| Fireblade6 |
| I just saw the 2003 Murano today..That is a really beautiful vehicle in real life... DAMN!:eek: |
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| Fireblade6 |
MY GOD!!! Nissan have hired a group of designers with creativity, with flair, with finesse and with vision...Like...THE ITALIANS!
First the 350Z now the MURANO...:eek: :eek:
Holy Snhitzer...This is so impressive...I may be a Traitor...:D
Kidding...But..I do love the Murano...WOW! |
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| feliz |
Great times are coming for SUV/crossover shoppers. I have a lot of time on my hands (retired) so I do quite a bit of test driving and I've driven the Murano four times now. It's a great vehicle and a lot of fun to drive, the price is right, and I think it looks good. The dealer nearest me sold twelve in less than a week, apparently there's no shortage of vehicles.
The only negative I can muster is that I thought it didn't drive like it had 245 hp, I thought it lacked acceleration at both low and high speed but others have commented that it has plenty of power. I was also dissapointed in the power and turbo lag in the XC90 so maybe I'm just expecting too much.
I'm set on buying an MDX and currently own two Acuras but I'm always looking......lets see there's the FX35/45 coming, then the Pacifica....... |
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| laborlitigator |
| Not my cup of tea |
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| mdxxxx |
| Not Bad! I give it a B+ |
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| Casique |
Nice station wagon, butt ugly color!
This should be a very popular vehicle and also very reliable like all of Nissan's vehicles.:1: |
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| SuperKal |
| Hang on people. I have my 03 X coming in January and now you guys are giving me second thoughts. Then I realised the BIG shortcoming of the Murano. NO third row seating. Ha, long live the X. |
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| Mike_Platini |
In Canada, you get a fully equipped Murano at $Can. 47,500. With Nav, the price goes up to 51,000, more expensive than the MDX which is around 50,700. Also, it is not long to get a Murano: 2 week of waiting.
All the analysts agree on the same point: The Murano is amazing (beautiful), but EXPENSIVE.
To me, the decision to take between these 2 vehicules will not be difficult at all.
:1: |
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| SuperKal |
| Mike, the price of 50,700 for the X here in Canada does not include the Nav system. It would add another 2400 (approx) if you went with the Nav. |
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| RedMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperKal
Hang on people. I have my 03 X coming in January and now you guys are giving me second thoughts. Then I realised the BIG shortcoming of the Murano. NO third row seating. Ha, long live the X.
Unless you have small (and I mean small!) children the 3rd row seating isn't really practical. My 7 year old son fits nicely, but my 11 year old and his buds are a tight fit. By the time I get it paid off none of them will be able to fit back there. Mostly, it's a lack of leg/foot room issue. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperKal
Mike, the price of 50,700 for the X here in Canada does not include the Nav system. It would add another 2400 (approx) if you went with the Nav.
Since there are no NAV in Canada. If I want a NAV I will buy a aftermarket one. Talk about NAV, can a NAV replace the trip computer (factory NAV system)???? |
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| feliz |
| Believe it or not I'm waiting for the 04s so I can get a NAV in an Acura in Canada. Wake up Honda!! It's tempting not to go for something like a Murano or some of the others coming out but I'll try and wait. NAV is an expensive toy but we travel a few months of the year in the US and I think it's worth it. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| For non NAV owners that want a NAV (maybe they think the one in the factory is expensive) here is a aftermarket one that gto-dave has. |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by 2002 Acura MDX!
Since there are no NAV in Canada. If I want a NAV I will buy a aftermarket one. Talk about NAV, can a NAV replace the trip computer (factory NAV system)????
..........why Acura and Honda is not offering the Navigation System as an option in Canada for the 2003 model MDX and the 2003 model Accord. I say this because I ordered and received the 2003 Accord Navigation System Manual and at the very end where it gives the "coverage areas", on page 121 it gives FULL DETAILED COVERAGE FOR CANADA - all major metro areas (that NAVTECH has mapped) are included in the following regions (ALBERTA , BRITISH COLUMBIA, ONTARIO and QUEBEC). In addition to this they indicate that all major highways (intertown coverage) and major roads are covered (In the manual's own words: The Cross-Canada Connector Road allows for travel between the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec in DCA 11. Major metropolitan city points of interest are also included.)........and much more (too much to type here)
Since the '03 MDX Nav is identical to the '03 Accord's in every single way, except for Voice control on Radio and A/C functions, the above should hold good for the MDX as well!
So if they have complete Canadian coverage now, why don't offer the option there?? Really weird :confused: |
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| msc1099 |
For my taste that thing is butt ugly, compared to the X.
