Am I buying the right car? (Versa purchase)

[Zanna]

I am almost 100% set on buying a Versa. Here's my driving situation:

I have a long commute and drive about 125 miles most weekdays just to get to work and back. My current commuting vehicle is a Subaru Outback, with over 150K on it. I have no complaints about the Outback, but if I want to keep it available for bad weather (when it really shines) then I better get some other car for the daily commute.

The Outback is giving me between 22 and 23.5 mpg most of the time. I wanted to get a little econobox, but having test driven some of the other ones in this class, the Versa was hands down the quietest, the one that felt the most roomy and those factors are very important to me. I test drove a friend's Toyota and the engine/road noise would have made me completely insane if I had to listen ot it every day for 2.5 hours.

My only *must* have options for a Versa are ABS and cruise control, which means I have to get the power package too.

Almost everyone on this board seems to have either a CVT or a manual transmission. Is there something wrong iwth the regular 4-speed auto transmission?

Is there some dealer-only accessory that you really wish you had gotten on your Versa when you bought it?

Would you buy another Versa considering your experience with the current one?

Anything else I should know? I'm probably buying the car at a dealer who offered me one with 4-speed auto, cruise, ABS and the power package for $13.9K This sounds like a good price. Is it? Other dealers in the area were very close on the price point.

The car the dealer has offered comes with a rear spoiler, but he said he'd eat the cost of that, and also eat the Connecticut "documentation fee" Any reason I wouldn't want the spoiler? Does the price sound fair?

I've previously bought minivans and the Subaru, so this is by far the cheapest car I've ever wanted. However, suddenly I'm hankering after a CVT, and I don't know why - it gets maybe 1 mpg better, but I can't imagine the difference in price will ever be made up for by the tiny bit better mileatge.

Thoughts? Warnings

SuZanna

[IMHungry]

Almost everyone on this board seems to have either a CVT or a manual transmission. Is there something wrong iwth the regular 4-speed auto transmission?

Would you buy another Versa considering your experience with the current one?

My wife has a 4 speed and there's nothing wrong with it. In fact, part of me kind of prefers the older technology.

Having said that, I liked her car so much, I bought one for myself. (with cvt)

I actually work for a Nissan dealer and haven't met anyone who was disappointed with their Versa.

[kc5f]

I had put about 750,000 miles on manuals over the years, and my Versa was the first car I've owned that didn't have a manual transmission. With my long commute and most of it over 70mph, I didn't want to listen to the engine at the high rpm's of the manual compared to the CVT. And the smoothness and comfort don't hurt a bit, either!
Modified by kc5f at 12:13 PM 3/21/2008

[Knightro2]

I'm a techy so I'm always after the latest gadgets (when I can afford them). I have a 2008 V SL with bluetooth, spoiler, fog lights, and CVT. I wasn't there specifically to buy a car with CVT, but after I drove it I fell in love with it. It seems to be quieter on the road, plus when you have to accelerate on the highway to pass someone...the engine doesn't really downshift. It just revs up to where it needs to be to give you the power. It's really cool but takes a little while to get adjusted to. I've had mine V since last November and I still brace for the shift shock.

This too was my first econo car purchase. Before this I had an Xterra and other SUV's/Trucks before that. I was NOT excited about getting a car but needed to for gas mileage to save money. I am VERY happy with this little car. I call mine "Flying Fester" because the first week I had it I actually got it airborne over a hill I have down the street from me (I wasn't expecting to do that...it just kinda happened. )

All in all, compared to the other cars in it's class...I highly recommend the V. You won't be disappointed.

As far as the price, my sticker price was $18K. I honestly can't remember what I finally ended up paying for it because of the lease buyout on my overmileage Xterra but I know I got a good deal.

[srellim234]

I've had my Versa SL with CVT since last July and have a few observations.

Depending on your particular driving, the CVT may get you 3 -5 mpg better than the automatic and is really worth it for the comfort alone. The manual is delivering a little better mileage than the CVT.

You didn't say which Toyota you drove (I'm guessing it was the Yaris?). Despite what the car magazines try to convey, the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit are NOT the closest competitors to the Versa. My suggestion would be to look at the price of a Versa SL with CVT and the other options you want and go look at what you can get for the exact same price (give or take a few hundred dollars) in a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Scion Xd. You'll give up amenities with the others, but they're worth checking out in order to convince yourself which car is right for you. Plus, the Corolla and the Civic are delivering a little bit better mileage than the Versa in real-world reporting.

