| special-k |
Well, as the lovable animated pig so perfectly put it.... "That's all, folks!"
It's time to say goodbye to my 2004 AWD SE.
I would say that I'm parting ways with it on reasonably good terms, all in all.
It's been a good car to me, for the most part. I can't, however, continue to ignore the little things that keep adding up and drive me bat-s**t insane. Squeaks, rattles, groans, pops, clicks, clunks, loose seat rails (that my dealer won't even fix anymore even with my extended warranty), sticky door lock, occasional rough running for no apparent reason, a mediocre AWD system, and that's just the beginning of it. I'm sure it sounds like I hated the car, but the crazy thing is -- I don't. Not at all. Even with all that, I think my MO has been one of my most favorite cars I've ever owned.
I would say the single biggest factor to me leaving the Nissan family would be my local dealer. I'm tired of fighting with the service reps, having them tell me that they're going to charge me to fix things like a sticky door lock. They told me that if the lock was BROKEN, it would be covered by my extended warranty. But since it's not BROKEN, it just sticks, it would qualify as an "adjustment" and therefore I'd have to pay them full labor rate plus parts to take the door apart and fix it. That's just one example. I could go on. The customer service just ISN'T THERE. I hope most of you have better dealers than I do.
Since 2004 my MO has had many of the annoyances that a lot of you have experienced. I currently have about 7 distinct rattles and other noises in the interior. The front suspension groans a little when it's cold and I go over something that bounces the front end like a speed bump (which I take slowly, mind you). That tells me something is wearing out. I only have 31k miles on my 2004 SE, and it looks like it just came off the showroom floor with the exception of some minor paint wear (dings on the hood from rocks, etc.). The people at the dealership where I traded it were all astonished at how it looked. My CVT has held up... but I just don't think I trust it enough to keep it past the 5-year mark when the warranty is done. I /JUST/ put a brand new Die-Hard battery in it... dammit. LOL
On the positive side -- I never had a /major/ problem with my MO. TPS went out early on, not a big deal. My alternator never failed, but I got it replaced on the recall anyway. It's really just been "death by 1,000 paper cuts." My cloth interior has held up BEAUTIFULLY, it still looks and feels BRAND NEW. I doubt many of the leather owners from 04 and 05 can say that -- I've seen pictures from eBay. I'm sure some of you keep excellent care of your leather and it looks great. I chose the cloth on purpose because I just didn't think the MO's leather was of a terribly good quality.
I test drove an 09 LE. It was a really nice vehicle. I thought Nissan did a good job of addressing many of the shortcomings of the 1st-gen MO. That is -- until I took it on a rough rode. The drivers door rattled just like my 04. I'm not kidding. This 09 had 8 miles on it. The dashboard made a rather obnoxious rubbing noise on rough pavement. I decided right then that there was no way I was going to put myself into another 3-5 years of squeaks, rattles, etc. For the money, the features the 09 LE offers are top-notch. A good value for sure, just not the car for me.
I have moved on to a 2008 Acura MDX w/ Sport and Entertainment packages.
Yes, it cost me more than a new MO... quite a bit. I got it for $500 below invoice, a savings of 5 grand on a $49,000 vehicle. The industry can't seem to sing the praises of this vehicle enough. It's often compared to, and usually comes out on top of, the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz ML350, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne. Pretty impressive company to keep, and it comes in at a much better price point than all of them. And, it's a Honda. I hope this thing will hold up and last me many years of happy driving.
The creature comforts are top-notch. There are a few minor things missing, like full iPod integration (there's an AUX jack) and/or a USB port to plug in a memory stick to play music from. Not a big deal, really.
I enjoyed the time I had with my MO, and the time I spent here. There are some fantastic people on this forum and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. It was truly a pleasure to be a part of what the MO did to the industry. I hope you all don't mind if I still pop in from time to time, even though I'm a defector. :)
Enjoy your MO's, everyone. Maybe someday Nissan will win me back. |
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| 07MuranoSL |
| Im going to have to say i think the reasn is the 2004 murano was still new they ahd to workout all fo the flaws it had ( no car is perfect ) nothign ageinst the 03/04 models but they where the newest ones and had the most flaws... |
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| Eric L. |
| Sad to see a MO owner move on, but you certainly made a nice choice with the MDX. How does it compare to the Murano in areas like performance, comfort, and space? |
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| njjoe |
special-k-
All good things must end.
