Help needed re: Versa 1.8SL vs. Kia Spectra EX

[toedoe721]

I am undecided between Versa 1.8SL and Kia Spectra EX. Drove Kia first - nice smooth ride, great pick up. Unlike Versa, felt like I was riding in our Sierra 2500. I also ? safety report comparison. The Versa offered invoice price minus insentives. When asked for better price mgr knocked off $100. Any help will be appreciated!

[biggie]

Don't know much about the Spectra. But looks like the Spectra would be more powerful with the 2.0L, but my guess is Versa should have more options for the same price. I like the looks of the Versa hatchback over the sedan Spectra.

[VersaMG08]

One of the members here EverVictorious used to own a Versa but that car gave him problems. He must of been unlucky and turned into a Kia convert. I don't know much about Kia, never been a fan of their cars but they're probably ok.

[toedoe721]

Versa doesn't have remote starter so I called the shop that installed 3 remote starters on our vehicles in the past. Verdict: he won't put a remote starter on Versa1.8 SL because there are problems with it working with the Intelligent Key. I am really disappointed!!! If Nissan was so intelligent to come up with this key one would think they would've incorporated the remote feature on it!

[toedoe721]

Don't know much about the Spectra. But looks like the Spectra would be more powerful with the 2.0L, but my guess is Versa should have more options for the same price. I like the looks of the Versa hatchback over the sedan Spectra

For my liking both (sedan) cars are very similar. Versa has stuff I'll probably never use; the biggest difference is Spectra has a remote starter.

I looked up StateFarms IntelliChoice Comparison Report. In depreciation under 5 Year Ownership Costs the Versa number was $6,860 and Spectra $9,537. Are these numbers representative of resale amount or loss of value?

[biggie]

I loved the intelligent key on the Versa, find that remote start isn't that useful, especially after a garage. Was just great to never have to get the key out of your pocket.

[toedoe721]

In PA remote start is great to warm engine and defrost windows before I have to go outside. Great to use especially at work. I work nights so I have to defrost so I can go to work and then again to go home.

I can see your point about not getting key out of your pocket

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Nowadays, I couldn't tell you which car you should get right away. After Hyundai stepping up the quality of their cars greatly and taking over Kia, Kia's cars are pretty good. I especially like that Soul. I've already seen at least 5 but only one Cube so far so maybe it'll be a good competitor.

Really, it's all up to you. I will say the dealbreaker for me would be the CVT the SL offers assuming you're looking at a hatchback. Sedans don't have the CVT anymore like mine does. But I do know what you mean that the Versa has a stiff suspension stock. I'm hoping maybe it will soften up a little over time or something. I can barely push down the front end

[Codelicious]

If I were you I would deff go with the Versa. I know a couple of people who have had Kia's and they are just a really low end car. My girlfriends sister got in a wreck in her Kia and it just folded up like an accordion.

Nissan is one of the top car manufactures in my eyes and they make great cars. If you don't like all of the "accessories" that the Versa comes with just get the S model without the bluetooth and ikey. I'm sure if you don't have the ikey those remote start problems won't exist.

I have a CVT and I love it. I get great gas milage and its as fast as I really need it to go. If it went any fast I would probably get tickets cause I would be speeding a lot more than I already do. But in the end it is all personal preference. Either way I hope you are satisfied with what you chose.

Good luck.Picking out new cars is always fun!

[VersaMG08]

If you don't like the Versa, then there's the Honda Fit. You'll end up paying more for less accessories, but the quality is just as good if not better than a Versa. Mazda just redesigned the Mazda 3, it looks good and probably drives good. Check that out also, you have more options.

[toedoe721]

Thank you to all that responded! I will have to say good bye and move to another forum. My decision is final, money on a different car. A dealer in my area was advertising GREAT deals. I am getting a Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR. A step up from Versa in size and out-the-door-price lower than the Versa SL and Kia Spectra EX. It rides smooth and what a steering radius!!! I am happy this task is over. Thanks again for the input.

[VersaMG08]

Thank you to all that responded! I will have to say good bye and move to another forum. My decision is final, money on a different car. A dealer in my area was advertising GREAT deals. I am getting a Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR. A step up from Versa in size and out-the-door-price lower than the Versa SL and Kia Spectra EX. It rides smooth and what a steering radius!!! I am happy this task is over. Thanks again for the input.

Good choice! I almost bought a Sentra 2.0 S but decided the Versa SL had more features for the same price. Enjoy your new Sentra...

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Thank you to all that responded! I will have to say good bye and move to another forum. My decision is final, money on a different car. A dealer in my area was advertising GREAT deals. I am getting a Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR. A step up from Versa in size and out-the-door-price lower than the Versa SL and Kia Spectra EX. It rides smooth and what a steering radius!!! I am happy this task is over. Thanks again for the input.

If I could go back and do it again, I probably would have spent extra for a Sentra but oh well. I like the looks, mileage, and the odd fact that the Versa has more rear seat room than the Sentra. Good deal though! I know someone who got a Sentra for a rental car and he said it packed a lot of power for being a 2.0 liter engine.

[Codelicious]

When I went to Nissan I went in to get a 350Z but I wasn't able to get it because my credit isn't established enough yet (I'm 19). So I than was drawn to the Versa and Sentra. I ended up going with the Versa SL because of the CVT and all over the features that it had.

I'm happy with my choice. I love my car.

[dee_tymz_sl]

Yes the Sentra is a good choice. I love the Versa but every time I see the Sentra I'm left drooling and wondering what it would've been like if I had bought that car instead.

[KimberKenobi]

The only thing that kills the Sentra in my mind is the lack of decent rear-passenger room. the little V is so much roomier!

[dee_tymz_sl]

The only thing that kills the Sentra in my mind is the lack of decent rear-passenger room. the little V is so much roomier!

Yes and this was the main reason why I ended up getting a Versa instead of the the Sentra.