A shy lurker is buying a Versa This Sunday

[scifisupergal]

Hi, I plan on buying my Versa this Sunday as a birthday gift. Do you have any advice for me? Like what to look out for or what package to buy.

For months and in the streets , I've been eyeing the black.Thanks in advance

[ThirstyRoss]

Make sure you get one with ABS. The braking is rated less than stellar (to be polite) without it.

[Woogie]

Make sure you take a test drive. Not every car suits every person, even the Versa.

Arrange your financing in advance. If your credit is super, you might be able to qualify for the low rate offered by NIMC, but don't count on it. You don't want to be pressured into financing through the dealer at a higher rate than you otherwise could have gotten if you can't get credit from NIMC.

Do some shopping around and mental preparation. Dealing with car dealerships is no joke. There are some nice ones out there that want your business and want to build customer loyalty, but there are some real stinkers out there that just want to take your money.

A web site you should look into: http://www.carbuyingtips.com

Also, most bookstores have at least a couple of books on buying cars, most of which are pretty decent.

A few hours of research can save you a lot of money.

[scifisupergal]

I drove my co worker's Versa. I loved it. But I am more concern with the fact I am woman who knows little about cars. It can be a little intimidating. All my cars have been used and that didn't work out so great.

[scifisupergal]

That's one of my must haves. Thanks

[ThirstyRoss]

A web site you should look into: http://www.carbuyingtips.com

This site is a goldmine of information on buying cars.

EDIT: Also, if the dealer tries or pressure you or makes you uncomfortable in any way (at any point in the deal), get up and leave. Vote with your dollars.

Out of four Nissan dealerships I talked to here in Toronto, two of them gave me a bad vibe, the other two did not.

[Woogie]

Knowing about cars and knowing how to buy cars are two entirely different things. It doesn't matter if you can't tell a fuel pump from a crankshaft. Just reading into buying a car will make you feel more confident and the experience less confusing.

If you don't feel comfortable shopping alone, take someone along to back you up. In fact, it might be a good idea to take someone along anyway. When I was doing my test drives and such, my mom came along to distract the salesperson while I focused on the car.

Speaking of test drives, even if you drove your friend's car, still test drive the car you're interested in buying after you pick it out. At the risk of sounding cliche, every car has its own 'personality'. You want to make sure there are no rattles or funny noises. Sure, Nissan has to fix them, but why bother with a car that's not perfect? Plus there's always the possiblity that the car you're interested in got wrecked during a test drive or took a swan dive off the delivery truck and had to be repaired. Rare, but it happens.

At least look over the Car Buying Tips web page. If you can, buy a car buying book at the bookstore and take it with you for a refresher when at the dealership. At least that way they'll know you're an educated buyer and won't be so quick to try and pull something.

[scifisupergal]

Thanks everyone,

Woogie, great advice. I have convinced a friend to do a test drive with me. I 'll follow up after Sunday.

[scifisupergal]

I think all women should spend their birthday buying a car and shoes.

I purchased the Versa SL in Black fully loaded. I think I'm in love. The test drive was smooth. I pick it up next saturday. The process was comfortable, however I think I may be paying a bit more than the rest of you. I'll post pics later.

[Ever Victorious]

1) congrats! How much did you pay for it, before taxes and license?

2) shoes, huh? Do they match the car?

3) why so long for delivery?

[scifisupergal]

Hey Ever Vic,

I paid appx 17,830 before taxes and 19,487 after with everything. This is for the SL with CVT convenience pack,audo pack moonroof, mats, kick plates, slash guards and Sirus Radio. My friend ended up being just moral support. He new less than me lol.

The shoes are actually throwback black adidas with pink stripes. Yes they match.

The sales manager is on vacation and is returning Monday. I can't meet him until Friday. And will pick it up Sat. Hope this wasn't too much info.

By the way, Will he try to convince me on an extended warranty?

[AZhitman]

Welcome!

Glad to have you here...

Tell him to pound sand if he presses the issue on warranty. We can help you out there, and you don't need it yet anyway.

More later!

[Woogie]

Doesn't sound like too bad of a price on the 07s. Is that with or without the rebate?

[skwerl]

I totally buy clothing to match my car. Must be a chick thing I guess.

[Ever Victorious]

Hey Ever Vic,

I paid appx 17,830 before taxes and 19,487 after with everything. This is for the SL with CVT convenience pack,audo pack moonroof, mats, kick plates, slash guards and Sirus Radio. My friend ended up being just moral support. He new less than me lol.

This includes ABS, yes? As it was on your list of must-haves?

If so, you got a pretty decent deal. Not a screaming deal, but certainly not bad either. MSRP is $18,680 on that car, and invoice is $17,755. Assuming the $17.8k is post-rebate, you managed to get 350 off of MSRP.

[EdKrull]

If you want the extended warranty, don't forget you can haggle on that as well. They tried to sell me a 6/72 for $1650 (don't talk payment, talk actual price), and then a 5/60 for $1100 when I balked at the first. I fought a bit more and ended up getting the 5/60 for $850 (mostly becuase I wanted a loaner car if I ever had a problem). It also isn't a bad idea to have a calculator that can calculate payments to make sure you aren't buying anything else...

[scifisupergal]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the responses. Woogie , unfortunately I didn't get the ABS with my car Well see how that works out. And I did get the extended warranty for 780, what can I say I fell for it. At least I won't buy any bridges anytime soon.

So I picked up my versa this morning. Here are some pics

http://i203.photobucket.com/al...e.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/al...1.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/al...7.jpg

[BBISHOPPCM]

Congrats on the new Versa! I see you got the stone guards, a definite must-have (to protect the paint). I love how these look in black; very sharp.

[KimberKenobi]

owow!! Black V!!

I hope you are ecstatic with your new car!!