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Buying a Murano but concerned about CVT

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netrisca

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello all,

I've been wanting a Murano and I will be buying a pre-owned one soon. I am just really concerned about the CVT and Transfer Box issues that many have reported. Because of that, I have decided to not buy an AWD but to go for the FWD model so I can avoid problems with the Transfer Box (those models don't have that box, right?). And with the extended CVT warranty I should be good till at least 120K, correct?

Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I just sold a few weeks ago. Had the FWD and never a CVT problem in 6.5 years. Most of what I have heard here had to do with AWD and transfer case issues. I would love to know the % of problems of FWD vs AWD and the CVT. I'll bet it is at least 20% vs 80% but I have no data to back that up other than reading the forum for many years.

Yeas CVT under warranty for 120K at least in N America.

Bob1
 
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#3 ·
Without Proper stats i wouldn't follow always what you read, as with all reviews or comments most of the people who post are those who have issues... that happy ones are never on writing about how good their rig is... they are out enjoying it.

I can tell you the company i work for added the MO to the fleet in 2004, since then they have bought 50 / year ever since. They retire them once they hit three years old or 100k. I actually bought one of the retired models (it was my bosses) and i have never been happier. One point that made me buy one is that 90% on the people who had them as their company rig bought them from the company when they were done for their spouse to drive.

Being in Canada all they buy is the SL AWD models, they would never allow them to stay on the fleet if they were costing too much in maintenance, to be honest if 5% of them had the transfer case , CVT issues people talk about here they would have abolished them out of the fleet.

The level of Employee that is allowed a MO for 2010 had three main choices Audi A4, Buick Enclave and the MO (also Maxima (or infinity equal)).... the split is ~30% for each the MO, Audi, and Enclave.... with most people getting the MO being people who had them before.

now i don't know if this helps your decision but i can tell you the MO are a great ride, i am extremely happy with mine and can't wait till i can get a company car as i will forsure get the MO and as mine expires i will buy it out for the wife and start that circle.
 
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#4 ·
bob1 said:
I just sold a few weeks ago. Had the FWD and never a CVT problem in 6.5 years. Most of what I have heard here had to do with AWD and transfer case issues. I would love to know the % of problems of FWD vs AWD and the CVT. I'll bet it is at least 20% vs 80% but I have no data to back that up other than reading the forum for many years.

Yeas CVT under warranty for 120K at least in N America.

Bob1
Click to expand...
Ya I observe the same thing. The preponderance of problems lie with the AWD models and the LEs it seems.
 
#5 ·
netrisca-

The CVT has gotten a bad rap. Functionally, it is a great piece of machinery. It is simple to maintain (no manufacturer-mandated fluid replacement schedule), smooth as silk, and should be easy to repair if Nissan/JATCO ever lets anyone inside.

The CVT is no less reliable than your conventional automatic transmission. I would think that many of the failures could have been prevented if the owners/dealers had been alerted to oil leaks at the seals. Last month my MO went through my dealer's "Comprehensive" xx-point inspection yet they failed to notice fluid leaking from the CVT/differential seals. If I had not found it on my own I am sure my soon-to-be-oil-starved CVT would have turned into an empty-my-wallet IED in a matter of months. The seals were responsible for a fair number of CVT failures. Kudos to Eric L. for pointing out this weak link a few years ago.

Don't let the CVT scare you away.

-njjoe
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks all for the answers. I am not as much as concerned about the CVT as I know any transmission can have a problem. Besides I know I am covered up to 120K miles either way. My concern is with the transfer case that I know isn't covered and I would think it costs several thousands to fix. Not really willing to put out 15K and then having to pay more later on. This is why I am thinking the FWD drive would be the better choice because it is covered under the warranty?
 
#8 ·
netrisca said:
I also probably have the option of buying an AWD and getting a third part Insurance to cover possible tranny / transfer box problems. Not sure how much it will run into for 5 years though....
Click to expand...
Do you really need the AWD? Good winter tires, traction control, and smart driving will trump AWD almost every time.

-njjoe
 
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#11 ·
True you will hear more complaints than praise, but it certainly is an issue. It probably was blown out of proportion though. After research I decided to look for an 06 or newer since the bugs should have been worked out by the then. I figured 05 would be a safe bet, but figured go one year newer just to be safe. Well I found an 05 at a good price and went for it. As far as AWD I lived in upstate NY (Ft Drum) for three years and never had an issue with FWD even in about a half a foot of snow.
 
#12 ·
I live in CO at 5,00 feet and for many people it's AWD or nothing around here. Much of the winter is mild, but when we get it, we can get 12 - 18" of snow in a day. We also use it as a ski vehicle...and getting in and out of the mountains, you experience the difference.

Sure, I got around fine with RWD when that was all we had available. But I'm NOT settling for FWD when AWD is available. There's a big difference when the driving conditions get really bad.

I'm very confident about the CVT. The transfer case, somewhat less - but I make it a point not to abuse it.
 
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