I8ABMR

Hey guys . Just wanted to share our automotive excitement. We bought a 2011 Murano two years ago and have had a loud thumping noise when turning from day 1. We had the dealer look at it twice and they said it was nothing. After some internet research I found out that the Muranos and Altimas have had common issues with the transfer case going bad and creating the symptoms we had. Since the car seemed to have a design issue ( that costs $3700-$6000), it needed new tires, 30k service for $700, and would need an extended warranty in light of the fact it could likely probably have transmission issues we decided to trade up to a new Sienna. I am done with CVTs. I will stick with the trusty 6 speed WITH the sport shift option. CVTs are great for extra torque and power since the car remains in the power band but its not worth it if the long term reliability is bad. Nissan has had issues with this for a long time . I was kind of pissed when I googled CVT issues with Nissan and saw the tons of complaints. Some people are even taking about class action law suits

We went with the Sienna because of the extra room over the Honda Odyssey and the extra power, plus we just like Toyota and Lexus generally. The Odyssey has a nicer interior but it was smaller and I couldn't even fit in the passenger side. The Sienna will give us tons of room and since we got the fully loaded limited we have all the bells and whistles available. I am loving the 16" TV in the back with the wireless headphones. It reminds me of the executive package in the LS but with larger screen. We have the huge 2nd sunroof for the back. Its so cool to drive with it open while in the back. I told my wife it felt like the poor mans version of the Maybach Laundalet . The second row seats have reclining seats with ottomans, and even the third row seats have power recline.


After owning the Sienna for a couple of weeks I really cant see why anyone out there would want an SUV for hauling kids. The SUVs are smaller on the inside and don't offer even 1/2 of the versatility in the interior or seating positions, plus they roll over more. I know the SUVs have towing capacity and off road capabilities but in light of the fact that 98% of SUVs never go off road maybe 90% never tow anything I still don't see why an SUV would be better for kids. I know there is the image thing with the minivan but honestly after driving one most would be amazed at how much they really drive like cars and all of the cool design features. It feels like your driving a huge Lexus sedan or SUV. You wouldn't even know you had all of that vehicle space behind you unless you looked in the rear view mirror. To each his own in the end, but for my family the right choice was the Sienna and we are loving it !!


Now I just have to convince the wife to let me put a set of Vossens on the new ride . I have been checking out the Sienna chat forum and there are a number of guys with their vans slammed on air or coil overs and on a set of Vossens and they look amazing. Im not holding my breath but we will see if she goes for it in the near future

Och

iTrader: (3)

After driving a minivan just once in my entire life, I really cant see why anyone out there would want kids.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Congrats! Yeah a set of Vossens would look choice! Being in AZ, a white/ light car is a smart choice. I noticed the neighbors silver/white car

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Congrats on the new Sienna

I see you also discovered siennachat. Don't forget there's a sienna section over on toyotanation, although it's a repeat sometimes over there.

Shhhhhh, you don't want to say that out loud. There are some people out there who thinks minivan is an anti-Christ

I8ABMR

LOL. Its so you will finally really know how much your parents loved you as well as to pass your genes on to the next generation. IF not your life has a lot less meaning in my book.
Yeah the heat is INSANE here. The neighbor has a white G37 sedan.

Thanks buddy. I know. I used to think they were a joke also until we bought one. It was a segment that I , like many enthusiasts, would totally ignore. I had no interest. Now that I have shopped them they truly are the most versatile and useful vehicle you can buy for less than 50k if you have multiple children.

I8ABMR

the old Murano

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

And it's a dark color!

Beautiful house BTW

bagwell

hummmmmmmmmmm light beige interior for the Sienna??? also because of the heat? cuz it'll be ***** to keep clean especially with kids.

I8ABMR

Thanks buddy. Her Murano was blue with BLACK interipr. She always liked black so the kids can dirty the car but in AZ it just doesnt make sense


I will keep it clean. No joke.....I spray both of my cars with Zaino Z6 and Z8 every single day and I clean and condition the leather once a month. Should be ok.... I hope

Och

iTrader: (3)

Hehe, I was just messing with you. I have one kid, but I would never want to have many kids to the point where I would have to get a minivan.

Now thinking back to my single days... Man, I should've had a minivan. That backseat...

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

......And that's when "accidents" happen where you'll end up keeping that minivan

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

i was going to say the same thing lol

I8ABMR

I used to think the same thing. We have two kids and it still makes a lot of sense when we go on our weekend outings or even trips to Costco


LOL

marshall2j

Agreed. While I don't have kids, my parents have always owned either a Previa or a Sienna and they're beasts!

I8ABMR

When they are fully loaded they are truly impressive. Its got features on it that my LS doesnt even have