New V owner got a quick question about CVT

[Vahagn23]

Hi, I got a V on monday and the dealer said that the car comes with CVT transmission, although its an S and on nissans website it says it doesnt. WHen i hit around 60 the RPM stays from 2000-3000. So is it possible to have a CVT trans with an S class?

[Mutsy]

CVT is a SL Hatch exclusivity.

[matt_a]

Yeah, if you have an "S" model, they aren't offered with the CVT. When you start driving from a total stop if you can feel the shifts, it's not a CVT.

[Vahagn23]

so my dealer lied to me? Because he said all his cars come in CVT

[matt_a]

so my dealer lied to me? Because he said all his cars come in CVT

If he told you that your "S" model has a CVT, then, yes..he lied to you. Did you read the window sticker? If it has a CVT it would say so.

[Vahagn23]

there was no window sticker, because he had to get the car from another dealership, since his place didnt have the car

also is there a way i can check it? open the hood or something

[matt_a]

also is there a way i can check it?

Yes. Walk around to the back of the car. If it has an "S" on the hatch door, you do NOT have a CVT. Is there a chance that you have an SL and didn't realize it? Does your car have a center armrest in the front and rear seats?

[Woogie]

It's referred to in the industry as the Monroney sticker, named after the senator that sponsored the bill that eventually became law that put them there. That sticker is put on by the factory and is ONLY supposed to be removed by the owner of the vehicle, NEVER by the dealer no matter where it came from. Until the car has a registered owner, the Monroney stays with the car. The penalty is a $1,000 fine PER VEHICLE, so most dealers leave them strictly alone. If they want to add additional markup or items that were added by the dealership after the car came to the lot, they put a second sticker next to it.

I would be very suspicious of a new car that didn't have one. You have no way of knowing what the car does and doesn't have on it. How many miles does this car have on it? The other dealership may have used it as a loaner or it might even be used.

If you're getting a super good deal and you really want to pursue it, then get the car's VIN number and call Nissan. They should be able to look up the records for the car and tell you what features it had when it was shipped from the factory. If the dealer has added extras like a bra and such, there won't be any records of those though.

My Max didn't have the sticker in the window, but it was folded up in the glove box because he sat at the dealership for a few days before I could pick him up and people kept asking about the car. So they took it down and put it in the glove box. Since it was still there I didn't make a big deal about it, but technically it is illegal for them to touch it.

[kc5f]

If it's a new car, it should have a sticker. Both of the Versas we bought were from other dealers, and both had the original window sticker.

The easiest way to tell which one you've got is to look at the shifter. If you've got "PRND21" as options, you've got an Automatic. If you've just got "PRND1" you've got a CVT.

[Vahagn23]

were does this say, because when he brought the car it had 49 miles on it, which was the trip he made from the other dealer, but no sticker or anything, and im sure its S

If it's a new car, it should have a sticker. Both of the Versas we bought were from other dealers, and both had the original window sticker.

The easiest way to tell which one you've got is to look at the shifter. If you've got "PRND21" as options, you've got an Automatic. If you've just got "PRND1" you've got a CVT.

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[matt_a]

He's talking about the markings on your shifter. You know.."P" for park, "R" for reverse...etc. If you have PRND21 as choices, you have an automatic trans. If you have PRNDL as choices, you have a CVT. And your window sticker should have come with the paperwork even if it was removed from the car. Check your glovebox.

[Vahagn23]

Alright so I guess I got regualr. thank you.

Also is there a big difference between these 2 transmission in durability and such? and should I go back to my dealer and tell him this?

Whats the 2 and 1 for?
Modified by Vahagn23 at 10:48 AM 8/24/2007

[matt_a]

Alright so I guess I got regualr. thank you.

Also is there a big difference between these 2 transmission in durability and such? and should I go back to my dealer and tell him this?

Whats the 2 and 1 for?

First of all, if your dealership told you the car had a CVT I would go back and have a little talk with them about it. They misrepresented the vehicle to you. They should do something for you.

As for the differences between the two or which is more durable, that would take a while to explain. The CVT is completely different technology. It supposedly offers better fuel economy and the "theory" is that, because it has fewer moving parts, it should prove to be more reliable. I really have no way of knowing if that's true or not. We really like or CVT. If that was a big selling point to you, I would not be happy that you were lied to. I would go back.

[Vahagn23]

okay thank you

First of all, if your dealership told you the car had a CVT I would go back and have a little talk with them about it. They misrepresented the vehicle to you. They should do something for you.

