Buying a crossover that is more than ten years old requires a thorough analysis of not only the appearance, but also the technical condition. Nissan Murano The second generation, released in 2012, represents an interesting niche in the aftermarket, combining bold design with the comfort found in premium segments. However, behind the attractive appearance there are nuances of operation that can become decisive factors when choosing a car.
The 2012 model was the result of a deep modernization carried out after the 2011 restyling. It was during this period that the manufacturer tried to correct a number of design shortcomings of previous years, focusing on the reliability of the transmission and the quality of the interior assembly. If you are considering this car as the main vehicle for your family, you need to study its strengths and weaknesses in detail.
Owners often note that suspension This crossover provides exceptional ride quality, but requires attention to the shock absorbers when driving over 100,000 km. The supply market is rich, but finding a copy in perfect condition is difficult due to the nature of operation in urban environments. In this article, we will look at what exactly you should pay attention to during inspection in order to avoid buying a car with critical defects.
Engines and transmission: The heart of the crossover
Under the hood Nissan Murano In 2012, the most common petrol engine is a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine. This power unit develops a power of about 250 horsepower, providing decent acceleration dynamics. However, it is important to understand that the service life of this engine directly depends on the quality of service and timely oil changes.
The key element of the transmission is the variator CVT, which raises the most questions among potential buyers. In 2012, the manufacturer installed a new control unit and modified the valve body, which somewhat increased the reliability of the unit, but did not make it last forever. Variator belt requires regular checking for scuffing, and the gearbox itself needs frequent oil changes.
There are several critical factors that affect the longevity of the engine and transmission:
- ❗ Regular engine oil change every 7-8 thousand kilometers (not according to regulations, but based on actual operation).
- ❗ Using exclusively high-quality coolants with the correct pH level.
- ❗ No sudden starts or overheating of the transmission in traffic jams or when towing.
If you plan to use the car in taxi mode or on frequent country trips with a full load, you should be prepared for increased wear on the components. The VQ35DE engine is highly maintainable, but major repairs will not be cheap. Cooling system also deserves special attention, since overheating can lead to deformation of the cylinder head.
⚠️ Attention: Neglecting to change the oil in the variator can lead to its jamming already at 120,000 km, which will require a complete replacement of the unit.
Body and exterior design features
Design Nissan Murano 2012 remains relevant to this day thanks to its futuristic lines and distinctive grille. The car body has a complex geometry, which makes it recognizable in traffic, but creates certain difficulties during body repairs. Painting is often done in pearlescent tones, which require careful handling.
Corrosion on this car is rare unless the body has undergone poor quality restoration after an accident. However, it is worth paying attention to the sills and arches, especially if the car was operated in regions with a large number of reagents. Windshield has a complex shape and is integrated into the roof structure, which significantly increases the cost of replacing it in the event of cracks.
It is important to check the condition of the plastic elements of bumpers and mirrors, as they can fade when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The headlights are equipped with xenon lamps, which lose their glow intensity over time. Fogging of the optics may indicate a violation of the seal of the unit.
- ✅ Inspect the joints of the body panels for distortions indicating replacement of elements.
- ✅ Check the operation of the electric door and trunk drives, as their repair is difficult.
- ✅ Assess the condition of the rubber seals to avoid moisture penetration into the interior.
Particular attention should be paid to the roof, since many trim levels are equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The mechanism for opening and closing the hatch often requires maintenance and replacement of seals to prevent leaks. Moisture that gets inside can cause corrosion of wiring and mold in the headliner.
⚠️ Attention: The panoramic roof requires regular cleaning of the drainage channels, otherwise water will accumulate on the ceiling and spoil the interior trim.
- 3.5 V6 (Atmospheric)
- 2.5 Hybrid
- Other
- I don't know
Interior and comfort: What the driver can expect
Interior space Nissan Murano 2012 was designed with an emphasis on maximum passenger comfort. The seats are equipped with a ventilation and heating system, as well as a massage function, which makes trips long and enjoyable. The interior materials are of high quality, but the soft plastic on the instrument panel may begin to creak over time.
This year's multimedia system supports connecting external media and has a good screen, but the functionality may seem outdated compared to modern smartphones. Noise insulation at a high level, but wind noise at speeds above 110 km/h still penetrates into the cabin through the A-pillars.
The rear space is spacious enough for three adult passengers, although the center tunnel creates some discomfort for the middle passenger. The luggage compartment is spacious, but has an uneven floor due to the presence of a spare wheel. The climate control buttons are conveniently located and have tactile feedback.
During operation, problems may arise with the electric windows, especially the rear ones. Motors may be noisy or jam. It is also worth checking the operation of the keyless entry system, as the sensors may lose sensitivity.
- 💡 Check the operation of all buttons on the steering wheel and center console.
- 💡 Make sure the navigation system is working correctly and the maps are loading.
- 💡 Inspect the seats for leather scuffs and thread breaks.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all electronic systems in the cabin with the engine running, since troubleshooting electrical problems takes time and money.
Operation and Maintenance
Maintenance Nissan Murano 2012 requires strict adherence to regulations and the use of original spare parts. The engine oil should be changed every 7-10 thousand kilometers, especially in city conditions. Ignoring this rule leads to coking of the engine and failure of the catalysts.
