Looking into getting a Murano

[Serkle K]

Hello folks,

I am looking into getting a Murano, The one I have my eye on is an 06 SL AWD Touring.

I am wondering if there is anything I need to keep an open eye for as far as knocks, noises, and fit & finish if/when I take it for a test drive.

What is the difference between a regular SL AWD and a "Touring" SL AWD?

I've read about seat track/rail issues, but I don't remember what years were or are affected.

I am also considering a Rogue, I was originally looking into the Xtera, but I am definitely not going to be using it off road, and the MPGs would be brutal for me. As they would be similar to my current MPG on my 96 alti.

Aside from size any key things to look at and consider between the Rogue and Murano? I like the V6 over the 4 as well as the CVT.

Passenger room, cargo space, and AWD are things I am really looking for. I don't have kids just yet, but I will be carting around some DJ equipment from time to time, and I have a dog that I will likely be taking places with me. Over the last couple of years I've found myself taking a few more road trips, and I couldn't really take my car if I needed to pack for a week+ trip with 2 people in my alti. Especially in the winter, hence the desire for AWD.

Any info would be great, and much appreciated.

TIA!

[kerrton]

Well I've got a Rogue, I have 2 young kids (both in car seats) and an 80 lb dog. The hatch is great for the dog, and we routinely put two 80 lb dogs in the cargo area no problem when I bring a buddy along. The rear seat has tons of leg room which equals that or the Murano I believe, but you have less width. I did recently add a roof top cargo box to add more cargo storage on those longer trips, so I get really great utility and amazing gas mileage especially around town.

However, if you're going to compare the Rogue to the Murano of course the Murano wins in most categories except fuel efficiency and cost - it just so happens that efficiency and price were high on my list so I bought a Rogue but your priority list will likely be a little different. The Murano is significantly more money but you get a bigger vehicle, however if you compare a base model Murano to a loaded Rogue the cost gap is almost Nil. Also if the Rogue will meet your needs you could probably get a brand new one, loaded with AWD, leather etc. for roughly the same price as a gently used Murano, then no worries about how the previous owner treated the car and you have full warranty.

I'm not trying to sell you on one or the other, it just depends on personal preference, individual needs, and the deals that are available when you go to purchase. The Murano cargo area is quite a bit larger and it sounds like you would appreciate the extra room, but I've always felt that the Murano is priced a little too high when new. If you can snag a good deal on a used one that is a big consideration. I love my Rogue but I'm also a big fan of Hyundai, and if looking at the Murano I have to recommend checking out the Santa Fe just for comparision (we have 2 in our family and they are amazing) No offense to any Murano owners, the Murano is a great vehicle but if you check out the Santa Fe I'd bet money that you'll be sold on it and be amazed at what you get for the price including amazing build quality and a 5yr/8yr warranty which is unbeatable. Sorry guys I know this is a Nissan forum and I too love Nissan but on this forum I think the primary goal is to look out for fellow members or potential members and regardless of what vehicle you're looking at it's always good advice to compare and cross-shop other brands a little bit - if nothing else it'll prove that your Nissan is exactly what you need! Good luck man!

[Timmbo]

Murano is everything the Rogue is, plus more performance, more luxury, more spacious, more money, and less fuel economy.

[Serkle K]

Thanks for the info so far guys.

I'm looking into a gently used vehicle, so price wise I'm not to focused on that. I am looking for more info about things that have been issues or in general things to look out for with the Murano if I decide to go with it.

I have found a few 06 and 07s in a reasonable price range with average mileage on them. One was an SL AWD Touring, another was just an SL AWD.

The Rouges I have seen are all S and few and far between on AWD. It made me wonder if more people are enjoying the higher end Rogue vs. the base, and vice versa for the Muranos.

I did have a chance to stop and take a look of some on one of the local Nissan lots. Im definitely impressed with the space on the Murano. The Rogue is not too far off either.

Please keepp any and all info/feed back coming.

Thanks again!

[Timmbo]

Rogue is certainly a nice ride for the price. There is actually a very good amount of space in the Rogue, there is just more in the Murano. I do think you see the Rogue, and think one thing, but when you sit in it and drive it, it is a lot more impressive then it looks.