Better to go for ABS???

[tishpit]

I am looking at (and VERY tempted by) a left-over 2008 Versa S sedan that the dealer is eager to move. It has most of the options I want, but no ABS. I know ABS gives an insurance discount and adds safety. I will be using the car for work, driving about 2,000 miles/month in mostly urban setting (stop and go traffic and some interstate). I live in SW Florida were rains make the roads slick. I'm also comparing to a new Yaris that comes standard with ABS, but the dealers are charging $1500 mark-up. I have not been able to find a 2008 Versa with the ABS in my area and the 2009's would cost more since there is less incentive to work with price. Is the ABS really worth holding out for? How is the braking with the standard brakes, especially on wet roads?

[Samyo]

ABS is a great option. Not sure how old you are, but I'm 18, and my Versa having ABS saves me hundreds a year on insurance. I had a 240sx with liabilty, no airbags, ABS, and it cost me more than my new Versa with full insurance. I would try to get it, but if the price is right on this car you are looking at, go get it. Just make sure you get what you want, ABS won't make or break it. The option is only $250, IIRC.

[Knightro2]

I'm up in St. Pete and drive 100 miles roundtrip each day to Lakeland for work. I have an '08 V SL with no ABS and have had it since last November. I haven't been in a position yet to lock my wheels up. I was surprised to find out mine didn't come with ABS. Not a feature I always look for because most of the time it is standard on cars (atleast the ones I've purchased). It's all about your driving habits. I would like to have had ABS but I'm finding that I can live without it.

[XFreeRollerX]

I was told my car had ABS when I purchased it

Being a daily commuter to school and work and an enthusiastic driver, Ive pushed my car past its abilities

My first time I found out I did not have ABS, i was appauled and rather upset as I spun out to a stop at a red light.. All 4 tires locked up on a rainy day while avoiding some moron who ran a stop sign...

Ive driven a car with ABS and when you panic, it helps to have ABS... especially when its only a fraction of a second needed to throw your car into peril. I have tried to train myself not to lock the tires, but it is pretty difficult at times.

[aleckz]

I haven't got ABS, but my insurance is still cheap, almost as cheap as my 91' Civic SI with only liability. (58 dpm V/42 dpm SI)

[tama48]

I don't have ABS. I think it is great to have but I haven't had any occasion yet that I couldn't handle myself. I just adjust my driving habits accordingly. I know I don't have ABS so I take things a little slower especially in bad weather. I have one of the first out 2007 Versa SL I bought in July 2006.

[Visaversa]

After having ABS on the last four vehicles I've owned, I don't think I'd feel comfortable without it. I had to commute in downtown Washington DC and can remember having relied on my ABS equiped cars on several occasions that saved my ***. I wish Nissan could have made it standard because it really sucks to find out you don't in a panic situation.

[Samyo]

$200 dpm insurance on the Versa here . Sucks being 18.

[sooner4x4]

A year or so ago, a magazine (Consumer's Reports?) tested a Versa with and without ABS. The difference in stopping distance between the two was significant. The ABS Versa had a much shorter stopping distance from 60 mph.

The ABS option for the Versa is only $250. In the interest of safety it would make a lot of sense if car companies would just up the price $250 on a car and make ABS standard on those models that it isn't a standard feature. Most people spend more than that on a stereo for their car.

It doesn't matter how or where you drive, eventually every driver will face a panic stop situation. When it happens, adrenaline takes over and any driver will slam on the brake pedal. Without ABS - the tires lock up and you have skid, longer stopping distance and lack of control. With ABS, the driver still has control of the vehicle. It is not worth giving that up that incredible safety feature for $250.

[keanucosmo]

Even with ABS the brakes on a Versa suck. So much so that after totaling my 07, ABS was off of my must have list for my 08. I just leave a little more room.