| fonefixer |
Looking to replace my aging 2000 Audi A6 w/ 97,000 miles. Have been looking at many different SUV's including SUbaru, Acura RDX, TOY Rav, Honda CRV, and Hyundai Santa Fe. So far, liked the Murano for the best interior and driving style. Experiencing the CVT transmission style was , to say the least, quite unusual!
The Nissan dealers here in Mpls/St. Paul don't seem to stock the SE model. Is it worth it to spend about $1,000 more, (compared to the SL) for so-called better handling around corners, a stiffer drive, and the the use of the "tiptronic" style manual shifter. Does this shifter even matter with the CVT? Also, could regular fuel be used in the '07 models? |
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| TheGymKid |
I bought an SL over the SE... I liked the way it drove at the time.
I don't think anyone can tell you which to get, you would need to see which you enjoy driving better (esp if it is going to cost you).
Besides, if you get the SL and are happy with it, you might never know what your missing from the SE. |
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| njjoe |
fonefixer-
You need to decide if $1,000 is worth it to have a stiffer suspension and the "tiptronic" style manual shifter. I guess it all depends on your driving style.
Since I drive in a straight line 99% of the time I prefer a more compliant set-up. I do not plan on running the slalom with the MO so I do not need the firmer suspension. I prefer comfort over performance. And in reality, it sounds like there is very little difference in handling characteristics between the SL and SE models.
The CVT is unlike any other tranny you have used. It is smooooth. There aren't any gears to change, just pulley ratios to select. Again, it all depends on your driving style.
Is it really worth the additional $1,000? That's for you to decide.
-njjoe |
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| geobernd |
I would also add road conditions into the picture. I didn't even look at the price difference when I got my 2006 SL. The roads in my area are pretty crappy - on the other hand I mostly drive mountainous (or large hills) roads that always wind and are never straight....
I test drove both. The SE's handling was better but was to stiff for my taste. Now if I had roads like in Germany/Austria/Switzerland through the mountains I'd have gone for the SE in a heartbeat. But the crappy roads in upper Westchester/Putnam NY that I drive on 90% of the time scream for a softer suspension so I ended up and am very happy with the SL.
As it was suggested: Drive both - drive them back to back on exactly the same roads - and pick roads you drive on daily so you can notice the difference.... |
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| fonefixer |
The Nissan dealer says that regular gas can be used on the Murano and that all their customers do use regular fuel w/o any ill effects.
Do most of you use regular?
Also, do you know of any internal changes between the 2006 / 2007 models? MSRP difference is about +$1,000.
The dealer also informed me that the '07 maintenance calls for 100,000 miles on the CVT fluid change. I don't find that hard to believe, since on my current Audi A6, the factory listed the same spec on the "tiptronic" transmission. I had it changed at 50,000 miles and it was plenty dirty. My mechanic mentioned that leaving it go for 100,000 miles is a sure way to promote transmission failure! Why would the CVT be any different? |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by fonefixer
The Nissan dealers here in Mpls/St. Paul don't seem to stock the SE model. Is it worth it to spend about $1,000 more, (compared to the SL) for so-called better handling around corners, a stiffer drive, and the the use of the "tiptronic" style manual shifter.
Don't stock 'em, or can't keep them on the lot?
What the SL guys aren't telling you is that they are jealous of us SE guys. (I'm not even gonna bring the S guys to the table)
:2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: |
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| fonefixer |
| Do you use the "tiptronic" manual shift option on a regular driving basis? |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by fonefixer
Do you use the "tiptronic" manual shift option on a regular driving basis?
I'm using it right now.......:roadtrip: |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by fonefixer
Do you use the "tiptronic" manual shift option on a regular driving basis?
No. Actually the '03 SE's don't even have the tiptronic setup.
I probably would use it though, I'm always manually downshifting as it is now.
SL, SE..... I haven't heard from anyone who bought either model who wishes they had the other.
(S guys excepted, just because they always seem to be upgrading stuff)
Don't confuse the CVT maintenance schedule with your Audi's. Even though they have the "tiptronic" feature, they are nothing alike.
Good Luck! |
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| fonefixer |
| Are you using regular fuel in your Murano? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by fonefixer
Are you using regular fuel in your Murano?
fonefixer-
Check out the following thread - http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/...=&threadid=4988
It is a poll on the grade of gasoline use by the forum members. 140 people responded and 52% use Premium, 18% Mid-range, 20% Regular, and the rest do not stick to any one grade.
I hope this helps.
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
To answer your questions:
1) You can use regular fuel without harming the engine. Using premium though, lets the engine make maximum horsepower.
2) I have an 03 SE, which does not have the tiptronic. I admit I do not miss it, since my other car has a manual transmission and a tiptronic can never replace a real manual transmission.
3) The Murano is marketed as a "sporty" crossover. The SL certainly holds its own against Pilot and Highlander, but if I wanted a soft ride I would have gotten a Pilot or a Highlander. So, I do not find the firm ride of the SE to be a negative tradeoff for sharper handling. I'd go with the SE each and every time, but thats just my perference. |
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| enamurao |
| I like SE better as known SE is top of the line model and that's nice to know,triptronic is not as a manual shifter but can be fun too, pulls stronger off the line and you feel like you in control on your shiftings also wheels are nicer on SE. |
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| njjoe |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by enamurao
I like SE better as known SE is top of the line model... /QUOTE]
enamurao-
Just what are you smoking? :26:
Where is it written that the SE is the "top of the line model"? The SE is simply an SL with an imitation shifter (there are no gears to "shift" so why pretend?) and firmer springs and firmer shocks/struts. It's a rough-riding version of the SL.
Everyone knows the SL is the top-of-the line model (as far as ride comfort is concerned). :4:
SL-owners unite!! :p
-njjoe |
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| enamurao |
here says it:
The 2005 Nissan Murano is available in six models: 2WD and 4WD S, SL and SE. All models come standard with an Xtronic continually variable automatic transmission and a 3.5L V-6 engine that produces 245-hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. All models feature dual automatic climate control, an information center with monitor and multiple displays, sliding center armrest, and retained accessory power. The SL upgrades the S with such features as a Homelink universal transmitter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (with compass), green solar-tint glass, and automatic headlights. The top-of-the-line SE comes with bi-xenon headlights, dark silver lower bumpers, six-spoke alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed manual mode for the transmission.
http://www.intellichoice.com/report...an/model/Murano |
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| njjoe |
enamurao-
The IntelliChoice review doesn't count. :14: That is simply the author's opinion. It's not substantiated by any Nissan-USA literature.
Nowhere in the Nissan-USA literature is it stated that the SE is the top-of-the-line model.
You have to face facts. You are simply no better than the rest of us. :D
-njjoe |
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| hfelknor |
I hope Intellichoice never says your mama is ugly, because I know you accept their opinion as Fact.
Intellichoice?
Give me a break.
Show me where NISSAN (You may have heard of them) calls the SE the top of the line.
BTW, Since the SL stands for "Sport Luxury"
what do you suppose SE stands for?
Could be "Sport Enema" I suppose.....but probably not.......:D
Homer |
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| fonefixer |
Dealer quoted me a price of $34,127.00 USD plus TTL for an '07 SL w/touring or $33,550.00 plus TTL for the same Murano as an '06.
Does anyone feel it is worth it to order the VDC option which costs about $800.00 more? |
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| hfelknor |
I would buy the 07 for that small difference in price. You will come out ahead in a few years.
IF the $800 is no problem, I would buy the VDC.
(The only thing I would not buy on a Murano is the AWD)
Homer |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
(The only thing I would not buy on a Murano is the AWD)
Homer
That's easy for you to say, you live in sunny Florida.
What if you lived in Minnesota like fonefixer and you were determined to buy a MO, would you then consider an AWD MO?
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
Oh give the guy a break. Ever since the S came out and the SE became AWD only, Nissan has positioned the models (albeit with very similar equipment) as S, SL, and SE in that order.
In terms of the absolute most expensive Murano you can buy? Its the SE AWD with nav and VDC. So technically its the unofficial top of the line model. But I agree - who cares which model is top of the line. The models are so similar, it all boils down to the minor suspension differences. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Oh give the guy a break. Ever since the S came out and the SE became AWD only, Nissan has positioned the models (albeit with very similar equipment) as S, SL, and SE in that order.
In terms of the absolute most expensive Murano you can buy? Its the SE AWD with nav and VDC. So technically its the unofficial top of the line model. But I agree - who cares which model is top of the line. The models are so similar, it all boils down to the minor suspension differences.
Spoken like the true owner of an SE model. :p
Like many of the forum members here, I enjoy a good debate, and I still contend Nissan has never stated the SE-model is the top-of-the-line MO, it is merely a more "sporty" MO. However, I am willing to consider any evidence to contrary. :D
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Spoken like the true owner of an SE model. :p
Like many of the forum members here, I enjoy a good debate, and I still contend Nissan has never stated the SE-model is the top-of-the-line MO, it is merely a more "sporty" MO. However, I am willing to consider any evidence to contrary. :D
-njjoe
Hehe can you tell I'm biased? :D :D :D
In the end, a MO is a MO, I'm happy we all made the decision to drive one here! ;) |
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| hfelknor |
"What if you lived in Minnesota like fonefixer and you were determined to buy a MO, would you then consider an AWD MO?"
No. I would buy a different vehicle.
I guess I am paranoid about the transfer case failures.
Without doubt, a poor design.
Homer
PS I agree that ALL Muranos have their braggin rights. |
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| enamurao |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by hfelknor
[B]I hope Intellichoice never says your mama is ugly, because I know you accept their opinion as Fact.
Intellichoice?
Give me a break.
Show me where NISSAN (You may have heard of them) calls the SE the top of the line.
BTW, Since the SL stands for "Sport Luxury"
what do you suppose SE stands for?
Could be "Sport Enema" I suppose.....but probably not.......:D[B]
SE Stands for SPORT ELITE
which is way beyond of what Luxury could mean,
and I never said I heard nissan saying thats the top of the line,but they are lined up s sl and se and se models out in the dealers are pretty well loaded I know you can find sl as equiped as an se could be outthere,,, and not only the triptronic can be fun when you are cruising around but the shifter pattern on the console looks better having the 6speed manual mode.
SL
From: $29,300†
* 10-way power driver's seat
* HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
* Fog lights
* Auto on/off headlights
* RearView Monitor
then with an SE you get all of the above
plus all listed below, standard :
SE
From: $31,850†
* All-Wheel Drive
* 18" Aluminum-alloy sport wheels
* Dark silver-color lower rear bumper
* 6-speed manual mode on CVT
* Sport-tuned suspension
* HID bi-xenon headlights
anyway whatever you drive as long is a murano is all good.
please dont shoot me sl owners! |
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| Mr3Putt |
Loving this thread!
SL's Stink (hit):xnuts:
See Ya (run):runaway: |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by enamurao
please dont shoot me sl owners!
~~~~~~ :11:
~~~~:9: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:runaway:
~~~~~~ :11:
SLs rule the road!! |
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| enamurao |
| :19: see ya SL lol :flush: :19: |
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| Halo |
I don't know how you can argue with the fact that most expensive MO is the SE. To put another way, you could not equip an SL in such a way as to cost more than the fully loaded SE/AWD. Period.
And yet another way: no SE driver ever things "damn, for an extra couple of thou I could be driving the an SL." Probably not too many SL owners think the converse either, but
NO
SE owners
ever
do.
Now, I suppose you could make an argument that the most expensive car in the line isn't the top of the line... but that would go against the pricing practices of basically every car manufacturer in the world.
I can see the confusion because the pricing accross SL and SE lines isn't the same among Nissan models (the SL Altima and Maxima are more $ than the respective SE). In the MO line, however, you have to add options to the SL to bring it in line with the equipment already standard on the SE.
One thing's for sure, the S model is the bottom of the line, no surprise it is the choice of the car rental agencies.
*Nomex suit on* |
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| enamurao |
quote:
Originally posted by Halo
I don't know how you can argue with the fact that most expensive MO is the SE.
*Nomex suit on*
argument is over,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
even S owners are smart on picking a murano. |
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| Darrell Sheldon |
Ouch that had to hurt-in black and white.
I went for the SE because I always had planned to haul my bike behind the MO and figured the firmer suspension would handle the load better. Also had to have those lights and the wheels looked much better to me. I think some of the other options that I wanted only came w/the SE model. I love to play with my vehicles as well and the 'sport' suspension just made sense to me. I've never looked back.:2: |
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| Mr3Putt |
I found the perfect accessory for the SL's out there.....
It's Magical !!!!!:2: |
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| Akuyek |
How about SE's leather interior vs SL's cloth interior ?
Coffee drinker and snack eater drivers like me probably appreciate the added value of easy-clean feature of leather vs cloth ....
.. also couldn't help appreciating all the added features SE has over SL
don't care for Nav though - map and live people are better
best of luck in choosing! |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Akuyek
How about SE's leather interior vs SL's cloth interior ?
The leather interior is not exclusive to SE models. I think the vast majority of SLs also have leather interiors.
-njjoe |
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| enamurao |
quote:
don't care for Nav though - map and live people are better
I think nav is the best invention ever in mapping industries.
live people dont give you directions as detailed as a nav sys. does. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by enamurao
I think nav is the best invention ever in mapping industries.
I agree!
It's one of those things that after the first few times it saves your @ss, you wondered how you got along without it! |
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| enamurao |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
I agree!
It's one of those things that after the first few times it saves your @ss, you wondered how you got along without it!
I know, an example we are fairly new to the city we live in and my wife is a realtor and in customers eyes who follow her for home showings they have said wow you know every single street,and shes like I grew up here, yeah right! |
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| zhliu |
quote:
Originally posted by enamurao
I think nav is the best invention ever in mapping industries.
live people dont give you directions as detailed as a nav sys. does.
And sometimes you can combine the best of both worlds: the GPS and "real-time" map on the screen let you know where you are and the surroundings, and you decide where to go and how to go. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by zhliu
And sometimes you can combine the best of both worlds: the GPS and "real-time" map on the screen let you know where you are and the surroundings, and you decide where to go and how to go.
I think most, if not all of the car systems operate like that.
I know on my Magellan, I can pan, zoom... everything but fold it up! |
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| Darrell Sheldon |
| My wife and I both have navi in our vehicles and we both agree-never will buy a car again w/o it unless it is a classic.It turns travel in unfamiliar areas into a no brainer -less angst and hassles. Makes finding freeway on ramps a breeze in strange surroundings.Of course if you never leave home you really don't need it. I travel the whole country a lot. |
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| MBruce |
SE owner myself
So what is the difference as far as options?
I thought the SE model was the top-of-the-line or is it the 'touring' option that makes it better IMHO? |
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| Hollifer |
| I'm in Mpls too. I test drove both the SE and SL. I personally preferred the SL over the SE. It has a more comfortable ride, and I was looking more for luxury and comfort than to pretend I am driving a sports car. |
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| enamurao |
quote:
Originally posted by Hollifer
I'm in Mpls too. I test drove both the SE and SL. I personally preferred the SL over the SE. It has a more comfortable ride, and I was looking more for luxury and comfort than to pretend I am driving a sports car.
well muranos are crossed with SUV's which means sport utility vehicle
and also have sporty look so you can't pretend, you are driving an sport vehicle!
real comfort and luxury can be found in luxury cars like cadi's and truly sedans cars. |
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| rtking |
I've owned both and IMO (at least, here in Los Angeles) the SE rides fine and when driving moderately aggressively, the SE has slightly better turn-in on cornering. It just felt more precise to me. The SL has a slightly softer ride, but unless you're driving over pavement cracks and dips all the time, it's hard to tell the difference between the two. In either case, you're still driving a MO. :cool:
Bob |
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| Hollifer |
quote:
Originally posted by enamurao
well muranos are crossed with SUV's which means sport utility vehicle
and also have sporty look so you can't pretend, you are driving an sport vehicle!
real comfort and luxury can be found in luxury cars like cadi's and truly sedans cars.
"Sport" Utility Vehicle does not a sports car make. Either way, just stating my opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. I agree, it is sporty looking, which is why I like it. It also has a LOT of fun bells and whistles, hence the luxury part. I wasn't comparing it to a Caddy. (and frankly I wouldn't have looked at it if it was...ick) |
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| Eric L. |
Yeah I'd have to agree that the "sports suspension" of the SE is only "sporty" relative to non SE Muranos. When a Toyota Camry can outhandle an SE Murano (ok, so no test has ever been done, but I'm pretty sure it can), that rules out the Murano as a sports car for sure! There is simply no way to make a crossover handle as well as a sports car without seriously reducing the ride to the kidney pounding variety.
In the end, you buy what you want. SL for slightly smoother ride. SE for slightly tighter handling. Its stil pretty much the same MO underneath. |
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| barbaloot |
| Yeah I will never own a car with out Nav again. For one reason. The amount of arguments my boyfriend and I HAVEN'T gotten into since having it. |
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| Darrell Sheldon |
| LOL! See already there is a greater calmness in the world-a better place-because of Navi. Isn't that alone enough of an argument. All cars should have it.Think of the gas that will be saved.Heck the trees that would be saved from not having to print so many road atlases. |
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| ikalinin3 |
SE would be top of the line for us MO owners, yet, the SL is top of the line for Maxima's, AND Altimas (not taking the SE-R into consideration). And if we price out SLs and SE's with same exact opitions, the SE is only 600 or so more. Which is basically for the badge, fake shifter, and stiff shocks. But if you brake it all down, the only reason its more is because the HIDs are standard. :)
the SL owner has spoken!
but to be fair, I wanted an SE b/c i have an SE maxima... but when i drove both, the SE was sooo much stiffer across tracks and bumps.. and i really needed comfort out of an SUV, not performance. and if i can be more comfortable AND save money, that what a smart consumer is all about.. :) |
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| enamurao |
| there is no enough comfort in any car to deal with train tracks and potholes in chicago, |
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| ikalinin3 |
quote:
Originally posted by enamurao
there is no enough comfort in any car to deal with train tracks and potholes in chicago,
possibly not, but as close as i can come to comfot, it would be in an SL, not an SE. |
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| powerglide |
I had the same question SL or SE.
The way I loaded up my SL with everything but AWD, the price difference was less than $2000. So I figured go for the top of the line......but the ride was too harsh. Same reason I passed on the FX 35. My last car was a Cadillac so I am extra sensitive to ride I suppose. I think thats the major difference that should be your deciding factor. Also decided I didn't need AWD here in LA where my commute is a whopping 2 miles at 45 mph....pocketed the couple grand difference and eyeballing a plasma TV for Xmas ;-) |
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| Gonzo |
| I like the way you think powerglide. |
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| ikalinin3 |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
I like the way you think powerglide.
i second that. i didnt really need AWD either.. but when it snows, it snows sometimes.. thats why i picked up the MO. if you think about it, the MO gets better gas milage in AWD then 99% of other FWD SUVs.... and AWD SUVS, true Consumer report EPA is like 12-16mpg in the city... murano was at 18 true and 19 is published.. so based on that, i got the MO! :) |
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