4 spd. auto vs. CVT

[br4dysays]

4 spd auto here

never any problems, seems smooth enough for me!

always avg between 31-33mpg with a mix of driving so no complaints in that department

[kc5f]

I think Kc5f has more than 80k miles.

Quite so - about 81.5k now and i'm quite happy with it. Should hit 100k around the end of July.

[Red Devil]

There are different types of CVT's. The Versa uses a pulley based CVT. There are 2 pulleys, one connected to the output shaft of the engine, one to the input for the front wheels. They are connected via a metal belt made up of a bunch of tiny, high strength teeth connected via metal bands.

The pulley's move in relation to one another. The output shaft would widen and the input would tighten, e.t.c. That's how it can always find the right "gear". That's the big draw of a CVT, it always lets the engine operate at it's peak efficiency. This, technically allows for better economy/efficiency.

[BBISHOPPCM]

Another vote for the Jatco-built CVT. I love mine! I'll never drive anything else. Expect about 500 miles of "break-in" and "getting used to" the unique shift and take-off characteristics.

[blockmachining]

The CVT is positively the transmission of the future. There is no shift shock, virtually no noise/vibration, no hunting for gears when needing to downshift or upshift as in a regular automatic transmission. This transmission helps to make the Versa a great car. Spend the extra money for the CVT and enjoy a truly remarkable car.

[feloniousmonk]

CVT is better like others have mentioned, but don't stretch yourself too thin just to get it. Either transmission will get you from A to B just the same. I would definitely go for the hatch instead of the sedan. In fact, I wouldn't even give the sedan a second's consideration. The visual proportions of the hatch is better, and it's a far more practical hauler than the sedan. Resale, if that day ever comes, will be easier with the hatchback as they are more popular. Not much demand for the sedans. Most Versas sold are hatchbacks.

I'm a lead foot because of my other car and i'm getting about 25 mpg average with my Versa (auto) with 98% of driving on city streets, lots of short trips too. If I was easier on the gas pedal, I can probably get more easily.

[feloniousmonk]

CVT is better like others have mentioned, but don't stretch yourself too thin just to get it. Either transmission will get you from A to B just the same. I would definitely go for the hatch instead of the sedan. In fact, I wouldn't even give the sedan a second's consideration. The visual proportions of the hatch is better, and it's a far more practical hauler than the sedan. Resale, if that day ever comes, will be easier with the hatchback as they are more popular. Not much demand for the sedans. Most Versas sold are hatchbacks.

I'm a lead-foot because of my other car and I'm getting about 25 mpg with my auto Versa.

[VersaMG08]

I do a alot of suburb driving, not much freeway and I average about 25 MPG with CVT. Not the best but I could be getting better. I tend to have a lead foot because some people that drive here are SLOW by driving below the speed limit at times!

[vicsmo]

I have an 07 Versa SL Hatch CVT. it gave me 35mpg in a constant drive and PR is a stop and go driving situation, but ever since i took out the resonator and left it stock exhaust, on i feel like gas is water on a hot day...NOw i dont really know if thats the cause but after 18,000 miles its running at `~32mpgs besides that it runs great!

[Mubbly]

I have a 4sp auto and I regret not going with the CVT. Low MPG and poor hill performance. High revs to maintain 60mph up a hill make me sweat.

[iluvmyVersa08]

I have the CVT and its awesome, much better than the regular 4 speed auto I used to drive. It's smooth, and is quite powerful. I don't think I'll ever want a regular automatic in the future, I like the ride of a CVT much better !!!