Used Nissan Murano: honest reviews from owners about the pros and cons of the crossover

Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable crossovers in the Japanese brand’s lineup, combining stylish design, a spacious interior and powerful engines. However, buying a used car is always fraught with risks, especially if we are talking about a model with a mileage of 100+ thousand km. In this article we have collected real reviews from owners Nissan Murano (including generations Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015–present)), analyzed typical problems and highlighted key advantages that make this car attractive even on the secondary market.

We will pay special attention weak points — from body corrosion to “childhood diseases” of the variator Jatco, and also give practical advice on how to choose Murano used with minimal risks. If you are considering this model for purchase, this article will help you avoid costly mistakes and understand whether this crossover suits your driving habits and maintenance budget.

1. Generations of Nissan Murano: which one is better to choose on the secondary market?

Over 20 years of production Nissan Murano passed through three generations, each of which has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them so that you can navigate the offers on the market.

Z50 (2003–2007) - the first generation built on the platform Nissan Altima. Here you will find a naturally aspirated engine VQ35DE (3.5 l, 245 hp) and classic “automatic” RE5R05A. Pros: simple design, reliable motor, inexpensive spare parts. Cons: poor sound insulation, prone to corrosion (especially rear arches and sills), outdated suspension. Such copies are available on the secondary market from 600 thousand rubles, but you should only buy them if you have an ideal service history.

Z51 (2008–2014) - the most widespread generation, which is most often found in advertisements. A variator appeared here Jatco JF011E, as well as a hybrid version (for some markets). The engines remained the same (VQ35DE and later VQ35HR with direct injection), but added stability control systems and improved sound insulation. The main disadvantage is problems with the variator after 150–200 thousand km. Prices vary from 900 thousand to 1.8 million rubles, depending on the year and condition.

Z52 (2015–present) - modern generation with aggressive design and improved dynamics. The same one is used here VQ35DE, but with a modified CVT JF017E and the system Xtronic. Pros: better handling, rich equipment, reduced fuel consumption. Cons: high cost of spare parts, difficulties with electronics repair. On the secondary market Murano Z52 starts from 1.5 million rubles.

• 🔧 Z50 - for those who are looking for simplicity and low price, but are willing to put up with corrosion.
• ⚡ Z51 - optimal balance of price and comfort, but requires careful checking of the variator.
• 💎 Z52 - a premium option with modern options, but expensive to maintain.

2. Advantages of Nissan Murano: why do owners love it?

Nissan Murano it is not for nothing that it is popular - it has a number of undeniable advantages that set it apart from competitors like Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.

Spacious and comfortable interior. Even in basic configurations there is enough space for five passengers, and the trunk volume 453 l (up to 1687 l with the seats folded) allows you to transport large loads. Owners note comfortable seats with good lateral support and high-quality finishing materials (in top versions - leather and wood).

Powerful and reliable engine. Atmospheric VQ35DE known for its “indestructibility” - with regular maintenance it can easily be repaired 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. Even in versions with direct injection (VQ35HR) problems rarely arise if you fill in high-quality fuel. Highway consumption is approx. 9–11 l/100 km, which is not bad for a crossover of this class.

Good handling. Despite the dimensions, Murano behaves predictably on the road. The suspension is soft, but not flimsy, and the steering is informative. Owners praise the crossover for its stability at high speeds and ease of parking (thanks to good visibility).

• 🚗 Plus: High ground clearance (180–200 mm) allows you to drive on bad roads without the risk of damaging the underbody.
• 🎧 Plus: Noise insulation at the level of premium sedans - the cabin is quiet even at speed 120+ km/h.
• 🔌 Plus: Rich equipment even in basic versions: climate control, heated seats, rear view camera.

⚠️ Attention: In versions with all-wheel drive (Attesa E-TS) it is important to monitor the condition of the coupling - its wear can lead to jamming and expensive repairs (from 50 thousand rubles).

3. Disadvantages of Nissan Murano: what do owners complain about?

Despite the advantages, Murano There are also weaknesses, which are often written about on forums and in reviews. The main problem is variator, but this is not the only disadvantage.