It seems very small like the RX300.:16: |
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| feliz |
The shift gate on the production models is different. The manumatic mode did not make it into production. All the dimensions apparently (except for the width) are close to the MDX. On the Murano forums they compare the vehicle to the MDX a lot.
After I posted this I noticed there are two pictures of the shift gate, one with manumatic and one without.
Muranos are selling very well in my area, the dealers are getting lots and selling them all. |
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| Liberty |
Hubby and I saw one last night as we drove by the dealership. It looks like the same design team that completed the 300.
Interesting lines. God awful color choice for their web site model.
The dealer here in town is trying to get $3k market price adjustment (I just hate that regardless of the badge, don't you?) |
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| feliz |
The dealers where I live are charging MSRP but from reading the Murano forums dealers in California are really taking it to the consumer. One poster claims a $7,000 markup over MSRP in his area.
I don't like that color either but apparently Nissan does, all their marketing hype shows that color. |
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| young |
i give it an A-... 8.7 out of 10... thumbs up.
i like most of it i think, but it will take me a few days to get used to the design. i'll have to stop by the dealership to take a look. |
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| manus1980 |
Priced slight less then the X when fully equipped. Does 0-60 in 7.6!
Advantages over MDX;
18" rims, CVT, better gas mileage, & 3,500lb tow rating.
Disadvantages;
Slightly smaller, Doesn't carry a luxury name like Infiniti, I like the way it looks but I can see how it can be too much for some.
If I was buying an SUV today I'd go either way from what I know so far. |
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| colemanpc |
quote:
Originally posted by Liberty
The dealer here in town is trying to get $3k market price adjustment (I just hate that regardless of the badge, don't you?)
The only thing worse than dealers doing this is customers paying it. If everyone refused to pay anything over MSRP, then it's just a matter of waiting. However, a lot of America is in a "must-have" state of mind. |
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| Casique |
| The front of it looks like a Pontiac. |
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| srpbep |
I think that:
** Great looks (suspect some won't like it but I do). In fact, I like the lines better than the MDX.
** The CVT sounds real nice.
** Really like the "driver memory" which adjusts side mirrors AND the brake pedal, gas pedal, and steering wheel (Acura take note).
** Available HID lights.
** Has dual zone front A/C AND rear vents on BOTH sides (driver and passenger side rear seat passengers each get their own vents).
** Promises better gas mileage too!!
Now if Nissan packaged this in an Infinity trim level I suspect that would be a real kick :bootyshak product. |
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| Will4271 |
The exterior rear reminds me of the Nissian Qwest's tailgate compressed. The front is kind of futuristic.
It's looks like this vehicle will catch some sales but probably not a blowout. :2: |
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| Desant |
Here are my 2 cents on this:
Murano looks nice. It may be fast. But it is still a Nissan.
- Every single Nissan car I know tanks in price big time within 2-3 years. Is Murano going to change it? I don't think so. MDX is the greatest value today.
- Every single Nissan dealership I visited in 5 different states have awful service, pushy sales people, no class whatsoever. And, forget loaner cars. Most Acura dealers I dealt with are very classy, professional and not pushy. And, loaner cars make a difference to me.
- It is a first-year production car. Problems, defects, etc.
- Brand. It is not a luxury brand and in terms of luxury, it will always take a back seat to Infinity brand.
All in all, I would take Acura over Infinity, Honda over Nissan anyday. |
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| manus1980 |
I'm not a fan of the Murano interior. Orange gauges are a huge mistake. The gauges in old WWII airplanes use to be orange but had to be changed because they are impossible to view at night and caused many disasters. Something to do with the cones and rods. I bet those gauges will be changed. Also I can see the interior is where Nissan was able to save. It looks like the engine isn't the only thing Nissan is using across its line, the interior looks the same as many other Nissans/Infinitis.
If infiniti decides to create an upscale version of the Murano at a competitive price the X may have to step down from the thrown. Gotta love the CVT, 18" rims, 24mpg, and 7.6 0-60. |
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| MDXLuvr |
quote:
Originally posted by Casique
The front of it looks like a Pontiac.
agree. And, it is too small IMHO. Saw one at the mall yesterday. I felt it was the height/size of the RX.
but, it is a good product for nissan, and competition is good for the breed. |
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| AikiMDX |
| There will be a version of the Murano for Infiniti. It's called the FX45. There is also rumored to be a FX35 coming as well. Here is a pic of a "close to production" fx45 from freshalloy.com. If memory serves (and it often doesn't :( ), I believe the FX45 will begin in the mid 40's with a 4.5L V8 (based on the Q45 engine) as standard with greater than 300 HP. |
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| crikey |
quote:
Originally posted by AikiMDX
There will be a version of the Murano for Infiniti. It's called the FX45. There is also rumored to be a FX35 coming as well. Here is a pic of a "close to production" fx45 from freshalloy.com. If memory serves (and it often doesn't :( ), I believe the FX45 will begin in the mid 40's with a 4.5L V8 (based on the Q45 engine) as standard with greater than 300 HP.
