Is it wrong to ...

[HareBrained]

Is it wrong to buy a car because you like the forum community?

I've been shopping around and researching new cars (hatches and wagons with 4+ doors), and I have to say that this is forum has the best community.

The CRV forum over at HondaSUV is second but they're somewhat boring. I like modifications and they don't. They talk about towing and nav systems.

The FitFreak forum has some nice people too, but they lack imagination. Someone will post a simple valve stem cap mod and there will be 20 redundant complementary posts like "cool. I'm next." and "Nice job."

The VW GTI/Rabbit forums are the worst. Every thread is a continuing battle of how many insults and vulgarities the GTI owners can heap on the Rabbits. I really love the Mk V Vdubs but hate the people. I don't want to be associated with them.

I use to be a moderator on the Mini site NAMotoring. I'm very familiar with how these forum-thingamabobs tend to work.

After visiting over a dozen different sites for all different makes, the Versa forum at Nico Club is the one that is me. You guys like to mod your cars, you like to joke with one another, you treat each other with respect and courtesy (with the exception of the odd interloper), and you carry on conversations within the thread.

So, is it wrong to buy a Versa because I want to be part of the community? (So, this is where you flame me just to prove me wrong.)

[Veilside Versa]

Hard to say, but do you really like the car?? that is the most important i think..........did you ever test drive a Versa?

[audtatious]

Hard to say, but do you really like the car?? that is the most important i think..........did you ever test driver a Versa?

Reasons people buy a car is relative to what they want. Some want fuel economy or simple transportation (why else would people buy GM or Ford products? ). He did not say anything negative about the vehicle so I would say it is one of his potential choices. Of course, a test drive before purchasing would be nice, but even that is not a requirement. I did not test drive my Maxima before I purchased it off the lot (I had a rental which sold me on it). Regardless, web support and community is important to some people (me included) and can have a hand in vehicle purchases.

HareBrained, I love NICO and understand what you would like about the site. In all honesty, you really do not need to be a Nissan owner to be part of the NICO community. Yes, we are a Nissan site but we are also a group of car enthusiasts. The Versa itself is a great vehicle and if you have not driven it or checked it out, I would suggest you do so at our convenience

Welcome to NICO

[AZhitman]

I don't think it's "wrong" or strange at all.

I think what you might be perceiving here is indicative of a larger issue:

Buying a new car is a big decision. It can be nerve-wracking, even if you've done it several times. And if you've ever bought "the wrong" car, that sting doesn't wear off quickly.

There's some REAL security in knowing that there's an entire community of friendly, helpful, like-minded people as close as your fingertips.

I'd have never endeavoured to build a 400-hp 240sx Convertible, had it not been for the encouragement and backup of the community here at 240sx.org, and I think this is no different.

NissanVersa.org was started long before the cars ever hit U.S. shores, in anticipation of the huge success the car would become.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Versa, and I hope that whatever you choose to buy, you'll still stick around and hang out with us.

We promise not to make fun of you if you buy an inferior vehicle.

Welcome aboard.

[marleyfan]

Yeah Hare I tend to agree with you about this forum. I have looked at many other auto forums as well and this forum is pretty amazing. People are very helpful and take a real interest. Only occasionally is there an ******* who shows up in here (actually I think I've played that role myself a time or two). I don't know if the V is the car for you, but no matter what you buy you are still welcome to come in here and share your thoughts.

[drummernamedpat]

Is the car great because of the people who buy it? Or are the people who buy it great because of the car? Or could it be the forum?....

I think all of the above. But then again it is just an opinion.

[CodeRed]

Buy the Versa after you have considerd all of its rivals, fit, yaris...ect. Then choose what one you like. Remember your not buying a car for us, its for you. And yes, our community rocks!

[proxim2020]

I don't think it's wrong really. You should buy what you like first. Try the car out and see if it fits you. If something happens and this forum goes away (which will never happen ) then you would be stuck with a car you only kinda like. But when you have wealth of technical support for free, that certainly can sway a decision drastically. I originally wanted to buy a Kia Spectra5, but there was few helpful forums and very little aftermarket.

[Ever Victorious]

I know, I came from those forums.

But the Spec5's aftermarket support is actually fairly decent now.

[g00kb0i]

juss buy it already , the yaris looks like a grasshopper, the fit looks like a mini-mini-van and its the bastard child of an oddessey and a rsx.... sorry, juss my two cents...

does the scion xb and xa compete in our class ? the b-car segment ?

[benchthug]

do what i did... i tried the following cars for 2 days... Toyota yaris, Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Scion XA, Mazda 3 hatchback, suzuki sx4... for best ride and comfort ill go with the Fit... for performance ill go with the mazda 3 but the reason i picked the versa is that it is in the middle... the ride is comfy enough that it wouldnt make you bounce off your seat if you hit a hump... or its not struggling enough that everyone can hear your engine cry while your going up the steep road... i mean steep like going up the mountain... yet there is alot of potential for the Versa that most of the people fail to see because of the lack of the aftermarket upgrade... you have a 122 bhp probably a 102 whp depends on the weight and the cargo... so if you want the best advice try it all... ask a friend of a friend and get a feel of the fixed up car or a stock car... dont base it on what people say... you are the one driving your car...

