Nissan Murano The first generation (Z50), released in 2004, became a real revolution in the class of mid-size crossovers. This car combined the dynamics of a sports sedan, the spaciousness of a minivan and the cross-country ability of an SUV - a combination that still remains relevant today. But almost 20 years have passed: is it worth considering today? 2004 Murano as an option for purchase? In this article we will analyze all the key aspects - from technical characteristics to typical “diseases” of the model, and also give practical advice on selection and operation.
First generation Murano It was produced from 2002 to 2007, and 2004 became the peak of its popularity. The car was built on a platform Nissan FF-L, common with Altima And Maxima, which provided it with excellent handling on asphalt. However, not everything is so smooth: age makes itself felt, and today potential buyers have to carefully check the condition of the car before making a transaction. Next, we will tell you what to pay attention to first.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano 2004
Under the hood Murano Z50 In 2004, a single engine was installed - gasoline V6 3.5L VQ35DE power 245 hp (in some markets - 234 hp due to environmental regulations). This motor was famous for its reliability, but it also had weaknesses, which we will talk about later. Transmission - exceptional variator Jatco RE0F06A, which was an innovation at the time of its release, but today requires special attention.
The drive could be front-wheel drive (FWD), and complete (AWD). The latter was equipped with a system Attesa E-TS, which automatically connected the rear axle when slipping. Combined cycle fuel consumption was approx. 12–14 l/100 km, which was acceptable at that time, but today may seem high. Maximum speed - 200 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 8.5 seconds.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine | VQ35DE, 3.5 l, V6, 245 hp |
| Gearbox | CVT Jatco RE0F06A |
| Drive | FWD or AWD (Attesa E-TS) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12–14 l/100 km |
| Trunk volume | 480 l (1837 l with seats folded) |
Suspension Murano independent on all wheels: front - MacPherson, behind - multi-lever. This provided excellent smoothness, but made repairs more difficult. Ground clearance was 180 mm, which made it possible to feel confident on dirt roads, but did not make the car a real SUV.
- Petrol V6
- Turbodiesel
- Hybrid
- Electric motor
- I don't care
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite a reliable reputation, Nissan Murano 2004 has several “childhood diseases” that appear with age. The main one is variator. When running over 150,000 km Problems often arise with jerking, delays when switching and overheating. The reason is wear of the belt and cones, as well as oil contamination. Replacing a variator costs 150–250 thousand rubles, so be sure to check its condition before purchasing.
Other common problems:
- 🔧 Engine VQ35DE: oil consumption (especially after
200,000 km), leaks through the valve cover and front crankshaft oil seal. “Oil starvation” also occurs due to clogged channels. - 🔥 Cooling system: frequent radiator and pump leaks. If overheated, the cylinder head may move.
- 🚗 Suspension: wear of stabilizer struts, rear multi-link silent blocks and wheel bearings. Replacing rear control arms is expensive - up to
50,000 rub.per set. - 🔋 Electrics: problems with the climate control unit, ABS sensors and dashboard lighting.
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive Murano do you feel vibration at speed 80–100 km/h, this may indicate wear on the driveshaft (for vehicles with all-wheel drive) or wheel imbalance. Do not ignore this symptom - repairs will cost less than replacing the shaft.
Another “trick” of the model is body corrosion. The sills, wheel arches and rear door are especially vulnerable. Check these areas for rust, even if the car looks well maintained. The anti-corrosion treatment on the conveyor was weak, so many copies already require welding.
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Murano 2004 they often note in their reviews comfortable suspension, spacious interior and good sound insulation. The car behaves excellently on the highway, and all-wheel drive allows you to not be afraid of snow or mud. However, there are also criticisms - mainly related to expensive maintenance and the “capriciousness” of the variator.
The most commonly cited advantages are:
- ✅ Spacious salon with comfortable seats and a large trunk.
- ✅ Acceleration dynamics — for the 2004 crossover Murano very playful.
- ✅ Reliable engine (with timely maintenance).
- ✅ Good handling — the car is pleasant to drive in the city.
Cons, according to the owners:
- ❌ Expensive repairs suspension and variator.
- ❌ High fuel consumption in the city (up to
16 l/100 km). - ❌ Weak corrosion resistance body
- ❌ Electronics problems (especially for used cars >
200,000 km).
Interestingly, many owners note unusual design Murano as one of the main advantages. The car still looks modern today, especially in comparison with competitors of that time - Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Before purchasing Murano 2004 be sure to check the service history. If the previous owner changed the oil in the variator every 60,000 km and monitor the coolant, the chances of a long service life for the car are much higher.
Cost and market of used Nissan Murano 2004
On the secondary market 2004 Nissan Murano today can be found ranging from 300 000 to 800,000 rubles. The price depends on mileage, condition and equipment. The cheapest copies usually have mileage for 250,000 km and require investment. Cars are in good condition with mileage up to 150,000 km are more expensive - from 600,000 rub. and above.
What to look for when choosing:
- 📋 Mileage: optimal - up to
180,000 km. If more, be prepared to replace the variator or suspension. - 🔧 Service: check the receipts for changing the oil in the engine and variator, timing belt (every
100,000 km). - 🚘 Body: Inspect the lift for corrosion and traces of an accident.
- 🔋 Electronics: test all functions - climate control, heating, sensors.
Best buy Murano from owners who operated the car in a temperate climate (without extreme frost or heat). Cars from southern regions often have problems with air conditioning, while “northern” vehicles may suffer from corrosion due to reagents.
