Crossover owners Nissan Murano The third generation (Z50 body) is often faced with a dilemma: whether to choose it for its incredible design and comfort or refuse it due to rumors about reliability. In the used car market, this model fills a niche as a premium yet affordable crossover that looks like a million bucks despite its age.
The owners note that appearance The car does not age, and the interior offers a level of comfort comparable to cars of German brands. However, this aesthetics comes at the cost of operating features that are not always obvious when you first get acquainted with the car.
Engine and transmission: myths and reality
Heart of the majority Nissan Murano Z50 is a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine of the VQ35DE series. This unit is considered one of the most successful in the history of the Japanese automobile industry, offering excellent dynamics and smooth operation. With timely oil changes, the engine life easily exceeds 300,000 km mileage without major repairs.
Paired with the engine is a variator Jatco JF011E (RE0F10D series). It is this node that causes the most controversy among potential buyers. Owners who operate the car aggressively or ignore changing the oil in the variator often encounter serious breakdowns after 100,000 km.
- 🛠 Regular oil changes in the variator every 40,000 km are the key to a long transmission life.
- 🔥 Avoid sudden starts and slipping, as this critically loads the variator cones.
- ⚙️ Use only original oil
Nissan NS-2or certified high quality analogues.
Many owners note that with careful operation, the variator runs up to 200,000 km without problems. However, the cost of repairing or replacing it is comparable to the cost of a used car, which requires special care when purchasing.
⚠️ Attention: Purchase Nissan Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 150,000 km without documents on changing the oil in the variator - this is a lottery with a high risk of financial losses.
Comfort, interior and ergonomics
The main reason why people choose this model is comfort. Seats in Murano is called "zero gravity", and this is not just marketing. The seat cushion is elongated, and the lateral support is selected so as to support the body without feeling “pinned.”
Interior space is huge, with the back row easily accommodating three adult passengers. Noise insulation is at a high level: even on the highway at a speed of 120 km/h, talking in the cabin does not require raising your voice. However, ergonomics has its own nuances that may seem unusual to users of German cars.
- 🛋 Zero gravity seats reduce fatigue on long trips.
- 🎵 The Bose Sound system delivers crystal clear sound that surpasses many competitors.
- 🌡 Climate control effectively warms up the interior even in severe frosts.
The interior is made of soft materials, but some parts of the upholstery may show wear and tear over time. The instrument panel has an original "floating" design, but the multimedia control buttons are awkwardly placed and often require looking down, which distracts from the road.
- Design and comfort
- Reliability and resource
- Dynamics and handling
- Maintenance cost
Handling and driving features
Nissan Murano Z50 is positioned as an urban crossover, and in this role it reveals itself most clearly. The suspension is soft, absorbs potholes and joints, creating a feeling of floating above the road. However, in corners, due to the softness and high center of gravity, body roll is very noticeable.
The steering is light but lacks feedback. You don't feel the wheels gripping the surface, which can create the illusion of complete control. At high speeds, the car becomes “wobbly”, and sudden maneuvers can lead to loss of control.
For those who are used to sports driving, Murano may seem too lazy. Acceleration to hundreds takes about 8 seconds, which is not bad for a heavy crossover, but the dynamics are lost in the flow due to the peculiarities of the CVT, which simulates gear shift stages.
- 🚗 Soft suspension is ideal for bad roads and city traffic jams.
- 🛑 The brake system has a long pedal stroke, which requires getting used to.
- 🔄 All-wheel drive connects automatically and works effectively in icy conditions.
Before purchasing, be sure to test the operation of all-wheel drive on snow or wet asphalt to ensure that the rear axle coupling is working properly.
Operating costs and maintenance
Contents Nissan Murano Z50 requires an above average budget. Spare parts for Japanese cars, especially body parts and optics, are expensive. Many parts have to be ordered from abroad, which increases the waiting time for repairs.