Eric already asked how the MDX compares to the MO, but I am curious how the MDX buying experience compares to the MO's.
-njjoe |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Sad to see a MO owner move on, but you certainly made a nice choice with the MDX. How does it compare to the Murano in areas like performance, comfort, and space?
I'll let you know more after I actually get it... they're delivering it tomorrow. It had to come from another dealership. Based on my test drives though, I have to say.. it's in another league. Even above the 09 Murano LE. For the price though, I'd say the LE is still pretty hard to beat. I had to spend more money to beat it.
I went with the Sport + Entertainment options. The Sport package includes an active damping suspension system. This article (http://www.nextautos.com/issue-14/t...tic-personality) starts off with:
"Quick! For one million dollars, name the single part that’s shared by the Cadillac XLR, Chevrolet Corvette, Acura MDX, Ferrari 599, and Audi TT! Stumped? Well, it’s the shock absorbers."
It's a pretty sophisticated system, and it's truly impressive. In "comfort" mode, it's got a great ride. Comfortable yet subtly firm (which I like) -- but not squishy or sloppy feeling. Some reviewers have said that it rides a little stiffer than the BMW and Audi, but I'm very happy with the ride. In "sport" mode, you can actually feel it stiffen up. On the test drive (or "professional demonstration" as they called it) we took some rather tightly-looped on and off ramps at higher and higher speeds, and you can actually feel the suspension pull the rear corner down, and then the SH-AWD accelerates the outside rear wheel. It's an odd feeling at first, but once you get used to letting the car do what it wants to do, the thing handles unbelievably well for an SUV of its size.
The 300HP engine moves that thing pretty well. It's a little bigger and heavier than the MO, but not by a whole lot. I gotta say -- I'm actually happy to be going back to a conventional automatic transmission. The CVT is cool and all, but I'm much more comfortable with a nice tried-and-true automatic under me. I was constantly worried about my CVT, I couldn't get it out of my mind. That was one of my biggest motivations to getting rid of the 04 MO. I certainly didn't want to get stuck with a failed CVT after the warranty was expired! The MDX auto is very smooth and responsive. It also includes a sport manual shift mode for those who like doing that (which I do from time to time).
The interior is phenomenal. Again, with the Sport package comes premium perforated Milano leather seats. The "standard" (if you can call them that) leather seats are very, very nice... some of the most comfortable I've sat in. The premium leather seats are even better. The fit and finish is right up there with BMW, MB, and Audi. They use MUCH nicer materials on the dash, doors, etc., than the Nissans (of course you're paying for it...). I noticed little things like foam between the seams where pieces meet. A nice touch, and attention to detail that I really appreciate as a person who HATES interior noises. The sound system is good, but I haven't had a chance to really try it out.
I'll post back after I take delivery and have a few days to really get acquainted with it.
I think I'm going to be very happy with it. All but the gas mileage... it's rated at 15/20 which is less than my MO. My MO never got the 20 that it was rated for in the city... more like 16-ish if I was lucky. In the winter it got terrible mileage... 12-14. Understandable, all cars do worse in the winter due to gasoline, temperatures, etc. The EPA ratings are more strict now than they were in 2004 so I'm hoping the difference is less than the numbers suggest.
More to come. Stay tuned. :) |
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| bob1 |
Good luck Special K.
My 04 is still going strong. I however have become more engrossed with my 04 G-35 coupe. Hey, everyone needs a mid life crisis car..eh? heehee
Only had a few minor problems with my 04, it's been a good ride and no problems at the dealership.
I think the AWD folks caught the brunt of the problems from what I can read over the years.
Bob1 |
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| Lightninrod |
Great posts SK. You sound very fair and honest in your opinions. Do let us know more about your MDX as you get more familiar with it.
Dan |
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| hfelknor |
Drop by and see us now and then K.
