I've had enough (RANT WARNING!!!)

[BBISHOPPCM]

I seem to be getting way more passionate about these cars than I should... I know good engineering when I see it, and I know bad engineering when I see it. I bought this car after test driving and owning DOZENS of cars from almost every major manufacturer, and I found the Versa to handle, ride, and run better than all of them. I hate Toyota for their lackluster designs and noisy engines (you heard me!). I grew up around Nissan products; my father was an ASE certified Nissan technician from 1979-1993, so I learned alot about engines, cars, and especially Nissans. I have owned about seven Nissan products myself, and rebuilt one Nissan NAPS-Z 2.4l motor myself. I know the products, I know their history, and I know their quirks.

That said...

I am really getting tired of the "I hate my Nissan" posts. My previous thread "reliability revisited" was more of a rant than anything, and I'm going to clarify some things here.

All cars have quirks! Nissans, Toyotas, Hondas... none of these are exceptions to the rule. I find Toyotas to be ugly, noisy, lacking of character, and boring... Hondas? their cheap feeling, ugly, slow... All of these are great vehicles otherwise. Nissans are known for small problems, and ALL four cylinder Nissan engines I've ever heard or owned had a slight "thunk thunk thunk" sound when cold. With or without Nissan-brand oil filters. Regardless of mileage. My Versa has done this since the day I drove it off the lot 50,000 miles and two years ago. My 1987 Pathfinder also did this 20 years and 200,000 miles after it was built. Deal with it. As I mentioned before, Toyota 22R and other truck engines did this from 0 miles to 300,000 miles... it really is normal on some engines. If you bring your car to the dealer and complain about it, they'll generally tell you there is nothing wrong... because the engine they would throw in there would do the same thing.

Creaking interior plastics? Unless you own a Cadillac, it's a fact of life! You paid less than $20,000 for a car, it's going to have some plastic-on-plastic creaks, especially when cold. I've owned or driven Nissans, Chryslers, Chevrolets, Fords, and others. All of which creaked slightly from somewhere when cold. Generally, this goes away once the warm sun hits the car. My mother's 2002 Mercedes ALSO creaked! (actually, the glovebox door fell off over a bump as well...).

I'm getting tired of the "I give up" posts... you know, people who b*** and moan about a problem that their dealer won't fix (because it's not a real problem... see "piston slap.") then proudly proclaim they are going to trade in their Nissan for a Kia/Chrysler/Ford or whatever. Are people really that dumb? Trading minor problems for bigger ones only makes matters worse! I would rather have a creaky dash or some very minute piston slap than a Korean engine that consumes a quart of oil every 10,000 miles or a Chrysler that may have life threatening steering defects (look up "LH platform steering problems"). If the dealer doesn't fix your problem, take it to another dealer, or file a complaint with Nissan North America, Mexico or Canada. Taking out your problems and blasting an entire company for a minor problem on a public forum only makes you look like an idiot.

If you know nothing about cars, don't give recommendations to others! Telling someone to "trade in their car" because they have a very normal problem is a useless comment that serves no one. Just because you had a bad experience with YOUR car doesn't mean they ALL have problems.

If I leave this forum, I apologize to those who arn't jerks. I'm just getting tired of reading the same posts every day... it's all the same stuff... ugh...

[deaftosociety]

amen brother, i hear you i seriously used to get on here every day to see what was new with everybody. I dont get on here hardly ever anymore because seriously its always negative now what happend to people liking their versa i completely agree ,it seems like if you like yer versa all yer gona hear is some negative or some whining bs anyways i cant blame ya man im right there with ya

[shiryu0]

its insane the amount of complaining people do, but thats what the boards are for

i worked as a tech for Chrysler for about a year............so trust me i know what people come up with, its insane...........

and ALL cars can, and will have problems......maybe brand new, maybe 300k miles later..........

ill give an example ill never forget.......

complaint: wind noisecar: sebring CONVERTIBLE

YEAH

i ended up with it one day, i looked up the history of the car.......it had already been there 6 times for 'windnoise'........TSB had been performed on it, adjust top......... i just handed the r.o. to the service writer and told him to tell the customer to get a coupe...............

