Crossover Nissan Murano It has long gained a reputation as a stylish and comfortable car with excellent cross-country ability and a spacious interior. However, buying a used model is always a lottery, where the risks depend on the year of manufacture, mileage and service history. In this article we will look at which generations Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52) is worth considering for which typical problems pay attention during inspection, and how not to overpay for a “pig in a poke.”

Feature Murano - him continuously variable CVT, which raises the most questions among buyers. We will analyze the reliability of this transmission at different mileages, and also tell you which engines (VQ35DE, QR25DE) performed best. We will pay special attention electronics, suspension and body are weak points that often require expensive repairs.

If you are looking for a spacious crossover with all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS and premium finishes, but are not willing to pay for a new one Nissan Ariya or Infiniti QX60, Murano Used can be a great option. The main thing is to know which models with a mileage of 100+ thousand km already require capital investments, and which ones will serve faithfully.

Generations of Nissan Murano: which one to choose with mileage?

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 to understand which generation is optimal for buying used.

1. First generation (Z50, 2002–2007)

Debut version Murano built on a platform Nissan FF-L and was equipped with gasoline V6 3.5 VQ35DE (245 hp) with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This generation is a rarity in the secondary market today, but its advantages: simple design, reliable engine and all-wheel drive ATTESA without complex electronics. Cons: high fuel consumption (12–14 l/100 km), outdated suspension and poor sound insulation. Price on the market: from 300,000 to 600,000 rubles.

2. Second generation (Z51, 2007–2014)

The most popular generation on the secondary market. appeared here CVT variator (model JF011E), which became the main “headache” of the owners. The engines remained the same - VQ35DE (265 hp) and QR25DE (170 hp for some markets). Pros: modern design, improved sound insulation, rich equipment. Cons: problems with the variator after 150,000 km, engine oil leaks, weak wheel bearings. Price: from 800,000 to 1,500,000 rub.

3. Third generation (Z52, 2014–2021)

The most technologically advanced generation with a hybrid version Murano Hybrid (select markets only). There's a CVT here. JF016E became more reliable, but problems with overheating remained. Engine VQ35DD (260 hp) with system Direct Injection more economical, but sensitive to fuel quality. Pros: premium interior, adaptive cruise control, all-round cameras. Cons: expensive maintenance, complex electronics, the risk of buying a “drowned one” (a popular model in the USA). Price: from 1,800,000 to 3,000,000 rub.

What's the conclusion? Optimal choice — Murano Z51 2010–2013 with mileage up to 120,000 km and full service history. Z52 It is worth taking only if there is a warranty or if you are prepared for high repair costs.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Murano are you considering?
  • Z50 (2002–2007)
  • Z51 (2007–2014)
  • Z52 (2014–2021)
  • I haven't decided yet

Weaknesses of the Nissan Murano: what to look for first

Even the most reliable Murano has typical “diseases” that appear with age. Let's look at the key components that require attention during inspection.

1. CVT variator: the main problem of the model

Continuously variable transmission JF011E (Z51) and JF016E (Z52) is the most vulnerable spot. Symptoms of malfunction:

  • 🔴 Jerks when accelerating or braking
  • 🔴 Rumble or whistle from under the hood
  • 🔴 Error lights up P0776 (pressure in the valve body)
  • 🔴 The oil in the variator is black or smells like burning

When running more than 100,000 km The variator requires diagnostics. Service life depends on driving style and regularity of oil changes (every 60,000 km!). Replacing a variator in an official service costs 300,000–500,000 rubles, so buying a Murano with a “tired” gearbox is a risky investment.

2. VQ35DE engine: oil burn and knocking

Gasoline V6 3.5 known for two problems:

  • 🛢️ Increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km) after 150,000 km due to wear of the oil scraper rings.
  • 🔨 Knock of hydraulic compensators during a cold start - requires replacement (cost of work: 20,000–40,000 rubles).

Also check the condition timing chains — on runs of 200,000+ km it can stretch, which leads to engine malfunctions. Replacing a chain with tensioners costs 50,000–80,000 rubles.