☑️ What to check before buying Nissan Murano 2004
Maintenance and operation: advice from experts
To Nissan Murano 2004 served for a long time, follow a few key recommendations:
- Oil in the variator: change every
60,000 km(despite the declared resource in100,000 km). Use only original fluid NS-2 or its analogues (Idemitsu CVT). - Coolant: update once every
2 yearsor40,000 km. Overheating is the main enemy VQ35DE. - Suspension: check the condition of the silent blocks and stabilizer struts every
30,000 km. The rear multi-link requires attention after150,000 km. - Brakes: pads and discs wear out quickly (especially during aggressive driving). It is better to replace it as a set.
in winter Murano behaves predictably, but there are nuances:
- ❄️ Use only high-quality winter tires (recommended size -
235/65 R18). - ❄️ Before frost, check the condition of the battery (capacity is not lower than
60 Ah). - ❄️ At temperatures below
-20°CThe variator may be difficult to shift - this is normal, but you should not load the transmission before it warms up.
⚠️ Attention: If, after starting the engine, a metallic knock is heard, which disappears after a few seconds, this may indicate wear on the hydraulic compensators. In this case, valve adjustment or replacement of compensators is required (cost - from 20,000 rub.).
To increase engine life VQ35DE experts recommend:
- 🛢️ Use oil
5W-30or5W-40with permission API SL/SM. - 🔥 Avoid overheating - monitor the antifreeze level and the condition of the radiator.
- 🚗 Do not practice a “sporty” driving style - the engine does not like high speeds when cold.
Regularly changing the oil in the variator (every 60,000 km) and coolant (every 40,000 km) is the key to the long service life of the Nissan Murano 2004.
Tuning and modernization
Many owners Nissan Murano 2004 strive to improve its appearance or technical characteristics. Here are some popular tuning areas:
External tuning:
- 🎨 Body painting in a two-color scheme (for example, black bottom + silver top).
- 🔥 Installation LED optics instead of standard halogen headlights.
- 🚗 Replacing rims with larger ones (up to
20 inches, but this worsens comfort). - 💨 Installation body kits (for example, from Nismo or universal whales).
Technical tuning:
- 🔧 Chip tuning engine (you can increase the power to
270–280 hp, but this reduces the resource). - 🛠️ Installation exhaust system with direct flow (for example, MagnaFlow).
- 🚗 Replacing the variator with Automatic transmission (difficult and expensive, but some masters offer such services).
- 🔋 Modernization audio systems (replacing the head unit with a multimedia complex with Android Auto).
However, it is worth remembering that any tuning affects reliability. For example, chip tuning increases the load on the variator, and large wheels worsen off-road handling. Before modifications, consult with specialists.
What happens if you install too large disks?
Increasing the diameter of the disks (for example, from 18 to 20 inches) leads to the following consequences:
- Deterioration in ride quality (suspension stiffness increases).
- Risk of damage to the wheel arches when fully loaded.
- Accelerated wear of wheel bearings.
- Possible problems with ABS and ESP calibration (if the diameter is very different from the standard one).
Alternatives to the Nissan Murano 2004 on the secondary market
If Murano If you like it but have doubts about its reliability, consider alternatives from the same year:
| Model | Pros | Cons | Price (thousand rubles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander 2004 | Reliable engine, simple design | Boring design, weak dynamics | 400–700 |
| Honda Pilot 2004 | Spacious interior, good maneuverability | Problems with automatic transmission, high consumption | 500–800 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander 2004 | Cheap to maintain, all-wheel drive | Weak engine, noisy interior | 300–600 |
| Ford Explorer 2004 | Powerful engine, high ground clearance | Very high consumption, corrosion | 450–750 |
Murano compares favorably with competitors design And dynamics, but loses in transmission reliability. If you need an “everyday” crossover without any off-road pretensions, it remains a good choice. For serious offroading, it’s better to look to the side Toyota 4Runner or Nissan X-Trail.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2004 Nissan Murano
What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine?
With proper maintenance (regular oil changes, cooling control), the engine VQ35DE passes easily 300,000–400,000 km. However, after 200,000 km Problems with oil consumption and leaks often begin. The critical point is the condition of the timing chain (its resource is about 150,000 km).
Can you tow a trailer with a 2004 Murano?
Yes, Nissan Murano 2004 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (without brakes) or 1500 kg (with brakes). However, keep in mind that the CVT does not like high loads - when towing, avoid sudden acceleration and monitor the temperature of the transmission.
What kind of oil should I pour into the variator?
The manufacturer recommends the original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2. Alternatives - Idemitsu CVT Type-J or Mobil CVT. Main rule: do not mix different types of oils and change it strictly according to the regulations (every 60,000 km).
How much does it cost to replace a CVT on a 2004 Murano?
Cost of a new variator Jatco RE0F06A - from 180,000 to 250,000 rub. (depending on supplier). Replacement work will cost 30,000–50,000 rub.. You can save money by installing a contract variator (from 80,000 rub.), but this is a risk - the resource of a used node is unknown.
How to distinguish Murano 2004 from the restyled version 2005?
In 2005 Murano received minor restyling: the shape of the front bumper has changed, new body colors and a slightly updated dashboard have appeared. Main differences:
- 🔹 On the restyled version fog lights built into the bumper (not on it).
- 🔹 The shape has changed radiator grilles (became more “angular”).
- 🔹Interior lighting now available glove compartment and new finishing materials.
Technically, the models are almost identical.