Other than your Murano, what other crossover or small SUV would you buy and why?

[gatubel]

thats right, what other suv would you consider a good vehicle and why?

[superb]

2007+ Acura MDX. 7 passenger seating. Great styling, quality interior. Reliable. Nimble driving dynamics and pretty quick. It was my first choice, but I didn't want to spend over $20k, so I got a loaded 06 Murano and saved about $7 grand. Pretty similar to the MDX as far as creature comforts, feels slower but I've read its because of the CVT. This is my first Nissan, I've always owned Honda's/Acura's so we'll see how the reliability pans out.

[Pilgrim]

I was looking around at the Lexus options, and when I bought the Murano it was on the same lot as a nice used Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7.

But after reading road tests and eyeballing all three, I decided to drive the Murano first. That was all it took. I liked it immediately...didn't even drive the others. I confess I'm still curious about the CX-7, though.

Today? I'd probably go after an Audi A3, which isn't exactly the same type of vehicle but would fit our use pattern. Personally i also would look at a used Audi Allroad, but my wife doesn't like their styling.

[red kiosk]

My next car will be either an Infinti FX35 or FX50S. Daughter will get the MO when I decide to pull the trigger someday. Take care!

Jim

[Phatty McPatty]

Sadly we're currently in the market to replace the MO. After shopping around, we've honed in on the Mitsubishi Outlander GT AWC. It was truly a dark horse in our search (never heard of it). It's not in the same class as the MO but has everything we're looking for. Sharp looking, great drive overall, sporty suspension, supportive seats, all-wheel drive with an active front differential (based off of the Evo), Rockford Foscate sound system, plus a 5/60 limited and 10/100 powertrain warranty (big selling point for us after dealing with all of the elusive problems my MO had). I'm still a bit apprehensive because Mitsu isn't a major manufacturer, although Consumer Reports recommends them and I haven't come across any major red flags in my research. We'll miss a lot of MO features (memory seats with adjustable pedals, dual-climate, etc) but those were always just luxuries.

[gatubel]

I hear ya, Ive owned my murano for about a year now, this has been my first Japanese car, I do love my murano, sunlit copper color, black leather interior, very spacious, CVT tranny, handling etc etc, however I have been thinking of trading it in for an american car and this is why. first of all I was disappointed to find out that the stereo could not be replaced, 2nd, the parts are so expensive, 3rd its a pain in the ass to do any repairs, im the kind of person that if I can doit I doit, I owned a 99 jeep grand cherokee before buying my murano and man, I did all kinds of repairs and maintenance on the vehicle. everything was so simple, but on the murano everything is so dificult.
just to change the rear wiper blade, clearly says it on the manual to take it to a nissan dealer. Seriosly? I was quoted over $500 for a spark plug change, again, Seriously? need to replace a blown headlight? get under the car, take panel covers off this and that, It just seems like any type of maintenance is more difficult, harder and expensive than other vehicles.

My Mo started making a clicking/tapping noise a few months ago, the noise became louder and louder, I have replaced both fuel pressure dampers, thinking they were causing such an annoying engine sound, $270. Spark plugs and boots over $200. and still making the noise. I had posted questions and even videos of my Mo hoping the one of you could help me. Didn't really get an aswer, so I have made an appointment with Nissan, Im taking it Wednesday Sep 21, hopefully it doesnt cost me a leg to have fixed, currently My Mo is just sitting on the drive way, Im not even driving it because the engine sound got louder and louder, hard to describe, sounds like a loose timing belt, something like that.

any ways, I have been thinking of trading it in once I get it fixed, Id like to be able to install an aftermarket stereo on my new car, be able to change a wiper blade, do basic maintenance without spending my whole check, you guys know what I mean, this Murano is the newest car Ive owned, and I love it but these little things are making me go back to my jeep. I checked the 05 06 07 grand cherokees and I really liked them. I wish I had the money to get me something newer but thats all I can afford.

[DMordarski]

I like the GMC Terrian its huge inside for a small CUV , or the Acadia or Buick Enclave for a bigger CUV. Lastly I like the Toyota Highlander hybrid, Toyota hybrid system is incredible.

