| lwlee |
| I think when comparably equiped, the LE is a better value. But is the RX350 a better ride? Would RX350 owners give up their SUV for an LE? |
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| Eric L. |
| "Better ride" is subjective. The MO has better performance in every single category, but the RX will have better resale value. Styling is a personal preference. |
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| benhui86 |
driving the murano makes you more unique...... the RX is too common these days.... and it looks kind of boring.... its been looking so similar since the first generation RX that if you asked me i would not be able to tell which generation is which....
i guess you can say that for the murano from just looking at the exterior but even the first gen is a more unique and special looking than the RX imo.....
interior wise i am sure the new 09 interior will stand up to anything lexus throws at it.... just from looking at the pictures.... RX350 interior is not that great
features wise.... i dont think the RX has anything that the murano does not... safety wise.... the murano has been proven to be very safe vehicle..... |
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| red kiosk |
My neighbor has a RX350. When I brought my new Black/Black LE home on Tuesday, I really think there might have been enough room to park it in his open mouth. Take care!
Jim |
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| cwirth |
| Before I purchased my LE last week the only other vehicle on my list was the RX350. I came very close to buying one. I drove both and the LE in my opinion was just as nice a drive as the RX. However the RX is so dated technology-wise. There is no satellite radio and to have one installed by the dealer costs $800. The seats were awful. I thought they were too hard and small. I think Lexus has used the same interior since it's introduction. And the cost of service. I was floored when the salesman was giving me a tour of the service department and said that an oil change costs $70. I guess they think that all Lexus owners are rich. At least you can have gormet coffee and danishes while you wait for you oil change. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by cwirth
....... I was floored when the salesman was giving me a tour of the service department and said that an oil change costs $70. ........
This is what I paid for my last oil change. 6 qarts of Mobil 1 plus filter - almost $50. Plus labor. Oh, and i did get a free loaner!
But it was Mobil 1, if they used a cheap oil, I would never ever pay this money....... |
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| benhui86 |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
This is what I paid for my last oil change. 6 qarts of Mobil 1 plus filter - almost $50. Plus labor. Oh, and i did get a free loaner!
But it was Mobil 1, if they used a cheap oil, I would never ever pay this money.......
you dont need a loaner for a oil change because it only takes like 20 minutes to do it....
mobil 1 just costs slightly more than regular oil... like a dollar or so more for each quart...
you should go do your own oil change like a real man.... save you $40 each time |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by benhui86
you dont need a loaner for a oil change because it only takes like 20 minutes to do it....
mobil 1 just costs slightly more than regular oil... like a dollar or so more for each quart...
you should go do your own oil change like a real man.... save you $40 each time
Ok lets be nice here. No need to have "like a real man" comments - that's just rude. I change my own oil, but I don't scoff those who pay others to do it for them. People have different priorities. |
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| benhui86 |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Ok lets be nice here. No need to have "like a real man" comments - that's just rude. I change my own oil, but I don't scoff those who pay others to do it for them. People have different priorities.
hahaha i always thought of that comment as like a funny joke.... sorry you take it so seriously.... im just suggesting he learn a new skill that will save him quite a bit of money in the long run.... |
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| Homer |
quote:
Originally posted by benhui86
hahaha i always thought of that comment as like a funny joke.... sorry you take it so seriously.... im just suggesting he learn a new skill that will save him quite a bit of money in the long run....
Not that I'm one of them... but keep in mind.. 20 minutes (plus clean up after changing the oil) can be far more valuable to some people than 40 dollars.
Also some people don't have the facilities like a driveway to change their oil, and they don't want to be that guy changing their oil on a store's parking lot looking like a bum. Or their homeowners association does not allow vehicle work to be performed in the neighborhood outside of emergencies. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by benhui86
you dont need a loaner for a oil change because it only takes like 20 minutes to do it....
mobil 1 just costs slightly more than regular oil... like a dollar or so more for each quart...
you should go do your own oil change like a real man.... save you $40 each time
I think I will just ignore your post given your low post count. Based on your statement it obvious that you have no idea what you are talking about.....the oldtimers on this forum do..... |
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| NELSON |
quote:
Originally posted by benhui86
.... its been looking so similar since the first generation RX that if you asked me i would not be able to tell which generation is which....