Jatco variator: service life and typical breakdowns. In generations Z51 And Z52 CVT is used JF011E/JF017E, which, if used incorrectly, fails after 120–150 thousand km. Main symptoms of malfunction:

• Jerks during acceleration;
• Delays when switching “virtual” gears;
• Noise or vibration;
• Lamp lights up Check Engine with errors P0776 or P0841.

The reason is oil overheating and belt wear. Solution: change the oil in the variator every 60 thousand km (and not according to the regulations in 100 thousand km!) and use only original liquid NS-2/NS-3.

Body corrosion. Especially relevant for Z50 and early Z51 (until 2010). Most often they rust:

• Rear arches;
• Thresholds;
• Door edges;
• Bumper mounting points.

⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, be sure to check the body with a thickness gauge - many examples have already been “overcooked” and puttied. Repairing severe corrosion can cost 100–150 thousand rubles.

Suspension and steering. Weak points:

• Wheel bearings (fail to 100 thousand km);
• Stabilizer bushings (need to be replaced every 50–60 thousand km);
• Steering tips (play appears after 80 thousand km).

Replacing these elements is inexpensive (at 5–15 thousand rubles per knot), but ignoring problems leads to deterioration in controllability.

Problem	Generation	Average repair cost	How to avoid
CVT wear	Z51, Z52	80–150 thousand rubles.	Change oil every 60 thousand km
Body corrosion	Z50, Z51 (before 2010)	50–150 thousand rubles.	Check with a thickness gauge before purchasing
Crankshaft oil seal leak	All generations	15–25 thousand rubles.	Monitor the oil level
All-wheel drive clutch failure	Z51, Z52	40–70 thousand rubles.	Avoid sudden starts on ice

4. Owner reviews: real operating experience

To get an objective picture, we analyzed reviews from forums (Drive2, Drom.ru, Nissan-Club.ru) and social networks. Here's what the owners say:

Positive Feedback:

• 👍 “I’m going to Murano Z51 2010 is already 5 years old - during this time I only changed the oil and pads. The engine is like new, the variator has not failed yet (mileage 180 thousand km).” — Alexey, Moscow.
• 👍 “Bought Z52 2016 with a mileage of 90 thousand km - very pleased with the comfort and dynamics. Consumption on the highway is 9.5 liters, in the city - 14 liters.” — Dmitry, St. Petersburg.
• 👍 “For a family with two children Murano ideal - spacious, safe, the trunk can even accommodate a baby stroller.” — Olga, Ekaterinburg.

Negative feedback:

• 👎 “Bought Z50 2005 - after six months, rust appeared on the arches. The repair cost 80 thousand rubles.” — Igor, Novosibirsk.
• 👎 "Variator on Z51 died at 160 thousand km. Repair with belt and oil replacement - 120 thousand rubles.” — Sergey, Kazan.
• 👎 “The electronics are buggy: either the oil pressure sensor is lying or the climate control is faulty.” — Anna, Krasnodar.

Neutral Feedback:

• 🤷 “The car is good, but the spare parts are expensive. For example, an original headlight costs 40 thousand rubles.” — Maxim, Rostov-on-Don.
• 🤷 “Fuel consumption in the city is high (15–16 l), but you have to pay for comfort.” — Elena, Nizhny Novgorod.

5. How to choose a used Nissan Murano: checklist for the buyer

Buying used Murano requires careful verification. Here's what to look for:

1. Mileage and service history:
   • Optimal mileage for Z51 - up to 150 thousand km, for Z52 - up to 100 thousand km.
   • Check the service book: there should be notes about changing the oil in the variator (every 60 thousand km!).
2. CVT condition:
   • Check the smooth acceleration - there should be no jerks.
   • Make sure that the oil in the variator has not turned black or smells like burning.
3. Body and paintwork:
   • Use a thickness gauge - an acceptable indicator for wings and doors: 120–150 µm.
   • Inspect welds for corrosion.
4. Suspension and steering:
   • Check for play in the tie rod ends and ball joints.
   • Make sure the shock absorbers are not leaking.
5. Electronics and interior:
   • Check the operation of all sensors (oil pressure, temperature).
   • Make sure the climate control and multimedia function smoothly.

Where to buy? It is better to contact official dealers with the program Nissan Approved or trusted car dealerships with a guarantee. If you buy secondhand, be sure to take the car for diagnostics to an independent technician (cost is approx. 3–5 thousand rubles, but it will save you tens of thousands in the future).

