Differences between 03 and 2010's

[Dschets]

I'm thinking of trading in our 03 MO for a 2010. My 1st gen has had all kinds of problems (CVT, alternator, fuel pump, leaking and burning oil, etc) and has left a bad taste in my mouth. I know that this car generally has a good reputation and that my experience probably isn't typical but I'm on my 2nd transmission now and it is starting to give me problems. Also I'm getting the code that indicates problems with the catalytic converter and I'm just really sick of taking this one to the dealership. I've driven the 2nd gen and inside everything looks different but is basically the same so I'm not worried about the interior of the car. I'd like to know whats new for the 2nd gen as far engine, transmission, and other things that would be costly to repair. If they are largly the same as the 1st gen then i will likely go in another direction.

[HVT]

Originally Posted by Dschets

I'm thinking of trading in our 03 MO for a 2010. My 1st gen has had all kinds of problems (CVT, alternator, fuel pump, leaking and burning oil, etc) and has left a bad taste in my mouth. I know that this car generally has a good reputation and that my experience probably isn't typical but I'm on my 2nd transmission now and it is starting to give me problems. Also I'm getting the code that indicates problems with the catalytic converter and I'm just really sick of taking this one to the dealership. I've driven the 2nd gen and inside everything looks different but is basically the same so I'm not worried about the interior of the car. I'd like to know whats new for the 2nd gen as far engine, transmission, and other things that would be costly to repair. If they are largly the same as the 1st gen then i will likely go in another direction.

2nd generation Muranos differ from 2010 to 2011 too. The CVT was updated for 2011 as was the transfer case. The AWD system works differently on the2nd generation also.

[njjoe]

D-

Welcome to the forum.

I would say most of the changes are cosmetic. There is different sheet metal on the outside and different plastic on the inside, but it is still pretty much the same car.

On the plus side, between the '03 and '10 model years Nissan has had 7 years of history and experience with the MO's mechanicals and tweaked and improved many of the systems. A review of the recalls and technical service bulletins is evidence that Nissan has addressed many of the deficiencies.

The introduction year for any car model can be a minefield, especially one as unique as the '03 MO with it's CVT, limited-capability AWD, and drive-by-wire systems.

While not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, the '10 MO should prove to be a more reliable car than the '03.

-njjoe

[gonzalo_edo]

Hi all... long time no se...

I also have a 2004 SL almost trouble free... not is rounding the 100k and I want to trade-in it a 09 or 10 LE, so I was wondering if this change really worth it??

Is the handling or driving experience a bit different? Besides the interior, do the car changes in any other aspect??

Any advice is more than welcome...

[HVT]

Originally Posted by gonzalo_edo

Hi all... long time no se...

I also have a 2004 SL almost trouble free... not is rounding the 100k and I want to trade-in it a 09 or 10 LE, so I was wondering if this change really worth it??

Is the handling or driving experience a bit different? Besides the interior, do the car changes in any other aspect??

Any advice is more than welcome...

Other than the obvious cosmetic changes, fit and finish are said to be better. The ride is quieter and smoother than on earlier models. Newer models have major changes to the CVT and transfer cases as well as how the AWD system works. For instance, in your Mo (assuming it's AWD), power is only transfered to the rear wheels if the fronts slip. Newer models are in 50/50 AWD automatically from a stop. So those wet road launches from a stoplight are devoid of front wheelspin. The newer system also transfers power 70/30 front/rear during cornering for better stability. So you'd have to decide if any of these changes would benefit you over your current model.

[Halwg]

Originally Posted by HVT

Newer models are in 50/50 AWD automatically from a stop. So those wet road launches from a stoplight are devoid of front wheelspin. The newer system also transfers power 70/30 front/rear during cornering for better stability. So you'd have to decide if any of these changes would benefit you over your current model.

I have read you write this a few times on this forum, but I cannot find any reference to this in my owner's manual. I have been told that my 2012 is a front wheel drive, 100%, until the wheels start to slip, and then it transfers power to the rears, up to 50%. So, please send me the link to where you have gotten your info.

[HVT]

Originally Posted by Halwg

I have read you write this a few times on this forum, but I cannot find any reference to this in my owner's manual. I have been told that my 2012 is a front wheel drive, 100%, until the wheels start to slip, and then it transfers power to the rears, up to 50%. So, please send me the link to where you have gotten your info.

Here ya go:

[Halwg]

Originally Posted by HVT

Here ya go:

Where did you find that? I'd like to get a copy.

[HVT]

I believe this was in the brochure for my 2011. It's not in the owners manual too?

[MuranoSV]

Yes, it was in 2011 Murano brochure, I remember.
I also have 2011 Murano.

[Halwg]

It's not in my 2012 Owner's Manual, and it wasn't in the 2012 brochure, either.

[gonzalo_edo]

Interesting...

What about the engine?? any updates? better mpg??

[MuranoSV]

Here is the link for 2012 Murano eBrochure. It's from Nissan Canada.

http://www.nissanflipbook.com/pdf/Mu...chure_2012.pdf

[Halwg]

Originally Posted by MuranoSV

Here is the link for 2012 Murano eBrochure. It's from Nissan Canada.

http://www.nissanflipbook.com/pdf/Mu...chure_2012.pdf

I'm wondering why Canada would use a different AWD system than the US?

[MuranoSV]

I think both use the same system but, US catalog has no explanation about it.