Talk to me about the Rogue/Murano/Mitsu outlander...

[joe603]

I dropped off my G at the dealer yesterday for some warranty work, and we stopped at the Nissan dealer to look at the Murano. ...So we're looking at the front of the row with Murano's and they turned into a row of Rogue's...(thought it was a different year of Murano )

Anyway...I hadn't considered a Rogue but after seeing/driving one, it's hard to justify paying more for the Murano for a tiny bit more space compared to the Rogue. How are these things? We don't need all the nit-noid upgrades in trim that the Murano has (it's a vehicle for the wify)

Next we stopped at the Mitsu dealer to look at the outlander. They had a killer deal on a few 07's. Any dirt on these things? I can save about 6k if I do the Mitsu (partly because of owner loyalty). She really liked the outlander...the rear cargo area is much larger than the Nissan's and it has a fold down tailgate thing that she loved. It was also a V6...almost like getting a Murano for a Rogue price...

Help guys!! any info is greatly appreciated !!!!!

[rn79870]

Specifically, will a crib, car seat, diaper bag, toys and all that other baby stuff that won't fit in my G, fit in one of these SUVs?

Fixed the question for ya Joe.

[joe603]

I'm getting one of 'em....just don't know which one.

[TeflonG35]

The Rogue is a cross over based on the Sentra.

[SVTCOBRA]

I sat in the rogue recently in the showroom and was impressed.

Consumer reports likes: Fuel economy, handling, controls, rear seat and transmission. They say the lows are cargo capacity and rear visability

So, I would say CR gives it a thumbs up if those two were the only lows.

As far as cargo, you can always throw a bubble up on top! I've got a Thule box for the G Sedan.

The Outlander is a CR Recommended car.

How about a Pathfinder? I hear they are selling them for 40% off sticker! Gas mileage is bad, but that 40% would buy alot of gas! Worth throwing the numbers into a spreadsheet......

[SteveTheTech]

Price is definitely a major factor. If the electronics aren't what your looking for or giant moon roofs the Rogue or outlander may be decent choices. Compare warranties and coverage, and look into the satisfaction ratings of your local dealer. You only deal with sales a few times then your on to service and some places are .... lets say not quite high line quality service. At the end of the day it really only comes down to what she wants. I am sure that's in one of those marriage books, something about future happiness or the such. Happy Hunting

[tollboothwilley]

Give us the bottom line on pricing, mpg, etc.

This will help us to judge better.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the Mitsu's in the past... I'm not very familiar with some of the new lines though.

[joe603]

Don't really have a "bottom line". I really don't want the vehicle to need premium...and at least 20mpg (the higher the better obviously).

Since it's the wify's decision, styling is important. She really doesn't like the Murano, and the FX is a bit pricey for a 2nd vehicle. She thought the Rogue was cute...but the outlander was much more spacious. The warranty was also MUCH better on the mitsu -5 year, 60k full factory warranty compared to 3/36 for the Rogue.

We're going to wait until our daughter is born before we decide to sell the paid off mitsu lancer...

[Jacko3]

I thought the Rogue was based on the Infiniti EX35?

[joe603]

not sure...the EX is RWD right?

EX35 - G35?

FX35 - G35Murano - AltimaRogue - sentra

[Jacko3]

Its like the FX35 and Morano, and EX35 and Rogue.

FX35 and G35; and EX35 and G-37. FX50 is a different animal by its own.

[TeflonG35]

Rogue is defiantly based off the sentra.

[RPM G35x]

just to throw it out there...did you consider the Mazda CX7.sporty, agile, quick and IMO not bad looking for this type of vehicle.

[C-Kwik]

Its like the FX35 and Morano, and EX35 and Rogue.

FX35 and G35; and EX35 and G-37. FX50 is a different animal by its own.

The FX series and Murano are very different. The FX is based on the G35 platform (IIRC) and the Murano shares a lot with the Maxima. This includes drivetrain layout. I haven't driven a Murano, but the FX35's are pretty damned agile. My sister has one and it drives much like a sports car. Unfortunately the gas mileage is more like an exotic. Last time I drove it, the NAV system said she was getting 11 MPG. That's worse than in my Titan. Not exactly the most practical cross-over.

[Jacko3]

Teflon35, I like the way you said that---very nice.

[Jacko3]

Thanks, C-Kwik. I guess customers get what they pay for, if they have to make a decision between the FX and the Morano.

What do you think about the new 2009 Maxima? The car is pretty quick.

[snwbrdr435]

My girlfriend has the ex35 and that car surprised me when i first drove it. When we were picking it up we got to drive the Rogue and i was actually impressed at the space inside of it, like you said joe i don't understand why some people get the murano when they have the Rogue.

[C-Kwik]

Ever since the Altima grew up (with a V-6 option), I find myself questioning why the Maxima exists in its current form. It should be plenty fast and agile. But I'd prefer to see them put the Maxima on a RWD platform. Perhaps a downscaled G35 Sedan.

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there,

The only Infiniti that is similar to a Nissan is the QX56. Its also the only built outside of Japan. The EX is basically a 08 G35X. The interior appointments are different and the seating position is slightly higher. It also has available AVM (around view monitor, best toy ever) as well as LDP (lane departure prevention)which the G does not yet. The EX shares the same motor,trans(5 speed with adaptive shift control for now and maybe 7 next year) and ATESSA AWD system. I think it's a great riding vehicle and it's pretty decently sized. I just wish it came in a sport model, maybe some rims and the S type adjustable seats. With that said it's still no FX50S, Now I will admit I am biased but this is an amazing vehicle. It may be 60k and only get ~15MPGs but it has the most advanced electronics of any Infiniti to date.

[TeflonG35]

Hey there,

The only Infiniti that is similar to a Nissan is the QX56. Its also the only built outside of Japan. The EX is basically a 08 G35X. The interior appointments are different and the seating position is slightly higher. It also has available AVM (around view monitor, best toy ever) as well as LDP (lane departure prevention)which the G does not yet. The EX shares the same motor,trans(5 speed with adaptive shift control for now and maybe 7 next year) and ATESSA AWD system. I think it's a great riding vehicle and it's pretty decently sized. I just wish it came in a sport model, maybe some rims and the S type adjustable seats. With that said it's still no FX50S, Now I will admit I am biased but this is an amazing vehicle. It may be 60k and only get ~15MPGs but it has the most advanced electronics of any Infiniti to date.

For 60k it better be.

[Jacko3]

C-Kwik:

I have been asking myself the same questions. However, the 2009 Maxima is deadly fast. I went at it with one the other day and i can swear that without my mods, it would have smoked me. However, i can't testify to its handling. I am looking forward to test driving one pretty soon.

[Jacko3]

Drove the FX50, and i was surprised at how smooth and seemless the automatic transmission really is. It is as smooth or even smoother than a CVT transmission, without the CVT.

[joe603]

we went and looked at a Dodge Journey....it actually wasn't too bad, but a turd is a turd. I can get EP price (brother in-law ) but it was still a bit expensive.

...and it's still a Dodge~!

We're gonna go look at the Honda CRV and the Mazda CX7 next.

Thanks for all the replies guys!!!!

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Though a smidge more pricey, I sorta like the Ford Flex in that class of vehicle. I just do not know how in demand it is.Cheers,ML