| Looking to buy, quick couple of questions - Click HERE for Original Thread |
| tacookaz |
I have recently started shopping for a Murano........... this site is very impressive! I have just started scanning the forums and it looks like some good information. Anyways, I would like to know if I will se any mileage difference between the AWD and FWD? Im not really buying this vehicle for fuel economy, but its good information. It doesn't look like they have changed much in the last few years. Is the manual shift capability another feature worth taking a look at? Im thinking of buying a 2005 or 2006..................... any other information you have to help me in selecting a trim level or certain features would be great.
Thanks |
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| woossh |
| The sticker says 2 mpg less for AWD. As far as the manual, go for it. You can shift till your arm gets tired, or not. I hughly reccomend the VDC. |
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| Gonzo |
| Not really sure why Nissan calls out the AWD for 2MPG less, as the AWD is not full time AWD and normally the MO runs in FWD until it detects the need for it. However I would recommend the FWD, as the MO's AWD system is a weak system. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Not really sure why Nissan calls out the AWD for 2MPG less, as the AWD is not full time AWD and normally the MO runs in FWD until it detects the need for it.
G-
The 2007 sales brochure shows a 1 mpg difference between the FWD and AWD models.
Even when the AWD is operating in FWD-mode the driveshaft is still engaged and rotating, as well as an extra set of gears at the rear of the CVT, and the transfer case gears. Plus the AWD model carries an extra 130 pounds of hardware. I guess Nissan believes those items add up to a 1 mpg penalty.
-njjoe |
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| tacookaz |
| Thanks for the responses guys, Im just trying to learn everything I can before looking at purchasing a Murano. |
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| Eric L. |
The posts above are correct, the AWD Murano operates mainly in FWD unless slip is detected, then it sends power to the rear wheels by engaging automatically the AWD. The fuel economy hit is mainly from the extra weight of the hardware and the fact that the transfer case is always spinning the central propshaft (this is the way with most AWD systems).
I highly recommend VDC as well. Its not something you need on a daily basis, but it just might save your bacon one day when you least expect it. |
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| bob1 |
I did not see your location but I'd say unless you are in snow country, you're probably wasting hard earned money for AWD and you have potentially more to do maintenance wise if you get it.
If you are in snow country, I'm all for it but down south, forget about it. You can do other stuff with that money.
Bob1 |
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| GripperDon |
AWD has a number of negatives IMO
1. Cost more.
2. Less milaeage.
3. More unsprung weight (harsher ride)
4. More load on the weak point (tranny and CVT)
5. It is not full time anyway and of limited value unless you are a true off roader and if so buy a different vehicle.
So I would get a FWD and a SL trim with NAV and the Bose sound.
You woun't get you money back on these extras but you will get more than without them.
VDC is good, it handles like a car and does not feel tippy.
Personally I like leather but as I said thats personal. The deep Cherry is great.
If you handle means you are in AZ, I would get window tinting,
PS what do you cook? |
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| Kris |
| Posts above gave you all the info on AWD you need. Personally I would go for FWD. Murano's AWD system is a handicap I believe. |
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| bob1 |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
Posts above gave you all the info on AWD you need. Personally I would go for FWD. Murano's AWD system is a handicap I believe.
Not sure if this is true but seems like the majority of CVT issues were on the AWD and transfer case.
Anyone care to back me up or shoot me down on that statement?
Bob1 |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by bob1
Not sure if this is true but seems like the majority of CVT issues were on the AWD and transfer case.
Anyone care to back me up or shoot me down on that statement?
Bob1
The issues with the transfer case are NOT related to the CVT.
A correct statement would be, the majoririty of the AWD system issues are with the the transfer case. |
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| bob1 |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
The issues with the transfer case are NOT related to the CVT.
A correct statement would be, the majority of the AWD system issues are with the the transfer case.
Thanks Gonzo, not having AWD I did not know that.
Bob1 |
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| shelland |
I asked a similar question when I was shopping, and that thread has some different tips that I haven't seen here yet, so I'll just post the link.
