HELP! looking to buy Versa hatch, 1.8L 6speed

[garrettxowens]

Been a while, own a 03 Pathfinder that was totaled the other day due to a young girl (16) pulling out in front of me.

So, due to my driving, I am considering buying something MUCH more economical with gas, and the Versa hatchbacks are one of my top picks (as well as Honda Fit).

I THINK I found a Versa that will be really good
2012 Silver, 40k miles on it, dealer is asking 10k for it
its a one owner car about 90 miles from me

I MIGHT be going to look at it on Monday
What to look for?

Any and all advice is sincerely appreciated
Ultimately I am wanting this to commute (about 450m a week to go to school, not counting a little more to get to my job or out with friends).
I am looking for a stock unit or BARELY modified version
CC, power doors/locks are a must

One Im looking at has the steel wheels - if I can get an aftermarket wheel that is lighter for not TOO much money, I would go with that as it would assist in better MPG

I also have questions about mods: can you add maplights (one up in front of front seats) to a car that doesnt have them? I really like those and many Versa that im seeing dont have it?
What about the factory armrest - hard to find used? Expensive to add? I like the comfort of an armrest and the fact that it adds some storage.
On the new ones there is a false-floor thing that you can buy from Nissan - was this offered on the 2012 versions? Anyway to get one of these, cause they seem pretty neat.

Sorry for long post, just so many questions and I have to buy a car in the next week cause her insurance company wont pay for the rental after Thursday.

Thanks a ton, seriously

[biggie]

Like the one you sent me. Just make sure you like the interior options. And maybe talk them down and thrown in some oem wheels possibly.

[garrettxowens]

Like the one you sent me. Just make sure you like the interior options. And maybe talk them down and thrown in some oem wheels possibly.

what do you mean by "interior options"?

I know this one has power locks and windows, as well as CC, which is a must since I am driving so much on the highway
It doesnt have a sunroof, and I like the sunroof on my Pathfinder...but really dont use it that much and not finding many Versas with a sunroof.
The only thing that I dont think that this has that I want, and Im curious if I can adapt onto it, is a maplight overhead in FRONT of the front seats by the rearview.
And an armrest, but I can find one in a junkyard or something I am sure.

Im definitely talking them down from 10k, I'll be danged if Im driving to Boone (90 mi~ each way) TWICE and paying that much. Plus I dont want to spend that amount.

Feels odd, you had a pathfinder...then I had/have a pathfinder
You went from pathfinder to Versa...I might be going from Pathfinder to Versa.
Now if I go and get a G35 later on, well then it'll get weird.

Youre a good dude Chad, thanks for your time (and future time) helping me out.

[biggie]

Yeah radio and stuff is what I'm talking about. And that armrest a map lights if you can get them.

Mine is fully loaded with the sub and everything. It made it much more enjoyable.

[garrettxowens]

Yeah radio and stuff is what I'm talking about. And that armrest a map lights if you can get them.

Mine is fully loaded with the sub and everything. It made it much more enjoyable.

Ah, you had the RF sub in it, nice.
i've only found one for sale with that, but it was a CVT model.

I plan to put the pioneer double-DIN unit that you helped me install in the pathfinder in it (the touchscreen with ipod controls etc)

[garrettxowens]

No one but biggie?
Lots of V owners on here, surely there are things to keep an eye out for etc

[JHR16DE]

I purchased my sedan new in 2010 and love it. No complaints. 1.6 and 5speed so gets good gas mileage.

[vtyde]

I love my '11 hatch, but it's definitely an economy car, it's the "entry level" Nissan and doesn't come with a lot of creature comforts. I've seen aftermarket armrests that TBH are way more expensive than they're worth but if you find one in a junkyard go for it. As for the maplights, I don't think you'll have much luck.

That said, I feel Nissan put as much into this little car as they could; my stock stereo is fine (has line in for mp3 if you use that) and I use my CC all the time. It's a solid car, mine has around 55k miles, no maintenance but oil changes (I use full synthentic so I have peace of mind at 7500 mile oil changes) and I haven't had a single problem: still on the same clutch, brakes, and tires that came from the factory. A/C works fine and I rarely get below 35 mpg commuting 45 miles each way every day (manually transmission). At this age, my 2005 Mazda3 had gone through several sets of tires, new brake pads every 15k miles, broken engine mount, broken coolant hoses, etc. Love the "no hassle" maintenance of my Versa.

[rstolz]

not much to report, i've got 90k on an '08 1.8l 6sp.

Had to replace a leaking A/C compressor, 1 set of tires around 50-60k, and the entire exhaust system (including section with cat's).

If you're shopping where there are salty winter roads or salty air, give that exhaust a good once-over. Mine rotted out pretty bad at the joints. Pricey replacement OEM, but reasonable aftermarket.

I replaced mine with an Eastman cat section and DC sports catback for a total of $600 with all accessories included. Would have been $1300 OEM.

Some models suffer from weak fuel pumps as well, watch for idle drops at stoplights and the like.

everything else has been solid... oh, except my TPMS is bad.

That should give you an idea of a couple things to look at.