Overall satisfaction with Versa

[besserheimerphat]

I'm looking hard at a new Versa SL (hatch) with CVT this summer. Have you been pleased with your Versas? I'm definitely getting the keyless entry and Bluetooth and ABS, hopefully the audio and/or XM as well. If you have the audio package, is it worth the money?

Any major issues with Versas so far? Engine, CVT, transmission, major electrical? What kind of highway mileage are you getting? My daily commute is 40 miles round-trip of county highway (2 lane paved, 55 mph that I usually run at 60).

Thanks for any info.

[kc5f]

With over 78k on mine and 20k on my daughter's, I can put in two votes for satisfied customers with no issues other than her 2008 getting the fuel pump regulator replaced under warranty, which was common with that year. She averages about 2mpg less than I do, but doesn't drive as conservatively. Both of us have long commutes.

The SL's all have keyless entry, but maybe you mean the iKey, where you never need to get your key out. Works well, as does the Bluetooth. I don't have the audio package, but I need the full width in the hatch for musical instruments I carry. Also no satellite radio, but I use a Slacker Portable through the Aux input jack and get multiple customizable channels of internet radio, instead.

[Knightro2]

Welcome! I have a 2008 V SL that I got in November of '07 so I've had it just over a year. I've only had 1 problem with the V. That was a "klunk" sound when turning the wheel to the right at low speeds. This was quickly fixed by replacing the Steering Joint Assembly (under warranty). The only other really small issue is a rattle on the dash next to the right vent. I just have to whack it a couple of times and it stops for awhile.

I love the V. I'm normally a truck/SUV kind of guy. I just needed a better MPG car. I had an Xterra (15 mpg) for 3 years before the V and never had a single problem with it so I'm sold on Nissan now.

I commute about 50 miles every day...mostly highway and regularly get about 30 MPG (I go about 75 - 80mph).

I love the tech package, I have the iKey and once you get use to it it's hard to go back to a standard key. My fiance has a Mazda3 and it feels like such a chore now to actually have to get the keys out of my pocket. lol.

I also have the bluetooth but don't use it much. I've found people have a hard time hearing me when I'm on the highway...I guess from the road noise. If I'm on city streets at a lower speed then it is fine.

I have the CVT as well and absolutely love it. It takes some adjustment when driving with it though. I've found if you accelerate somewhat fast and keep your foot on the gas, once you get to your speed the RPMs will stay up. You have to back off the gas and then reapply and your RPMs will come down. This only happens sometimes...not all the time.

I don't have the XM/Subwoofer package so I can't comment on that.

You can't beat the room inside either for such a small car. At work, no one ever wanted me to drive to go to lunch because they thought they would be cramped. One day I finally talked them into it and they were AMAZED by the roominess and comfort in the back seats. One of my coworkers was so amazed that he is now looking at a Versa S for his 17 year old daughter.

Also the room to haul cargo is great too. I just had an experience like one of the other members here a couple of weeks ago when I bought a new 42" LCD TV. The guy brought it out and looked at me weird when he saw my car. Then he was speechless when it fit in the back with room to spare. I work in IT and I was able to fit 14 fully boxed PCs or 28 boxed 15" monitors.

If you're looking for a small car that can give you versatility (no pun intended) then I highly recommend the V.

[uglymale]

can you please elaborate what this "klunk" sound is?

does it happen when you turn the wheel to the extreme right? (i.e. making a 90deg turn when parking)

Welcome! I have a 2008 V SL that I got in November of '07 so I've had it just over a year. I've only had 1 problem with the V. That was a "klunk" sound when turning the wheel to the right at low speeds. This was quickly fixed by replacing the Steering Joint Assembly (under warranty).

[Rockhound]

I'll have to echo the sentiment of the other comments, my wife and I have really enjoyed owning our Versa thus far. We've had ours just over a hear and a half, and we've put 20k miles on it so far with no issues. It's my wife's car, and her daily commute is about 15 miles, 25/75 urban/highway. The lifetime average on the car is 30 mpg.

Our best highway mileage was 34 mpg - I had the cruise set at 80 mph, too. I've found it easier to improve city mileage than highway, as steep grades, on-ramp acceleration, and passing (can't help it) all cut into efficiency. I would assume that you could easily exceed 30 mpg on your commute, as it would be turning awfully low revs at 60 mph. The CVT is really happy keeping revs low, and provides surprising grunt in the low end.

Ours has the tech package as well as the audio package (RF sub & XM). The sub is decent for a factory setup, and provides a nice low end that the door woofers just can't reach. It's not especially punchy, as it seems like you should be able to turn it up the bass just a little more. I have a love/hate relationship with XM, as I love the programming, but loathe the sound quality. It's not the Versa's stereo that's at fault, it's the fact that XM broadcasts music at or below 64 kpbs bandwidth - think crappy, over compressed MP3s.

I haven't heard the stereo without the audio package, so I cannot really say if it's 'worth it' - our Versa was the only one on the lot with the features my wife wanted (sunroof & ABS), so the rest was just icing on the cake. We too love the intelligent key, and we rarely use the Bluetooth. Great car that I'd recommend to anyone shopping this segment.