You're going to be sitting in the car a few hours a day. I just got back from a California to Florida trip and will tell you that the Versa SL upgraded seats were the most comfortable for a long drive that I've ever had in a small car. I've had a little more comfortable in big cars, but never a small one.

Hills and wind negatively affect the gas mileage in this car more than most because of its high profile. If your 125 miles is hilly and generally windy you may want to consider something with a lower profile.

The Versa is a good car. As your primary car for a few hours of highway driving every day it's a very good car. It is not a great gas mileage "city only" car.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend going with the CVT with the cruise control over the automatic. And check out those other cars, too.
Modified by srellim234 at 5:43 AM 3/21/2008

[caramilk]

There is so much that I love about my 2007 Versa but I have had problems.

1. One month after I purchased it at about 1650 KM I began to have starting problems. The car starts in safe mode frequently in cold weather. This means that the car runs but when I put my foot on the gas the engine does not rev. The car will not go faster than 20 km/hour. When I shut it off it will either start normally or will be difficult to start. I now have 33,000 km on the car and the persists even though the dealership has replaced the fuel injection system, a sensor and taken out the multfunction connector and packed the wires with dialectic oil before replacing it.

2. Occassionally the car's engine will race out of the blue and will rev higher than normal. This has happened while stopping, while climbing a small incline and while driving on straight roads. It seems to speed up. One time I thought I was going to hit the car infront of me when I was stopping.

3. Gas mileage isn't what is should be.

Cathy

[srellim234]

In my previous post I forgot to answer one of your questions: Would I buy another Versa based on my experience with this one?

No, I wouldn't. But, with a qualification. This car is not the high gas mileage commuter car for the stop and go, city driving of the Los Angeles area rush hours that it was represented to be. That was the primary reason we bought it. Knowing what I know now about the car, if I lived in the Midwest, the Florida panhandle, etc. where the car could be run at 45-65 without a lot of stop & go or traffic lights I definitely would consider buying the Versa again. It would probably not be my first choice, though.

[bucksnort]

If your commute is mainly freeway driving the 4 speed and CVT are pretty much a wash as the car is not shifting. Where the CVT would shine would be in urban driving, 40-50 mph boulevard, stop and go traffic. Is it worth the extra 1500K?There is a dealer in Philly that was selling what you wanted brand new on EBay for something like 13,400 w/fees. Think it was Ardmore Nissan or something.Might want to see if they'd match it apple to apple.

[Ever Victorious]

If your commute is mainly freeway driving the 4 speed and CVT are pretty much a wash as the car is not shifting. Where the CVT would shine would be in urban driving, 40-50 mph boulevard, stop and go traffic. Is it worth the extra 1500K?

Uhm, this is THEORETICALLY where the CVT is supposed to shine, but falls short. Stop-and-go driving has been more widely reported by CVT owners as being the bane of their fuel mileage, and long, moderate-speed cruising is where the CVT ACTUALLY shines.

So a long, cruising commute at 60-65 MPH would be right in its sweet spot. Stop and go is the worst for CVT mileage.

Zanna - part of the reason you "don't see many people with the 4-speed" is because many of us here like the creature comforts of the SL. And with the SL, you can only get the CVT or 6-speed.

[srellim234]

... And with the SL, you can only get the CVT or 6-speed.

EV, according to the Nissan website, the automatic is the ONLY transmission available on the 2008 Versa SL sedan. CVT or manual transmission are the only offerings on the 2008 Versa SL hatchback. I just went and tried to build a Versa at the Nissan website.

That's why I suggested rethinking his original purchase plans and comparing them to the Corolla or Civic sedan for the same price as the hatchback with CVT. Or, if he really wanted to switch from his original sedan purchase to the hatchback, comparing it to the Scion Xd. I think those are much fairer comparisons than the Yaris and the Fit.

[Vahagn23]

I got 4 speed auto and it seems fine to me lol. No problems at all. 13k sounds real good to me.

[revversa]

[QUOTE=srellim234]

EV, according to the Nissan website, the automatic is the ONLY transmission available on the 2008 Versa SL sedan. CVT or manual transmission are the only offerings on the 2008 Versa SL hatchback. I just went and tried to build a Versa at the Nissan website.