Enjoy your shopping! I've had my MO since May, and we have loved it. |
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| Corin |
I agree with almost everything on this thread, both regarding AWD and VDC.
A couple of additional points, though:
1) The mileage difference between AWD and FWD is negligible, and it seems that the variances simply between different Muranos is more significant than the difference between drivetrains. For example, a Monday-built Murano can have a different mileage than a Friday-built one. I would NOT base my decision on AWD vs FWD on mileage, but rather on the other points mentioned on this thread (e.g. get it if you're in a climate where you need it, otherwise don't to avoid having to take it into the dealer for transfer case issues).
2) VDC is a wonderful option, and should be standard on ALL vehicles sold (soon it will be). HOWEVER, for the Murano, Nissan decided to be a$$holes and only allow VDC to be added if you have a fully-loaded MO. So if you're trying to save some green and not getting a fully loaded MO, you won't get VDC. If you search my posts, you'll find many many many rants on this subject, as I wanted VDC but I did NOT want leather seats. |
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| shelland |
quote:
The mileage difference between AWD and FWD is negligible, and it seems that the variances simply between different Muranos is more significant than the difference between drivetrains. For example, a Monday-built Murano can have a different mileage than a Friday-built one. I would NOT base my decision on AWD vs FWD on mileage
I've had my AWD for 4 months and have put on about 7500 miles. I've averaged 21.5 MPG. Just prior to my purchase I was reading posts on this forum that were elated if they ever hit the 20 mark.
So it evidently varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle. |
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| Jim C |
I have the '04 AWD SE. Currently getting 18mpg in mixed driving, which is pretty good for me. Before the switchover from MTBE to Ethanol as an oxygenate in Mid-Atlantic area gas blends, my mileage was higher (about 19 to 20mpg mixed driving).
As for comments on the "worthlessness" of AWD, I have to disagree. Mine has helped in a few snowy situations - but more commonly, its been very helpful in pulling my boats up off of slippery launch ramps.
Would I recommend the car overall? A qualified yes. My regret is that I didn't wait a couple of model years later as Nissan seems to have ironed out the major problems for 2005 and higher. Still, every time I want to replace the Murano, I can't seem to find anything comparable in features in a similar price range! |
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| shelland |
quote:
I have the '04 AWD SE. Currently getting 18mpg in mixed driving, which is pretty good for me.
I'll consider myself lucky! :2: |
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| tacookaz |
What is the true benefit of having VDC? I understand what it does, but I'm not running this as a rally car. Do you really need more than AWD, well Nissans almost AWD?
I live in Arizona, so we obviously dont drive in snow all day, but I do go snowboarding several times in the winter. When it rains here, the roads are like an oil slick, so I figure the AWD would be kind of nice. With some of the posts I have read, Im thinking twice about the Murano because of the possible AWD issues....... I'm buying a 2005 or 2006 so is the frequency of AWD issues going to go down over previous years?
Thanks guys. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by tacookaz
What is the true benefit of having VDC? I understand what it does, but I'm not running this as a rally car. Do you really need more than AWD, well Nissans almost AWD?
I live in Arizona, so we obviously dont drive in snow all day, but I do go snowboarding several times in the winter. When it rains here, the roads are like an oil slick, so I figure the AWD would be kind of nice. With some of the posts I have read, Im thinking twice about the Murano because of the possible AWD issues....... I'm buying a 2005 or 2006 so is the frequency of AWD issues going to go down over previous years?
Thanks guys.
VDC will prevent a spin under emergency maneuvering. Its not something you use everyday, but rather, will come into play when you least expect it, and it does work. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
VDC will prevent a spin under emergency maneuvering. Its not something you use everyday, but rather, will come into play when you least expect it, and it does work.
This statement needs clarification. VDC will not prevent a spin. What it will do is significantly reduce the possibility of a spin. The VDC system will not give the MO the cornering ability of an F-1 race car.
-njjoe |
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