IMHO, unlike VDC, AWD is really useful only in snow and icy situations. So if you don't live in an area that requires that, then go with FWD. You will save money and have less parts to worry about.

I have AWD and have never used it. I imagine when I move to the east coast I will, but then again that is quastionalble. I will probably switch to FWD on my next Murano.

 

I agree that AWD is useful if you live somewhere where it snows.

In my opinion, unless its snowing, AWD is optional, but VDC is a *must* - it doesn't matter how good a driver you are, VDC will save your bacon one day.

Its kind of interesting how you both mention that you "used" AWD only a few times. On the MO, AWD is automatic, and there is no light to tell you when its on or off, so it could have come on many times without you knowing. AWD LOCK does "force" AWD to be on at low speeds, so I guess thats the only situation where you know power is going to all four wheels.

 

lightning-

Welcome to the forum.

What happened to your last MO? How was it totaled?

You claim you only used the AWD once. You do realize that it automatically and seamlessly engages when slippery conditions are encountered, right? So it is entirely possible that you may have "used" it more than once.

AWD vs FWD. That all depends on your environment and driving skills. In the last four years how often did you drive in snowy, icy, or muddy conditions? Have you ever gotten stuck with a FWD-vehicle in the past?

-njjoe

 

Close screen names .

Very happy with our 2007, FWD SL although I prefer a RWD vehicle but that wasn't an option on the Mo .


Dan

 

FWD has worked perfectly for me. Had snow and ice this year, no problems ( well, there was that one time when I was playing a little too much on the ice and did an unexpected 360 but that was my fault ). I don't see the need to pay for something that may or may not be used. Give me the basics and I am happy.

 

In addition to snow and ice, AWD can also help with towing in some cases. When I'm moving my utility trailer around in the mud, full of dirt, it helps to not chew up the lawn quite as much. If you tow a boat, AWD helps to pull it out of the water on a wet cement incline (front wheels don't have as much weight with the incline and tongue weight).

If you're not worried about those cases, though, there's really nothing wrong with FWD, and like it was mentioned, it's not only cheaper but also fewer things to go wrong.

I think it's something that is nice to have, but will you really notice a difference? Most likely not.

I agree with the other posters, VDC is a much better choice. I'm still peeved that I wasn't able to get it.

 

2003, FWD with 75k miles here. I would prefer RDW but as somebody said before it was not an option.......

If you do not live in heavy snow area go for FWD with traction control and VDC....

 

and don't forget that 1 extra MPG you will get with FWD!

 

FWD = no transfer case = peace of mind

-njjoe

 

Thanks for all the answers guys. I guess I should have been more clear, I have only "switched" it into AWD once. You all are right, I really have no idea how many times the car switched to AWD on its' own so I very well may have used it more than I thought.
I considered going to the Mazda CX-7, but after looking at one, the Murano wins hands down. Looks like the opinions are leaning towards FWD and so am I.

 

lightning-

Welcome to the forum.

What happened to your last MO? How was it totaled?

You claim you only used the AWD once. You do realize that it automatically and seamlessly engages when slippery conditions are encountered, right? So it is entirely possible that you may have "used" it more than once.

AWD vs FWD. That all depends on your environment and driving skills. In the last four years how often did you drive in snowy, icy, or muddy conditions? Have you ever gotten stuck with a FWD-vehicle in the past?

-njjoe

My wife totaled it in a wreck. It was black and really beautiful......for about an hour after it was washed. Guess my next decision will be what color to go with. No more black-too hard to keep clean.

 

njjoe you beat me

But let me add also less cost, lower unsprung weight, lower total weight. etc.

 

lightning-

Did the MO adequately protect your wife during the accident? Do you have photos of the totaled MO?

-njjoe

 

lightning-

Did the MO adequately protect your wife during the accident? Do you have photos of the totaled MO?

-njjoe

I wasn't in the car with her at the time, but yes it protected her just fine. Outside of the normal "next day" soreness and a scrape from the airbag she is was unhurt. Sorry, I didn't get any photos of the car.

 

One thing I learned when trying to buy a performance piggyback ECU is some places won't tune a AWD/4WD vehicle. So if you want to get it for performance tweaking, FWD is the way to go apparently.

 

IMO 2wd is the only way to go.

If you need off roading get a second vehicle just for that.

 

Re: IMO 2wd is the only way to go.

If you need off roading get a second vehicle just for that.

I was hoping I'd be talked into FWD. FWD it is !

Thanks guys.

 

Re: IMO 2wd is the only way to go.

If you need off roading get a second vehicle just for that.

Yeah, I'm sure we all wish we had enough money to buy a Phaeton, a hybrid Altima, and an original Hummer....

 

I guess that

I have a strong aversion to the AWD and feel that few really need it. The point was that if you need to do serious off roading I would not do it in a MO. I never had a Hummer and when I bought the Phaeton it was my only vehicle. I thought it was a good investment at the time. Sorry if that was acting like a rich a** I sure did not mean it to come across that way. I never got any inheritence of free money and worked very hard as an engineer to earn my funds and actuallyl spent most of my money on my family to get them well educated and trying set good examples. We are all at different times of life at 70 (when I purchased the Phaeton) I have completed my earing period of life and my children are all adults and self supporting except my daughter who I still support.

 

Re: I guess that

...Sorry if that was acting like a rich a** I sure did not mean it to come across that way...

I didn't think you did, and I am sure neither did Corin.

 

Re: Re: I guess that

I didn't think you did, and I am sure neither did Corin.

No, I didn't. And I genuinely wish that I DID have the money to buy all three!

But I would think that having a separate vehicle just for off-roading / towing is simply not a possibility for most people. Whether it's the cost or the space to store an additional vehicle, it's just not an option.

 

Oh, forgot to mention that there definitely ARE the exceptions! My neighbor has 5 vehicles. They don't have any kids, it's just the two of them. And they have FIVE VEHICLES. Amazing.

Ford Explorer (few years old)
Ford F250 (few years old)
Volvo Wagon ('85?)
Sunbeam Tiger ('68, I believe)
Mustang Shelby ('67, I believe)

(of course, you can't really count the Sunbeam and Shelby, those are TOYS, not vehicles....)

 

I have the FWD and can't say that I like it....the only reason I go it was they didn't have the copper color in AWL when I got the car....one thing that I hate about the FWD is that it pulls to one side as you floor it..I would buy the AWL in a minute

 

I have the FWD and can't say that I like it....the only reason I go it was they didn't have the copper color in AWL when I got the car....one thing that I hate about the FWD is that it pulls to one side as you floor it..I would buy the AWL in a minute

All Murano's are FWD. The AWD kicks in only when there is wheel slippage. So even with AWD you would experience the same thing.

 

I....one thing that I hate about the FWD is that it pulls to one side as you floor it..I would buy the AWL in a minute

it is called "torque steer"......and this is the reason I prefer RWD.

AWD in the Murano seems to be under designed. So I would stay away from it...