Fuel consumption is another stumbling block. In the city consumption can reach 15–18 liters per 100 km depending on driving style and traffic jams. On the highway it drops to 9–10 liters, which makes the car economical only on long journeys.
| Popular problems | Average spawn mileage | Approximate cost of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Changing the oil in the variator | Every 40,000 km | 15,000 – 25,000 rub. |
| CVT repair (cones/valve unit) | 120,000+ km | 150,000 – 250,000 rub. |
| Replacing silent blocks of levers | 80,000 – 100,000 km | 40,000 – 60,000 rub. |
| Generator repair | 100,000+ km | 30,000 – 50,000 rub. |
Owners often encounter electronic problems: sensors fail, multimedia glitches, or doors are blocked. This is a typical “disease” of Japanese cars of this period, requiring qualified diagnostics.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to save money on replacing the timing belt and rollers, as a broken belt on the VQ35DE engine will lead to bending of the valves and a major overhaul of the engine.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing
Body and corrosion: what to fear
Body Nissan Murano Z50 galvanized, but this does not guarantee complete protection against corrosion. In harsh winter conditions with the use of reagents, especially in large cities, pockets of rust appear. Most often, the lower part of the doors, sills and wheel arches are affected.
The paintwork is quite thin, which leads to chips on the hood and front bumper. Small stones on the road easily penetrate the paint to the metal. If chips are not treated promptly, corrosion can spread under the paint.
- 🛡 Regular washing of the bottom and arches during the winter period is mandatory to preserve the body.
- 🔍 Inspect the thresholds and arches for paint blisters at every wash.
- 🎨 It is recommended to additionally cover the hood and bumper with polyurethane film.
Headlight lenses tend to become cloudy over time, which reduces lighting efficiency. Replacing headlights with original ones is expensive, so many owners choose polishing or installing cheap analogues.
How to deal with corrosion?
If you find pockets of corrosion, you must immediately strip them to bare metal, treat them with a rust converter and coat them with an anti-corrosion agent. Ignoring the problem will lead to a hole in the metal in one season.
Conclusion and final verdict
Nissan Murano Z50 — this is a car with character. It is not for those who are looking for perfect reliability and low cost of maintenance. This is a choice for people who value style, comfort and uniqueness, and are willing to put up with certain risks and expenses.
If you find one with a clear service history and careful use by the previous owner, you will enjoy driving pleasure for many years to come. But if you're willing to take the risk and don't want to waste time searching for parts, it's worth considering alternatives.
- ✅ Pros: Incredible design, comfortable seats, high-quality sound insulation, powerful engine.
- ❌ Cons: CVT resource, high fuel consumption, high cost of spare parts, risk of corrosion.
- 🎯 Verdict: An excellent choice for calm drivers, but requires careful testing before purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Purchasing a Murano Z50 without diagnosing the variator from a specialized specialist is strictly prohibited, since the cost of repairs may exceed the market value of the car.
The main secret to success with the Murano Z50 is regular and high-quality CVT maintenance, which should be the owner's number one priority.
What is the real resource of the variator on the Nissan Murano Z50?
With ideal maintenance (oil change every 40-50 thousand km), the variator can cover 200-250 thousand km. If maintenance is ignored, the resource often does not exceed 100-120 thousand km.
Is it worth buying a Murano with more than 150,000 km on it?
The risks are high. If the car has a full service history and there are receipts for changing the oil in the variator and engine, purchase is possible. Otherwise, it's better to consider lower mileage options.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano Z50 in the city?
In the urban cycle, consumption ranges from 14 to 18 liters per 100 km, depending on traffic jams and driving style. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 9-10 liters.
Are the electronics on this car reliable?
The electronics are generally reliable, but there may be problems with the multimedia, parking sensors and central locking. This is a characteristic feature of Japanese cars of the 2010s, requiring qualified repairs.
What are the main disadvantages of the Nissan Murano Z50?
Main disadvantages: low service life of the variator without maintenance, high fuel consumption, high cost of original spare parts and body corrosion on used cars.