Buying a New Versa

[Zadkiel]

Like the title says. I'm looking into buying a new versa. Just wondering what your experiences are and what to expect.

[jfanaselle]

I love mine!

Just do your research and make sure you're buying for the right reasons. Alot of people are disappointed with the fuel economy after purchasing (you can even look at some very recent threads on this forum to see). However, I feel that for the price, you're not going to find a more comfortable and spacious car. I drive 140 miles a day at least 5 days a week, and I couldn't be happier with the way this car commutes.

Just expect about 25 mpg in the city and 28-32 on the hwy even if you drive conservatively.

[Knightro2]

I love my Versa. It sucks that all the girls says it's a "neat" or "cute" car. But what mine lacks in manlyness makes up for in gadgets. I traded my '04 Xterra in for a '08 Versa back in November for better gas mileage. I have a Silver SL with spoiler, CVT, Mag Wheels, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth, and Intellikey system. I've only come across only 1 issue that I just made an appointment for today. For some reason when I turn right into parking spots I feel a knocking in my steering wheel. I think it is a small issue but we'll see.

I would definately recommend this car. If you're looking for the 5 door it has tons of room. I'm the IT Project Manager for the company I work for and I have to haul around a bunch of equipment all the time. I was able to fit 23 boxed 15" LCD monitors in my car with room to spare.

[Ever Victorious]

To add to that, fuel economy varies by transmission. More so in the Versa than any other car. The automatics get lower fuel mileage than the 6-speed.

If you want cheap and don't want to drive a stick, get an S auto.If you want the smoothest ride in the class (no shift shock), get an SL CVT.If you want the best economy in a Versa, get a 6-speed.

It's got more space and creature comforts than any other car in its class, and usually more than the next class up. You have to go all the way to a mid-size (at around $22k+) to get the same space and amenities.

[Vahagn23]

Great car, love it, a little noisy from the dashboard when on bumps, annd also not the best suspensions, isnt really that smooth, but its all good

[jfanaselle]

You might also want to check out this:

http://www.nissanversa.org/buy-faq.shtml

[Diznum]

Got mine 3 weeks ago so far so good, the CVT is amazing! power is really good, but it handles like a pig! and I can't stand the front seats. These issues will be addressed with a pair of Corbeaus and I need 18"s or 19"s wheels if I can get them, also lowering springs are on the way. I'm trying to get better headlights: projectors but just can't find them even for an unreasonable price! I will most likely make my own. But overall: Great value that arguably can't be beat.

[Great White Versa]

I really like my V. For a while, however, I was somewhat disappointed with the performance, but after putting in a Cold-Air Intake and a strut bar, it is much more fun to drive.

When I first got the car I was using it to make deliveries. I could fit just about as much of the junk that we sold as the other guy who had a PT cruiser.

After about 18 months of ownership, my only regret is that I didn't spend the extra to get the SL. I would really like the bluetooth phone implementation, the steering wheel controls and the i-Key. Mostly I wish that I had the i-Key.

[kc5f]

As I've said before on various threads, I love my Versa! jfanaselle may catch up with me on miles, but I've put a few on mine and like it just as much now as 17 months ago when I bought it.

I agree with Great White - I wish I'd gotten the convenience package, too, and my daughter gives me a hard time every time I see her about how much better her Versa is than mine because of that...

Yes, I'm sure I would have gotten better mileage with the 6-speed, but with as much 70+ mph driving as I do, I'd hate to be listening to the engine running so much faster than it does with the CVT. And after about 750,000 miles of driving sticks, I figured it was time to pamper myself with the added smoothness and quiet.

[corpsecorps]

Check out the Safety stuff!It is the Safest in its class!

However, you MUST get the ABS, or the braking is Dangerous.

I love it, Get the 6spd if you want the best Mileage.

[KimberKenobi]

However, you MUST get the ABS, or the braking is Dangerous.

I just want to note that we're not all in agreement on this. I've never been put in a 'dangerous' situation while panic breaking in the Camel. I don't have ABS. Some people have experienced their rearend fishtailing during panic stops, but I haven't had that problem. (Just to offer a different opinion.)

[corpsecorps]

Sorry kimmy,Its not about just Fishtail, its all about distance it takes to Stop!

The ABS stops you about twenty feet shorter 60mph - 0 - On dry pavementReg - 156ftABS - 136ft (Motortrend mag)

Even at 136ft it wins no prizes!

And No, Dont tell me you Experienced guys can out perform ABS!

[Zadkiel]

Good thing I aint buying it as a performance vehicle.

[frankoV]

The ABS stops you about twenty feet shorter 60mph - 0 - On dry pavement

Um . . . I've never had the ABS kick in on dry pavement! But it has annoyingly done so on ice (as if I can't pump the brakes and drive straight at the same time). But I still wouldn't buy a car without 'em.

[Vahagn23]

However, you MUST get the ABS, or the braking is Dangerous.