I acutally think that's a big positive about the RX. Just like the X5.
Probably not on this forum, but I'm sure there were people last year that didn't know about this 09 redesign and are kicking themselves right now, feeling like they have the "old" model.
I'll be in that situation when my current car is redesigned for the 09 model also. |
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| Ryno99 |
I actually traded in my Lexus rx400h (Hybrid) for a 2009 LE (minus DVD player) back on the first of February. I will say after owning a Lexus for almost 3 years that the new Muranos are far more tech advanced and a much better value. Service on my hybrid was around $300 every 4 months!!! And the only thing I miss about that RX is the hybrid system although my LE does get close the same MPG.
Here are some features on my LE that the rx400h DOESN'T have:
Dual Moonroof
XM Sat
Rear heated seats
iPod/mp3 integration
9.3 Gig hard drive
AUX for movies on Nav screen
Tire pressure monitor
Heated back and bottom seats
20" rims
Here is what the rx400h has that my LE doesn't:
Hybrid engine
Adaptive steering headlights
6 disk changer
Here are some features that BOTH have:
Power lift gate
Back up camera (LE is better)
Sunglass holder
CVT trans (RX has a E-CVT)
Touch screen
Nav (LE is FAR MUCH BETTER!! - More views and better graphics and colors)
Rain-sensing wipers
Basically comparing the two, the design and interior on the '09 Murano is fresh and exciting. The technology is updated on the '09 Murano and you get more features on a '09 Murano NOT even available on a "luxury" vehicle like Lexus.
I couldn't be more happy with my trade-in. Saves me money, fresh design, more features for less cost! I'm sure I missed some features for both but hope this helps! |
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| maxtoons.com |
I really don't know about the 09 mo's
I have a 06 mo, and I know someone with a 06 RX350
I drove the RX many times, I am a 6ft big guy and sorry to say that even though the RX has a lot of wood, finner lether and so on, it has a very bad setting vs the mo.
I hated the seats, I did not feel half as in control as the mo, and the drive is a lot more fun on the mo. in the RX, I really feel that I am in a truk with the seats up high and the gear shift is way down there and no center arm rest "the seat arm rest is complettly usless to me" it just does not feel good to drive it.
I belive the mo is bigger and has more comfirtable seatting.
Here in Saudi Arabia, the RX350 costs about $43k without nav. My mo goes for $34k. The mo here is one standred model, it is not SE, nor it is an SL.
You get lether, AWD, power everything, CVT, Bose system, but no nav, no fuglights, and the Bose does not play MP3.
Every day I am loving my mo, and don't even want to be in the RX let alone driving it. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by benhui86
hahaha i always thought of that comment as like a funny joke.... sorry you take it so seriously.... im just suggesting he learn a new skill that will save him quite a bit of money in the long run....
You have no idea what skills I do have and what I do not.
Before making comments like this one you would make yourself a favor if you read this board.......
BTW, changing oil myself never was about saving money......contrary to what many if not majority thinks not everything is about money.....and not everything translates to money.. |
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| lwlee |
Thanks, this type of comparison was what I was hoping to hear.
About the only other thing that might sway me is the ride. The Lexus cabin is very silent and the ride is pretty smooth. I hear good things about the CVT shiftless transmission. I think I will need to test drive it to really appreciate how good it is.
quote:
Originally posted by Ryno99
I actually traded in my Lexus rx400h (Hybrid) for a 2009 LE (minus DVD player) back on the first of February. I will say after owning a Lexus for almost 3 years that the new Muranos are far more tech advanced and a much better value. Service on my hybrid was around $300 every 4 months!!! And the only thing I miss about that RX is the hybrid system although my LE does get close the same MPG.