The MDX is without doubt, the most refined of all the SUVs/CUVs/Etc..........
But of course it can still break, so good luck with it.
My 2003, AFTER I personally did the QC on it, has been trouble free for nearly 5 years now.
But I too will not hold it beyond it's extended warranty.
That gives me 2 more years.
You bring up a point...........
There comes a time when a car just can't be fixed in a reasonable manner.......like your seat rails........
OTOH, your extended warranty is a contract........
Wonder what the judge would say to all of that?
I know that if I was the judge, I would direct Nissan to return all of the money you paid for the warranty even if you did collect on services previously for it.
Post some pix of your MDX.
Homer |
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| Mr3Putt |
Don't be a stranger SK!! |
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| zebelkhan |
Trader....
Literally......:2: :2: :2: |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Eric already asked how the MDX compares to the MO, but I am curious how the MDX buying experience compares to the MO's.
The buying experience was relatively painless... with a few considerations.
This is probably more information than you wanted when you asked that question, but here it is.
I bought my MO through CarsDirect.com and that was a truly refreshing car-buying experience. There was no dickering -- the CarsDirect price was $500 below invoice and I was happy with that. Then it's up to THEM to broker the sale with a dealer, so they do all the dirty work. The CarsDirect rep took my information over the phone, located the MO I wanted to buy, and set everything up. The MO was in Berkeley, CA. Since I was going to SF the next weekend anyway, it worked out perfectly and I didn't have to pay for delivery. When I arrived at the dealership, all the paperwork was ready to go, including my pre-approved credit application. They never tried to upsell me on anything, I had to *ask* them to sell me an extended warranty. All I had to do was go through the paperwork (I like to read things before I sign them), sign off, inspect the vehicle, the sales manager gave me the "intro" to the vehicle, and I drove off.
For the MDX this time, I went a different route. I tried the Costco Auto Program. I didn't know exactly how the program worked, I just always see vehicles on display at my local Costco with all the advertisements for the auto program. I figured it was worth a shot. I was under the impression that the cars were sold directly by Costco, but that's not the case. Basically like CarsDirect.com, Costco brokers the deal through a participating dealership at the Costco discounted price.
Up until 3 weeks ago, there was no Acura dealership in Reno. Or anywhere in northern Nevada. The closest was Sacramento (120 miles away). The local Honda dealerships said they were NOT authorized to do warranty work on Acuras, so if I had a warranty issue I would have to drive or be towed to Sacramento. That was a problem for me. Acura of Reno opened on July 1. I stopped in to look around on opening day. The CEO/owner personally introduced himself to us, gave me his card and asked very nicely if I would send him an email or call him and tell him how my visit went. So, I did. After I left the dealership, I sent him some candid, but constructive feedback about my experience that day. He replied back with appreciation saying he is relying on such feedback to build the dealership into what he wants it to be.
I went through the Costco website and chose the vehicle I wanted. I put my information into the website, and Acura of Reno was not listed as a participating member. I assumed it was because they were still barely open and so new. Within 1 hour of submitting my information on the Costco website, 2 Acura dealerships in Sacramento contacted me by phone, and I had essentially the same conversation with both of them. I told them what I wanted, and they said they would be back in touch with me. One of the dealerships never got back to me. The other was very attentive and kept in contact with me through the whole process. We had a few phone conversations and some email exchanges. The first follow-up I got from that dealership said that due to the fact that I would have to be coming in from Reno and they were appreciative that I was coming to them, they were willing to discount the price further even below the Costco price. After some minor negotiation (no pressure or B.S. tactics) we settled on a price and I told the sales rep that I would be in to make the deal on Saturday. Saturday was her day off, but she agreed to meet us at the dealership anyway. When we got there, she told us that the car we had been planning on had been sold the night before and she didn't know because she was off. I was a little irritated. However, I absolutely did not feel that she was being dishonest with me -- the car really was sold (according the inventory on their website). It worked out for the best. I had originally chosen Dark Cherry Pearl exterior with Ebony interior... which was a very, VERY sharp color combination. However, after seeing some of the other colors in person, I decided that I liked the Taupe (looks gray to me, but whatever) interior color a little better than the Ebony (dark, very hot in the summer!), but Dark Cherry Pearl was not available with Taupe interior. I found that I actually liked the Steel Blue Metallic color in person a LOT more than I did online. It's a very nice color. It's a very sharp-looking vehicle. It's already gotten me numerous compliments from coworkers and neighbors. However -- the dealership didn't have that color combination in the Sport + Entertainment packages.
