Hello all, I have been reading a lot about the '15 Murano as the wife and I took a test drive this past weekend and really liked it. I have a couple of questions for those that decided between the SL and Platinum model. The price difference is just over $2,000. The Platinum comes with the following additional features...
20" Machine-finished aluminum-alloy Wheels
LED Headlights
Climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled)
Heated steering wheel
Electronic controlled steering wheel positioning with memory
The wife and I are trying to decide if the extra $2,000 is worth it. I know it is subjective but would love your opinion on the above options and if you have found some that you can't live without. I guess it is your chance to be the sales correspondent and sell me on the upgrade. At the same time, for those with the platinum model, would you make the same choice or save a couple of grand and get the SL model if you could do it again?
A couple questions on the platinum options. Why are LED headlights superior than stock? Do you really notice a difference? I like the look of the 20" wheels, but do I sacrifice ride performance with them? Do I get better ride comfort and traction with the SL 18" wheels? Regardless of the model level we choose, we will be getting the tech package.
Thanks in advance for your review and possible reply. I look forward to being part of this forum.
THe problem I have with the Platinum is the 20" wheels and tires. If I could get all of the other items for about $1500 more than the SL, I probably would. The 20" wheels cause me to give up the other items.
Can you provide more insight regarding the 20" wheels? What were your areas of concern? Traction, ride comfort, cost of replacements and/or snow tires? I drove both a SL and Platinum and to be honest did not really notice a difference. However, I did not know about the change in wheels until I started reading up on the model. I am coming from a 11-year old car and there is so much tech to absorb that I did not ask about the wheels. I do like the rim design of the 20" over the 18".
I never considered anything less than the Platinum when shopping. Here's why...
The main reason was the cooled seats as anything with leather I will never buy without cooled seats. If I could get a high end cloth trim with all the other goodies on the upper trims I would. I just dislike the sweaty feeling of leather during the summer without cooled seats. It becomes very uncomfortable on long drives or after getting into a very hot car. I've had these type climate controlled seats on my 2012 Maxima SV I traded.
While I never compared the headlamps of the LED to non-LEDs with this 2015 Murano...I do know they are the brightest headlamps I have ever owned. I rarely need to use high beams because they are so good. My Maxima had the HIDs and these LEDs in the Murano are considerably brighter then the last gen Maxima HIDs.
For me...the headlamps and cooled seats were the primary reasons I got the Platinum as they were not offered anywhere in lower trims. They are worth every penny (to me)...and I wouldn't change a thing if I had to make this decision again.
As for the electric tilt/telescoping steering wheel...it's a nice feature and I had it on the Maxima. I wouldn't base my purchase decision on that feature though.
I like the 20" wheels...but I would have been ok with the 18"s.
My ideal setup would have been a 2015 Murano with the LED headlamps...power adjustable w/ power lumbar cloth seats (heated)...11-speaker Bose audio...remote start...heated steering wheel...basic cruise and a sunroof.
Maybe I am missing something but it looks like the SL version also has blind spot monitors, at least in the 2015 model. Thanks for providing your input on all involved.
Platinum all the way. The 20" wheels rock. Blind spot mirrors rule. LED's headlights are awesome. The Bose system is a perfect fit for the vehicle. And everyone loves the heated/cooled seats. For an extra $2K it was a no brainer.
If the larger wheels are a concern you can always buy a new set of wheels/tires on Tirerack or Discounttiredirect. Or, do a wheel swap with a fellow forum member who is looking to upgrade.
I bought 2015 Murano Plat in June. The reason I opted for Plat vs SL was I really wanted the cooled seats and the heated steering wheel. As my Altima had the heated steering wheel, and that was a must for NewEngland weather. I opted for the most base PLAT. I didn't want the huge sunroof,intelligent cruise, nor the forward collision. My MSRP was 42535 and with rebates and haggling I paid around 37,500. I do wish I had the smaller tires, but that wasn't an option. Love my car and so far gas mileage has been spot on as advertised.
If you want a more comfortable ride, go for the SL with the 18" wheels and 235/65-18 tires. If not, go for the Platinum and enjoy all the additional features. I wanted the better ride so I chose the SL. I also did not want a sun roof or AWD, so I chose the SL FWD and am very happy. It is nice to have these choices.
I got the platinum for the LED headlights and the ventilated seats. It gets really hot in the summer and heat and black leather don't mix well. LED lights because I don't want to swap out bulbs multiple times. I drove my last car for 10 years and 225k miles and I plan on doing the same with this. Made sense to get everything available so I don't regret anything later. I did that with my previous car. Fully loaded and never regretted anything... heated seats and pano sunroof were luxury items back then and it was worth every penny.
I got the platinum for the LED headlights and the ventilated seats. It gets really hot in the summer and heat and black leather don't mix well. LED lights because I don't want to swap out bulbs multiple times. I drove my last car for 10 years and 225k miles and I plan on doing the same with this. Made sense to get everything available so I don't regret anything later. I did that with my previous car. Fully loaded and never regretted anything... heated seats and pano sunroof were luxury items back then and it was worth every penny.
With 235 being the tire width in mm, I noticed that Ford Edge, Highlander, and MDX have 245mm tires, whereas Pathfinder (!) and Lexus RX350 has 235mm tires. Touareg has 255mm tires.
I've always been kinda picky about that.
Think I always notice the thicker tires when I see an Edge or a Highlander.
Tell me it's not a big deal
I am really not a fan of either, especially for handling in cold weather conditions. The 18" get slightly better reviews. I like the style of the 20" rims but I would not buy the Platinum package because of them. Still working this out. I do like the cooling seats and LED headlights. Just have to figure out if they are worth $2,000.
Great replies to date and much appreciated. Hope to hear from others.
I am really not a fan of either, especially for handling in cold weather conditions. The 18" get slightly better reviews. I like the style of the 20" rims but I would not buy the Platinum package because of them. Still working this out. I do like the cooling seats and LED headlights. Just have to figure out if they are worth $2,000.
Great replies to date and much appreciated. Hope to hear from others.
Dand.
I like the idea. May I ask what venue you used to sell the original tires?
Also, thinking of making this part of the deal for the new car. Allowing them to keep the stock tires and replace with these. I could have them sent in if they don't have a way to get them.
I understand its OEM tires. Accounting might be not happy about. After they sell your set they should report money against car invoice to see the real profit. )
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