Buying A VERSA...??? You MUST READ THIS.

[WeirdFishes]

I feel compelled to inform any potential customers who are looking to buy a brand new Versa. I got an incredible deal, and SO CAN YOU. God, I sound like an infomercial. But seriously, folks. If you're buying a Versa, take my advice.

There's a factory rebate on all 2010 Versas for $1,250.00. For how little the Versa costs, this is a big chunk of a rebate.

I use the MSRP as a starting point, and that's it. If you're in the market for a Versa, you're good to go. The Versa is nowhere near as desirable as a Honda Fit. I'm not saying that the Fit is superior to the Versa, but it's just a simple fact. Fits are high in demand and Honda will not hook up a deal. It's just the nature of the market. This is based on my previous attempts to negotiate a rock bottom price for a Fit.

In any case, they won't mention the rebate to you if you don't mention it. MENTION IT. And then negotiate SOME MORE. My car stickered for $15,065.00. I told them I wouldn't pay a penny over $12,500.00 (thinking back, I should have gunned for $12,000.00). They came back with $13,500.00 and I thanked them for their time. Then they agreed to do it for $12,500.00. You have the option to walk at anytime (pre officializing the purchase with your John Hancock, of course), but many people get too intimidated to walk.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO WALK.

Basically, follow these three steps:

1. Know the rebates. This includes graduation discount, military discount, etc., etc..

2. Subtract all rebates from the MSRP and go even lower. Throw out the lowest number. This number should be BELOW a reasonable offer. Worst case scenario is they say no.

3. Prepare to walk. This is your ultimate advantage. Car dealerships NEED you. You don't need them. You command the terms, with certain limitations, of course.

4. Comb through ALL THE NUMBERS. They'll try to stick a pen in your face and get you to sign as quickly as possible. The finance guy tried to push 8% APR on me. I told him I was walking. Next thing I knew, he "discovered," at 8:30 at night no less, that there was a bank willing to go 3.89%. ::: handjerk motion ::: He tried to play me. I didn't let him. So I got the 3.89% instead of 8%.

Well, that's all.

Good luck buying!!!

[WeirdFishes]

One more thing:

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER --- LIKE EVER -- let them know that you're in love with the vehicle.

In fact, it's always wise to say that your first preference is another car (not another Nissan, obviously). So if you're shopping for a Versa, tell them upfront (before the test drive is an awesome time) that you've already driven the Fit and Yaris, and that you LOVED the Fit, and hated the Yaris (for the sake of realism), and now you're just doing research on the Versa.

Even if you LOVE the car, say this:

"I like the Versa, but I'm not IN LOVE with it. I'm gonna have to think about this and drive the Fit again."

This sounds the alarm for the salesman to get the sales manager to keep you from walking.

[Promise Land]

I can do employee pricing on a Versa until March 31st. No haggling needed. But your advice is great for anyone looking.

[aidan80]

Thanks again for that!

I'll say this for employee pricing.. I walked in and drove off the lot 2 hours later in a brand new 2009 Versa S, Manual Hatchback. Exactly the car I wanted and no I never told the sales people that but.. all in I paid $13,500 out the door that's exactly what I owe the bank. Sticker for the car I wanted was in the region of $12,900.

Ok I didn't get the power option which I did want but we're talking about a brand new car with the plastic still on it! lol Excellent car, beautiful just cursing in the 6th gear at 50 - 60 even on the interstate going near 80 it was rock solid. All in all I'd do it again in a hearbeat!

[kc5f]

NEVER... let them know that you're in love with the vehicle.

Probably didn't help me that the last two times we bought a Versa we drove into the dealership in another Versa!

[sarguy01]

I called the salesman on a Friday night. My car was 10,900 on sale the next day. I didn't pay 10,900...

1.8L 6mt with no-power.