Here are some features on my LE that the rx400h DOESN'T have:
Dual Moonroof
XM Sat
Rear heated seats
iPod/mp3 integration
9.3 Gig hard drive
AUX for movies on Nav screen
Tire pressure monitor
Heated back and bottom seats
20" rims
Here is what the rx400h has that my LE doesn't:
Hybrid engine
Adaptive steering headlights
6 disk changer
Here are some features that BOTH have:
Power lift gate
Back up camera (LE is better)
Sunglass holder
CVT trans (RX has a E-CVT)
Touch screen
Nav (LE is FAR MUCH BETTER!! - More views and better graphics and colors)
Rain-sensing wipers
Basically comparing the two, the design and interior on the '09 Murano is fresh and exciting. The technology is updated on the '09 Murano and you get more features on a '09 Murano NOT even available on a "luxury" vehicle like Lexus.
I couldn't be more happy with my trade-in. Saves me money, fresh design, more features for less cost! I'm sure I missed some features for both but hope this helps!
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| TheGymKid |
| Funny... I got to the end of this thread and after reading the last persons comments was this advertisement...... |
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| Homer |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
Funny... I got to the end of this thread and after reading the last persons comments was this advertisement......
Thats hilarious... I don't see the ads... and for once I wish I could. lol |
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| wa4qfy |
quote:
Originally posted by Homer
Thats hilarious... I don't see the ads... and for once I wish I could. lol
Isn't it so nice to have Firefox and Adblock :flush: Down the drain they go..
But we do miss the ironic moments. Small price to pay. |
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| arnieosp |
Hi there, I am a first-timer here. I bought a '08 RX350 AWD early this year for my wife. I want to replace my older Mercedes sedan for an new SUV later this year. Mercedes is out of the question because of its Yugo quality. I absolutely love the RX but I think having 2 RXs in the same garage would feel odd. Also, RX is so much of a female-mover that I've heard someone joking that it should come with a 1 year free supply of Tampax.
Anyways, I did some research on BMW X3. Comparing to RX its less value for more money. Then I looked into a new '09 Nissan Murano. Looks like a very camparable vehicle to an RX. I was looking into LE model. Loaded without Navigation it lists for about $38K.
So, with that in mind, Germans are ruled out because of the quality issues. I don't like Infinity FX or EX, to me they both look like some weird station wagons. Acura MDX is too big, RDX does not come with V6, which leaves me with RX or a new Murano. The new CVT transmission supposedly does not have the old CVT flaws. It is much smoother on the take off, because they now use torque converter, and also the kickdown is as quick as a regular AT. The interior in a new Murano is better and richer then the Infinity FX, according to numerous reviews.
I went down to a local Nissan dealer and test-drove a Murano today. Very impressive rig, the ride is very comparable to my RX350. The road noise was non-existent, the engine was very quiet and there was no wind noise.
I compared two particular automobiles: one being my 08 RX350 AWD w/ Premium Plus Package, Xenon lights, rain-sensing wipers, tow-prep package. The other one was an 09 Murano SL AWD w/Premium Package, Leather Package, Technology Package, Illuminated Door Sills.
In terms of feature this is how they are different:
Murano has theses thing not found on MY LEXUS:
1. Intelligence Key System
2. Push-Button Start
3. Push-Button AWD Lock (overrides computer)
4. Back-Up Camera w/7-inch Monitor
5. Satellite Radio ready
6. Bose Stereo w/9 speakers and 2 subs
7. Manual fold-down/power-up back seats
8. Bluetooth
9. Foldable Cargo Organizer
10. CVT Transmission (this could be good or bad, depends on your taste)
11. No interior rattles of any kind
12. MSRP is about $7000 less
Lexus has these features not found on THAT PARTICULAR MURANO:
1. All 4 windows 1-touch up/down
2. Wood Trim
3. Power Sun Roof
4. Ability to move back seats forward and back without reclining them at the same time
5. If felt that Lexus had a little more knee-room in the back seat
6. IMO Lexus has more user-friendly Info display
7. Adjustable Center Console
8. Definitely better visibility on the rear quarters, especially passenger side blind spot.
I can’t think of anything else at this time. Overall I was very impressed with the Murano. The dealer wanted $1000 over the invoice but I think its way too much.