[alonsorules8]

I agree with you BBISHOPCM 100%, all vehicles have minor annoyances especially when your in the under 20K price bracket.

Look people if you do your research on a vehicle before you buy it and also check out the competition to the vehicle you are going to buy first then there is no second guessing on whether or not you bought the right vehicle for you.

I use to work on cars for a living, most problems that you are experiencing with the versa is minuet compared with 30k dollar Chevy Impala's needing brakes put on every 5k miles due to bad engineering. or now this is going back 83 thru 86 Renault Fuego's who electrical wires cought fire just driving it down the road. Even tho Renault had a really bad reputation here state side and also in Canada , I would own a Renault in a heart beat.

Must of the problems discussed on the forum lately have been minor in nature but some have had serious concerns with their Versa's stalling while driving. Those ones we should not dismiss but the rest is livable stuff. IMHO

P.S. BBISHOPPCM I hope you continue to come to this forum your opinions are always welcome in my eye's and you're a valuable member of this community.
Modified by alonsorules8 at 10:53 PM 1/22/2009

[Nismo V]

I see your point BBISHOPPCM... but like anything peoples expectations are usually for something better then what they can afford. Also the comments are a reflection of experience and knowledge of the individual owners, no need to walk away from the forum there are many bright spots here, like the owners outside of the US participation also more product developments.

I honestly don't believe most of those with complaints are that dissatisfied, but just in need of help from more knowledgeable members such as yourself.

[mightyversa]

Wow, although I have been absent from the forum for a while because of work, it seems that someone has finally stepped forward. All the power to you BBISHOPCM. I agree with you on everything 100%. Saying that, I also want to bring forward this......I understand that some people cant afford to get work done through TRAINED and EXPERIENCED auto technicians, but here is my 2 cents.

I am a TRAINED and EXPERIENCED Auto Service Tech. I have been doing this for nearly 7 years and went to school for apprenticeship. I have had classmates who just COULDNT grasp the knowledge of the trade. I have seen things that would be so frightening to anyone like myself I would just shake my head in disbelief that someone is going to get killed one day, and not only someone, a bunch of people. So this is a fair warning:

For god sakes ------ If you are doing work on your own car (IE Brakes, Suspension, Exhaust, Engine or whatever it may be, and you come up with stupid questions like:

also does the sea clamp work for compression the rotors

how complicated is it to remove the muffler brackets from those rubber boots? I noticed that the brackets on the car are pretty spaded out

How do I remove the bulbs?

AND VERY RECENTLY: How to remove the engine cover (More specifically the bottom not the top)

DONT WORK ON YOUR CAR. I have seen bolts undertorqued (IE Caliper pin bolts) and a thousand kilometers down the road, they are vibrating loose and causing serious accidents. LEAVE IT TO THE PROFFESIONALS, THATS WHY WE SPEND $15,000 TO DO THE COURSE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

I do understand that stuff like headlight bulbs and radios are not a biggy, but SUSPENSION, BRAKES, EXHAUST and ENGINE work should be done by professionals.

In saying all that, I hope some people agree to this because god help the cheap son-of-a-beotch that does there own cheap and unprofessional work and gets in an accident with someone I love all to save $50.


Modified by mightyversa at 11:17 AM 1/25/2009

[matt_a]

I agree with a lot of what you said in your original post. But this particular statement made me chuckle:

I I find Toyotas to be ugly, noisy, lacking of character, and boring...

That statement is a personal opinion based on personal taste. Nothing wrong with that, but it made me think of two things. First of all, we really like our Versa a lot. We love the room and the comfort, but we don't really consider it to be a great looking car. It's actually kind of homely, but we like it. The other thing your statement made me think of is Dodge. I have always felt that Dodge makes a great looking car. Their designs are innovative and just plain cool. That said, would I ever spend my own hard-earned money on a Dodge? No way. Despite what many people might say, I've heard far too many horror stories about poor quality.

