Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

vadp · December 2002

"I can only laugh at the saps that bought Hummer H2s. What a pile of over-rated junk."

A lot of people will disagree with that statement.

ppower · December 2002

Have you ever been in a H2? There is more (cheap) plastic in that SUV then I think I have ever seen. The H2 is nothing more than a glorified suburban, it uses the suburban platform. Uses a Vortec off the shelf chevy engine. The whole front-end is fiber-glass with cheap looking plastic grill. Then let's talk about performance. 0-60 in 10.7 secs, 1/4 in 17.6 and braking from 70-0 is just as bad. Then we can talk about 10-12 mpg they get. Of, course you could argue that they are great in extreme off-roading vs other SUVs. The only problem with that statement is about 20% or less of them will ever see any extreme off roading (maybe the 2nd or 3rd owner will take it out and thrash it). I saw a guy getting in one yesterday at the gym and he was about 70 and could barely walk (probably there for therapy vs to workout). I also, know someone that bought one and got rid of it only after 6 months (the cool factor wore off), because he got tired of kias and daewoos passing him in traffic and cutting in front of him. Most people that buy them, get them for the image and not to go extreme off-roading in them. Makes them feel tough and rugged I guess.

I just love laughing at them as I blow past them in their over-priced Suburban street wagon.

Ppower

tmck · December 2002

I am considering a Murano. I must drive up and down a hill three or more times a week and need compression braking otherwise I will warp my disks. The hill is 8 miles long and drops 2,000 ft. I don't remember the grade but it might be 8%. For those of you who have actual experience, let me know if the Murano has sufficient compression braking to handle this. In a conventional 5 speed automatic transmission 4th gear is usually sufficient and then 3rd gear at the very end to drop to 45 mph.

tidester · December 2002

The hill is 8 miles long and drops 2,000 ft.

That averages out to a 4.7% grade.

tidester, host

tmck · December 2002

Perhaps you can answer my question about compression braking?

tidester · December 2002

I can't answer your question regarding compression braking with the Murano since I have no direct experience with that vehicle. On similar grades with different vehicles I use a combination of downshifting and brakes. My old 4Runner's engine would race excessively under those conditions if I didn't use the brakes.

tidester, host

ppower · December 2002

38lbs torque loss so it might be a toss up that it can move any faster than the V8. What is the turning radius on the Murano? I see for the 4runner it is 36.7, I think the Murano's isn't as small. Also, wonder why Toyota doesn't put a 5-speed transmission in the V6 model it would get better mpg atleast on the highway.

Ppower

linzybel · December 2002

I've seen a published turning radius of 37.4 feet, about 8 inches bigger than the 4runner's.

cookie01 · December 2002

My paper this morning lists seven Lexus RX 300s for $36,000....

I love the murano. I want one. But I can't see paying MORE for a Nissan than for a Lexus. It just seems wrong.

Of course, with time, I believe Murano prices will come down. The dealer closest to me had 4 Muranos on the lot for about three weeks. two sold, two remain.
We'll see what happens with the next shipment.

ppower · December 2002

get one. But must know come mid-next year it will be the old model. The RX330 will be out.

Besides from my point of view I can get a Murano at $200 over invoice, so it is still the cheaper choice for me. If the 4runner would come down to around invoice price I would seriously consider it too. The only problem with me and getting a 4WD 4runner is I know I will take it out and beat it up off-roading. LOL.

Ppower

andrews928 · December 2002

My local dealer is charging $900 over invoice on a $40,000 Limited but I did get a dealer in MA (I'm in CT) work out a deal $ 500 over invoice. Just not worth the trip.

berg32 · December 2002

So it sounds like one can buy a Murano with FWD and VDC + TCS, achieve very good performance, save on the purchase price compared with AWD, and get better mileage too. Do you agree?

troyy2k · December 2002

On a lease, the payments for an AWD and FWD may be about the same, because AWD models sometimes have a higher residual. I was considering the Highlander, and was amazed to find out that it was the same price to lease an AWD Highlander as it was to lease a FWD model. I placed a query on the "LEASE" board to check what the residual values are for the AWD vs. the FWD model.

ppower · December 2002

a 4runner limited (the sports $1000+ over invoice and the SR5s $500+) just at about $200 over invoice at carmax.com until 1/2/03 on all instock 4runners. This is at the DC location which has a bunch of them (15+). But, the limited still comes out about $4k more than what I can get a Murano for at $200 over invoice with AWD

Ppower

uecker1 · December 2002

I would love to test drive a FWD Murano SL with VDC/TCS but so far the dealer has only received AWDs. Has anyone seen/driven the FWD version yet?