[nitely]

My next car will be a MINI.

[TMacDona]

Sold my BMW 525i Touring (wagon), 200K+ miles, for the 2006 Murano SL. I'm very satisfied with the Murano in most ways, but I miss driving the bimmer. Probably would get a BMW x5 or another BMW Touring. The Lexus SUV's are interesting too, as well as the 2nd gen Murano.

I drove a number of used vehicles before finding this Murano. Tested the Ford Edge, a number of Chrysler SUV's, and a couple of Honda's and Toyota's, Mercedes M,and Volvo X90.

The Murano was the hands down right choice for me.

Hondas were selling at a premium due to their perceived superior quality, but I didn't see it. Ditto for the Edge and Mercedes, and the Chryslers and Toyota were pretty tired feeling after 60K miles.

Murano is a good value used car, and seem to be better cared for than most used vehicles I drove.

[se2007]

Hummer.

[nipsirc]

I fell in love with the Murano for its looks.
Thinking of buying the cheaper Jeep Cherokee or the Acura MDX but soon as I saw the Mo, I said this is it. Didn't know about the tranny issues back in 2003.
This days, I would love to trade my Mo for the new Lexus RX Hybrid. It would match perfectly with my Lexus ES350

[HVT]

During our search we drove a bunch. We actually liked the two larger Hyundai SUVs. They didn't have the quality and solidness (?) of the Murano but geez...for the money, they were nicely outfitted and drove pretty good. I guess I'm a bit of a nameplate snob because I couldn't get myself to buy one..lol.
We traded in the Quest so we didn't need anything large or anything that would seat 7. We liked but weren't wowed by the Pilot, Edge, RAV-4 or CR-V. Having had past experience, you couldn't give me a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep product.
So the question is a difficult one because, at least in my search, I couldn't find an SUV type vehicle that compared well with the Murano without going way over my budget.

[bob1]

Originally Posted by Phatty McPatty

Sadly we're currently in the market to replace the MO. After shopping around, we've honed in on the Mitsubishi Outlander GT AWC. It was truly a dark horse in our search (never heard of it). It's not in the same class as the MO but has everything we're looking for. Sharp looking, great drive overall, sporty suspension, supportive seats, all-wheel drive with an active front differential (based off of the Evo), Rockford Foscate sound system, plus a 5/60 limited and 10/100 powertrain warranty (big selling point for us after dealing with all of the elusive problems my MO had). I'm still a bit apprehensive because Mitsu isn't a major manufacturer, although Consumer Reports recommends them and I haven't come across any major red flags in my research. We'll miss a lot of MO features (memory seats with adjustable pedals, dual-climate, etc) but those were always just luxuries.

Great choice, I had that one tagged as my next car. I test drove it, I loved it.
I would only take/want the one that had the V6 and heated leather seats. They would hardly budge on the price. The wife kept eyeballing the new Highlander. I was on the fence, the Highlander for the reliability and reputation or the coolness and warranty of the Outlander? We had some back and forth, the wife sort of convinced me to go with the bigger Highlander. At this time, it was not a good choice. It's too big for my needs. It rides like a dream, some electronic assisted power steering has you turning the wheel with your pinkie if you want. It has a V6, lots of power, not bad on gas BUT it's too big for just 2 people. I do have some goodies like leather and a home link with temp-compass, a 6CD changer audio system. I wish I went another direction but only for the fact we are 2 empty nesters. The car as expected has no issues, no rattles, no conundrums and is living up to the reliability. We only have about 7K on the car, so far, so good but not my dream car which is the FX35. When you see the price on that, sheesh, are they nuts? Tough choices but I thumbs up the V6 Outlander.

Bob1

[Qat]

We tested several vehicles - not all apples to apples, but each had it's appeal. Audi, Toyota, Acura, Honda, Ford, Mazda, Subaru. For me, the close second place was a Subaru Outback. The Murano won out on looks and comfort, but I occasionally still wonder what it would be like a year later if I'd gotten that Subaru.

[gatubel]

has anybody test driven the Toyota Venza?
i like them.

Toyota Venza Sportlux by Street Image 2009. 40770 pictures at high resolution