In the meantime while all this was going on, we were dealing with the trade-in value. I know I could have gotten more for the MO by selling it privately, but I didn't really have the time or energy to invest in that, so I accepted my losses in the interest of convenience. Before I had gone to the dealership we talked quite a bit about my trade and I gave all the information I had. Naturally they would not commit to a firm price without seeing the vehicle, but I was assured that we were within range of what I asked for, which was $15,500. KBB put the trade-in value at $14,300 on the high end for my 2004 SE. That stung a little, considering the window sticker for $33k+ was still in the glove compartment. My MO was in superb condition with only 31,000 miles. All it needed was tires as it was still running on the original Goodyears. When I got to the dealership they came in with $14,250, and I eventually got them up to $15k. Fair enough, I suppose.
Now, by this time, it was 9pm, since we didn't get to the dealership until almost 6pm. We were hungry and tired. The dealership was closed. We decided that instead of driving back to Reno and coming back again the next day we'd stay over in Sac and finish up on Sunday. On Sunday they told us that they located the one I wanted and we finished everything up and headed back to Reno in my MO, well, actually, it was THEIR MO now since they owned it --- they loaned it back to me until they could get the MDX to me. It was supposed to be delivered to me on Monday, but when they got it in from the other dealership they noticed that one of the rims was scratched, so they had to order one and replace it. They called me and asked if I minded waiting until Tuesday. I said it was fine, and yesterday around 1pm it was delivered to me at work. I inspected the MDX, handed over the keys to the MO and waved goodbye as it drove away.
There were some bumps in the road, but all in all I would say it was a rather good car-buying experience. My sales rep was fantastic and I would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone in the area. She was straight with me from the start. We came to an agreement very quickly in the preliminary discussions and they didn't try to jack the price up when I was physically onsite to make the deal.
On top of all that, they did not charge me a dealer transfer fee, and they waived the typical delivery fee ($200 to Reno) as well without me even having to ask.
2 points for Acura's customer service up to this point. They got me what I wanted and were nice about it. I hope the new Reno dealership does as well with my future service and other needs.
Sorry for the novel. ;) |
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| Eric L. |
| Sounds like the Acura dealership went out of their way to accommodate you - that seemed like a pretty good sales experience to me. |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Sounds like the Acura dealership went out of their way to accommodate you - that seemed like a pretty good sales experience to me.
Yup... the negotiation on the price was minimal (their first offer was much better than I was anticipating... probably due to the sagging market for SUVs), they worked with me on the trade (to a point), they didn't try any tricks, and they gave me what I wanted even though it cost them more to do so.
I was a little peeved after driving for 2 hours and getting there only to hear "the cherry sport got sold last night". At first I thought it was a skeezy tactic, but it seems legit. We had been talking about a deal, but I hadn't signed anything or given them any money, so they had every right to sell it to someone before I got there. As I said, it turned out well anyway because I really like the steel blue/gray (taupe) color that I got. The dark cherry with black (ebony actually...like a dark charcoal not quite black black) was very classy and sharp looking, but the dark colors made me think "HOT" and harder to keep clean. |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Sad to see a MO owner move on, but you certainly made a nice choice with the MDX. How does it compare to the Murano in areas like performance, comfort, and space?
Well... this *is* a Murano forum. ;) I guess this is on-topic enough, since it helps to know what the MO is up against for competition.
Usually in side-by-side comparisons I see the MO compared with the RDX, the MDX's little brother. I'm not sure I agree with that, as the RDX is notably smaller than the MO. It *feels* smaller to me, kind of like a BMW X3.