Not at all, I dont have ABS and it snowed here yestrday first snow, so I tested the car hit the gas real hard it started skidding and all that, then I went up to 30 and hit the breaks without ABS it did slide but went straight and stopped normally, all you got to do is tap the breaks

[br4dysays]

another one here with no problems and no ABS

and im not sure how ppl get such bad mileage, i do a great mix of city/hwy, id say about 60% city/40% hwy and ive never avg.'d less than 31mpg a tank. usually 32-33.

must have lead foots?

[dalversajock]

Ok, stop with the ABS debate. This person wants to know how we like our car purchase. I purchased mine a year ago when the head gasket in my 2001 Xterra SE blew which would cost me $27000. Because I've been a loyal customer for years at my dealership (took my X there for all of its servicing, etc.) I went back to the original sales person who sold my X to me and told him that I'd like to trade my X for a gas saver. He introduced me to the Sentra which are cool BUT I kept looking at the Versa in the lot. They had 10 in lot with a few more out back in stock- they still had their papers, etc. on the cars so they were fresh off the boat I guess. Anyway, I test drove the Versa S Automatic first. It was a good drive but it didn't make me go WOW. I didn't like the fabric that was used for the seats because they felt like velvet and that it made your clothes cling to it. Although it was a good drive I still wasn't convinced. Then I looked at a Sentra but right next to it was an Onyx Blue Versa Sl. I asked my salesman about the SL and he told me to take a test drive and find out for myself. WOW! Talk about a big difference between the Versa S!

The Versa SL was great! It was the only one on the lot that had everything- and I mean everything! It has a sunroof, technology package, upgrade stereo with the Rockford subwoofer, bluetooth, floor mats, spoiler, CVT, etc. The materials used for the interior is of great quality- soft memory foam padding in the arm rest and center console and the sport seats has better fabric that is durable and of good high quality. When I took it out for the test drive it drove like a gem. Very smooth, handled great, and I even tested the CVT by breaking then accelerating to see how the CVT performed. I did a tight U turn to check the turning radius, etc. Once I returned to the dealership, I was ready to deal and was happy with what they offered because of the fact that I've been a repeat customer and have turned 5 friends on to Nissan cars back when I bought my X. Over the years, I developed a good relationship with the mechanic and service guy that worked on the old X. I also kept in touch with the saleman who sold my X over the years because I knew I would come back to this dealership for good service. The manager knew who I was and he didn't blink an eyelash when I told him how much I wanted the Versa SL. I was happy get the car for $16,000 and this car usually would go for $18,000.

My advice to you is take your time when purchasing your car. Also, if this is your first Nissan purchase, get to know the people at the dealership. Because we are living in tight economical times, Nissan puts the customer first and listens to what their needs are. They really listened to what customers wanted during their market research when creating this vehicle. Do your homework by reading up on the car you want. Don't go for the first price they throw at you- feel free to walk out the door and tell them to give you a call when they are ready to deal. I was lucky that I didn't have to go to that extreme. And keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you want the best fuel economy, get the manual, if not get the CVT- much more fun to drive. Compare the Versa SL to the following cars in its class: Honda Fit, Kia, Suzuki, Toyota. You'll find that the Versa SL has all the extras and for a good price. Heck, people are dishing out $30,000 on up just to get a car that has bluetooth!

In closing, the Versa SL doesn't feel like a small car- it feels like a midsize car with the luxuries of bluetooth and a good stock stereo with subwoofer. Nissan took their time in getting this car on the US market with the help of European car manufacturer- Renault. In Japan its called the Tilda and considered a luxury small car. In the US, its a fun car to drive, economical and extremely comfortable to drive. Good luck and I hope this convinces you that the Versa S or SL is the car for you.

[Knightro2]

LOL, well I don't know if it was "right off the boat". Mine was made in Mexico so I guess mine was packed in with probably 10 other V's running across the border.

I'm in the same boat (no pun intended). I traded my 2004 Xterra in for a gas saver. My X was my 4th car and first one that I never had any major problems with. The only thing was I had to get the head unit replaced because it was shorting out but that took all of 10 minutes and covered under warranty. I'm sold on Nissan for quality.

I agree that there is a big leap in the SL from the S and below Versa's. I was looking at the Sentra as well but never really liked it. It feels like the Versa (5 door) has alot more interior room. I drive with my seat pushed all the way back and people can still ride comfortably behind me. Plus, the extra options you can get are awesome. I love the CVT and iKey. It took me about 2 months to get use to not having shiftshock. When I'd accelerate and didn't feel it shift, I'd keep looking down at my shifter to make sure I wasn't in low gear. heh heh.

Not to rekindle the ABS thing, but I don't have ABS and have been in a few possible rear end collisions (I live in Tampa where you barely get up to 40 before having to slam on your brakes and stop in traffic) and never had any squirrliness. My only complaint about the V is that it is a really light car so you'll be blown around on the road in high winds. But it is something you can adjust to after a little while.

[Ever Victorious]

Too late, you rekindled the ABS debate!

I've owned both an ABS and non-ABS Versa. As much as I loved the convenience package on #1, I chose ABS on #2 instead because I had SEVERAL situations where the brakes fishtailed on me during panic or near panic braking.

