If you like Jeeps, I'd look at the Grand Cherokee - the current generation still has Mercedes-Benz DNA and it has had great reviews since it first hit the market.

It probably won't get the gas mileage of the Murano, but you can bet the drivetrain is stout.

 

I like that suggestion, because I do like the Grand Cherokees, too...but I'm certainly not a married to the idea of a Jeep. Unfortunately, its initial cost, and fuel mileage, pushes it beyond my affordability.

Thanks, though!

 

All the better. I'm always a used car buyer - find a 2-3 year old Grand Cherokee with low mileage. Someone else will have taken the big depreciation hit, you'll get a nice car at a good price. The Mercedes base build goes back that far.

 

Good advice...I'll certainly look into that. Thanks! I probably should have mentioned that 4x4 is not important to me...FWD is adequate.

I'm still very curious about the 2015 Murano. I really like the new styling. I'm going to be patient, and wait until they show up at local dealers, so I can drive one before I buy anything.

Any thought on expected worries, considering what is going to carryover into the 2015?

I've been doing some research...it looks the CVT and transfer case were problems in earlier years, but there are few complaints in recent years. Is that an indication that the problem has been fixed, or time hasn't caught up to the newer models?

 

If you go FWD only, then you avoid problems with the transfer case, which is much more typically a problem than the CVT. That would tend to move you back toward the Murano. I think the CVT is well worked out at this point.

 

Good to hear ... thanks!

 

In my mind, the CVT in my 2012 Murano is the smoothest transmission I have ever driven. I have owned jeeps, and they can't be considered a trouble free vehicle. If you don't need a true 4WD that you are going to take off road, then I wouldn't consider any of the Jeeps.

The Nissan CVT has been proven to get more reliable over the years. Wait for the 2015 Murano, try it out, then make your decision. And if you don't need AWD, then go with FWD. I bought mine because I live on a STEEP hill, and although FWD worked about 90% of the time, the other 10% I had to walk. Hasn't happened with the Murano even with the bad winter we had last year.

 

Thanks for the input, it is certainly helpful and reassuring!

 

Does anyone know when the 2015 Murano is supposed hit the dealers lots?

 

According to Briggs Nissan, a dealer in Kansas, a corporate source said the 2015 is due near the end of the year, probably in November or December.

Here are some pictures I took of one in San Diego, CA, at a Nissan Z show. Nissan had Nismo versions of the 370Z, GTR, and Juke as well as the Murano.

 

Anyway you can enlarge the 1st 2 pics? They are really small. Thanks if you can. Most interested in those 2.

 

Thanks for this information...it's much appreciated

I can be impatient about some things, and was hoping it would be more like September...now I have to work on my patience.

 

Those same pics were posted in this thread, and they are larger:
Saw a 2015 Murano in Person

 

I did post them in the gallery, but here they are again. Enjoy.