There is a very important difference between the Murano and the FX45 -- the Murano is based on the Altima Platform (front-wheel drive) while FX45 is based on G35 Platform (front midship, rear-wheel drive). Not sure if AWD systems will be the same for both. Also, the CVT in the Murano might be exclusive to the Murano for now. There will also be an FX35 which will use the same 6-cylinder on the Murano, but rumoured to produce a bit more power. :) |
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| crikey |
quote:
Originally posted by feliz
The dealers where I live are charging MSRP but from reading the Murano forums dealers in California are really taking it to the consumer. One poster claims a $7,000 markup over MSRP in his area.
Reminds me of when the XTerra first came out. This will all die down in due time and one will be able to get a Murano for invoice or less. The styling is not for everyone, even if the vehicle is impressive. |
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| manus1980 |
Crikey,
Doesn't the G35 use the I35/Altima/Maxima/Murano frame? Also the Murano is availble in both fwd and awd like the rx300. |
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| ndahbar |
| ...this car is NOT going to do as well as the Lexus RX300 and the MDX. Mark my words. :4: |
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| crikey |
quote:
Originally posted by manus1980
Crikey,
Doesn't the G35 use the I35/Altima/Maxima/Murano frame? Also the Murano is availble in both fwd and awd like the rx300.
The G35 shares the same platform as the 350Z and the upcoming FX45/35 SUVs. This platform has a rear-wheel drive bias but in the FX45/35, it will incorporate AWD.
The Altima/Murano platform has a front-wheel drive bias but the Murano will feature a supposedly all-new AWD system.
The I35 and current Maxima uses a different platform from the Altima/Murano since both vehicles use a mulit-link beam suspension while the Altima/Murano have independent rear suspensions.
Now, the 2004 Maxima is based on the Altima/Murano platform and will feature independent rear suspension. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by manus1980
Crikey,
Doesn't the G35 use the I35/Altima/Maxima/Murano frame? Also the Murano is availble in both fwd and awd like the rx300.
Crikey is correct. The G35/G35Coupe/350Z and JDM Skyline share the FM RWD platform. The new Maxima (and Murano)will be based on the current Altima platform.
(edit. sorry Crikey, you beat me to it) |
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| crikey |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
...this car is NOT going to do as well as the Lexus RX300 and the MDX. Mark my words. :4:
It may not trump the MDX since the MDX has more cargo capacity and the flexibility of 7-seating, but it may give the upcoming RX330 a run for its money. The Murano drives like a Maxima. For someone who has been looking for an SUV with such driving characteristics and don't want to spend $50K+ on an X5, their SUV has arrived. That is, if they can get beyond the styling. :) |
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| crikey |
quote:
Originally posted by donsev
Crikey is correct. The G35/G35Coupe/350Z and JDM Skyline share the FM RWD platform. The new Maxima (and Murano)will be based on the current Altima platform.
(edit. sorry Crikey, you beat me to it)
I see I'm not the only one who researches the competition. :) Nissan/Infiniti is coming out with kick-ass products. Now, if they can only make those interiors better without sacrificing performance, quality and without raising prices, their resurrection is ensured. |
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| JTM |
I stopped by a nissan dealer today and saw 5 of it in the lot. It looks much better in person than in the photos. It is smaller than MDX, but it has bigger engine and tires (245hp and 18 inches rim 235/65)
It runs 20/24 for AWD model and 20/25 for 2WD model.
Too bad, I didn't have time to test drive it. |
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| hammerX |
It really is great looking - very distinctive. Too bad it's under the Nissan nomenclature, instead of Infinity. It would probably do better as Infinity. :2:
2003 SS MDX |
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| 1SageMDX |
| I saw a white one pass by on the road and the back of that suv has a lot of 350z inspiration. The photos do not do the Murano any justice. The white one I saw was very nice. But as big as the MDX. Also Honda/Acura from my experience, has a better AC/Vent system than Nissan and a better interior lay-out. |
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| spain |
| I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Murano is heinous looking to me. When I first saw it, the only think I could think of was the Ponitac Aztec. I think Nissan is going to have a big loser on their hands with this one. Watch and see if they dont start slashing prices and then eventually have a total redesign of the vehicle within 2 years. Asthetically, this SUV just doesnt have it and think most people wont go near it. In terms of performance, I cant comment. But this bizarre looking contraption is NOT going to sell well, IMO. And to even attempt to compare it to the MDX is sheer lunacy... |
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