50-state emissions cars vs. "standard" cars

[Spa2k]

I am ready to pull the trigger on a Versa SL, but the only car my dealer can get me within a couple of weeks is one with the no-cost 50-state emissions "option." (This means the car is tuned differently and/or has special emissions hardware than cars sold in most states, so it can certified for California and "green states" such as Massachussets.) The car in question is the only one of many currently in transit to the dealer that has 50-state emissions.

In the past, 50-state certification has meant lower fuel economy and driveability problems, which I don't want to get into. (I'd rather get a different car.) I called Nissan to find out what the differences were between a 50-state car and a car being built for the rest of the country, and the folks there were absolutely no help at all.

So, does anyone know specifically what the differences are?

[Ever Victorious]

Thanks to much improved computer technology, CA emissions vehicles (which, BTW, are required in 7 states BESIDES California, and WA is soon to be yet another....), there are virtually no differences in the way the vehicles drive.

However, there are probably more emissions components that can fail on these cars. Eh... oh well, the price for cleaner air.

[Spa2k]

My Nissan dealer finally was able to find out today (via the internal Nissan computer network) that all Versas are 50-state cars, meaning that there are no variations for California or the "green" states. However, this isn't true for some four-cylinder Altimas and a couple of other Nissan models (primarily non-cars), so ask first before you buy an out-of-state car if you live in one of those states.

It's been great chatting with you all ...

[LibertyFarm]

My Nissan dealer finally was able to find out today (via the internal Nissan computer network) that all Versas are 50-state cars, meaning that there are no variations for California or the "green" states. However, this isn't true for some four-cylinder Altimas and a couple of other Nissan models (primarily non-cars), so ask first before you buy an out-of-state car if you live in one of those states.

I thought this was the case. My sticker says "ULEV" - Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

Joe