim or on the fly?

    I don't go to work at the same location every day either, I have lots of clients, in lots of different cities accross Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

    If you go only to the same places all the time then YOU won't find it useful. I also disagree with your statement that "Most people use their cars for work or go to the same routine places that require no NAV system." We obviously have different groups of acquaintances.

    I never said everyone needs it, I said I've got a problem in that I need it now.

    I was answering a question another poster asked about the relative value of the NAV system and as an owner, I answered.

    Your comments (IMO) indicate you've never used an integerated built in Nav system or spent much time in a vehicle equipped with such a system. I think the other poster with the question was asking for an experienced user opinion.
  • dodoc2003dodoc2003 Member Posts: 20
    I basically checked the local dealer's inventory (directly though their website) as well as the Nissan national website inventory. Keep in mind though that they are often not up to date. If you have the time, you can keep track by checking in person on a particular dealer's vehicles on a weekly basis. See how many vehicles have been sold. If they're still there after several weeks, they should be more willing to sell at a lower cost. I basically called the internet salesperson and told them what I wanted to pay. If they agreed, I would go there that second to pick up the car. They may still try some backhanded stuff but if they do, just leave. I too live in the Chicago area and got my Nissan in 4/03 for $400 under invoice at Glendale Nissan.
  • hughjasshughjass Member Posts: 3
    Here in Southern California, most Nissan dealers are offering $6000 off the MSRP including the $1000 rebate. I guess that's a good deal. There are still a lot of 2004's on the lots, as it doesn't appear that Murano's are very popular here. I actually see more Hummers on the road than Murano's. Will Nissan continue to make Murano's if they don't sell very good. I don't know about other areas of the country, but days go by without me seeing another on the highway. That makes me reluctant to purchase one, even though I like them.
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    muranos sell great here.
  • hughjasshughjass Member Posts: 3
    Where's "here".
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    Louisville, KY...look in the profile.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    From Nissan's web site: Murano sales are just fine, somewhere.

    Murano Sales
    Month Units
    Sep-04 5,248
    Jul-04 5,593
    Jun-04 4,149
    May-04 5,004
    Apr-04 4,161
    Mar-04 4,831
    Feb-04 4,731
    Jan-04 4,079
    Dec-03 4,591
    Nov-03 5,435
    Oct-03 4,999
    Sep-03 4,644
    Aug-03 6,188
    Jul-03 5,027
    Jun-03 4,720
    May-03 5,568
    Apr-03 4,436
    Mar-03 4,386
    Feb-03 3,347
    Jan-03 2,734
    Dec-02 1,747
    Nov-02 307

    95,925
  • nofeernofeer Member Posts: 381
    what's up with the o5??
  • lukewlukew Member Posts: 2
    Hi gang.... I'm strongly considering a new Murano for my wife. she is a traveling nurse and needs the AWD for the winter. She puts on a ton of miles and I think I read somewhere that premium fuel is required for the Murano which in our case would be a pretty big issue. Anybody out there know if this is true ??? I can also tell you that my wife has somewhat of a bad back and we've tried several different SUV's and the Murano is the only vehicle that she feels comfortable in........just in case you know someone with the same problem. Thanks
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    i think we need to post this on the maxima, pathfinder, altima, quest, and murano boards permanently, as we have addressed this about 3 dozen times.

    PREMIUM FUEL IS NOT REQUIRED
  • lukewlukew Member Posts: 2
    OOPS !!! I guess I should have done a little more research. Thanks for your help
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    No problem lukew. It is hard to go through over 2000 posts to find what you need to know. As bowke said, premium is not required. The manuals for most of the Nissans that use the same motor as the Murano usually state something like "premium fuel recommended for maximum performance". In my experience, the Murano runs fine on regular gas. That said, on a few occasions I have noticed that when accelerating hard the motor didn't seem to have as much pep as usual. Every time this happened I had used regular gas on my last fillup. I tend to alternate between using premium and using regular.
  • rjardinerjardine Member Posts: 18
    I started to flip flop between regular & premium but unless I kept a specific record usually forgot what I last filled up with. Solved the problem by using silver/mid-grade (89 octane) consistently.
  • tdevanetdevane Member Posts: 35
    Does the Bose system on the 2004 play MP3 and does it display the name and artist from radio stations?
This discussion has been closed.

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