I have a 2008 SL Sedan with a CVT Trans.

[srellim234]

If the CVT is available on the sedan I wonder why the Nissan website doesn't indicate that.

[Ever Victorious]

If the CVT is available on the sedan I wonder why the Nissan website doesn't indicate that.

You're right, the CVT is the ONLY transmission choice on the '08 SL sedan. But I wasn't trying to say that a 6-speed was available on the SL sedan, but rather the 4-speed automatic is not available on ANY SL trim.

[OKVersa]

I own the CVT Hatch. I don't plan on ever having another car as long as Nissan keeps making them.

If you are on the road that much, you want comfort. This is more comfortable than any car I've ever owned or driven, including my brother's Expedition.

Most of our miles are road miles, and we drive between 65 and 70, and higher than that to pass. The last check we did, we got 33 MPH with our CVT and with four adult passengers on a long road trip. Interestingly enough, we get better gas mileage in the summer running the a/c than the winter running the heater. But then I tend to go out and warm it up so I don't have to get into a cold car

[srellim234]

I'll repeat my earlier post:

Building a Versa SL at the Nissan website only offers a four speed automatic transmission on the sedan. It does NOT offer the CVT on the SL sedan. Building an SL hatchback only offers the CVT and the manual transmissions, NOT the four speed automatic that is the only transmission offered at the site for the sedan.

From what you're telling me, the Nissan website is incorrect. Nissan should fix its website. How many potential SL sedan customers are not even going to the dealers because they believe the CVT is only available on the hatchback?

[frankoV]

Nissan's CDN web sire still suggests great gas mileage as well. They'll get it together sometime . . . maybe.

[KimberKenobi]

I recommend the SL if you want the interior to last longer, you like having map lights or someplace to store your sunglasses, and an arm rest/console.

If I had it to do over again, I would've gotten the fog lights added at signing (and no, I wouldn't trade this Camel in to get them... I'd just buy them XoP I'm really not THAT retawdid).

The 4-speed seemed sluggish to me when I test drove it... I like the quietness, smoothness, and efficiency of my CVT, but the manual is on par with it once you get used to it. The manual does rev higher at highway speeds. (as does the automatic. Where I was test driving, the auto seemed to struggle to make it up a hill in one of the neighbourhoods... that's not cool with me.)

You're gas mileage won't seem impressive for your first few months. Many of us on here get above 25 mpg. I'm currently getting a high 27 on a usual basis and the occasional 32.

This is my second Versa (I traded my last one because the aftermarket sunroof screwed up my headliner and was not in any way superior to the factory one... which is the BS I was sold when buying my first Versa) and I love it, want to keep it, and if something happened to it, I'd replace it with another Sapphire Blue Nissan Versa SL CVT with all the trimmings... why? Because that's how the Camel and I roll.

My problem with the factory spoiler: it would interfere with my bike rack. I'm still working on my spoiler problem.

[Zanna]

Depending on your particular driving, the CVT may get you 3 -5 mpg better than

Last year I tested Pontiac Vibe, which is basically a Toyota Matrix. Again, the problem was noise and general 'tinniness' if you know what I mean.

But some car sites say the redesigned 2009 Toyota Matrixes are out now and AWD is back as an option. The AWD Matrix gets about the same MPG as the Versa, so I probably should look at one. We get a lot of snow and ice, and it would be mighty nice to get a AWD car that also gets decent mileage. The Subarus are excellent winter cars, but you do pay a price for that extra traction.

Despite what the car magazines try to convey, the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit are NOT the closest competitors to the Versa. My suggestion would be to look at the price of a Versa SL with CVT and the other options you want and go look at what you can get for the exact same price (give or take a few hundred dollars) in a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Scion Xd. You'll give up amenities with the others, but they're worth checking out in order to convince yourself which car is right for you. Plus, the Corolla and the Civic are delivering a little bit better mileage than the Versa in real-world reporting.

Thank you for the suggestions. I haven't tried any Scions because they're all pretty noisy according to Consumer Reports. Ditto for the Civic. I realize this wouldn't bother a lot of people, but sitting in my car for 2+ hours a day, the engine and road noise would really get on my nerves. Everyone has their pet peeves, and the noise thing is one of mine.

Hills and wind negatively affect the gas mileage in this car more than most because of its high profile. If your 125 miles is hilly and generally windy you may want to consider something with a lower profile.