The MDX is a bit larger. It's not huge, by any stretch. I think it's about 2 inches longer overall, 4.5 inches wider, and an inch and a half taller. The interior does feel more spacious than the MO, and with the 2nd and 3rd row seats both folded flat, it does have more cargo space than the MO with the back seats folded down. The web stats say the MO has a max cargo volume of 64 cu. ft. with 31.6 cu. ft. with the rear seats up -- the MDX only lists the maximum cargo volume at 83.5 cu ft. With the 2nd row seats up it's probably about 36 - 40 cu. ft. just based on my estimations.
Even though it's bigger, the wheelbase on the MDX is a little shorter and thus the turning diameter is a tad tighter by about 2 feet. I liked the wheels out in the corners that the MO has.
The MDX is also about 500lb heavier at 4580lb. The 300HP engine can move the weight with relative ease, but I haven't hammered it too hard yet. I'm gonna be nice to 'er during break-in. I haven't found any 0-60 numbers, but I haven't looked too hard either. I don't think the MDX would really be any quicker than the MO, it would probably be a real close call.
The 5-speed auto is smooth and responsive. Again, I'm taking it easy for now. Naturally, it can't match a CVT for smoothness or response, but as auto trannys go -- it's a nice one.
The active damper suspension is really awesome. I keep it in comfort mode most of the time (I've only had this thing for a day...) but I have put it in sport mode to play around a little. There's a difference, and it's noticeable. It's firm and tight without being harsh or abusive. Pretty impressive.
As I mentioned before, the interior fit & finish is a real step above the MO. The dash panels are a thick rubberized material rather than a hard plastic surface. They have a really nice look and a nice feel to them. The cockpit is well laid-out and is definitely driver-centric. I'm cool with that, but the wife made a comment that she couldn't see any of the stuff on the Multi-Information Display (MID) because it sits between the speedo and the tach and only the driver can see it. Hey... the thing was built for the driver. ;) The premium leather seats are buttery soft and extremely comfortable. The side bolsters are supportive, you feel very secure in the seats. I'm still trying to adjust to find my optimum comfort adjustments between the seat and the telescoping steering wheel. I find I can sit further back from the pedals than I did with the MO because I can telescope the steering wheel out. I don't recall if the 09 MO offers that, it probably does. My 04 didn't.
Every personalization setting from the seat position, steering wheel position (which moves itself out of the way for entry and exit), radio presets, mirror positions, and more, are remembered based on what key fob you use.
The sound system has a very nice sound to it, though I think it's going to take some fiddling to really tune it in to my taste. The subwoofer actually seems to perform more like a subwoofer and less like what was considered a sub in my MO. It's got a subtle presence rather than a low-midrange punch. One nice thing is that it will remember different audio settings for different inputs... so I can set my FM and XM inputs for stereo sound, which turning on Dolby ProLogicII for the CD input if I want to, and it will remember all that.
The car feels solid and tight, built well. Fit and finish is excellent. I haven't heard any noises from the interior yet (knock on wood!) and the vehicle feels and sounds stable over rough surfaces. No rattles or odd clunks coming from underneath. It's tight and quiet. So far -- luxury.
So... enough of that for now. I know I'm droning on.
Here are a few things that I find less-than-perfect about the MDX. In no particular order.
Audio system does not support RDS. This goes into my "really? seriously?" category. The audio system does Dolby Digital, ProLogicII, dts, reads MP3/WMA discs and even supports DVD-Audio, but it doesn't have RDS? Oi. Oversight, guys! Also, where's the HD radio support?
Sort of related to that, the audio display does not use the available screen real estate as well as it could. there's a small display above the controls that support only a single short line of text. Choosing the audio display on the Nav screen gives a bit more information, but song titles will not scroll or go multi-line. Just a peeve.
No iPod integration. Again... really? There's an AUX input. On the models without the DVD system, there's a minijack inside the center console. Pretty standard there. On the models with DVD, the AUX input moves to the back side of the center console where the rear seat controls are -- and it's RCA plugs instead of a minijack. Which means I have to have a RCA cable sticking out of the back of the console all the time. Again -- just an annoyance. The AUX input supports video as well on the DVD systems.
