Before buying a Versa

[dr.moreau]

Looking at a 2008 Versa Hatchback 1.8s

What are the common problems to look for?

How reliable are these cars?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks.

[roboturner]

I cannot speak for everyone but my 1.8S has been dead reliable over 2 years/30,000 miles.

Common issues are the fuel pump regulator, squeaky seats and easily lost wheel covers. I've had all 3 but neither was really a big problem for me. Even the fuel pump thing was just more an annoyance than a real problem, and there has been a TSB out on that for some time so it's an easily correctable thing.

I love my car as much as I did when it was brand new. I enjoy the uniqueness of it. There aren't a lot of cars aren't there that have the same combination of qualities that the Versa has.

[aidan80]

I've got a 2009 1.8S bare-bones and not had any issues at all with it over the past year and a half. I've typically get around 32mpg driving mostly city into work everyday. I've been very happy with it, so much so I wish finances (at the time) had allowed for an SL. Actually I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm tempted to trade up or into an SL if for anything the power doors/locks and the interior additions.

[JHR16DE]

I've got a 2010 1.6 sedan, which is the cheapest(well 2nd cheapest) Versa out there. I've had her for a little over a year and she's been great. Great MPG and handles the road like a Beemer(BMW), no rattling or shaking.

[kc5f]

We've got three SL's - two 2007's and a 2008. 250k miles among them, and no problems to speak of. If they sold it in yellow, my wife would have one, too!

[sooner4x4]

You don't hear about a lot of problems with them. My 2007 S sedan has been reliable (45,000 miles). The only issue was the steering column assembly that had to be replaced under warranty. A few Versas have had this problem as reported on this forum, the symptom to look for is a clunking sound when making a slow sharp right turn like in a parking lot. Lost the wheel covers a couple of years ago, and replaced with some inexpensive ones from Pep Boys that have stayed on and look no worse than the Nissan ones.

The fuel filler door release has had a few problems when the cable becomes unattached at the lever under the dash, on my car.

Basic maintenace is easy if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Air filters (engine and cabin) are very easy to replace. Oil changes are pretty easy. Simple drain and fill on transmission (auto 4).

Gas mileage on mine has been disappointing (around 24 mpg). If you plan on doing a lot of higher speed highway cruising, the gearing isn't so great, revs high at highway speed with the automatic 4-speed. I view the Versa as more of an around town kind of car. My daughter is the principal driver of the V and she loves it.