Question about buying a used Murano

[jbobst]

We are looking to buy a used 1st gen Murano. We have a couple options that have our interest. The first is a 2005 SL with 50K miles, and the second is a 2007 SL with 67K. I think they are both FWD. One thing that is very important to my wife is the ability be able to add satellite radio. The 2005 vehicle has the Bose radio, and there is a "SAT" button, but the sat radio is not installed. The 2007 has no SAT button on the Bose radio. My wife is convinced that the SAT button in the 2005 means we can easily install a sat radio. I am concerned that we won't be able to add any sort of sat radio, after reading some of the posts on here.

I see that there is a possible new option to install an aftermarket radio, but there are no prices yet I think.

Aside from the sat radio, any advice on which Murano is the better buy? Being that they both are FWD, I don't have to worry about the Transfer case problem, and the tranny should be under warranty until 120K miles, right?

[jbobst]

Upon further review, the dealer selling the 2005 claims it's an S model (not SL). Yet, it has factory leather, a sun roof, and the Bose radio (with SAT button??). Did the S come with all those options, and if so, what is the difference then with the S and SL?

[nitely]

S is more basic I think.

[kfresh]

No the s model does not come with those features. I have a 2006 s model and it is fairly easy to install sat radio. There is a harnes in the rear for sat radio or u cand simple plug one into the back of the stock radio with the right harness. Although my murano does not have the sat button , the radio button switches between the two

[jbobst]

Thanks for the information so far. We actually found a couple more for sale in the area and are hoping to look at one or two this evening. The prices for these, while all fairly close, don't seem to really be based on model year. We have found 2005's a $1000 more than 2007's with comparible miles.

kfresh: We found it strange that the "older" models have the SAT button on the radio's, but the 06's and 07's don't seem to have that button. However, are you saying that regardless of the SAT button, it is very easy to install sat radio in any of the 06's and 07's? Will we have to have some sort of external control module, or the does the radio have all the proper controls and displays built in already?