Used Nissan Murano 4x4 2005 - 2008 review
Category: Large SUV
The Nissan Murano is a real alternative to a prestige 4x4, if you don't mind the badge or the bills
What's the used Nissan Murano 4x4 like?
The Nissan Murano has the tremendous performance and style of a coupe combined with the space and practicality of a family car, the height of a 4x4 and four-wheel drive to give it a little off-road ability.
Nevertheless, it's on the road where the car is at its best. The 3.5-litre V6 engine (a detuned version of the one in the 350Z) gives fantastic performance, and the Murano is surprisingly agile.
That size works to its advantage, too, especially as the car is just a five-seater - Nissan hasn't squeezed everything up to fit two extra seats into the boot. As a result, there's excellent room up front as well as enough head- and legroom on the back seat to make it a genuine five-seater; and enough boot space to make it a fine family car.
Ownership cost
What used Nissan Murano 4x4 will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Nissan Murano 4x4?
Some may find the Murano's running costs dear, and more in keeping with those of more prestigious rivals. Its official combined fuel consumption of 23mpg is only equal to the equivalent petrol-engined versions of the BMW X3 and less than that of a Lexus RX350. There are no diesel or hybrid versions.
That said, its insurance rating is lower than these rivals' and routine service costs less than for an X3. What's more, if you need unscheduled work, there's more good news: Warranty Direct says both dealer labour rates and average repair bills are at the lower end of the scale.
Our recommendations
Which used Nissan Murano 4x4 should I buy?
Other than take it or leave it, there isn't really a choice when you're looking at buying a Murano. It has only ever come with one engine and one (automatic) transmission, so once you've decided to buy one, the only real choice is what colour to look for.
The standard equipment already includes pretty much every item of safety and luxury kit you can think of - four airbags, traction control and an electronic stability programme, as well as a superb Bose stereo, sat-nav, leather upholstery and climate control - so you probably won't need to worry about finding a car with any options fitted (not that there are many).
For the record, you may find a car with metallic paint, but that's pretty much the only option. However, some owners may have fitted accessories such as body styling, boot mats or a Trackstar security system.
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