Back to the Future

[jondrew]

My wife and I have been out of the minvan/SUV market for a long time. Recent life changes have caused us to give up the MLC (mid life crisis) car (BMW 335i) to get back to a more practical vehicle. Enter the Crossover Market. After extensive research (15 or 20 minutes) and a couple of days of test driving, I had narrowed the search to the new Toyota Venza (sort of a cross between a station wagon and a mini-van) and the Murano (sort of a cross between a mini van and a sedan). I really, really like Toyotas. I've owned 4 (3 pick ups and a lexus) and have had nothing but quality, reliable rides. I've owned 2 Nissans (a 90 something Quest and a 2000 ish? Pathfinder (whatever the last year was before Nissan bloated the pathfinders out). The results were varied. The Quest was a pain with lots of little electronic problems (bad connections from the steering wheel controls to the stereo, lights would go on and off at random, a haunted rear windshield wiper). I'll never forget the day we drove away from the quest when we turned the lease in. My major complaint with the Quest was that there was something about the driver seat that after 45 minutes to an hour of driving I would get this horrific pain in my right knee. I adjusted the power seat in every concievable position I could put it in while still being able to hold the wheel and touch the pedals, but there was nothing I could do to avoid that pain. After the inspection and the signing of the paperwork, I looked out the window as we drove by the old Quest, and with no one inside it, the rear windshield wiper waved good-bye to us! The Pathfinder was another story. It was very reliable, nice solid driving characteristics, towed our pull-behind camper well. I traded it in on a whim for my 2005 Tundra. I loved the Tundra (which was totaled in an accident last year), but always regretted not holding on to the Pathfinder to see if I could turn the clock once or twice on the odometer.Anyway, we just bought a 2009 Murano. Plantinum graphite, SL, Leather, Premium Pkg, Tech Pkg. Everything but the towing package (which I really dont need since I still have the 08 Tundra. Out the door price was $30k and some change (basically the Edmunds TMV price, minus the $1000 rebate). I probably could have worked the price some more, but I think we got lucky in finding just the right level of options and the exact color we were looking for (dont need no Nav, moonroof, etc). Anyway, so far, so good. We've only had it 2 days but my wife likes it, it drives well and seems very comfortable (not quite the neck snapping acceleration of the old 335i). I'm still not sure I "get" the CVT. I mean I know what a CVT is, but so what? I had read that the 09 was a distinct improvement over the last model (07) in the CVT dept. I also like the display screen with back-up camera, sat radio and stuff. It is a bit annoying that you have to go to another screen to get the XM program information, but its better than the one-line info you get in a standard toyota or BMW radio. Did I say I liked the Back-up camera? I put one on my new Tundra and I dont think I'll ever buy another car without one (expecially a car like the Murano that has compromised rear visibility).

Anyway, so far so good. I'll post any new discoveries/problems etc. About the only add ons I am contimplating is a Tow Hitch. Not to tow with, but to attach our bike carrier. Maybe we'll add a set of ventshades too.

[Bunshaw]

Congrats. The MO is really a nice ride and it's easy to tell that Nissan aimed for the entry-lux crowd with this one.

I didn't see a comment on it but how are you liking the Intelligent Key system so far? It's very easy to forget in a review since it's so convenient. When I got my MO I was using the keyfob for a few days until I got used to the true hands off convenience of the IntelliKey. Now it never leaves my pocket! Which is really the way it should be and I wish all cars had the feature.

[shaqatk]

Congratz on the new Murano man... Tell me something... since u got the tech package how u like the power liftgate? i had my murano for like 3ish weeks now and i still cant stop playing with it

[jondrew]

I dont think nissan invented this feature, but it certainly is the way to go. I've only driven the car a couple of times (it's the wife's), but I got used to it real fast. You just get in and go. Very nice implementation of the technology.Also, my wife was blown away with the bluetooth feature. She called me from the car and her voice was clear and distinct. She said my voice came thru clear also.

So far nothing but good suprises.

[jondrew]

Congratz on the new Murano man... Tell me something... since u got the tech package how u like the power liftgate? i had my murano for like 3ish weeks now and i still cant stop playing with it

The power gate is good. I'm a bit afraid of accidently opening it in the garage and scratching up the paint.

[Bunshaw]

While it won't doubt there's the potential for it to scratch the paint the liftgate stops/reverses with the lightest bit of resistance. I tried it on one of the MO's at the dealership when I was shopping since I wanted to know if the liftgate could hurt someone. It stopped using just a "pinky" finger of resistance.

[Timmbo]

Welcome to NICOclub JONDREW! Glad to have you here in the Murano Forum!

You know, it is funny you mention the power lift gate. I had the liftgate on my Armada open and scrape against my garage door all because my son was wrestling with me and must have stepped on my key fob that was inside my pocket. It wasn't too bad, just needed a little touch-up paint. The gate does sense resistance and go back to the closed position.

[nafddur]

I had the liftgate on my Armada open and scrape against my garage door all because my son was wrestling with me and must have stepped on my key fob that was inside my pocket. It wasn't too bad, just needed a little touch-up paint.

Wow - that would be a problem in my garage as well. I just can't imagine having to touch up the paint on a brand new car for something like this.

I'm sure glad the 04's (like I have) didn't have the power liftgate.