Now, by contrast to Knightro2 who says he can't get above 40 in his neighborhood without needing to slow down, our freeways frequently run at 60+ in sections, even during rush hour. (In sections, Kimber... not the sections YOU ran through when you were here, unfortunately.) Panic stopping in my non-ABS Versa from 60, even on dry pavement, was an exercise in pants-crapping. Panic stopping in the ABS Versa is fine, the car keeps perfectly straight.

Oh, and as a note on the weight vs. winds comment... It's not so much that the Versa weighs so "little"... it's the heavest in its class. The problem is that it has so much side surface area, it's like driving a sail with tires. However, I have noticed since I got the fatter tires that the amount the wind blows me around is MUCH less than before.

[mahout]

Having both a Versa SL and Fit Sport let me offer the differences: The Versa has more room, more interior colors, and has better amenities (like 6 disc CD vs single, many pockets and folders not on Fit), and equal MPG as the Fit shifts more often in my hilly coutryside but the FIT is much better driver. (the Versa is like a Buick, the Fit like a Corvette). The Fit has ABS standard the Versa is optionalThere's little difference in performance unless the road gets twisty. According to my stopwatch the Versa is a trifle faster 60 to 100 and has couple of mph more top speed, like 109 vs 107. (yes I go to the track). But lap times go to the Fit brcause of handling and cornering. But only by a fraction.I suspect the Fit has better trade-in value for the future.PS I use the Versa for people transport, my Fit for me.And the aftermarket is much better for Fit than Versa.

[Ever Victorious]

Any performance differences between the two vehicles are going to be minimal. Since you use your Fit as your "sport" car, and you're probably less familiar with the extremities of your Versa's handling than with your Fit's, I'd be more inclined to have someone who drives a Versa and nothing but a Versa hunt you down on the same course while you're driving your Fit on it. I'll bet you'll be shocked at how parallel the performance is.

But, last time I checked, local Honda dealers are still not negotiating down from their marked-up stickers, whereas you can usually get a Versa for less than MSRP, all the way down to close to invoice.

[KimberKenobi]

Sorry kimmy,Its not about just Fishtail, its all about distance it takes to Stop!

I'm only going to ask this nicely once, Don't call me that again. I went by Kimmi until I was old enough to express myself and decide to be called Kimber. Everybody has issues, one of my issues is having other people decide what I should be called. Please respect my wishes in this matter.

Also, my fishtail comment was because that is EV's biggest bark about the ABS. In my mind, it's not all about distance, it's all about maneuverability and maintaining control while breaking. We all have our own preferences, I wanted to offer mine up because not everybody prefers ABS and not everybody has the same preferences/problems while breaking.

I never said that the difference between ABS and non-ABS was fishtail, I just noted my comments on a problem that has been cited with non-ABS breaks.

[Zadkiel]

This'll be my 2nd Nissan purchase. My first was a 1990 240SX w/t an SR20DET swap. I guess I "grew out" of the whole tuner car thing. I'm ready for a car that doesnt make you pay for every lil bump, althought I will miss my 240 a lot.

[alonsorules8]

this whole debate on Abs and non -ABS Versa's will be over in 2009 with all Versa's coming with std ABS.

[KimberKenobi]

Yea... and one day your car will decide when you brake, if you're following too closely, if you're making a mistake, and when it needs to take control away from you...

*shiver*

Oh, and everything will be automated and we won't be driving to work anyway... It'll be a surrealist futuristic vision... and I'll be living on Isle Royale with the moose and wolves... provided that global warming hasn't killed them... Wow... I originally meant that to be kinda funny... but now that I see it on the screen, it's actually kinda depressing... Sorry, everybody!

[Zadkiel]

Are we done with the ABS thing? I just wanted to know if people were happy with their cars and what they liked about it.

[alonsorules8]

Yes I'm over the ABS thing.

I love my Versa SL and think it was the best decision I've ever made. I get excellent gas mileage averaging 31.5 mpg with the CVT trans and love the comfort of the seats and clean look of the interior.

P.S. The sports pkg. is a must IMO, giving you factory fog lights and a cool looking rear spoiler.

[frankoV]

My big regret: being cheap and not investing another $2,500 to upgrade to the convenience and sport packages. Of course, part of the reason was that I had no use (I think) for Bluetooth, and didn't want a sunroof -- which ya gotta have in order to have the sport sills and fog lights. But on reflection I could have dealt with them. [and yup, the packages/options are different in Canada than the States].

If you are going to buy (and I have no complaints at all, really) go for the gusto!

[Knightro2]

I have fog lamps and no sunroof. I do have the bluetooth though. The only thing I didn't get that I was wanting were the kickplates which add a nice feature look.

[corpsecorps]

I'm only going to ask this nicely once, Don't call me that again. I went by Kimmi until I was old enough to express myself and decide to be called Kimber. Everybody has issues, one of my issues is having other people decide what I should be called. Please respect my wishes in this matter.

You know Kim...........ber,I feel the same way about my pen15, you have disparaged it and I am upset. (Everybody has issues)Please remove the Negative pen15 Avatar comment and you will never be "Kimmy" again!

PS. No Cultures can be found on mine!