One would think the FWD version would be noticeably quicker and VDC/TCS should take care of poor road conditions.

Wife is in love with the Murano, but I am not yet sure about the long term durability of the CVT in a vehicle with this much torque.

ppower · December 2002

has been used in Japan by Nissan for years. And is even being used in the new Skyline 350GT in Japan. The version in the Skyline has more gears though.

http://www.apexjapan.com/photonews/tas_nissan.html

I think the version used in the murano is more like the Audi version though and it uses a steel chain.

http://autozine.kyul.net/technical_school/gearbox/tech_gear.htm#CVT

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/2003vehicles/murano/cvt.shtml

One more article.

http://www.edmunds.com/news/innovations/articles/43036/article.html

Ppower

uecker1 · December 2002

Ppower,
Thanks for the info. I had read two of those articles previously, and they were the ones that mentioned that nobody has put a CVT in an engine much above 2.0 liters. Great to know Nissan has CVTs in the Skyline and Cedric/Gloria.

Based on my experience with Infiniti's(2 I-30's without any unscheduled maintenance), I am confident Nissan has done its homework. Just re-living my past experience with other makes that did not deliver on the promises (e.g, turbos in the '70's).

onemoredriver · December 2002

I test drove fully equipped Nissan Murano SL AWD and was dealing with the dealer in North Carolina. He was ready to sell the car for 1500$ less than the MSRP. And i was actually asking for 300$ over invoice. He did not make a deal but i think he will eventually. I can see it comming. Before two weeks the same dealer was quoting out- right MSRP for the same vehicle. And he particularly mentioned that there are no dealer discounts. If things can change this bad in two weeks then it is worth waiting for two more weeks and see what happens. If nothing, then i always have the 1500$ off of the MSRP.

Cheers.

trevor57 · December 2002

Good afternoon. Went to look at a Murano today...man, what a sweet vehicle! Very comfortable inside, nicely laid out. Can someone tell me though what Nissan was thinking when they "forgot" to add body side molding? I saw another post that mentioned this but I gotta tell you, that sheet metal is just begging to be dinged! I asked the aftermarket person and they said it is unlikely that Nissan will add this in the aftermarket....Any comments would be appreciated. Hate to spend $35k and be paranoid when parking....Happy New Year to all!

al63017 · December 2002

www.carmax.com has these for 200 to 250 over invoice I used this at two local dealers and they said they can do 400 over. So far have not had an Internet salesman lie to me so we will see. The literature says you cannot get SL with Trac control unless you add some prem package so AWD may end up being cheaper. Local dealer today says 1500 off any Murano which is not as good as 200 over invoice but going in right direction. Use carmax as your reference point to bargain

jess1983 · December 2002

Personally I don't think it's a problem. All car and truck doors have the height of contour (the most pronounced part of the door) at different levels. This means that your car will always be dinged. You're lucky if their door meets your moulding. My old Volvo had side moulding 4 inches high and the door was always getting dings. The only way to overcome it is to make all car mouldings the same height off the ground or mouldings on the door edge. I've heard this comment a few times and IMHO I can't belive lack of door mouldings would stop someone from buying a vehicle. I purchase because of build quality, ride, fun to drive, etc.

jgriff · December 2002

My experience has been to learn where to, and NOT to park [pure & simple]. Cuz unless you're driving a Saturn, or you're NOT careful it will get dinged.

I own a '01 Acura CL [no side molding] after 2.5 years [knock on wood] no dings. Over my years of car ownership I've learned, and I would just as soon walk a few more yards [100's if need be] than have to look-at or fix door dings on any of my cars.