The windshield washer jets are "old school" -- mounted on the hood. This seemingly insignificant thing really threw me for a loop... why don't they put the washer jets in the wipers like just about everyone else does these days? It's not really an issue, just means I can't polish and wax the hood as fast as I could if it was smooth all the way across.
No push-button start. Everything is wireless and hands-free in this car. Voice command system for everything from the audio to the nav system to the climate controls, and bluetooth integration... but you still need the key to start the car. It's one of those key fobs where the key folds into the remote part. I find that it tends to get "ejected" while in my pocket, and furthermore, I can't leave the key in the ignition (to let the car warm up, for instance) and take the remote with me and lock the doors.
Some of you are probably saying I'm being petty. Well, I am, because to me the little things matter a lot in the overall experience. For what these cars cost these days, I'm going to be picky.
The sheer amount of features make this car almost a danger to the driver... so many things to distract you.
I'll post more "reviews" fodder if people continue to be interested.
I'd really like to hear some feedback as to how people feel the 09 MO stacks up against the features that the MDX brings to the table. |
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| ekaxel |
Second row legroom?
My only experience on an MDX was an '06. We sat in both the second and 3rd row. Our knees were in our mouths both places!
No comparison to the 2nd row in the '03-'07 MO. |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by ekaxel
Second row legroom?
My only experience on an MDX was an '06. We sat in both the second and 3rd row. Our knees were in our mouths both places!
No comparison to the 2nd row in the '03-'07 MO.
I didn't spend much time in the back of my MO, but nobody ever complained about legroom.
I haven't had anyone in the back of the MDX yet. I sat back there briefly while I was checking it out... it didn't seem to be too cramped, as back seats go. The website says it has 38.7 to the 09 Murano's 36.3 inches of legroom.
I don't buy much into those numbers, because I know those are most likely maximum numbers with the front seats all the way forward -- which in real life never happens. I think that with the front seats in normal seating positions, the 2nd row is probably right about the same as the MO in terms of space. The headroom is a little more because the roof doesn't slope down like the MO, and the body of the car is wider so there's a bit more width in the back seats, too. The outboard seats of the 2nd row are heated, too... for those rare times when I'll have someone in the back in cold weather. Just another feature I don't really care about -- but it's there anyway.
I haven't attempted to shoehorn myself into the 3rd row yet. I know it would be cramped. It's not a Suburban.
I didn't buy the MDX for 3rd-row seating. It's my wife and I. We have no kids. We're not taking anyone to soccer practice. I would have bought the MDX if it didn't have the 3rd row since I just don't care. I predict it's going to stay folded down 99% of the time. I might open it up if there's a pressing need for me to carry that many people, but I'll avoid it. I don't want people dragging their shoes across the backs of the gray leather seats marking everything up already. I'm "that guy" who tells people to check their shoes and make sure there isn't anything sharp in their pockets when they get in my car. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by special-k
I didn't spend much time in the back of my MO, but nobody ever complained about legroom.
I haven't had anyone in the back of the MDX yet. I sat back there briefly while I was checking it out... it didn't seem to be too cramped, as back seats go. The website says it has 38.7 to the 09 Murano's 36.3 inches of legroom.
I don't buy much into those numbers, because I know those are most likely maximum numbers with the front seats all the way forward -- which in real life never happens. I think that with the front seats in normal seating positions, the 2nd row is probably right about the same as the MO in terms of space. The headroom is a little more because the roof doesn't slope down like the MO, and the body of the car is wider so there's a bit more width in the back seats, too. The outboard seats of the 2nd row are heated, too... for those rare times when I'll have someone in the back in cold weather. Just another feature I don't really care about -- but it's there anyway.
I haven't attempted to shoehorn myself into the 3rd row yet. I know it would be cramped. It's not a Suburban.
I didn't buy the MDX for 3rd-row seating. It's my wife and I. We have no kids. We're not taking anyone to soccer practice. I would have bought the MDX if it didn't have the 3rd row since I just don't care. I predict it's going to stay folded down 99% of the time. I might open it up if there's a pressing need for me to carry that many people, but I'll avoid it. I don't want people dragging their shoes across the backs of the gray leather seats marking everything up already. I'm "that guy" who tells people to check their shoes and make sure there isn't anything sharp in their pockets when they get in my car.