Wow! that was one long post. Sorry about that. |
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| benhui86 |
hey man... kris... chill out.... dont get all serious on this.... we all here to have a good time and meet friends... not make enemies...
im not saying u are incapable or anything.... you can change your own oil... you just dont want to.... thats cool....
i just joined this board so who is who i dont know.... who can do what i dont know.... you cant expect me to read everything on this board... especially in that time frame... i just know that grippedon is some super genius that can do a bunch of crazy mods.... and njjoe is usually first to respond to most threads....hahha
sorry if i offend anyone... and sorry if i mistook you for taking this too seriously... it just sounded like it... i cant actually see you so i dont know.... |
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| muranomax |
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by benhui86
you dont need a loaner for a oil change because it only takes like 20 minutes to do it....
mobil 1 just costs slightly more than regular oil... like a dollar or so more for each quart...
you should go do your own oil change like a real man.... save you $40 each time
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
You have no idea what skills I do have and what I do not.
Before making comments like this one you would make yourself a favor if you read this board.......
BTW, changing oil myself never was about saving money......contrary to what many if not majority thinks not everything is about money.....and not everything translates to money..
Come on guys, that was a light hearted comment. You are taking this way too seriously.Mo owners are supposed to be relaxed and laid back!
Muranomax |
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| lwlee |
You should really try driving the LE instead of the SL. If I had to choose between a SL and RX, I would probably go with the RX.
quote:
Originally posted by arnieosp
The other one was an 09 Murano SL AWD w/Premium Package, Leather Package, Technology Package, Illuminated Door Sills.
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| TheGymKid |
quote:
Originally posted by arnieosp
Hi there, I am a first-timer here. I bought a '08 RX350 AWD early this year for my wife. I want to replace my older Mercedes sedan for an new SUV later this year. Mercedes is out of the question because of its Yugo quality. I absolutely love the RX but I think having 2 RXs in the same garage would feel odd. Also, RX is so much of a female-mover that I've heard someone joking that it should come with a 1 year free supply of Tampax.
Anyways, I did some research on BMW X3. Comparing to RX its less value for more money. Then I looked into a new '09 Nissan Murano. Looks like a very camparable vehicle to an RX. I was looking into LE model. Loaded without Navigation it lists for about $38K.
So, with that in mind, Germans are ruled out because of the quality issues. I don't like Infinity FX or EX, to me they both look like some weird station wagons. Acura MDX is too big, RDX does not come with V6, which leaves me with RX or a new Murano. The new CVT transmission supposedly does not have the old CVT flaws. It is much smoother on the take off, because they now use torque converter, and also the kickdown is as quick as a regular AT. The interior in a new Murano is better and richer then the Infinity FX, according to numerous reviews.
I went down to a local Nissan dealer and test-drove a Murano today. Very impressive rig, the ride is very comparable to my RX350. The road noise was non-existent, the engine was very quiet and there was no wind noise.
I compared two particular automobiles: one being my 08 RX350 AWD w/ Premium Plus Package, Xenon lights, rain-sensing wipers, tow-prep package. The other one was an 09 Murano SL AWD w/Premium Package, Leather Package, Technology Package, Illuminated Door Sills.
