2009 Nissan Murano Pricing and Specs

The Murano is typical of modern Nissans by being a pretty reliable thing by all accounts. The V6 engine, in particular, has a good reputation for trouble-free performance and is widely regarded as a tough unit capable of plenty of kilometres before needing major work.

However, in reality, the Murano has an on-demand all-wheel-drive system, meaning that for the majority of the time, it operates as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The rear axle only engages when the vehicle detects wheel-slip or the engine is producing enough torque for the rear wheels to join in. That may or may not suit your needs, and it will all depend on what you expect from all-wheel-drive.

The major concerns for some buyers would revolve around the fairly complex driveline used in the Murano. That on-demand all-wheel-drive system used a coupling that engaged the rear axle when the conditions required it. That rear coupling can give problems, beginning with a clunking noise under load. The other concern is more of a general wariness of constantly variable transmissions (CVT) which have been known to have shorter lifespans than conventional gearboxes. That said, the Nissan's isn't a know hot spot for trouble, but it definitely needs to be inspected before money changes hands.

Perhaps the most important thing – as it is with any second-hand car – is the service record. If you can't find solid evidence of the correct preventative maintenance being carried out, the car could easily be a can of worms, regardless of make or model.

Recalls are mostly to fix problems that affect the safety of the car, not mechanical problems like a leaking head gasket. Nissan's offer is in line with industry practice. You could try and negotiate a better deal with the company, 25 percent is a measly amount, but you need to deal directly with Nissan.

Leaking head gaskets are a problem on the Murano worldwide and Nissan's eagerness to offer you a deal is confirmation of it. The offer to cover half of the costs is a standard one in this sort of situation, but I reckon they should cough up for the whole cost. A leaking head gasket as such low km’s is unacceptable. The easiest course of action, though, would be to accept the offer and get on with your life.