For my next car I've been waiting for that all-purpose vehicle; four doors, AWD, sporty, some cargo space when picking up a few items from the hardware store, not too SUV'ish, NO luxury price-tag, & NO soccer mom looks.

~~~ Am I in the right place ???

bkpratt · December 2002

I agree with your requirements for a new all-purpose vehicle.

Would you say that "soccer mom looks" applies to the Murano? The sloping nose and long dash suggest minivan somewhat to me.

bkpratt · December 2002

Can you tell me how to find the dealer invoice for the Murano. Edmunds.com lists it as N/A, unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Thanks.

bkpratt · December 2002

Has anyone seen the "Front Bumper Tube Bar" accessory for the Murano? If so, how does it change the appearance? It's hard to tell from Nissan's website picture at http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/ModelAttributes/0,9443,24110|31004|,00.html#midpageAnchor

Thanks.

mrrogers · December 2002

Body side moldings can be installed in the aftermarket. I suggest you contact a good body shop or detailing shop in your area. Back in my college days, I worked as a co-op for an OEM body side molding manufacturer in Cleveland, and we sold the same high quality hardware to the aftermarket that we sold to the OEM's. Good luck!

linzybel · December 2002

The "soccer mom looks" is a legit question, but it depends a bit on your tastes. To some eyes, the rounded curves make it look feminine; while to others the front end and huge tires make it look aggressive and sporty in a masculine kind of way.

My opinion is this: it goes so fast and handles so well that it's a performance sportswagon. If you choose a guy's color combination, no one will mistake your wheels for those of a soccer matron...

andrews928 · December 2002

Check www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book) They have invoice for base and options

stever · December 2002

Bkpratt, we haven't posted the invoice prices for the Murano yet. It shouldn't be too much longer since I've noticed some competing sites have posted numbers (most running ~$2,000 below MSRP).

Our TMV is the same as MSRP but that number is a projection since significant real sales figures haven't rolled in to be able to adjust it. Judging by messages in here, some dealers are discounting some models already, so there's a good chance you can beat the MSRP/TMV pricing. The car sales slump should help depress prices too.

Steve, Host

trevor57 · December 2002

Thanks guys for all your thoughts on this subject. Hope to nail down a choice soon...I am still looking at MDX, 4Runner and (don't laugh) Montero LTD. All are excellent....really like the Montero but residuals could hurt. Any opinions?

ppower · December 2002

and invoice price for options. Go to www.consumerguide.com. I personally find the sloping nose and long dash remind me of a large international truck I used to drive about 5 years ago. Sat up very high and had hardly any hood you could see because of the sloped angle of it and it had a nice large dash like the Murano which a threw a ton of stuff on when I had too.

As, for side moldings they are not going to save you from door dings you get in the wheel well lip area. The best way to avoid door dings is be observant in your parking. Don't park next to POSs and cars that are obviously owned by people who don't care or don't know now how to park. If, they can't park their car right, they sure are not going to bother not trying to hit your's with their door. And lastly when possible park next to a concrete curb that juts out. You then have a 50% less chance of getting a door ding, since someone can only park on your one side. Just don't do it if one of the above stated people is parked in the spot next to it.

I personally would never by a Mitsubishi car again. Had an eclipse and it was junk. Thin sheet metal too. They make great electronics (the monitor I am using right now is a Mitsubishi 2020u 22"), but I don't care for their cars.

Ppower

bkpratt · December 2002

Thanks Andrews928, ppower and Steve for where to find the invoice price for Murano.

AWD adds $1400 to the invoice price. I live in the Northeast (about 60 miles NW of NYC) and have gotten through many a winter without AWD in small cars. Is it worth it for the Murano (handling, resale), or is FWD w/traction control sufficient, as it saves $ and gas? This was probably already discussed, but thanks.

Regarding side molding, I added aftermarket molding myself to my current car and was pleased with it.

Linzybel, for styling, I wonder if the Front Bumper Tube Bar ($199) would push it a bit more to SUV than van in the front.

troyy2k · December 2002

Can the SL model be (inexpensively) upgraded so that there is less body-roll while cornering? I found a nice SL model, equipped the wa I like; However, I find that I prefer the tighter cornering ability of the SE suspension. Is it just a matter of switching out the springs? Do you think the dealer would do that inexpensively?

dklanecky · December 2002

I don't think you'll see any parts for the Murano readily available for a while yet. (You also will have a difficult time getting a dealer to do anything inexpensively!)

I'm hoping a Front Strut Tie Bar (FSTB) will be made available for the Murano. I put one on each of my Maxima's and it significantly flattens the cornering. (They were less than $100 each and take all of 10 minutes to install.)

andrews928 · December 2002