6. Cost of ownership: maintenance and repair costs

Nissan Murano does not apply to budget cars in terms of maintenance. Let's look at the main expense items:

Scheduled maintenance (every 15 thousand km or 1 year):

• Changing oil and filters - 8–12 thousand rubles;
• Replacing air and cabin filters - 3–5 thousand rubles;
• Brake system diagnostics - 2–4 thousand rubles.

Major expenses (every 100 thousand km):

• Changing the oil in the variator - 10–15 thousand rubles;
• Replacing the timing belt (to VQ35DE) — 20–25 thousand rubles;
• Replacing shock absorbers - 30–50 thousand rubles (per set).

Unforeseen expenses:

• CVT repair - 80–150 thousand rubles;
• Elimination of corrosion - 50–150 thousand rubles;
• Replacing the all-wheel drive clutch - 40–70 thousand rubles.

Knot	Resource (thousand km)	Cost of replacement/repair
Variator (repair kit)	150–200	80–150 thousand rubles.
Wheel bearings	100–120	10–15 thousand rubles. (per piece)
Shock absorbers	80–100	30–50 thousand rubles. (set)
Timing belt	100–120	20–25 thousand rubles.

Insurance and taxes:

• OSAGO — 5–8 thousand rubles/year;
• CASCO — 40–80 thousand rubles/year (depending on age and region);
• Transport tax - 3–5 thousand rubles/year (for 3.5 l engine).

How much does it cost to maintain a Murano per year?

With a mileage of 20 thousand km/year and no serious breakdowns, ownership Nissan Murano costs 150–250 thousand rubles per year (including fuel, insurance, maintenance and incidentals).

7. Alternatives to Nissan Murano: what to compare with?

If you are considering Murano, it is worth looking at its competitors. Here are the main alternatives:

Model	Pros	Cons	Used price (from)
Toyota Highlander	Reliable engine, simple design	Boring design, hard suspension	1.2 million rubles.
Honda Pilot	Spacious interior, good dynamics	High fuel consumption, problems with automatic transmission	1.3 million rubles.
Mitsubishi Outlander	Low price, simple design	Weak engines, mediocre sound insulation	800 thousand rubles.
Hyundai Santa Fe	Good warranty, rich equipment	Less engine life, cheap interior materials	RUB 1.1 million

Than Murano better than competitors?

• 🚀 Design: One of the most stylish crossovers in the class.
• 🛋️ Comfort: The best noise insulation and soft suspension among analogues.
• 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE more reliable than motors Hyundai/Kia or Mitsubishi.

Than Murano loses?

• 💰 Service price: More expensive than the Koreans, but cheaper than Toyota Highlander.
• ⚙️ CVT: Less reliable than the classic automatic Highlander.
• 🛠️ Maintainability: It is more difficult to find a good master for Nissanthan for Toyota.

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ How long does the variator last on a Nissan Murano?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km), the variator Jatco can last 200–250 thousand km. However, many owners encounter problems after 150 thousand km, if you ignore the regulations or drive aggressively.

❓ What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano 3.5?

Official details:

• City - 12–14 l/100 km;
• Route - 8–10 l/100 km;
• Mixed cycle - 10–12 l/100 km.

Real reviews from owners show that in the city the consumption can reach 15–16 l/100 km, especially in winter.

❓ Is it worth buying a Nissan Murano with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km?

Purchase Murano with mileage 200+ thousand km possible, but only under the following conditions:

• There is a full service history;
• The variator was recently repaired (or the oil was changed);
• Body without serious corrosion;
• The engine does not “eat” oil (the norm is up to 300 ml/1000 km).

Otherwise, the risk of costly repairs is too high.

❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the Nissan Murano variator?

For CVTs JF011E (Z51) and JF017E (Z52) officially recommended liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (for models up to 2012) or NS-3 (for models after 2012). The use of analogues (for example, Idemitsu CVTF) are allowed, but only if they are certified for Jatco.

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Nissan Murano?

Yes, Murano allows towing a trailer weighing up to 1.5 tons (for versions with all-wheel drive). However, it is important to consider:

• The variator does not like overloads - avoid sudden starts;
• When towing, fuel consumption increases to 18–20 l/100 km;
• It is necessary to install the towbar and check the electrics.