| 350z006 |
Hi all,
I am considering buying a Murano partially so I don't rack up the miles on my 350z, but more so that I can have a utility car that I can take to go to the mountains to go snowboarding without having to put chains on the wheels (AWD version). Most of the people in my other forum recommend I get the Xterra instead since it has full time 4WD, but I prefer the fuel mileage and the looks of the Murano.
It seems that from what I've read from this forum that the Murano runs competently in the snow, so should I go ahead and get the Murano instead of the Xterra? |
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| njjoe |
350z006-
Welcome to the forum!
That's a tough question, and no one can answer it but yourself (or your wife/girlfriend :4: ).
The Murano is a road-car while the Xterra is a trail-capable truck. What do you prefer and/or need - a car or a truck?
Now having said that, the Murano is very capable in the snow as long as there is a good driver behind the wheel. Just the other day there was a post from a guy who takes groups of adventurers (a.k.a. lunatics) on snow-camping excursions. He reported that his MO was plowed in after a four-foot snow storm. After a little bit of digging he was able to motor out of the snow and drive home without a problem. Others have reported that the Mo handles the snow quite well, even with the all-season OEM Goodyears.
I would think the Xterra would be better in deep snow, but the MO would be all-around superior when the roads are snow-less. Consider it the "Z" of crossovers.
-njjoe |
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| ekaxel |
| Use traction tires.... |
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| 350z006 |
quote:
Originally posted by ekaxel
Use traction tires....
You mean snow tires? |
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| BikerJohn |
I run snows on my MO in the winter and I have not come accross anything(yet) that I can't get through. We are having a snow storm as I write this and getting about a foot of "Mash Potato" heavy snow.
Where are you located and what kind of snow might you expect to be driving in?
I am up in ski country every weekend(well; as good as it gets in Ontario) and as long as you plan to stay on paved or decent dirt roads; the MO will have you driving in confort.:4: |
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| 350z006 |
quote:
Originally posted by BikerJohn
I run snows on my MO in the winter and I have not come accross anything(yet) that I can't get through. We are having a snow storm as I write this and getting about a foot of "Mash Potato" heavy snow.
Where are you located and what kind of snow might you expect to be driving in?
I am up in ski country every weekend(well; as good as it gets in Ontario) and as long as you plan to stay on paved or decent dirt roads; the MO will have you driving in confort.:4:
Actually I live in Los Angeles, but every winter I like to go up to the mountains and go snowboarding, and I hate putting chains on my car...hence, I want a vehicle that I can use for my snowboarding trips without having to fiddle with chains... |
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| BikerJohn |
When we first got our MO; we drove 2 winters with stock OEM GY tires and they did fine. So; I don't think you may need chains-but you will have the final say in that. The only time it gets sketchy is when the car encountered icy conditions. Even the Xterra would be touch and go in icy condition with OEM rubbers with their inherrent harder rubber compound.
I have seen good drivers get through some thick snow in "regular" cars but I have also seen poor drivers in the ditch with their SUV's.
I would suggest making your purchase decision on which vehicle you might prefer to drive regularly on your preference of vehicle.
Having said that; I have truly enjoyed my MO year-round:D |
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| Mr3Putt |
Driven properly, you should have no problems in the snow.
I go up the mountains and up my unplowed ski shacks' driveway all the time.
I now have Michelin CT's on the buggy, but the Goodyears worked as well.
Not an issue. |
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| Pops |
We've been VERY happy with the traction on our AWD. Whether it's been driving on the snow covered roads in town, or out to our favorite x-country ski trails, we've never had a problem with traction. We love it!
For what your describing, I think the MO will fit the bill better for you than the Xterra. :) |
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| bob1 |
Makes me long for post by SNOW-MO. I think he left us some time back.
Bob1 |
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