weigh in: murano vs. 300m vs. pacifica

stick · 06-05-2005, 02:31 PM

i am looking into getting my wife a new car that can still haul some kids and stuff around comfortably, isn't insanely expensive and is relaible, blah blah blah. do any titaneers out there own any of these vehicles and can give me the good and bad on any of them.

i like the murano's. they are my first choice. a little pricey but i would probably look at getting a used one. i like the way they look and creature comforts.

i really like the 300m. never thought i would say it but 'cry'stler has almost won me over. the 300 is the only vehicle i think that can keep their new lineup afloat. the looks are killer and you can make a serious SLED out of it. good power, not sure of anything else.

pacifica. i actually thought about this one, surprised even me. seems like a good car--like the 'flying wedge' design. don't know anything about them at all.

soooo, wadaya got for me peeps?

Clint · 06-05-2005, 02:33 PM

What's wrong with the Pathfinder? Another choice is the Magnum. The new Charger would be cool too.

Clint

stick · 06-05-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

What's wrong with the Pathfinder? Another choice is the Magnum. The new Charger would be cool too.

Clint

pathy is too much coin i think (mid 30's?) the magnum looks like a station wagon that the designers couldn't figure out to do with the back end, the new charger doesn't have enough room i don't think although i have not checked them out yet.

VADER · 06-05-2005, 06:20 PM

My wife just purchased an '05 Pacifica and it surprisingly has pretty good power for a 3.5 liter v-6. The ride is incredibly comfortable, with no road noise. I like the storage space in the back, as well as the 2nd row captains chairs. Definately worth looking at and taking a test drive. If you have kids and need a car to haul their stuff in, the Pacifica is more than practical. They look pretty classy for a wagon/suv hybrid.

Elias60 · 06-05-2005, 06:27 PM

I rented the 300 V 6 for a trip to Detroit and man did that thing have power and it wasn't too bad on gas. I can only imagine how the Hemi would've drove.

The car had a bit of a floaty feel the suspension is tuned for cruising the brakes were average at best. IMHO I would go with an SUV for the wife and kids. The Murano sounds like a good choice.

Clint · 06-05-2005, 06:28 PM

I never paid attention to the Murano's price point but would have guessed it would be as much as a Pathfinder.

Clint

Seerex · 06-05-2005, 06:30 PM

Of the 3 I would chose the murano but if you were to include other vehicles I would look at a crv, just my 2 cents

*tortuga* · 06-05-2005, 06:48 PM

stick, i used to sell Muranos and i have had 2 Muranos as rental vehicles when the Titan was in getting its brake transplants and i have to say the Murano is one of the most refined Nissans ever made. You've got to drive it to believe it. i actually started getting attached to the Murano rentals i had just because the ride is phenomenal, especially for the California roads and freeways.. the ride is EXCEPTIONAL with little to no road noise, the fuel economy is pretty good, there's plenty of room in the back with reclining back seats, but like i said you've got to drive one to believe me. on the good note of things i talked to my service advisor and he said aside from oil changes and basic regular maintenence, they have not had the Murano come in for any defects or warranty issues or "can't put a finger on it" issues... the Murano is made in Japan and the quality in that far exceeds that of the titan's... being that it is a cross-breed suv you can bomb some pretty good off-road and that thing takes dips better than my titan. i pushed the limits of the Murano when i had it and i was impressed with its ability to soak up the big hits and dips with ease. not only did it do well suspension wise but the rental i was given had a little over 9000 miles on it and it was SOLID and not a squeak or rattle was heard... i'm telling Stick your wife will love it!!!

Jetboy · 06-05-2005, 07:22 PM

If you are considering used for all three the Pacifica will probably be the best value as they take a pretty big depreciation hit initially, quite a few in the rental fleets. I really do like the look of Pacifica's, I can understand why you are considering it. Another thing to consider is if you are happy with your Nissan dealers service, do you want to take a chance with the Chrysler dealer? Might want to check locally on service satisfaction.

Smoke05 · 06-05-2005, 08:31 PM

Arent the 300C and the Charger the same vehicle pretty much?? I was under the impression the Charger was Dodge's version of the 300C to give them a sedan to compliment the Magnum.

stick · 06-06-2005, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetboy

If you are considering used for all three the Pacifica will probably be the best value as they take a pretty big depreciation hit initially, quite a few in the rental fleets. I really do like the look of Pacifica's, I can understand why you are considering it. Another thing to consider is if you are happy with your Nissan dealers service, do you want to take a chance with the Chrysler dealer? Might want to check locally on service satisfaction.

i have to admit, i am a little scared to think about going to a 'cry'stler dealer....that is a good point to ponder.

anyone have any experience with a 'cry' dealership?

Clint · 06-06-2005, 05:38 PM

The Murano is a slick looking SUV. In my observations the Pacifica is a womens car, rarely see a guy driving one.

Clint

Vector · 06-06-2005, 05:56 PM

STAY AWAY from Crimeler.

Altimat · 06-06-2005, 08:16 PM

Murano = best V-6 ever made.

Chrysler = junk - I wrote service on Chryslers for years.

docopharm · 06-06-2005, 08:44 PM

Murano gets my vote. Sharp looking things! Wish I had got my wife one of those instead of the X5. What's the story with the CVT in those though? Any problems with it?