I guess what I'm saying is that I would much rather have an "ugly, boring car with no character" which is dependable and well made over a flashy, exciting car with poor quality.

Like I said, we really like our Versa for many reasons. But we have had to deal with several small issues. We've had multiple squeaks and rattles as well as the steering clunk at slow speeds. None of these issues are "deal breakers" to me, but I personally have never had problems like that with a boring Toyota....ever.

As you said in your original post, any car can have problems. Just read ANY car forum. I don't care if you paid $12K or $60K, someone has been having problems and they're sick of dealing with it. It's just the nature of the beast.

[kc5f]

Thanks for this post, BBISHOPPCM. Although I recognize that I've had better luck with my Versa than many who post here, I'm not a doe-eyed novice who just blindly loves his car. I've owned Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen and now Nissan vehicles, most of them at the low end of the line. All have had their own problems, but I've been happiest with the Versa, as has my daughter with hers. Take care of them and they'll take care of you.

[Moghedian]

Only problem I have with the Versa is only 40yo women drive them in my town Otherwise, I love my car.

[Knightro2]

also does the sea clamp work for compression the rotors

Mightyversa...lol..yea that scared me a bit when he asked if he needed to "compress the rotors" in order to install the new brakes. It could have been just a brain fart but still....scary.

[VersaMG08]

I'm glad you brought this up. I've noticed during the past couple weeks, there's been an abundance of new people coming on here and posting negative stuff about the Versa. Most of the rants and complaints are about stupid little things like, wind noise, creaks, the fan blower making too much noise when turned up all the way, and the car not starting up when it's cold outside etc. A lot of those are common in a lot of vehicles and especially subcompact cars.

I've been posting more on the general and regional forums and lost interest even posting in the V forums because people have been asking about the same questions a lot and expect too much out of an ENTRY LEVEL car. I'd say the same thing, if you have an issue, bring it into the dealership, it's under a warranty.

The car isn't perfect, it's going to have flaws THAT AREN'T CRITICAL to be concerned about. Seriously, talk about other stuff like aftermarket products or what not.

[Knightro2]

Seriously, talk about other stuff like .....

...how many potatoes you can stuff in the car and still be able to drive.

Or if you stuff your tailpipe with whipped cream...can you get it to shoot out the back when you start your car.

[matt_a]

...how many potatoes you can stuff in the car and still be able to drive.

Or if you stuff your tailpipe with whipped cream...can you get it to shoot out the back when you start your car.

My personal favorite is the "tire stuffing" post. Five 33" mud tires in a "sub compact" car!! My wife has had her's loaded with tons of stuff for her job several times.

[Knightro2]

LOL, yea. I've mentioned it before..but at my last job I used to have to move computer equipment from our warehouse to the office so we could image them and get them inventoried. I was able to fit 14 fully boxed computers or 28 fully boxes 15" LCD monitors in my car and still drive. My director and coworkers laughed when I pulled up but they were amazed because it was like a clown car...the boxes just kept coming out.

[1_Sleek_Versa]

I understand your point BBISHOPPCM.

A forum is to discuss about many things. Some positive and some negative. As of now, there is a lot more positive posts than negatives.

I personally have extremely bad luck with my V. You might have seen two of my posts regarding my problems with the car lately. I guess it was a mix between frustration and incomprehension.

Seriously I'd love to start 3 posts a day bragging about my Versa being so reliable, how much pride I have driving it and that it gives me at least 30 mpg hgway and how huge my balls are. But that's not the case at all. The car I mean.

I'm pretty sure I maybe not the only one having many problems and writing about it on these forums. The more there will be memebers on here the more you will see negatives posts. Deal with it.

Peace.

[frankoV]

But that's not the case at all. The car I mean.

[Onyxblue]

[OT]Hey Mile High Versa!