In terms of feature this is how they are different:
Murano has theses thing not found on MY LEXUS:
1. Intelligence Key System
2. Push-Button Start
3. Push-Button AWD Lock (overrides computer)
4. Back-Up Camera w/7-inch Monitor
5. Satellite Radio ready
6. Bose Stereo w/9 speakers and 2 subs
7. Manual fold-down/power-up back seats
8. Bluetooth
9. Foldable Cargo Organizer
10. CVT Transmission (this could be good or bad, depends on your taste)
11. No interior rattles of any kind
12. MSRP is about $7000 less
Lexus has these features not found on THAT PARTICULAR MURANO:
1. All 4 windows 1-touch up/down
2. Wood Trim
3. Power Sun Roof
4. Ability to move back seats forward and back without reclining them at the same time
5. If felt that Lexus had a little more knee-room in the back seat
6. IMO Lexus has more user-friendly Info display
7. Adjustable Center Console
8. Definitely better visibility on the rear quarters, especially passenger side blind spot.
I can’t think of anything else at this time. Overall I was very impressed with the Murano. The dealer wanted $1000 over the invoice but I think its way too much.
Wow! that was one long post. Sorry about that.
Test drive the LE ... then come back to us buddy. :D |
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| cwirth |
| I did a lot of research before buying the 09 Murano. The RX350 was my second choice and I found so many things that people were having problems with the Lexus that I decide to look at an buy the Murano. The Lexus has their share of transmission problems more than those that earlier Murano owners have had with the CVT. There were also numerous complaints about dashboard squeeks and power brake vibrations. I also did not think that the ride quality of the Lexus was that much better than the Murano. Technology wise the Murano has the Lexus beat hands down. |
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| arnieosp |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
Test drive the LE ... then come back to us buddy. :D
I did today. No difference in handling. I compared SL w/ listed above options to an LE. LE is $2K more, for which you get very little: 20'' rims, Memory seats, rear seat heaters, power lumbar support, wood trim. To me that's not worth extra 2 grand. But as far as driving and handling, no difference between the SL and LE. Did I miss something? |
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| Musky300 |
quote:
Originally posted by arnieosp
I did today. No difference in handling. I compared SL w/ listed above options to an LE. LE is $2K more, for which you get very little: 20'' rims, Memory seats, rear seat heaters, power lumbar support, wood trim. To me that's not worth extra 2 grand. But as far as driving and handling, no difference between the SL and LE. Did I miss something?
"Very Little" for $2k more...I had the same thought about going with a fully loaded SL over a LE, until I started hitting the dealer lots to check them out for myself. The 20" wheels make the Murano in my opinion. The 18" look nice, don't get me wrong, but going with a bigger diameter wheel almost always enhances the look and appeal of the vehicle. Nissan did well with the 20" on the new 09 Murano, they are a nice design and definitely fit the styling well.
Don't forget, you also get power tilt and telescoping wheel and the iPod Integration System...neither of which is available on the SL. |
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| benhui86 |
quote:
Originally posted by Musky300
"Very Little" for $2k more...I had the same thought about going with a fully loaded SL over a LE, until I started hitting the dealer lots to check them out for myself. The 20" wheels make the Murano in my opinion. The 18" look nice, don't get me wrong, but going with a bigger diameter wheel almost always enhances the look and appeal of the vehicle. Nissan did well with the 20" on the new 09 Murano, they are a nice design and definitely fit the styling well.
Don't forget, you also get power tilt and telescoping wheel and the iPod Integration System...neither of which is available on the SL.