As for the differences between the two or which is more durable, that would take a while to explain. The CVT is completely different technology. It supposedly offers better fuel economy and the "theory" is that, because it has fewer moving parts, it should prove to be more reliable. I really have no way of knowing if that's true or not. We really like or CVT. If that was a big selling point to you, I would not be happy that you were lied to. I would go back.

[matt_a]

okay thank you

No problem. Let us know how you make out if you go back and confront them about this. I'm dying to hear what they say about it.

[Vahagn23]

OH, ye since they did lie, the dealer also said it comes with ABS, can you tell me how to check if I got the ABS? I got the ABS lights in my dashboard, but then again I got cruise control lights too but no cruise contorol.

[matt_a]

Go here: http://www.nissanusa.com/versa....htmland view the chart. Down near the bottom of the page you can click on different headings like Interior, Exterior, Audio, Safety...etc. It will show you everything that is "standard" or "optional" on both the S and SL models. It should answer those questions.

[mindpenn]

If you have the ABS on the dashboard than you got it. I don't have ABS and no light appears.

[BBISHOPPCM]

You mention you paid over $17k for this car? You've been had. Unless you have in writing that this car was supposed to come with ABS and CVT, you really don't have much ground to walk on. I would absolutely take this to Nissan North America, as they can revoke the dealer's association with Nissan.

[Ever Victorious]

You mention you paid over $17k for this car? You've been had. Unless you have in writing that this car was supposed to come with ABS and CVT, you really don't have much ground to walk on. I would absolutely take this to Nissan North America, as they can revoke the dealer's association with Nissan.

Absolutely. Make sure you have your VIN handy when you call them so they can tell you what you ACTUALLY got, vs. what you thought you were getting.

If you have the ABS on the dashboard than you got it. I don't have ABS and no light appears.

Mine DOES have ABS, but no light appears. The system does not light up at startup, only when there is a system failure, so this isn't an indicator either way. He either needs to find the ABS module, or have Nissan tell him what he actually bought.

OH, ye since they did lie, the dealer also said it comes with ABS, can you tell me how to check if I got the ABS? I got the ABS lights in my dashboard, but then again I got cruise control lights too but no cruise contorol.

Right here is definitive proof you have an S auto. ALL SL's have cruise... so no cruise, no SL, no CVT. Probably doesn't have ABS either, given your luck with this dealer.

So what you PROBABLY have is an S auto, power package, no ABS. If it's an '07, the MSRP on this config is $14,675. If it's an '08, it's $15,135 (since this config also requires a spoiler and splash guards).

What you THOUGHT you were getting is an SL with CVT and ABS, which the '08 MSRP is $16,635.

So... IMHO, if it was $17k out the door after all taxes and warranty... you didn't get a good deal. But you didn't get COMPLETELY hosed, I've seen worse. If that $17k doesn't include taxes, you got screwed, big time, and it's time to make an equally big stink with Nissan and anyone else who will listen.

FYI, for comparison, my '07 SL 6-speed with ABS, after rebates and Costco discount, was $16,200 after tax and license... no added-on warranty, no added on gap insurance (I paid $3k down so I didn't really need it).

Edit: Side note on transmission reliability, since you asked. Manual transmissions are almost always the most reliable. They're less complicated than any other kind of transmission, and that translates into better durability. Automatics are usually pretty durable, not any slouch there. This CVT transmission has only been around for a few years (Nissan has been using CVTs overall for what, 5 years?) so there isn't a huge basis for determining reliability.

That said, there are a couple extremes to consider: Most forklifts use CVTs, and they seem to run for a very long time. On the other hand, Subaru used a CVT in the late 80's that lasted only about 60-80k miles, and it was cheaper to have a mechanic refit a manual transmission in replacement than it was to repair or replace said CVT. Which end of the spectrum will the Versa's CVT fall? only time will tell.

[Demonspawn]

i paid 18100 out the door for mine with cvt SL tech package and convenience pkg with mud guards and floor mats.

i wasnt happy but i have seen much worse i do miss ABS though i had it on the car i traded in and it will be missed but will not miss the traction control

i like burning out when i want to do it traction control totally ruins that feeling.

the CVT does take some getting used to though i am used to auto. gears.

i still find myself waiting for the shift.

4500 to 5000 rpm's is the sweet spot if you can keep it there

Modified by Demonspawn at 10:57 PM 8/24/2007
Modified by Demonspawn at 10:59 PM 8/24/2007

[Vahagn23]

Guess i got screwed, lol I paid 17k with out taxes, but it did include a security system, and a 100k 7years warranty.

[Ever Victorious]

Have you raised hell yet?