Is your signature and the avatar annoyng just for me?I find it hard to read your post because of the flashing pictures

[VersaMG08]

I'll eventually change it, the moderators adjusted the specs for the avatars to 125x125 at 35k so I was trying different things out. Don't mean to bother anyone with that.

[Bubs daddy]

Good post Mr. Bishop. I agree.

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Hell, I still drive a car that has so many quirks with it compared to most cars. That would be my Neon. But even with all it's quirks and truck-like suspension, it still doesn't seem to wanna give up.

Only thing I wouldn't agree with is the bit about Toyota. That's more of opinion. I thought the old Camrys were super boring but the new ones are sex. And I would love to have a Tacoma. But what I just said is opinion also and can be disregarded .

[busdrivingdeacon]

When i bought my Versa S in July '06, ( the first one the dealer sold) I would have been the one doing the ranting. As an ex-mechanic, I should have known better than to buy a "first year" vehicle. Initially, this car was a royal pain in the as*; in the shop for warranty work as much time as I drove it...computer problems, A/C problems, tire pressure monitoring problems, rear main seal oil leaks, front engine cover oil leaks, the very breakable wheelcovers, etc. And now I'll rave. In Nissan's defense, they worked with my dealer (Dirito Bros, Walnut Creek, Ca.) and handled all warranty claims in a first class manner. When Nissan engineers couldn't find the cause of the intermittent whine in the A/C system, they actually went so far as to order EVERY piece of the A/C system replaced by the dealer. It took two weeks to assemble the necessary parts and complete the repairs but I was provided a first class replacement vehicle during the process. All other warranty repairs were handled with the same professionalism. So what am I left with? At 50,000 miles, a vehicle with great performance that I am very pleased with. A great value for the money. An interior with quality materials that far surpass those offered by any Chrysler product. (I own two, but never another!!) My first Nissan but probably not my last.

[Sonofasailor]

I have owned numerous cars and trucks and have had problems with most of them. This is our first Nissan product and wont be our last. There is no such thing as a perfect vehicle. I heard a saying once that still rings true, "If it has tits or tires, your going to have problems with it"...............

[Junipers68]

Only problem I have with the Versa is only 40yo women drive them in my town

Wow - your point being ?

I have some issues with my V - and post questions here for some answers. Why ? Perhaps because I am a single mom that scraped up a downpayment for her car, has some decent monthly payments (luckily) but when the chips are down, has had crummy service from 2 dealers (thus far).

But also because I believe or hope that someone can shed some light onto what might be wrong. I love my car .. but that being said, I have issues with it and like to read or see if others have the same ones. That, I believe, is just human nature. And part of what a FORUM is.

I read the b*tching posts and all the other posts here. As far as reading posts that someone may find annoying, the only answer is not to read them.

We had this same discussion on our motorcycle forum. To which the moderator and his crew advised, "don't like the subject ? don't continue reading the post". We also had the option to block those posters that we did not want to read.

I don't see anything wrong with people venting a few frusturations on here .. regardless of what you paid for the car. For myself, this was a big ticket expense and I expect that the dealers treat me with respect and stop dissing me around. Actually, even I paid $10,000 for the car I would expect the same .. it's all about customer service or the lack of in my case.

Is it because I am a woman ? I doubt it - because I have seen and heard of others (colleagues) that are not getting the service they should. When you have to keep going back for the same problem, it is frusturating.

That's my 2 cents .. it is not intended to offend anyone - just sharing MY opinion. You can chose to read it or not;)

On that note .. have a great weekend everyone


Modified by Junipers68 at 10:40 AM 1/24/2009

[Rockhound]

Here here, Bishop.

The facts don't lie. Check the True Delta website for vehicle reliability. The 2007 Versa has leveled out to a reliability rating of 42 (successful repair trips/year per 100 vehicles). Believe it or not, this rating is better than the average car. That's a survey of 120 vehicles with a mean mileage of 15,900. The 2008 model year has started out below average at 79, but with only 67 owners responding. As the 2007 model year also started high and then leveled out, it's entirely possible the 2008s will achieve a 'good' reliability rating.