SL/LE which ever one you choose its still a great car you will love
the SL also has power lumber support with the leather seat option...
memory seats/power tilt/telescope steering column would be good if someone besides you also drives your car.... but if you are the only driver most of the time then its kind of a option you might rarely ever use....
heated rear seats is an option for people who buy the car and also hire a driver so they don't have to drive... im sure your kids don't need heated seats.... and your friends don't really need it either..... your wife or girlfriend will probably be in the front seat which has heated seat on the leather equipped SL....
the wood trim doesnt look that much better than the polished aluminum look.... the polished aluminum goes with the high tech theme better imo....
ipod integration is good... i wish i had that.... but aux in and a car ipod charger works too except you dont get to display the song title on the screen....
the 20" rims look nice but are more vulnerable to curb rash.... and harder to find really cheap replacement on ebay....but if you really want the 20" rims you can always buy a set which wont cost $2000 for sure
so the only option that matters between choosing SL and LE is the IPod integration |
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| Eye Pod |
| I did not drive the Lexus RX350. For me it was a little more wide ranging. I looked at Chevy Tahoe, Honda CRV, Chevy Equinox, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Camry Hybrid (Yes, I really seriously considered all those cars, it took about a year to look at them all). The biggest difference in the Nissan that is immediately obvious is the better and more plentiful technology. I thought about the SL/LE conundrum also and ended up buying an LE. The LE does have a few little differences as has been accurately pointed out. I do think the 20" wheels enhance the look of the car. I guess for me it was the feeling that if buying a ~$40K car then I might as well get the LE (5% adder). I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. |
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| theeduc8tor |
Get this! Over the XMas holidays, I went out with Dad to drive new cars. Of course, I drive an '05 Murano SE, no big. This story isn't about a Murano! Anyhow, on the lot was a used '07 Lexus RX 350 with 18K and an '08 Hyundai Veracruz. We drove both! Guess which one was quieter? The Hyundai! Guess which one had the nicest cordovan brown leather seats? The Hyundai! Which one had three rows? The Hyundai! I was blown away! Then I asked why there was a Lexus 350 on the lot. Apparently a family had traded the Lexus for the Hyundai Veracruz! What does that tell you about the Lexus brand?
Besides...is the Lexus RX 350 in the same class as the Murano? I don't think Toyota has yet to release a true Crossover until the Venza debuts in the Fall. I'll wait to do a comparo with the Murano and the Venza. |
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| lwlee |
The next generation RX (2009 ?) will probably try to address the competition.
It definitely needs a bump up in technology. |
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| grayvader |
I was showing my new Murano to a buddy of mine who mostly drives Porches (including the Cayenne) and he looked inside my car and said... "oh, you went the Luxury route."
I think that says a lot about the '09. |
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| ikalinin3 |
quote:
Originally posted by theeduc8tor
Get this! Over the XMas holidays, I went out with Dad to drive new cars. Of course, I drive an '05 Murano SE, no big. This story isn't about a Murano! Anyhow, on the lot was a used '07 Lexus RX 350 with 18K and an '08 Hyundai Veracruz. We drove both! Guess which one was quieter? The Hyundai! Guess which one had the nicest cordovan brown leather seats? The Hyundai! Which one had three rows? The Hyundai! I was blown away! Then I asked why there was a Lexus 350 on the lot. Apparently a family had traded the Lexus for the Hyundai Veracruz! What does that tell you about the Lexus brand?
Besides...is the Lexus RX 350 in the same class as the Murano? I don't think Toyota has yet to release a true Crossover until the Venza debuts in the Fall. I'll wait to do a comparo with the Murano and the Venza.
you drove an 05 murano and compared to 07 RX and 08 Veracruz.. OKAY!! maybe it'd be more fair to compare to same year vehicles, NO!? every year cars IMPROVE! so not a fair comparison.
maybe the RX owners got in over their heads and couldn't afford payments anymore!?
maybe the dealer lied to make hyundai look better.. you never know, and you can NEVER trust a dealer salesman! carbuying-101.
The 09 murano is SOOO advanced that is truly does compare to upper class vehicles like Lexus and Acura w/out even going to nissan upper brand infiniti. Nissan def knows what is doing. change the 09 tails to 1st gen type in lieu of the rogue type, and you sold me! :) but thats all preference, i'm sure some ppl love it!
other than that, in my opinion, you get the same RX350 in an LE for 10k less. def a smart buy! go nissan! |
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