[BBISHOPPCM]

I remember when I was a Volkswagenut myself, and frequented the Rocky Mountain Motorworks (now called something else) owners' forum, and it was a great resource. Come to think of it, the Nissan Frontier forum (nissanfrontier.net i believe) and the mazda626.net was also a great resource. The only one I find to be utterly useless is ironically one of NICO's own; the Classic Z car forum. Very little activity, and very few resourceful members.

[HareBrained]

The responses so far have been great. Keep them coming.

The Versa is on the top of my list. And although I haven't taken a test drive, I have appreciated all of the car's finer interior comforts and attributes. I'm waiting until I'm closer to buying before I take a test drive because if I do like it, I will begin obsessing about getting the car, which I don't want to do for more than a week or two.

The xA/xD and old xB are B-Segment cars (I don't consider the new xB to be one. It's got >2L engine.)

Before my original post, I knew I would be welcome without actually owning because the moderator doesn't actually own one (why is that EV?). Also, I wouldn't have posted this thread if I were afraid of what was going to be said. Other forums would have resulted in total alienation of me by their constituents.

I have test driven some of the competitors and have to agree their engines do not live up to my expectations, even as "daily transportation." It bothers me that there is such variations in the reported fuel mileage. The Fit, for example, has been reported anywhere from 25 to 38 mpg by their owners. That says to me, if you try to actually drive it like you stole it, it's going to cost and you probably won't enjoy it. The Versa performs differently. It seems to have the performance without having to be flogged.

[EZcheese15]

I've been in the Nissan community a long time (pretty much forever), and it's completely because of the people. In fact, I strongly want a new car (a non-Nissan) and I'm just waiting to reduce some debt before I go into another car payment. That being said, when I do get a new car, regardless of what it is, I will still be very involved with the Nissan community. I could care less what I drive....it's the people that make it cool.

Just look at all the National events that NICO hosts. I'm at every single one of them, and I rarely bring my car (I usually fly). Do you think I care? Not the slightest, because all I care about is hanging out with the coolest bunch of car nerds I've ever met. So my point is, by the Versa if it's what you like, but don't buy it if you don't like it. No matter what you get though, you can make nico your home.

[alonsorules8]

I love the forms here as well and am working on getting a versa in the next few month I must say that this from is the #1 auto form I've ever been to. I love the french looks of the Versa and it's the closest thing to a Renault Clio I can get here in the states.

[starlight0229]

I love the french looks of the Versa and it's the closest thing to a Renault Clio I can get here in the states.

That's what initially got me interested in the Versa. When I was doing research on it, I found this forum and was hooked. Everyone here is so nice a willing to share information about the car and why they picked it.

[KimberKenobi]

You berk! How dare you try and buy a V just to talk to us!

'cause you know we'd love you anyway ;oD

If you drive something else, you can still pal around with us!! But I personally think the Versa is the best car ever. (except for the Subaru Loyale, that was my first love but they're hard to find in good condition)

Drive what suits you, and come chat with us like you've been doing!

[HareBrained]

You berk! How dare you try and buy a V just to talk to us!

'cause you know we'd love you anyway ;oD

If you drive something else, you can still pal around with us!! But I personally think the Versa is the best car ever. (except for the Subaru Loyale, that was my first love but they're hard to find in good condition)

Drive what suits you, and come chat with us like you've been doing!

Thanks for the invite. I really like the Versa, and wouldn't have even found this community without having some level of interest and desire. At this moment, what's keeping me from buying a Versa (besides the wife) is deciding whether I want a larger vehicle that can tow 2000 lbs. We go camping 3-4 times a year and I'm not certain we'd fit our gear with only half the rear seat down.

Ya' know Kimber, I bet you could find 5 Loyales while you're here in Seattle to take back with you. Subarus are very popular with us tree huggers and since salts are not used, many older ones are still on the road. A guy I work with has a 92 wagon that's turbocharged and it's still running strong.

[Ever Victorious]

Or more... people almost give em away down here.

And for anyone interested, the West Coast Subaru Show is at the end of this month at Straddleline ORV near Olympia.

EV used to drive Subarus. a lot. Has a tattoo. And a Buru in the driveway (at least for now... as he drools over another Versa)

Oh, and I had an '87 GL (what would eventually be renamed Loyale in 90 by Subaru) that I snapped one of the timing belts on, and managed to drive it 5 miles in stop-and-go traffic without 2 cylinders and the water pump, and managed not to blow the head gasket.

Now... that being said, do as I say and not as I do.

[KimberKenobi]

Ya' know Kimber, I bet you could find 5 Loyales while you're here in Seattle to take back with you. Subarus are very popular with us tree huggers and since salts are not used, many older ones are still on the road. A guy I work with has a 92 wagon that's turbocharged and it's still running strong.

...

hmm....question is, would I let Josh drive the V back, or the Subie?

hehehehehehe

[HareBrained]

...

hmm....question is, would I let Josh drive the V back, or the Subie?

hehehehehehe

You might be able to find a few of us here who'd be willing to road trip the V back for you. That way you and Josh don't have to be separated.

Or if you're tired of Josh by then, any combination of drivers and passengers.