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Before purchasing a Murano Z51/Z52, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. Normal values: 12–14 bar. A difference of more than 1 bar between cylinders indicates engine wear.

3. Suspension and steering

Suspension Murano soft and comfortable, but short-lived:

  • 🔧 Wheel bearings fail every 80,000–100,000 km (symptom: hum when driving).
  • 🔧 Shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings require replacement after 100,000 km.
  • 🔧 Steering rack may leak at mileages of 150,000+ km (repair: RUB 30,000–60,000).

4. Electronics and interior

B Murano Z52 often break:

  • 📱 Touch screen multimedia system (stops responding to touches).
  • 🔋 Battery discharges overnight due to current leakage (the module is to blame BCM).
  • 🪑 Electric seats and trunk hatch (wear of plastic gears).
⚠️ Attention! Before purchasing Murano Z52 check the system operation ProPILOT Assist (if any). Often the camera sensors become clogged with dirt, which leads to false brake applications.

How to check a Nissan Murano before buying: checklist

To avoid buying a “problematic” one Murano, follow this inspection algorithm. Let's start with documents and appearance, then move on to the technical part.

1. Document verification

  • 📄 PTS: number of owners (optimally 1–2), no duplicate.
  • 📋 Service book: presence of marks for changing the oil in the variator (every 60,000 km!).
  • 🚗 History by VIN: check via CarVertical or Autocode for road accidents, drowning, mileage.

2. Inspection of the body and interior

  • 🔍 Rust: check the sills, wheel arches, underbody. Murano not prone to corrosion, but after an accident there may be hidden spots.
  • 🪟 Windshield: cracks or chips are a reason to bargain (replacement costs 30,000–50,000 rubles).
  • 🛋️ Salon: damp smell, stains on the ceiling - signs of flooding.

3. Test drive and diagnostics

Check the smoothness of the variator (no jerking during acceleration)

Test all-wheel drive (turn on 4WD Lock on a slippery surface)

Listen to the engine when it is cold (no knocking or vibrations)

Make sure all electronics are working (cameras, sensors, climate control)

Check the brakes (no steering wheel wobble or squeaks) -->

If it is not possible to carry out a full diagnosis, at least check oil in the variator:

  1. Start the engine and warm up the transmission (drive 5–10 km).
  2. Stop on a level surface and leave the engine running.
  3. Take out the variator dipstick (yellow handle) and check the color of the oil:
    • 🟢 Light brown - the norm.
    • 🟤 Dark with a burnt smell - replacement required.
    • ⚫ Black with metal shavings — the variator “dies.”
⚠️ Attention! If the seller refuses to show the service history or allow diagnostics, this is a reason to be wary. It may be hiding problems with the CVT or engine.

Cost of ownership: how much does it cost to maintain a used Murano

Purchase Nissan Murano used - only half the cost. Let's consider how much its maintenance and repairs cost.

Node/System Service life (mileage) Cost of repair/replacement (RUB)
Oil in the variator (replacement) 60,000 km 8 000–15 000
Timing belt/chain 150,000–200,000 km 30 000–80 000
Wheel bearings 80,000–100,000 km 5,000–10,000 (for 1 piece)
Shock absorbers 100,000–120,000 km 20,000–40,000 (set)
Brake pads/discs 50,000–70,000 km 15 000–30 000

Fuel consumption - another expense item. Real consumption Murano Z51 with VQ35DE:

  • 🛣️ City: 14–16 l/100 km
  • 🌿 Route: 9–11 l/100 km
  • ⛽ Mixed cycle: 12–14 l/100 km

For comparison: Murano Z52 with the system Direct Injection more economical by 1–2 liters, but requires fuel no less than AI-95.

Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO) for Murano costs more than Qashqai or X-Trail, due to the high cost of spare parts. Average CASCO price: RUB 80,000–120,000. per year.

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Key Takeaway: The Murano Z51 is cheaper to maintain than the Z52, but the CVT and engine require more frequent attention. If your budget is limited, it is better to choose a vehicle with a mileage of up to 120,000 km and a full service history.

Tuning and modernization of Nissan Murano

Many owners Murano strive to improve its appearance or technical characteristics. Let's look at popular tuning options.