One thing you might take into consideration is the "0" interest and no payment until 2004 on Mitsubishi. I think it would apply to the Montero but maybe the deal has some little hidden notes. As far as quality the latest JD Power survey had Mitsubishi quality slightly ahead of Nissan. There were 147 problems per 100 cars for Mitsubishi and 152 problems per 100 cars for Nissan. Toyota came out on top with 107 problems per 100 cars. The survey was based on customer reports during the first 90 days of ownership. As far as residual I somehow remember the Montero within a point on a 3 year lease against the Murano.

jgriff · December 2002

That's what I'm talking about, and "Goes Fast & Handles Well". I caught a quick drive-by view of a Murano on the car lot, I'm going to have to get a closer look.

However, the CVT setup may force me to wait 1-2 years just to make certain there are NO glitches, plus allowing Nissan to work out any others.

When the MDX first came out I really thought it would be my next all purpose vehicle, except the waiting list is still tends to be long. And the prices have simply gone way over board, the base started out at 34k is now 38k, the Tour is was 38k is now 43-45. That's 4-7 G's more than when it first came out, way too rich for my blood, at least today it is.

Heck all cars are getting pricey, hopefully Nissan, Mazda, Honda will try & keep things reasonable. Who knows for sure.

sophie5125 · December 2002

I would really like to buy a Murano (love the look and how they handle) but am finding that So. Cal dealers are sticking together as far as insisting on MSRP (which when adding up the extras comes to what a Lexus 300 or even the Acura MDX would cost). Why are they comparing this car to the Highlander and Jeep Liberty when price wise they should be comparing to Lexus and Acura??? Help!!!

andrews928 · December 2002

When the Murano hit the lots in CT a few weeks ago everyone wanted MSRP. That lasted for 1 week. I have received a quote from a dealer that was $ 1,700 below MSRP and they are still calling to do a deal. I am 100% certain I can get another $500-$ 1,000 off if I decided the Murano was the way to go. Nissan is going to have a difficult time moving this vehicle unless they start making deals. There is to much competition with better purchasing incentives. You can start doing some internet shopping,(carmax.com,mostly on the east coast was charging $ 200 over invoice) call as many dealers once you have some numbers from internet sales or wait. Nissan wants to move 50,000 Murano's a year. If you wait another 1-3 months I believe there will be some very large discounts. Also when you work with a salesperson on the Murano ask them to convince you why you should pay list,lets say $35,000 for a somewhat loaded SL Murano, when you can almost pay the same for a fully loaded Lexus RX300 without naviagation.

ppower · December 2002

"The survey was based on customer reports during the first 90 days of ownership." The Eclipse that I had didn't start going downhill until the second year.

What went bad:

computer

2 rad fans

Mass air meter ($350 for a stupid plastic part!)

water pump-caused head to warp

brake caliber

vacuum lines rotted out

paint wore off roof and rear fender topsides

As, for the price on the Murano don't pay MSRP or even close to it. If they are not willing to deal at invoice or close to it just wait in a couple months they will.

Ppower

al63017 · December 2002

Called about Highlander and they had car in stock at 250 over invoice, also priced Murano and it was same price 250 over invoice. You can get any Murano you want for 250 over at www.carmax.com. Also looked at VUE from Saturn, wonder if Murano is worth 10,000 more. Also 0% interest 5 years at their fixed price no negotiated price with Saturn until 01/02/03. Have not heard of anyone getting a discount on Saturn. Murano may win out if I can get by the almost 10K difference.

sgtjim · December 2002

I believe I read somewhere that Premiun is recommended or can you use regular 87 octane?

Jocko · December 2002

Is the AWD an "all the time" drive, or does it stay in two wheel drive until slippage occurs and then the AWD cuts in? I live in Florida and will never be driving in snow etc. We do have heavy rains at times. I would like your opinion as to whether I need AWD or not.

Jack

ab348 · December 2002

Yesterday I saw a Murano for the first time, entering a parking lot while I was leaving. We were both creeping along so I was able to get a good look and ID it by the name on the rear. Prior to that I had never heard of or seen this vehicle.

My first reaction: "Wow! What *IS* that?!?" It is really striking.

But my immediate second reaction as I looked at it in my rear view: it looks like a modern version of the AMC PAcer. Very wide for it's overall size.

I actually liked the Pacer when it first came out, and I like the Murano too. Not sure how well that styling will hold up though. Interestingly, I recall being at an AMC dealer back in '75 and they were asking full invoice for the first few Pacers. As it is, the Murano is just not priced competitively enough for consideration by me. Too bad.

wildcorgis · December 2002

I was all set to buy a VUE when I first heard about it. After seing it and driving it.. well I bought a Pathfinder. The VUE is a great car and it has and does everything anyone would ever need but to make my point quickly I would compare it to the Murano as you would compare a Ford Focus to a Toyota Camry.

If I'm not mistaken Saturn is offering 1,000 or 2,500 cashback towards the down payment. Other than that I don't think they bargain from MSRP.