The CVT transmission is the most vulnerable point of the car. To extend its life, it is necessary to change the oil and filter every 40-50 thousand kilometers. Timing belt The V6 engine has a chain drive, which is considered durable, but requires checking the tensioners and dampers at high mileage.
The crossover has a multi-link suspension front and rear, which provides excellent handling, but increases the cost of repairs. Silent blocks of levers and ball joints have a service life of about 80-100 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers may require replacement sooner if the car is frequently driven on poor roads.
The all-wheel drive system requires regular maintenance of the gearboxes and rear axle coupling. The oil in the transfer case and gearboxes should be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. If you notice vibrations during acceleration, this may indicate wear on the driveshaft or U-joints.
☑️ Scheduled maintenance
What to do if the variator overheats?
If the transmission temperature icon illuminates on your instrument panel, stop immediately and turn off the engine. Let the oil cool for at least 20 minutes. Continued driving may cause permanent damage to clutches and gears.
There are several critical points that cannot be ignored during maintenance:
- 🛠 Use only oils and filters recommended by the manufacturer.
- 🛠 Regularly conduct computer diagnostics to identify errors.
- 🛠 Change brake pads and discs in a timely manner, as they are subject to rapid wear.
Comparison with competitors and choice of equipment
On the secondary car market Nissan Murano The 2012 competes with the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Ford Edge. Nissan's main advantage is price and comfort, while competitors offer greater reliability and marketability. However, the Japanese crossover loses in fuel consumption and transmission life.
Car configurations range from basic to top-end, equipped with all possible options. When choosing, you should focus on the presence of all-wheel drive, a panoramic roof and a leather interior. Security is ensured by the presence of many airbags and stabilization systems, which makes the car safe for the family.
The table below will help you compare the main characteristics of different configurations:
| Equipment | Engine | Drive | Key options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 3.5 V6 | Front | Climate, 7 pillows, Bluetooth |
| SV | 3.5 V6 | Full | Sunroof, heated seats, navigation |
| SL | 3.5 V6 | Full | Ventilation, massage, panorama, cameras |
| Platinum | 3.5 V6 | Full | All options, premium audio, projection |
When choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, consider operating conditions. All-wheel drive is necessary for winter roads and light off-roading, but increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Front-wheel drive is easier to repair and cheaper to operate, but behaves worse on slippery roads.
⚠️ Attention: The full Platinum package is more expensive when purchased, but it is also more liquid for subsequent resale due to its rich equipment.
Typical faults and solutions
Despite the overall reliability, Nissan Murano The 2012 has a number of typical problems that most owners encounter. One of them is the failure of the throttle position sensors, which leads to unstable engine idling. Replacing the sensor solves the problem, but it is better to check the damper itself for contamination.
The CVT often starts to kick when changing gears, especially during a cold start. This could be a sign of torque converter wear or oil pressure problems. In some cases, changing the oil and adapting the gearbox helps, but often the valve body needs to be repaired.
The air conditioning system may lose refrigerant due to microcracks in the radiator or evaporator. Checking for leaks and refilling the system solves the problem, but it is important to find and eliminate the cause of the leak. The air conditioning compressor also often fails and requires replacement.
Car electrics can cause inconvenience in the form of false sensor alarms or problems with multimedia. Reflashing control units or replacing faulty modules is often the only way out. Battery also requires attention, since the on-board network consumes a lot of energy.
Regular computer diagnostics and replacement of fluids is the key to long service life of complex Nissan Murano components.
Owners often encounter problems with the cooling system, where the thermostat may become stuck in the closed position. This leads to engine overheating and serious consequences. It is recommended to check the operation of the thermostat at each maintenance and change it at the first sign of malfunction.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the fuel pump, which may be noisy or operate intermittently. Replacing the pump and coarse filter will prevent the engine from stopping on the road. Fuel quality plays an important role in the performance of the fuel system.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2012 Nissan Murano
What is the real fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Murano?
In the urban cycle, fuel consumption is 14-16 liters per 100 km, and on the highway - about 9-11 liters. Actual performance depends on driving style and operating conditions.
Is the CVT reliable on this car?
The variator is reliable subject to regular oil changes and gentle operation. With a mileage of more than 150,000 km, the risk of breakdown increases significantly if maintenance was carried out improperly.
Is it worth buying a Murano with more than 200,000 km on it?
Buying a car with such mileage is risky if there is no full service history. The engine's lifespan allows you to drive more, but the transmission and suspension may require major repairs.
What are the main disadvantages of the model?
The main disadvantages include high fuel consumption, the complexity and high cost of repairing the variator, as well as expensive original spare parts. It is also worth noting the low liquidity compared to competitors.
Is it necessary to warm up the engine in winter?
Yes, it is recommended to warm up the engine to operating temperature, especially in severe frosts, so that the oil circulates throughout all components and the transmission oil in the variator warms up.
To summarize, we can say that Nissan Murano 2012 is a car for those who value comfort and style above absolute reliability and efficiency. Regular CVT maintenance is a critical factor for successful operation.. With the right approach to selection and care, this crossover will become a reliable companion on long trips and will give you a lot of positive emotions.