New owner checking in

[Versajoe]

I'm a soon-to-be new owner. I pick up my car in 5 days. I'm buying from a dealer that is a couple hours away, so I am waiting until the weekend comes. I've got the car under deposit, though. The dealer making exactly $150 on the deal, so I think I did fairly well. (Yes... I know... they make money on other things... I'm just talking about invoice versus the purchase price factoring in the rebate.)

I'm sure none of this is new ground, but here are some thoughts I had when purchasing my Versa:

- I'm in my thirties with two young children. I've already got a Nissan Quest minivan, which I love. My wife and I were looking for something much smaller to run around town in. The van will be used for longer trips and for hauling bigger items.

- I tried all sorts of cars. My top choice was a used Hyundai Elantra. The cloth in the Elantra looked absolutely hideous. The leather was nice, but it was like dressing up an ugly girl for the prom. Pretty on the surface, but still less than attractive underneath. I've owned a Hyundai before, and I think that they are very good cars. But there was nothing about the Elantra that inspired me. The Accent was just too small for my purposes.

- The Yaris, Fit and Aveo all look like toy cars compared to the Versa. While I wanted something small and frugal, I also wanted something that a middle-aged adult would look okay driving in. I'd have no problem driving a Yaris if I was coming out of college, but that's just not where I am in life. I am sure those cars are fine, but the body style makes them look substantially smaller.

- With the Quest and the Versa, I was hooked as soon as I sat in the car. There is something about Nissan styling that I like. It isn't for everyone, but it resonates with me. I actually think the Versa looks like a miniature Quest. I like how the interior feels like some thought went into it.

- I can't believe that I was content with the base model, but I was. (I got the Power Package, Splash Guards and ABS.) The only two things I will miss are the center armrest and the MP3 input. I just couldn't justify the extra $$$ for those two things. I don't think there are many cars out there that have base models that satisfy me - but the Versa did. I am planning on adding a factory center console. (Should be $250-$300) I'd also like to replace the stereo, but I'm not sure if that's worth it. I won't be taking the car on long trips, so I doubt it would be worth it just to get the MP3 input. (I have an FM transmitter, but those things are more trouble than they are worth.) I also plan on getting the all-season floor mats. That's a must in Vermont. I would have wanted them over the fabric mats anyway.

I'm a little nervous adopting the first model year, but it's not like it's an entirely new car. Hopefully the Tiida has eliminated some of the problems. (The 2004 Quest was a nightmare... I was lucky to get a later year.)

I also debated long and hard between the Versa and the Sentra. One time sitting in the back seat made up my mind, though.

In Europe and Asia there are some great small cars. I hope we will be seeing many more find their way to the US in the future. For now, I'm thankful that Nissan brought one over that appeals to all sorts of people, and isn't marketed as a bare-bones entry level vehicle.

[matt_a]

Welcome to the forum! You're going to love the Versa. I think it was a perfect choice for your situation. You'll have the small, economical car you wanted, but it will still be able to haul your wife and kids too. A Versa and a Quest sound like the perfect set of vehicles for a family of 4!

[Ever Victorious]

Welcome to NICO! The sentiments that you have expressed are very common among the populace here, you'll fit in well.

As far as the stereo goes, I should be getting my SL's stock 6-disc MP3 changer w/aux back from the stereo shop (they forgot to give it back to me when they installed my new HU) over the next couple of days. This unit is a perfect fit, and according to others, you just plug the unit in using the existing harnesses and it works fine. I would be willing to sell it to you once I get it back, if you would like.

The Elantra was also a car I had considered at one point during the purchase phase of my first Versa. It was surprising to me that Hyundai had made it so much larger and upscale, that the car was actually an absolute sluggish beast to drive. It is the exact opposite driving experience from my wife's Hyundai Tucson, which is a blast to drive.

Anyway, welcome, once again!

[KimberKenobi]

but it was like dressing up an ugly girl for the prom

you rock my socks!!

Welcome!

[Versajoe]

Just a note that I finally have my Versa. I picked it up over a week ago, but it sat in my father's driveway for a week while I was on vacation. I drove it over 2 hours back home, and was quite pleased.

A couple of thoughts:1) The air conditioning worked fine, although there is a noticeable difference when idling. I also wonder how performance is affected by high humidity. I suspect that makes a difference.

2) I thought I would miss the center console, but I really don't. The only thing I do miss is the axillary jack on the stereo. So I'm glad I opted for the "S" trim.

3) I was SOOOOOO close to changing my mind and getting a Sentra. My brother talked me out of it, and I'm glad that he did. The Versa really does have more interior room for a family.

4) I live in a hilly area. I wish the Versa had a little more power for taking hills on the highway, but I also appreciate that the transmission is set for economy and doesn't downshift too easily.

5) The seats could use slightly more lumbar support, but it wasn't terribly noticeable.

6) Coming from a Saab, there is no question that this car is designed to be more affordable. Having said that, there is nothing "cheap" about it. It's a very good value, but it definitely won't make you feel surrounded by luxury.

7) I saw a couple of Fits and Yaris on the ride home. I still believe that they look like toys when compared to the Versa.

8) One little issue... I've only driven the car two times, but on both occasions, the engine temperature indicator lit up (in blue) and stayed on for a minute or so when I started the car. Is it safe to assume that this indicates that the engine temp is cool?

9) Is there an ashtray or some sort of hidden compartment on models without the center console? I'm not a smoker, but I'd like somewhere to hide a few coins, etc.

Consider me a happy owner!
Modified by Versajoe at 6:27 AM 8/13/2007

[vpnavy]

2) I thought I would miss the center console, but I really don't. The only thing I do miss is the axillary jack on the stereo. So I'm glad I opted for the "S" trim.

I missed the Center Console and picked one up on EBay. It matches and works like a champ!

8) One little issue... I've only driven the car two times, but on both occasions, the engine temperature indicator lit up (in blue) and stayed on for a minute or so when I started the car. Is it safe to assume that this indicates that the engine temp is cool?

I had the exact same question. The "little blue light" stays on until the engine reaches a pre-determined temperature. Nuttn' to worry about.

9) Is there an ashtray or some sort of hidden compartment on models without the center console? I'm not a smoker, but I'd like somewhere to hide a few coins, etc.

The Center Console (the one I bought off of EBay) has a little (and I mean little!) coin holder. Plus it has a decent pocket for stuff.


Modified by vpnavy at 10:58 AM 8/13/2007

[Ever Victorious]

6) Coming from a Saab, there is no question that this car is designed to be more affordable. Having said that, there is nothing "cheap" about it. It's a very good value, but it definitely won't make you feel surrounded by luxury.

Oh sure, compare it to a Saab. Lol... but compare it to other cars in the class and it stands out.

Quote »8) One little issue... I've only driven the car two times, but on both occasions, the engine temperature indicator lit up (in blue) and stayed on for a minute or so when I started the car. Is it safe to assume that this indicates that the engine temp is cool? [/quote]Blue means warming up. Red means stop NOW.