In regards to premium fuel for the Murano, there are discussions about that in the Pathfinder forum every so often and the general consensus is stick with premium.

I also agree that the Murano with no movement from MSRP makes the RX300 a better choice. In So. Ca. nobody has been budging from sticker.The only way that they might sway my opinion is if they give me a great deal on my 02 PF.Or I might just wait a year to buy a Murano.

Also where's the advertising for the Murano? Watching football and seen a couple of good commercial for the Beetle Conv.

Steve

jess1983 · December 2002

This is out of the manual. Use regular unleaded of at least 87 AKI or 91 RON octane. For improved performance use premium with at least 91 AKI or 96 RON octane. I hope this clears up the previous misinformation. I use regular and the vehicle is very peppy. I wouldn't notice the difference as this vehicle is very quick. You probably would get a little better fuel economy with the premium but not enough it would be cost effective.

ppower · December 2002

I wouldn't use anything lower than a 89 octane rated fuel in it. Most cars that ask for premium want 91 octane. Premium in the states is 93 octane in most places. the 89 octane is the middle grade fuel. I have seen lately at 7-elevens in florida they now carry about 5 different grades of fuel. 87,89,91,93.

Most cars that want premium fuel are high compression engines or engines that run fored induction. Sure you can run a lower grade fuel, but don't exect as good of performance. The knock-sensor will detect it and retard the engine timing. Down the road (so to speak) using cheap fuel in the above listed engines can cause some problems.

Ppower

bmarko · December 2002

Leased a loaded SL 2wd model. Sticker was 32,700. It had the leather pak and other premium package. Intrestingly enough it showed the sunroof as a $1000 option, not part of the package... AND it came with heated seats which were not even listed on the sticker. This one was right off the truck. No traction control option. Seems those are harder to find, at least in the gold color I wanted. And good news, they are all made in Japan.

I am 6'4" and about 250lbs. Big guy. I dont fit in most cars or even most suvs. I try lots of vehicles to see if I can get comfortable. Highlander/Lexus - no, Mercedes ML - not bad but headliner is an inch from your head and steering wheel hit my leg. Acura - Needs telescoping wheel - it hit my legs. Murano...Even with the sunroof, I am fitting really nice in the Murano. Lots of legroom. Cabin feels spacious. I like the larger dashboard as it makes the cabin feel bigger. Doesnt look like a minivan as some have said. The whole care us unique and a head turner. It only looks like what you want to make it... Psyc 101. Seats are very comfortable for me. Fit and finish on the car is very tight. Japaneese build quality at it's best. Sure, some of the dash knobs are a bit cheap looking, but they are solid. All control functions are very solid. No squeaks or rattles. Drives real nice. A bit jiggly on broken/bumpy streets. Very quiet at 70mph on the freeway. Tranny seems to make a low growl at low speed aceleration but is very smooth. I noticed this on the one I test drove too, so it must be the design. I dont think it is the engine. It idles so quiet and smooth you dont even know its on. Power for acceleration is great and smooth. Does this sound like an ad... It's not and I have never owned a Nissan. I was in a Volvo S80T6 (which also had great room and comfort) - but wanted something higher ( easier to get in/out of) and different. The new Volvo SUV drives nice and has lots of room in the front seats, but the second row has NO room at all and the second row seats do NOT recline and are at a very straight angle. Even my kids thought they were uncomfortable. The Murano second row does recline and it has loads more legroom. Volvo mistakenly shoved the second row up to make room for a third row that virtually no one will use.

As you can tell , so far ( 3 days ) I am very happy with the car. Price seems a bit high but it will come down, and if you compare the details in all areas, I think Nissan has a winner. The Infiniti FX looks like the exact same platform with very similar interior controls (but with normal tranny) with a bit different styling. Of course the Infiniti will look much more slick and high end on the inside (which will make a difference for some) but with the same V6 engine I hear it will be about 5k more than the loaded one I got.

Only potential drag is...Right now I am only gettting 15mpg combined city and highway which is a lot lower than the 20/25 epa estimate. (Although I only have 60 miles on the car)... So, I 'll go a bit longer to see if it increases as the engine breaks in and the computer figures things out.

Anyway... enough gabbing. Just thought I'd give you all my take. If you are looking , look at this one real close in all areas.

Happy motoring.

ppower · December 2002

you get? How many months and what kind of payment? Did you have to put any money down too?

Thanks for info.

Ppower

jess1983 · December 2002

I think I'll follow what my manual tells me to use, and according to it premium isn't necessary.

rkuehn · December 2002

Its off-topic but I thought I would share my own Mistubishi experience... my 1990 Eclipse FWD turbo is now at 203,000 miles. Two early recalls: timing belt & O2 sensor. Repair work beyond new tires, brakes, belts, plugs, oil, filters & other disposables: none.

Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles