| itsstock |
Hi guys..I need some NON-BIASED advice. Would you buy another Murano? I bought the wife a Grand Cherokee a couple of years ago...and have been miserable since. We have had SO many problems with it. She is very finicky about what she drives...(that means we don't agree! lol) She really likes the Murano...I think it is too small for our family of 3 1/2...(next boy due Nov 9th).
Honestly, do you like your Murano? Are any years better than others? Would you buy another?
Thanks in advance! |
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| Hilbe |
| I think if had to choose right now I'd end up with an Infiniti FX35, Acura RDX, BMW X5, or Acura MDX. I like my Murano and it was the best thing out in 2004, but right now there are a bit more choices. I really need something with a bit more pickup than my Murano, but I really don't want another car payment for a long time (all cars in the clear). I think the Acura RDX is a bit more of a fit for me since its very geek friendly with some of its technologies.... |
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| BikerJohn |
| If I had to do it again; yes. We have been thrilled with our MO. It used to my wife's company vehicle and she had it for two years then we purchased it from the leasing company. Ours is an '03 and one of the very few out at that time. We did have a look at the Mazda's CX-7 this spring time when we were looking at another company vehicle for my wife and we did like that one. It was $10K less than the same year MO. Very similar cars as looks go; however, I still think that the MO has nicer ride and features. We ended up going with the Toyota FJ for somthing different.... The FX35; Acura RDX/MDX and the X5 are in again a different snack bracket than the MO in Canada. They are all another $10K or so more than the current MO. If you are thinking that the MO is on the smaller side; the newer Mazda CX-9 might be the answer for your needs. Your best bet to go and drive them all and see what fits your budget and needs for now and the near future....good luck. |
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| mitego |
| I have only had ours a month or so, but I got to tell ya, I would do it all over again! :D |
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| njjoe |
itsstock-
Welcome to the forum!
I had a Grand Cherokee Limited (V-8) when I bought my MO two years ago, and can honestly say the MO is better in almost all categories. The MO rides better, handles better, looks better, is quieter, more fuel efficient, and, so far, more reliable.
Where does the MO come up short? It is not a true SUV. The AWD system is part-time, has no low-range, and is far from bullet-proof. The paint and sheet-metal on the MO is not as durable as the Jeep's.
What makes the MO shine above the Jeep? The CVT. The CVT, coupled to Nissan's venerable VQ engine, makes the MO a pleasure to drive. I felt like I went from a truck to a car when I switched over to the MO.
The only time I miss the Jeep is when snow is on the road and when I have a hankering for some trail riding or beach driving.
The MO is a good choice. I would definitely put it on the list.
-njjoe |
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| tonym |
| We have only had ours for about 7 weeks and really like it. we bought the top model and it cost 56K (Australian Dollars) but we dont get a lot of the gizmos in the car here like you do in the US and the new Toyota Kluger (Highlander) has just been realesed here this month and it has a whole heap of stuff in it for only a small price increase over the MO and would be comparable to the Lexus RX350 for 35K less so I think we would buy a Toyota if I was buying now. |
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| Corin |
I think the Murano is plenty big for a family of 4. Of course, these days people try to pack the whole frickin' house into the vehicle when they have kids, so if that's what you tend to do, then maybe it won't be quite big enough.
I would say that if you don't think the MO is big enough, start looking into minivans.
The MO has a LOT of room for its size. I feel it has a LOT more usable space than the BMW X5. Grand Cherokee, well, that probably has a bit more room than the MO, but as you said it sucks.
If my MO disappeared tomorrow and I needed another vehicle, I'd seriously consider getting another one. It would be pretty high on a pretty short list. I might be interested in "upgrading" to an FX, more because of getting into the Infinity customer service level rather than the standard Nissan customer DIS-service.
Even with all the other "crossover" vehicles that have come out, I still think the MO has the best mix of utility (towing/storage), handling, ride comfort, and interior comfort (nice seats, roomy back seat, lots of storage).
Some people are getting nervous about the CVT failures, so I would recommend to anyone buying a MO to get an extended warranty. But I think the benefits outweigh the risks at this point, at least for me. |
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| bob1 |
itsstock
Our last family car was a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
I knew all the mechanics in town cause it used to blow up all the time.
When the rear end started to hum loudly, I dumped it as people said the rear was shot at about 80K and it would cost 1800 bucks to quiet the noise.
That was the last straw, bought the MO and never looked back.
I think you'd be happy.
Bob1 |
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| Pops |
| We've had our MO for about a month and really like it. It's alot tighter coming from the Quest minivan with our 3 kids. They do have alot of room in the back seat, but it's lacking things like cupholders and storage space when you have 3 in the back seat. There would be LOTS of room for a family of 4. In the process now to outfit it with racks and a ski/camping box for the roof, and actually LOOKING FORWARD to winter driving this year :D. |
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| mitego |
I had test drove the toyota highlander, the honda crv, and many others, checked out the toyota rava, looked and test drove many, including the surbaru tribecca, this was my favorite, I just fell in love with it! However my hubby didn't like this one, and the nissan looks as lovely as the tribecca and it gets better gas mileage.
I truly wanted the seat recall thing. this was really a must!
Decent gas mileage for a crossover
not too big, for in town parking getting around!
fwd or awd for winter weather here in Illinois
cargo area was important
and a few other things, love the camera too! VEry pleased so far! I think it all comes down to what you want to pay for and what you want in a vehicle. For the two of us, it works great and love it! |
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| NyLife |
Well first question i would ask yourself is what is your budget, are you looking to lease or buy?
Murano is an excellent car for the money, but if you budget is a little bigger they are also better cars like mentioned above X5(overpriced) Audi Q7.
