We have discussed this at various points within our individual threads and based on my recent order experience thought it would be good to discuss again. I was in a hurry and missed a few issues. There are several items to check for when buying a Murano that go beyond the salesperson handing you the keys. So lets start the listing:
1. Check interior for blemishes.
These include scratches and greasy handprints.
2. Check exterior for blemishes.
These include scratches or paint defects.
3. Ask for a copy of the dealer performed Nissan Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI).
If they seem clueless then you should know they are required by Nissan to have a technician perform a PDI checklist. It isn’t all inclusive and like everything else depends on who is doing it, but it is a starting point.
4. Check for Operators Manual.
Every vehicle is required to have one. Nissan packages theirs in a nice zippered silver and black binder. There should also be a quick instruction card on programming the homelink transceiver on the rear view mirror, a Murano quick reference guide, a warranty information booklet, and a service and maintenance guide.
5. Check the rear wiper, it should not freely rotate.
A common issue is the nut that holds the rear wiper mechanism in place is loose.
6. Check for alignment problems.
A common issue is for alignment to be off resulting in a pull to the left or the right. While taking the car for a test drive see if there is a pull taking into account road crown. All roads are “crowned” for rain water to flow off into the ditches. For example on a two lane road driving in the right lane there is a slight tendency for the vehicle to pull to the right and there is a tendency to pull to the left while driving on the left side of the road. Driving down the center of the road straddling the crown, the car should not pull left or right.
7. Check Stereo Operation.
Make sure FM radio reception is strong as a loose antenna ground nut can cause weak reception. Not a bad idea to take a CD with you to test CD player operation. Note that on ’06 models with Bose, it is supposed to play M3Ps and WMAs from a CD if the songs were ripped within certain bitrate specifications as outlined in this forum and the operator’s manual.
Sunroof: Check all Sunroof operation.
VDC with TPMS: Drive around the block and check that the tire pressure indicators on the display are reading correctly. For vehicles without VDC/TPMS check tire pressure manually.
DVD Navigation: Make sure you have the NAVI manual, and the Navigation screen shows your current position on a map. This ensures the navigation system is working correctly and the DVD is installed.
OEM Tow: Ensure a ball and ball mount receiver is included.
Ensure Presence of Miscellaneous Items: Cargo Net, Jack, Tow Hook, Spare, and Cargo Area Cover.
Suggestions: Don't let the dealer buff, wax or otherwise touch the finish. Make the dealer remove their advertisement stuck to the back of your Murano. They should give you a full tank of gas.
1. Check interior for blemishes.
These include scratches and greasy handprints.
2. Check exterior for blemishes.
These include scratches or paint defects.
3. Ask for a copy of the dealer performed Nissan Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI).
If they seem clueless then you should know they are required by Nissan to have a technician perform a PDI checklist. It isn’t all inclusive and like everything else depends on who is doing it, but it is a starting point.
4. Check for Operators Manual.
Every vehicle is required to have one. Nissan packages theirs in a nice zippered silver and black binder. There should also be a quick instruction card on programming the homelink transceiver on the rear view mirror, a Murano quick reference guide, a warranty information booklet, and a service and maintenance guide.
5. Check the rear wiper, it should not freely rotate.
A common issue is the nut that holds the rear wiper mechanism in place is loose.
6. Check for alignment problems.
A common issue is for alignment to be off resulting in a pull to the left or the right. While taking the car for a test drive see if there is a pull taking into account road crown. All roads are “crowned” for rain water to flow off into the ditches. For example on a two lane road driving in the right lane there is a slight tendency for the vehicle to pull to the right and there is a tendency to pull to the left while driving on the left side of the road. Driving down the center of the road straddling the crown, the car should not pull left or right.
7. Check Stereo Operation.
Make sure FM radio reception is strong as a loose antenna ground nut can cause weak reception. Not a bad idea to take a CD with you to test CD player operation. Note that on ’06 models with Bose, it is supposed to play M3Ps and WMAs from a CD if the songs were ripped within certain bitrate specifications as outlined in this forum and the operator’s manual.
Sunroof: Check all Sunroof operation.
VDC with TPMS: Drive around the block and check that the tire pressure indicators on the display are reading correctly. For vehicles without VDC/TPMS check tire pressure manually.
DVD Navigation: Make sure you have the NAVI manual, and the Navigation screen shows your current position on a map. This ensures the navigation system is working correctly and the DVD is installed.
OEM Tow: Ensure a ball and ball mount receiver is included.
Ensure Presence of Miscellaneous Items: Cargo Net, Jack, Tow Hook, Spare, and Cargo Area Cover.
Suggestions: Don't let the dealer buff, wax or otherwise touch the finish. Make the dealer remove their advertisement stuck to the back of your Murano. They should give you a full tank of gas.