1. External tuning

  • 🎨 Vinyl wrap (from 30,000 rub.) - changes the color of the body without painting.
  • 🔥 Sports body kit (front splitter, rear diffuser) - from RUB 50,000.
  • 💡 LED optics (headlights, PTF) - from 20,000 rubles.

2. Technical tuning

  • 🚀 Chip tuning (ECU firmware) - adds 15–20 hp, but increases the load on the variator. Cost: 15,000–25,000 rub.
  • 🔧 Installing crankcase protection — relevant for off-road (RUB 10,000–20,000).
  • 🎵 Soundproofing — improves acoustic comfort (RUB 30,000–60,000).

Important! Any changes to the design (for example, a suspension lift) require inclusion in the PTS. Otherwise, problems may arise when passing the technical inspection.

What happens if you install a lift kit on Murano?

Increasing the ground clearance by 30–50 mm improves cross-country ability, but leads to:

- Accelerated wear of CV joints and wheel bearings.

- Shift in camber/toe angles, which requires adjustment.

- Possible problems with the operation of the system ATTESA E-TS (all-wheel drive).

Alternatives to Nissan Murano on the secondary market

If Murano doesn’t quite suit you, consider similar used crossovers:

Model Pros Cons Price (used)
Infiniti FX35/FX50 More powerful engine, premium trim Expensive maintenance, high fuel consumption 1 200 000–2 500 000
Toyota Highlander Reliable engine, simple design Boring design, weak dynamics 1 000 000–1 800 000
Mazda CX-9 Sporty handling, quality interior Small trunk, corrosion problems 900 000–1 600 000
Hyundai Santa Fe Low price, good guarantee Cheap interior materials, weak dynamics 800 000–1 500 000

Compared to competitors, Murano wins in:

  • 🚗 Design — one of the most stylish crossovers in the class.
  • 🛋️ Comfort — soft suspension and spacious interior.
  • 💨 Dynamics — VQ35DE accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 8–9 seconds.

But loses in reliability (especially the CVT) and cost of ownership.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about used Nissan Murano

❓ Is it possible to drive a Murano Z51 with a mileage of 200,000 km?

Yes, but only if the CVT and engine have been regularly serviced. With such a mileage it is necessary to:

  • Check engine compression.
  • Change the oil in the variator (even if the seller says “everything is fine”).
  • Be prepared to replace wheel bearings, shock absorbers and steering rack.

If there is no service history, it is better to refuse the purchase.

❓ Which variator is more reliable: in the Z51 or Z52?

CVT JF016E (Z52) is technically more advanced, but both options require careful handling. Main differences:

  • Z51 (JF011E): easier to repair, but more likely to overheat.
  • Z52 (JF016E): Cools better, but is more expensive to maintain.

Service life depends on oil change regularity (every 60,000 km!) and driving style (without sudden starts and towing).

❓ Is it worth taking a Murano with a hybrid installation?

Hybrid version Murano Hybrid (only for Z52) equipped with a system e-Power with electric motor and gasoline generator. Pros:

  • Lower fuel consumption (8–10 l/100 km in the city).
  • Smoother acceleration.

Cons:

  • Transmission is complex and expensive to repair.
  • Short battery life (replacement costs RUB 200,000+).

Conclusion: the hybrid is only suitable for city driving and with a warranty.

❓ What kind of oil should I put in the Murano variator?

The manufacturer recommends original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogues:

  • Idemitsu CVTF
  • Mobil CVT Fluid
  • Motul Multi CVT Fluid

⚠️ Important! Don't use regular ATF or Dexron - it will kill the CVT!

❓ Where is the best place to buy spare parts for Murano?

Original spare parts can be ordered from official dealers Nissan, but they are expensive. Alternatives:

  • 🛒 Exist.ru - a wide range of analogues.
  • 🛒 Emex.ru — original spare parts with discounts.
  • 🛒 AliExpress — cheap consumables (filters, pads), but quality varies.

For the variator and engine, it is better to take the original or proven brands (Aisin, NGK, Denso).