Nissan Murano

[nicholastheczar]

It's time to get the wife a new vehicle, and as much as I like to get a new 07 landcruiser, it just isn't going to happen.

She likes the Nissan Murano and from what I have read on edmunds, it seems like it has gotten pretty good reviews from the owners. Anyone here have one? Likes, dislikes, etc?

They seem pretty reasonable pricewise and since we have a little one now, we need to get something to replace her '04 accord with something that is a little higher and easier to get in and out of w/ the munchkin.

 

[e rock]

My friend Barry bought one 3(?) years ago when they were still relatively new. He's in commercial real estate so before he bought it he brought it home one night so a few of us 'generously-proportioned' guys could take a ride in it. He shuttles a lot of clients around and it's important that they're comfortable and able to see. Not that it matters much to you, but the headroom and world view from the back seat is really impressive for a vehicle that size.

The CVT tranny is just frickin' cool. Overall performance is enough to be fun but not overwhelming (I'll bet the Infiniti FX45 is an AWD blast though). Other than that, it's standard new-car fare: nice stereo, nice fit and finish, comfy yet firm ride.

After a LOT of miles and several cross-country trips, it seems to be holding up just fine. I think his only complaint so far has been that one of the tire pressure sensors took a crap and now every time he starts the car it sets off an alarm. I don't know how much the new sensor costs, but I actually kind of like the idea of that system if it was going to be my wife's car - she's not the most attentive to things like tire pressure.

 

[Mace]

You sure you do not want something with better mileage?

 

[Zack1978]

My ex- GF has one (she has an 06) and she loves it! The only issue was the paint (silver) I used the power washer on the hood ( a wide tip was used) and it blasted the paint off. I have used the same powerwasher on MANY cars/trucks and I have never had any paint issues. However without any question at all the dealer painted the entire hood.

Zack

 

[nicholastheczar]

Well, we've 86'd the Murano and have moved on to the 4 Runner or Pathfinder. It seems that the Pathfinder has better buyer reviews than the 4 Runner but editors like the 4 runner better. Go figure.

I've heard a lot of the new 4 runners have a harmonic vibration problem in the stearing wheel at driving speeds between 1500 and 2000 rpm and Toyota won't / can't fix it.

 

[Coolerman]

I'm on my second Pathfinder. First one a 1991 with 187K on it, got totaled, by of all things, ANOTHER Pathfinder. However it is STILL going strong as a trail only vehicle. My current 1995 with 160k+ on it is doing fine. Hard to beat the V6 engine for reliability just need to change the timing belt on schedule. 1996 up Pathfinders are unibody construction and ride really well. They get terrible gas mileage. 14-16 city and 16-19 highway.

 

[arcteryx]

FWIW, three school teachers were killed in a Nissan Murano this past week when it hit dump truck. Yes, it was a dump truck, but for all to die is a little startling. I expected the safety to be better than that. Link

 

[Martin White]

Hmm. I'm not certain that ANYTHING is going to be very safe hitting a dump truck. They are very heavy and have all sorts of nasty pointy parts sticking out on the back and front ends, not to mention a basic flat steel massive bumper.

 

[FirstToy]

I think the Murano is great! I came within a booty hair from buying one a while back. My friend has one and it's got lots of room, isn't too big for the city and feels sporty.
Option it carefully and it's a decent deal. the cvt is nice and smooth.

for a street suv, I like it over your other choices altho I look at it more like a wagon than suv. I can't see the murano, fx, x5,x3,etc as "suv"s -
The Ford Edge (Lincoln MKX) are pretty cool too.

 

[gnx7]

Only thing I've heard is that they get bad fuel economy.

Have you looked at the Subaru Forester with the 2.5i Turbo engine? It runs 13's stock..... with AWD.... and gets low 20's mpg. It isn't the best looking car... but it does haul a bunch of stuff, is roomy, and hauls butt for a family wagon.

With a few mods.. you can make the same power:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x18goizbqs4

 

[nilpoc]

We're looking to buy the wife a car within a year. We're considering the Murano. It's a nice ride, with nice interior (but I don't like the deep dash), and tops the class, IMO, vs. the Mazda CX-7, Ford Edge, etc.

BUT... We might trade in a point or two of sportiness and go for the Highlander. They are both CR recommended, and are almost identical statwise with the slight edge in predicted reliability going to the Highlander. Plus it has a third row (only fit for a kid), so if you plan on having another munchkin, the third row may save some headaches a couple years down the road.

 

[FirstToy]

highlanders are SO boring! I like the Murano, CX7 and Edge over the Highlander personally..

i agree the deep dash on the murano is distracting but... it's a nice ride, sporty and stylish

 

[nilpoc]

^ agreed, the Highlander has an undeniable milk-toast stance. I'm just thinking more in terms of comfort, reliability, and resale value. As for the Murano, I dunno why the dash doesn't more closely resemble the FX-35/45's.