Free Buyer’s Guide

2007 Nissan Murano

A simple guide for buyers with no car knowledge. Do most of the work from home, on the phone. Only go and see the SUV if you like what you hear. The decision is always yours.

The free guide is below. The full guide is made for this car after you pay.

Which 2007 Murano is it?

Ask the seller: "Is this the 3.5 litre petrol with the automatic gearbox, and is it all-wheel drive?"

Safety rating

ANCAP has not tested the Murano, says CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-car-review-nissan-murano-2005-2008-13535). It lists anti-lock brakes, brake assist, head, side and curtain airbags, and stability control. That is a list of safety gear. It is not a star rating.

The big-money items

You can’t see inside these parts, but you can ask about them.

• CVT gearbox JATCO CVT GEARBOX FITTED WITH THE VQ35DE ENGINE

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  The automatic gearbox. A repair shop says most Murano worries trace back to it. Another site says it works well.

  Ask: "Is there a record of CVT fluid changes, and does it drive smoothly with no jerking or odd noises?"

• Radiator and gearbox oil cooler RADIATOR, WHICH ALSO COOLS THE CVT GEARBOX OIL

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  The gearbox oil cooler runs through the radiator. If the radiator cracks, coolant can mix with the gearbox oil.

  Ask: "Has the radiator ever leaked or been replaced? Is there an invoice?"

• Timing chain VQ35DE ENGINE

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  A chain inside the engine that keeps its moving parts in step. One site says it can stretch after 150,000 km or more. It names a rattle on start-up.

  Ask: "Does the engine rattle when started cold? Has the chain ever been serviced?"

• Catalytic converter VQ35DE ENGINE

  $$ ($500 to $2,000)

  The part that cleans the exhaust. Two sites say it can wear early. A P0420 fault code is the sign they name.

  Ask: "Has the check engine light ever come on? Was a P0420 code ever found?"

• Oil use VQ35DE ENGINE

  $$ ($500 to $2,000)

  One site says this engine can use more oil as it ages. A blocked PCV valve (a small pressure vent) is the first thing it names.

  Ask: "Does it use oil between services? How often do you top it up?"

Regular maintenance

Look for these on the service invoices.

• Engine oil

  Keeps the engine moving parts slippery and cool

  As shown in the logbook

• Spark plugs

  Small parts that light the petrol in the engine

  As shown in the logbook

• Brake fluid

  The fluid that carries your foot push to the brakes

  Every 2 years (our guide)

• Coolant

  Keeps the engine from getting too hot. It also runs through the radiator that cools the gearbox oil.

  As shown in the logbook

• Gearbox oil

  CVT fluid in the automatic gearbox, plus the diff and transfer oils on this all-wheel drive

  As shown in the logbook

• Air filter

  Cleans the air going into the engine

  As shown in the logbook

• Tyres

  The only part of the car that touches the road

  Replace at 6 years old, even with good tread (our guide). Alignment every 10,000 to 15,000 km (our guide)

• Battery

  Starts the engine and runs the electrics

  Most last about 3 to 5 years

Questions to ask on this Murano

These are for this model. The full list of questions, with tick boxes, is in the PDF.

• Is there a record of CVT fluid changes?

  Good answer: Yes, with dates and kilometres on the invoices.

  Why: CVT fluid is the oil in the gearbox. A repair shop says to ask this first.

• Has the radiator ever leaked or been replaced?

  Good answer: A clear answer, with an invoice if it was replaced.

  Why: The gearbox oil cooler runs through the radiator, so the two are linked.

• Does it rattle on a cold start, or use oil between services?

  Good answer: No rattle, and the oil level stays steady between services.

  Why: These are the two engine signs that owners and repair sites talk about.

Words you might see on an invoice

CVT fluid service

Changing the oil in the automatic gearbox

Timing chain / tensioner

The chain that keeps the engine's moving parts in step, and the part that keeps it tight

Cam / crank position sensor

Small sensors that tell the engine computer when to fire

Catalytic converter (P0420)

The exhaust cleaner, and the fault code the computer stores when it is not working well

PCV valve

A small valve that lets pressure out of the inside of the engine

Air intake duct

The large air hose that feeds air to the engine

Two quick checks at home

All you need is the VIN.

• Recalls: nissan.com.au/owners/recalls/recalls-service-campaigns.html
• Recalls: vehiclerecalls.gov.au
• Money owing: ppsr.gov.au (small fee; check again on the day you pay)

• The PPSR search needs the VIN, not the number plate.
• It does not show the amount owing, ownership history or the odometer reading.
• Recalls depend on the VIN, so check the VIN of the exact car.

General information only, not an inspection of any vehicle. “Our guide” means our recommendation, not a legal rule. Costs are a rough guide. Information current at October 2026: always check the VIN yourself.