May be also take a look at Honda Pilot its a little big bigger the Murano, but within the same price range. |
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| bob1 |
quote:
Originally posted by NyLife
May be also take a look at Honda Pilot its a little big bigger the Murano, but within the same price range. [/B]
We all acknowledge that the Pilot is probably a mechanically excellent SUV but has the possibility of boring you to death on the way home from the car dealer. :rolleyes:
Bob1 |
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| mitego |
| I looked at those (honda pilot) also, not quite the cush that I am used too, be careful what you get on your vehicle because you won't want to do without it onthe next one, I have heard nothing but great things about the honda pilots, but for the same amount of money I could get a bit bigger and a few more of my cush items,,,,nothing pampered about me:D |
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| orion12521 |
I don't know if it has changed since I was shopping for a new vehicle last year, but the MO had best in class capacity. Since it doesn't appear that a third row seat is critical for you with 3 1/2 the MO would be a great choice for you. I've had my MO for a year now and can not begin to tell you how happy I am with it. My wife, son (coming up on 1 year) and I travel fairly frequently from the Chicagoland area to visit family in central IA. We have never had a problem of needing more space. This included the time my mom was visiting us and all four of us piled in for the return trip. I have also carried a full size couch in the rear of my MO. There wasn't much extra space but enough to get the job done.
Additionally, a big consideration for me was the safety ratings as when I was looking last year, my son was about to arrive. Based on the ratings I have no qualms about transporting my son on a daily basis. My only regret is maybe not getting an "SE" or "SL" trim package. I hadn't found this form and mistakenly thought that upgrading things wouldn't be a big deal. As you can find in many threads here, it is way better and less expensive to get ALL the equipment you want up front.
Engine performance is good as is mileage. I went from a Lincoln LS to the MO and am actually getting decidedly better mpg.
One of the other things I like is that the platform has been around long enough that there really are a pretty good selection of aftermarket parts available if you want to customize. So far I've added the modified Nissan harness and electronics for the iPod integration and a set each of the Romik bull bar and Romik nerf bars. Currently I'm looking into the feasibility of having a Curt hitch chromed. By these points, I guess I'm trying to convey that I like my MO enough that I'm planning on having it for quite some time. This is the first vehicle I've had where I've changed out more than the radio and speakers but am comfortable making the additions because I know that I will have them to enjoy for a long time.
I would definately recommend. |
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| Kris |
You are asking wrong people. All, or almost all of this forum members cannot be trusted! ;) We are all biased! We are Murano owners!
I have had the Murano for more than 4 years and 82K miles. I have been quite happy with it. So would I recommend it? It depends on your needs. It is a fine vehicle that does many things right. It is a wonderful highway cruiser with decent handling and good ride. If your needs are like that - go for it. However, if you need a large SUV - Murano is not the best option. |
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| PaulQ |
I think I can answer this right on target because I just explored this dilemma.
I decided to get out of my 2004 Murano about a month ago. I was concerned about the logevity of the CVT. I could get an extended warranty for $1000 or get a new car! Hmmm. :)
My very first choice was to get another Murano! I think I would have done just that if I didn't hit one snag...
Apparently, there is no 2008 Murano. Nissan is releasing a redesigned 2009 Murano at some point in 2008 (I have heard beginning, middle, and end). I did a lot of research and this appears to be the most accurate set of dates. This left me in a predicament... do I buy a 2007 Murano now leaving it in a very poor resale position or do I wait another year hoping (a) the new Murano looks good and (b) it does not have any major mechanical changes making it risky to buy into the first generation.
My local dealer eventually just told me if I really like Murano, I should wait a year.
I was in a tight spot because I had already sold my 2004 to a private property. There was some flexibility with the actual transaction date but not 6-12 months.
It was very hard to imagine driving something other than a Murano! The Murano is a GREAT car. However, my time frame was forcing me to branch out and I was actually looking forward to it.
I ended up leasing a VW Touareg last week. It is not in the same price class (nor are several of the cars mentioned in this thread) so you can't do a direct comparison.
Bottom line - If I wanted to stay in the same price class and there was a 2008 Murano, I would get another one. My experience with the Murano has been excellent. It's a great car for many of the reasons people mentioned here.
This is all coming from someone who bought another car for different reasons. Despite leaving it, I can recommend the Murano without reservation.
You just have to deal with this model release schedule. |
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| Eric L. |
To be honest, I think a minivan would make a better family car. If you think of all the stuff you would need to haul with the kids around, such as bicycles, pets, furniture as they go from the small stuff to adult sized stuff, a minivan is really the only way to go and not have to compromise passenger space. One might be able to get by with the MO's folding down half of the backseat with only one kid, but it will get crowded with two, and like the above post says, minivans are just made for families since they have a bazillion cup holders, storage space, DVD screens, etc.... - and they also make the best roadtrip vehicles. The MO is good, but I think its far less stressful for the kids to sit further apart (less fighting) and also just to have space when you need it.
If you want a minivan which doesn't necessarily sacrifice performance for utility, look at the Honda Odyssey. The Sienna is similar but less sporty, and I think the Quest is rather outclassed when you look at the interior and compare it to the benchmark Honda and Toyota. GM's new large crossovers also make decent minivan alternatives. |
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| mitego |
| I have enjoyed 3 minivans over the years. Dollar for dollar they are a great deal. They afford you so much room, decent ride, decent on gas, some good prices out there on them. Caution: if you have a minivan, everyone will a. want to borrow it or b. want you to haul something, ie,kids,furniture. c. when you need to use it, it is not available because no one wants to drive them but they sure have a use for yours! Having said that, I would have another one, I sure could have saved some money buying a minivan over the Murano but the hubby and sons just couldn't face another minivan,,,so what did I do the first nite home, hauled a chair to my son's apartment, I guess somethings never changed.........I should mention, I love having the murano! Either way you can't go wrong. |
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