Nissan Murano for Sale - Import from Japan

Launched in 2002, the Nissan Murano wasn't engineered for flip-down DVD screens and toddler cup holders. It came from the same schools of design and engineering as the Z-car, sharing its underpinnings with the Altima and Maxima but aiming upward—with luxury ambitions. The second-generation Murano, the Z51 (2008–2014 in Japan), sharpened the package. This wasn't some rebadged utility wagon. It was built in Japan, not Tennessee. The finish? Tighter. The interior? Refined. And the top trim—PNZ51 350XV FOUR—was a legitimate premium offering. Think ventilated leather seats, 4WD traction control, and that magnificent VQ35DE under the hood. It became a niche king in Japan’s domestic market. Not quite a Harrier rival, but aimed above average. Smooth, graceful, and tastefully appointed, it attracted those wanting motoring presence without shouting. Today, it’s quietly gaining traction as a JDM import gem.

You want the VQ35DE. Full stop. The QR25DE 2.5L inline-four might sip fuel, but it strains when loaded and sounds buzzy beyond 4,000 rpm. The 3.5L V6, especially in the PNZ51 4WD layout, turns the Murano into a road trip machine. Refined, torque-rich, and effortlessly smooth—its 265 PS never feels overworked. Drop the pedal, and you get a muted growl followed by a seamless surge. The CVT? It’s the Achilles heel. Early belt wear or solenoid issues can cause shudders or lazy engagement. But well-maintained examples glide without fuss, especially those imported from Japan with verified history. Steering is feather-light, which is perfect in tight cities but numbs feedback at higher speed. The upside? You’ll never dread a school car park or a tight Tokyo side street. The suspension does lean into corners, but not alarmingly—it embraces a silky, body-friendly ride over harsh sportiness. This is comfort-first motoring. Think: silent cabin, soft-touch dash, supple seats, and minimal vibration, even at 120 km/h over brushed asphalt.

Here’s the insider trick: Japan didn’t beat these Muranos up. In the US, most Z51 Muranos were fleet-fodder with 2.5s and mystery-service histories. But in Japan, the high-spec PNZ51 350XV 4WD sold as a prestige SUV, often owned by detail-obsessed retirees or well-kept in temperature-controlled garages. That’s why the Japanese auctions are full of Auction Grade 4 or above units with low mileage and clean interiors. The trick to scoring the right one? Proper inspection. That’s where ZervTek comes in. We work directly with trusted auction houses and dealers across Japan. We’re not just looking at odometer rollbacks—we assess CVT condition, rear diff leaks, underbody rust, and interior wear. If you're serious about importing, get comfortable with the process. Start by learning how to read auction sheets. Or skip the steep learning curve and let us manage the minefield for you.

Technically? Yes—it seats five and swallows strollers. But calling the Murano a ‘family car’ is like calling an R32 GT-R ‘just a coupe’. The rear seats will easily accept two ISOFIX child seats, and the 438-liter boot handles strollers or airport runs. But the Murano isn’t built with boxy MPV logic—its swooped design eats into vertical boot space, and loading toddlers in tall strollers might require a creative fold. Yet, what it lacks in square-room practicality, it makes up with leather padding, serene ride comfort, and a vault-like cabin tone that’s perfect for sleeping passengers. The rear doors are wide and the ride height works beautifully for older drivers or tired parents doing late-night pickups. Call it a family cruiser, not a hauler. It’s Lexus RX-lite, Japanese-built, and often far better kept for the money than its domestic competition.

So what's the catch? Like any aging Japanese premium, there are a few things to sort before you call it problem-free. 1. CVT Pain Is Real — Every Nissan owner’s nightmare. Belt-cone wear or valve body issues are common by 100,000 km in neglected cars. But many JDM imports are under this mark, and with confirmed Japanese maintenance, remain strong. 2. Transfer Case Leaks on 4WD Models — Especially with the PNZ51’s 4WD setup. Look for rear diff seepage or howl. Get a pre-export inspection—or better yet, let ZervTek review it before bidding. 3. Steering Racks & Bushings — Z51s get vague up front before they wear out. If the steering feels especially floaty at motorway speeds, it could be time for fresh bushings or a rack check. Still, the VQ35DE engine is legendary. Keep fluids fresh, and it’ll outlive the body. And speaking of bodies: rust is minimal on Japan-stored specimens—we're talking showroom-clean undercarriages in dry-prefecture units. This is the kind of purchase where Japan’s climate + ZervTek's inspection = confidence.