One thing that makes the MO's backseats so comfortable is they sit rather high up. That allows you keep the knees bent more rather than sticking them up into your chin like when you sit in a low sedan. Thus, rear seat legroom is a bit misleading because they should also include seat height in that measurement. The lower the seat, the more legroom you need. |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by special-k
I'm "that guy" who tells people to check their shoes and make sure there isn't anything sharp in their pockets when they get in my car.
Welcome to the club....:D |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
One thing that makes the MO's backseats so comfortable is they sit rather high up. That allows you keep the knees bent more rather than sticking them up into your chin like when you sit in a low sedan. Thus, rear seat legroom is a bit misleading because they should also include seat height in that measurement. The lower the seat, the more legroom you need.
The MDX's second row also sits higher than the first row. They call it a "theater-seating effect."
Once I have some people ride in the back I'll ask them how comfortable it is and how it compares with the MO, since those same people probably would have been in the back of the MO as well. ;) |
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| sobamanismo |
I think you are giving both vehicles here a fair look and assessement for comparison but the one thing I'm having trouble with is how/why there would be such a comparision? If this was the more plebeian Pilot sure, but it seems hard to compare a car costing about $12-13k more than a new Mo? (I was almost but not quite talked into a new '09 SL w/ Technology and Premium packages a few weeks ago for ~$32k so I'm not completely talking out of my butt).
All of these things (as are most topics on forums such as this) are entirely subjective of course, and it sounds like you found yourself a fine fine piece of machinery. Enjoy it! :) |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by sobamanismo
...but it seems hard to compare a car costing about $12-13k more than a new Mo? (I was almost but not quite talked into a new '09 SL w/ Technology and Premium packages a few weeks ago for ~$32k so I'm not completely talking out of my butt).
I did make the notes in a couple of my posts that the MDX does indeed cost more, and that I felt that for the price, the Murano was a hard vehicle to beat.
I also noted that I usually see the Murano compared with the Acura RDX -- and based on personal experience I don't see how they can compare the Murano with the RDX but not the MDX -- since the Murano kind of sits between the RDX and MDX in most areas (size, capacity, fuel economy, features, etc.)
All said, I paid a little over $42k for my MDX which carries a hefty MSRP of a cool $50k. A fully-equipped 2009 LE comes in around $40k MSRP, but there is less spread between MSRP and invoice on the Murano. The local dealer wouldn't even entertain the idea of selling me a 2009 LE for anywhere near invoice, so really, the price difference that I ended up paying was about a $4000 spread between the 2009 Murano LE and the 2008 Acura MDX w/ Sport & Entertainment packages (plus options).
I do think comparing the MDX and Murano is appropriate since the two vehicles directly competed for my purchase, but that was just because I had a specific list of what I was looking for.
I still think the 2009 Murano is a great vehicle. |
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| sobamanismo |
I do stand corrected by the price difference as I was comparing an SL with a load of options, not an LE and I agree the LE would probably be a more direct comparison for your loaded up MDX. Although, I didn't have much trouble talking my local dealer into about $300 over invoice for the one I looked at.
I also agree that the RDX is not a good comparison on much other than price, simply not as much SUV as the Mo. |
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| special-k |
quote:
Originally posted by sobamanismo
Although, I didn't have much trouble talking my local dealer into about $300 over invoice for the one I looked at.
I thought I would have been able to get a better price on a new MO when I was shopping around. With the "slow economy" and the fact that people are buying fewer SUVs due to gas prices, etc., but both my local Nissan dealerships insisted that the MO was selling well and they wouldn't go that low on the price.
Then again, this certainly isn't the first time I've made mention of the bad customer service at my local dealership! :)
It most certainly varies by market, too. People here in Reno still buy vehicles like the MO because it's not overly huge, gets decent mileage, and is AWD for the snowy winters and mountain driving we have to do here. I bought my MDX in Sacramento, where the demand for larger AWD vehicles is certainly a lot lower than here in Reno.
Now if only Acura had thought to include an iPod interface in the MDX system.... grrrrrr! :3: |
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