New Versa... first new car purchase ever

[Porta]

I just received approval on financing, and I get my new Silver Versa later this week, loaded with the Sport and Tech package in a 6 Speed.

My feelings are mixed... I traded in my beloved '92 Mazda 323. I shed tears when I signed over the ownership at the Nissan Dealer, (it's OK... I'm a chick). The Mazda was my first "real" car, after owning an '81 Rabbit Convertible I bought used in the mid-90's. I loved that car, but I bought it with my eyes and heart, and without any technical knowledge whatsoever. It died a horrible death, and the Mazda replaced it.

It wasn't a pretty car... boring grey Standard with no options whatsoever. But oh my god... what a car! It has been frozen solid in blocks of ice from not being winter driven, and started one spring with it's belly still encased in ice. It's been through hell and back with me, most recently through this past Arctic Winter that saw record snowfalls in Ontario, and I was commuting between Waterloo and Toronto daily.

This is the first car my husband and I chose together, largely for the gas milage and tilt steering availability for its' class. The toys inside are certainly a bonus, and being tech-heads the Bluetooth and IPod accessibility will be fun.

I knew my car inside out... it was so familiar that I could predict exactly what it would do in any situation. Despite it's condition (I really do believe I drove it into the ground), I still felt I could get through just about anything in it.

Mostly, I'm worried that I'll miss its' peppy pickup. We initially drove the CVT version of the Versa, and on the highway I was not impressed with the pickup speed when changing into faster lanes. When I returned to the Dealership, I said I had to try the 6 Speed. I didn't have as much time with the vehicle to take it on the highway, but in-town it seemed to have more power.

Can any 6 Speed Versa owners confirm the downshift acceleration of the Versa at highway speeds? I do realize that there is a difference between a 5 speed and a 6, but this may take some getting used to and any tips would be appreciated.

I'm sure I'll fall in love with this car, and I don't expect it to win any street races, but from a safety perspective I also hope that it can boogy when it's necessary... like that Mack Truck grill coming at you quickly from the behind

Thanks all

[Ever Victorious]

If you need oomph for passing on the freeway, don't bother downshifting to 5th. Go straight to 4th. It'll give you some good acceleration, without the embarassment of realizing that 5th wasn't enough.

And welcome!

[Porta]

Thanks so much... just like a 5 speed then

We get the car at the end of the week... will be fun when it's broken in. I'm actually hoping the long weekend will push delivery to Monday... I have to drive to Toronto again this weekend and don't want to kill the cylinders. If so... we'll be breaking every 20 minutes for coffee to cool it down LOL.

Great to have a community for a car type!

[alonsorules8]

Welcome to NICO and congratulations on your new Versa.

[frankoV]

This is the first car my husband and I chose together, largely for the gas milage . . .

Just hope you aren't too disappointed . . .

[Porta]

Just hope you aren't too disappointed . . .

Gas mileage is nonexistant on my Mazda these days... it was the deciding factor to trade in versus keep it. I was filling up 3 times a week going to and from Toronto 5 days a week. That's pretty bad... even for a small tank. I am getting about 11.3 km per gallon.

[BaldVersa]

Welcome! You'll love the car!

[boingo82]

Welcome, and don't feel silly, I still have a soft spot for my 1991 Sentra even though it was 4 cars ago and was totaled back in 2002.