I like minivans and station wagon type vehicles. I really don't want a sedan. Although the next car is being bought primarily for commuting, it's inevitable that I will take dogs in it some of the time on the weekends. With big dogs, cargo space becomes important. Also, that's why I prefer a seat fabric that cleans easily.

Thanks to all for their input!

Zanna

[sooner4x4]

I have the S with the 4 speed auto and average 28.5 mpg. I have read through all of the posts concerning fuel economy and sorting through all of the numbers I would summarize that the CVT owners report getting approx 10% better mileage than the 4 speed auto. Of course there is a considerable range between both groups but the 10% number seems about right.

You do a lot of driving so a 10% savings in fuel (as prices near $4/gallon) could make the CVT cheaper in the long run.

[bucksnort]

For those thinking of picking up a Versa and wanting a good price:

Are you still interested to come in the dealership for the new 08 Nissan Versa Hatchback,

1. the new 08 Nissan Versa Hatchback , with power door, power locks,ABS, Power package, floor mats, splash guard etc... sticker price ( MSRP) $15 490. 00invoice $14 752. 00you pay $13 500. 00 + plus taxa special finance starting from 2.9% for 36 months and 3 .9% for 60 months

feel free to contact me Internet DepartmentThanks talk to you soon

Luc F Matthews

direct: 610-896-8999email: [email protected]

Ardmore Nissan265 E. Lancaster AveArdmore PA 19003

[Vice]

Hey Zanna, and welcome.

I was in a similar boat - I had a 2000 Outback that I drove to work (but 'only' 70 miles a day), got 26 MPG, and was a good car until the front wheel bearings, head gaskets and water pump all decided to crap out at once. I decided to forgo AWD for a replacement vehicle since it seldom snows here, but wanted plenty of room (I have a small vending business on the side, plus two Whippets that like to go bye-bye). Of course, more mileage is always better, to.

I was all prepared to get an S with a 6-speed because I'm cheap and prefer driving a stick, but my wife nixed the S interior once she saw the SL seats and amenities. I was still after a 6-speed, but checked out the mileage ratings are actually a bit better with the CVT. BUT - the kicker was the RPMs at highway speeds - 3200 at 65 for the stick, 2200 for the CVT - less noise, less wear, less fuel, plus the missus will be more inclined to drive it.

[Ever Victorious]

Except that in the real world, the estimates do not pan out. Despite the higher highway RPM's, 6-speed Versas average a couple MPG better than CVTs. This is more noticeable if you drive any stop-and-go at all, which totally kills the CVT's mileage.

And the sound deadening in the V is pretty good. I drive over 100 miles per day at work (50 round trip for commute, 50-120 per day for my routes) and the noise doesn't bug me one bit.

[feloniousmonk]

1. One month after I purchased it at about 1650 KM I began to have starting problems. The car starts in safe mode frequently in cold weather. This means that the car runs but when I put my foot on the gas the engine does not rev. The car will not go faster than 20 km/hour. When I shut it off it will either start normally or will be difficult to start. I now have 33,000 km on the car and the persists even though the dealership has replaced the fuel injection system, a sensor and taken out the multfunction connector and packed the wires with dialectic oil before replacing it.

Sounds more like a engine management (ECU) programming issue to me. Have they tried reprogramming the ECU?

Quote »2. Occassionally the car's engine will race out of the blue and will rev higher than normal. This has happened while stopping, while climbing a small incline and while driving on straight roads. It seems to speed up. One time I thought I was going to hit the car infront of me when I was stopping.[/quote]Same as above.

Quote »3. Gas mileage isn't what is should be.[/quote]That's why those numbers on the sticker are estimates. For any car, those numbers are never accurate. Fuel economy isn't universally constant. How you drive, where you drive and the quality of the fuel you run has A LOT to do with it.

[krissj2001]

My Versa 2008 S power package 4 speed automatic ,cruise ,ABS burns a lot of gas, city driving 20-23 mpg .,just add 2 miles more CVT or manual(22-25mpg)It isn't gas efficient car and it is much larger than Yaris and Fit .I think Versa is the same class with Civic ,Focus,Corolla,Sentra.A lot of people say that CVT is better than conventional automatic, but Honda Civic 5 speed regular automatic has almost the same MPG or better.