Murano S '06 VS Murano S '09

[Penny's Dad]

In preparation for the end of my lease on an '06 S I wanted to confirm that I should purchase the S rather than lease an '09 S. I was really put off with how de-contented the new S has become relative to the '06. A few of the things I noticed no longer available for the S in '09:

- Steering wheel radio controls - Reduced functionallity in the Trip / Fuel Economy / Maintainance Display - Availablity of '06 Premium package with full power driver's seat and rear seat back pockets and power lumbar support

There may be other items as well but these were the things that I currently enjoy using in my S model and I would certainly miss in an '09.

This de contenting of the S model will certainly weigh in my decision to purchase at lease end vs re-lease.

[blastoff99]

I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to help you here.

Have you driven an '09? More engine, reworked CVT, better suspension.

[Penny's Dad]

No, you can't help me...it's just something I have to come to...I am just frustrated that a premium package option is not offered for the S anymore. A lot of little amenities that made the base model feel upscale are now no longer available and that's a shame since the spread between the S and the SL is now larger. I suspect that Nissan will add a premium option for the S again in a year or two to bridge the gap again...

BTW I forgot about my adjustable pedals.

I really apreciate the interior upgrades on the new model and I really like the updated styling but unfortunately the SL is too rich for me and I don't think I can give up my power seat and steering wheel radio controls...on the plus side I can just purchase my ride for the $14,000.00 residual.

Thanks for the therapy session anyway the couch could be more comfortable It is tough to decide between purchase and release especially in this economy with all the great deals around.

[kerrton]

Yeah I think if you're looking for a good deal/purchase incentives and a great vehicle in the Murano class with lots of options, the Murano probably isn't the best choice. IMO it is a very high priced vehicle, especially in Canada, because it is in a "luxury" class. You can get the same performance, comfort and more options from competitors for a lower price. I'm not knocking the Murano, it's a nice vehicle that I couldn't afford so I bought a Rogue, but it isn't a purchase you make if you want a low price with lots of space, luxury options, power, convenience etc.. Just for comparison the Hyundai Santa Fe is an amazing vehicle roughly the same size as the Murano, with unbelievable standard options, sweet powertrain that is very powerful, smooth and quite efficient, and the sticker price is unbeatable especially considering the current incentives from Hyundai too. I know this is a Nissan forum, so I apologize for the Hyundai plug, but we have an 07 Santa Fe in the family in addition to 2 Nissans and 1 Mazda and we love them all. Just something to think about.

[Penny's Dad]

You are right about Hyundai being a good deal. I just saw an add for Genesis Sedan 3.8 for 26K! That's a lot of car and something to think about. I also agree that the Murano has not yet been incentivised by Nissan. I can get a comparably equipped Mazda CX7 for less and I have owned 2 Mazda's before so I know what a great car it can be. I have really liked the Murano however.

Would you purchase an 06 with 45K miles that you took care of yourself in great condition for 14K or switch to something else? Just curious. I can extend the warranty for 1.2k or something like that so I am not to worried about things breaking on the Murano. I would purchase for 5yr to keep payments around $350/mo. At that rate I can lease the following for 39 Mo and no money down:

Hyundai Gensis 3.8 Lease is no payments till 2010!Volvo S60Cadillac CTS (base)Hyundai Santa FeMazda CX7

What would you do?

[kerrton]

In my experience with vehicles, if you have one that you've taken care of yourself from new and it is not a lemon, it has everything you need in terms of size, power, options (more or less), it was broken in properly and not abused, definately keep it rather than trade it in on something new. Also, in the lease vs. buy debate, buying makes the most sense in I'd say at least 90% of situations.

New vehicles are not guaranteed to be trouble free, and the 09 Murano seems to have the potential for some problems just like any other car, as I'm sure the CX7 and Santa Fe do too. On the other hand you can't beat the new car experience, which is the "fun" factor. However, from a practical perspective, holding on to your reliable 06 Murano that has been well cared for and proven to a reliable vehicle makes the most financial sense. Also, the new Murano S doesn't seem to have the options you want so it may not be much of a practical upgrade anyway, although you may prefer the looks.

So I'd recommend buying out your 06 S Model. You'll own it, rather than starting Lease payments on a new vehicle that you'll never own and you'll never gain any equity, and the payments will never stop. If you buy the 06 you'll own it, you won't have any more monthly payments and when you are done with it you can sell it or trade it in, and the Muranos have excellent resale value. Over the years you'll have to do some repairs most likely, but that is far cheaper than paying $350 per month, AND you'll have a reliable vehicle whose history you know, rather than a first year 09 Murano that may give you some problems (who knows).

We love our 08 Santa Fe, and our Mazda3 and test drove the CX7, nice vehicle but higher priced than the Rogue, and of course we absolutely love our Rogue (maybe something else to consider, you can get a loaded Rogue for much less than a base Murano, size differences are minimal, the Rogue is very spacious, and you can get AWD if you prefer too), but buying out your current car makes the most sense to me.

Just my opinion, good luck (and I'd highly recommend test driving a Nissan Rogue just for fun!).

[murano360]

Well before you decide you need to look into lease prices of the new murano and availability, I don't know where you live but here in my region it's near impossible to get a 09 s awd murano, I work at a dealer that has not had any for months upon months and it is not just us our sister store and pretty much every other nissan store near us has had nothing in stock and the lease on the new one is not amazing thus most of the employees at my dealer who were in murano lease's have now gotten into altima's, If your lease buyout is good then buy it.