I too am tired of (most of) the 'problem' threads - not because I refuse to admit that the Versa isn't perfect - but instead because some of the 'problems' are not problems at all (gas mileage complaints ad nauseum), and others seem to exaggerate issues.

And, others yet, have legitimate reliability issues - and that's unfortunate. A car purchase is likely the second largest purchase you'll make, and it's not ridiculous to expect a modern car to get you from place to place reliably.

But, to simply toss off the Versa as a piece of crap, however, is absurd, especially when it's based on a couple data points.

And if I have to read another post where someone complains about gas mileage that actually falls within EPA guidelines, I'll ralph on my keyboard. I know, I know, Canadians are hacked because, apparently, companies can advertise wildly high fuel economy ratings. That's not right. But it's not like everyone doesn't have access to the EPA website. And it's not as if the Nissan Versa is the only car to have drastically lower US EPA ratings - I've already proven that.

[zratedversa1]

dude....... you are the ****.

[NY.AD.MAN]

I'm finally glad that Bishop said what he said, but for more than just because I love my car so much!

My family has owned Fords, Dodges, Lexus, GMC, BMW and several other manufacturers from overseas, and you know what?

My car has the fewest problems of any of the cars (at the same mileage). If somebody has an issue, then ask if anybody else has experienced it... the car was built in Mexico, you're not exactly getting rocket scientists to put your car together here... (not that a US plant would be terribly better).

My car (2007 Nissan Versa S) has more to offer than any of my friends' 2000-2005 model Civics, Corollas and even Sentras... we have a LOT of car for our money. That said...

PLEASE PEOPLE, SHOW SOME PRIDE IN YOUR CHOICES!

If you don't want another Nissan, then don't buy one! I'll be a Nissan guy for life because I expect more out of the DRIVE of my car than my Toyota or Honda owning friends (much more than my American Car owning friends...), and DAMNIT, I got what I paid for and more.

My car has been from Boston, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, Dallas, and everywhere in between SEVERAL times with the best ride and driving enjoyability I've ever had, all while getting pretty decent mileage (avg. 35 HWY)... AND my car doesn't look like every other car on the road! It's new and interesting and, frankly, more beautiful the more I look at it because it looks completely different from every angle. It's a French design and you don't get that a great deal in the American Car market...

[Moghedian]

Wow - your point being ?

My point being that I am diligent in giving a brights flash as a recognition, maybe throwing a V on the way by.I get looked at like I'm stupid. (Who knows maybe I am)I'm jealous of areas that have enough owners interested in mods and such to form a club and have meets. (SoCal Versa Club) Not just drive it to drop off the kids. Of course I tote my daughter around in mine, so maybe I'm closer to them than I think.

I love my V and I was only saying I wish there were more around my city to share it with.

[Onyxblue]

After owning Buick, Isuzu, Chrisler and Mercedes, I bought the first Nissan - a 07 Pathfinder. As I haven't had any problems for 23k miles, I decided to buy a second Nissan and traded in my Mercedes - 08 Versa HB SL. No problem after 24k miles in 1 year, so I bought another Nissan for my daughter (this time a used one) - 08 Sentra 2.0 base with 18k miles.That beeing said, I am a Nissan fan for life!

[Junipers68]

My point being that I am diligent in giving a brights flash as a recognition, maybe throwing a V on the way by.I get looked at like I'm stupid. (Who knows maybe I am)I'm jealous of areas that have enough owners interested in mods and such to form a club and have meets. (SoCal Versa Club) Not just drive it to drop off the kids. Of course I tote my daughter around in mine, so maybe I'm closer to them than I think.

I love my V and I was only saying I wish there were more around my city to share it with.

LOL - now I understand .. however, having been a motorcyle rider, I am very used to flashing lights or "finger salutes" (not the 1 finger kind, well, .. even that's debatable!) .. but I see where you are coming from.

[VersaMG08]

I miss my '98 civic, can someone sell me one? j/k