[IMHungry]

Total satisfaction with both of ours!

[Bubs daddy]

Two years old this month. 21,000 miles, they replaced the 6-CD changer under warranty. Other than that, always reliable and for the money, a high quality vehicle.

30-34 mpg consistently. I have just changed the oil, air filter and rotated the tires. Tires look like they could go another 20,000.

[Slither]

If I were doing it now I'd load-up and qualify for the moonroof. I was looking at one week Saturday, it doesn't seem to steal any headroom. Next time I'd want one.

I've had my Versa SL CVT 2 years 3 mos. I've had no warranty work but do find the a/c compressor noisy - its been left, the dealer said there was nothing wrong.

I think it all comes down to luck - I hope you get a good one. Have you thought of holding off a bit for the Cube?

[biggie]

1.5 years, 35k miles, no issues what so ever.

Have the subwoofer and think it is perfect for a factory system, didn't look for it, but glad I got it. The only options I don't have is ABS and Moonroof, but I don't miss those. Though if the V was my only car I would want the Moonroof.

[aleckz]

I love my Versa, my only problem is the gas mileage. I get around 25 - 27 consistently around the city and 27 - 29 on the highway/interstate. The manual is what is keeping me back, if the 6th was geared more for interstate travel I think I'd get much better results (35+mpg). I have a rattle in my dash and I've had to have the catalytic converter replaced, under warranty of course. But I really can't complain, got my V for 12.5k, but if I had the money I would've bought a Fit or Corolla, maybe even a Spectra5.

Just my .02 cents!

[Knightro2]

can you please elaborate what this "klunk" sound is?

does it happen when you turn the wheel to the extreme right? (i.e. making a 90deg turn when parking)

Sorry for taking a little while to get back. With mine, if you turned the wheel 1 1/4 turns to the right at slow speeds I felt a 2 quick "klunks" or "pops" in the steering wheel. You can also hear them a little.

[superskunk]

havent heard from you in while rockhound... work is really slow rite now! so many rigs are getting shut down, oxy brought out another drilling rig prior to the price of oil dropping, and now theyre trying to decide which of the 3 to shut down... one of our production rigs got shut down... glad it wasnt mine! have you heard a new kind of well that is drilled in 2 directions with 2 submersible pumps in it? we are going to start running those when the price of oil stabilizes...

ok back on to the topic, i have an S and im happy with it... the only 2 things i would change would have to be is the transmission and i would like cruise control... my car has been really reliable... oh yeah and dont put 20 inch rims on your versa if you get one, it kills your gas... i used to average 260 miles to the tank... glad im back to over 300...

[07Vsdn]

about 33k miles on our versa. not a single issue.

[frankoV]

quite happy, no problems . . . only regret is not getting the bluetooth as a law has just been passed that hands-free phones only allowed here.

[AG]

quite happy, no problems . . . only regret is not getting the bluetooth as a law has just been passed that hands-free phones only allowed here.

Btw is this new law in effect now? I know they offered a bill, but have no idea whether they passed it or not. And on MTO web site it doesn't give much information about it either, just states that it was proposed to the government (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/new/)

[FaulkenMan]

I've had my 1.8S hatch for over 6 months. I love it!! No problems, great gas milage, comfy, roomy, etc.

[besserheimerphat]

Thanks for all the great input. Sounds like most people are having really good luck with these. I've got a moonroof in my Stratus and like it, but could live without it. Headroom isn't an issue as I'm only 5'9". The Bluetooth is more important to me because I seem to spend most of my time on my cell in the car.

I wouldn't expect the factory sub to be spectacular, but most factory systems seem to fall apart at the bottom - they get boomy or just cut out all together. I was surprised to hear that the XM quality is not good though. All of my experience so far has been with Sirius, and I never had an issue with the sound quality.

Someone also mentioned the Cube - I'm not looking to make a purchase until July or August, so I've still got some time to look. I'm also looking at the Fit (backseat doesn't seem to have as much room for two car seats though). Does Nissan typically run better incentives at a certain time of year?

Thanks again for all the input.

[DejaWiz]

I'm looking hard at a new Versa SL (hatch) with CVT this summer.

1. Have you been pleased with your Versas?

2. I'm definitely getting the keyless entry and Bluetooth and ABS, hopefully the audio and/or XM as well.

3. If you have the audio package, is it worth the money?

4. Any major issues with Versas so far? Engine, CVT, transmission, major electrical?

5. What kind of highway mileage are you getting? My daily commute is 40 miles round-trip of county highway (2 lane paved, 55 mph that I usually run at 60).

Thanks for any info.

1. I was very pleased with mine, except for one thing (see response to #5 below).

2. Good plan. Mine included both ABS and the Convenience Package, as well.

3. Try to spend some time in one at the dealer equipped with such (bring your own music CD's), to determine if you like it. It really matters not what other people think of an audio system, as it's purely subjective.

4. None.

5. zerothread/388766

[cyberdeity]

Very happy with mine. I've got a 2007 that I bought in December of 2006. I got the SL, and love the iKey - I would recommend that to anyone getting one. This Versa is the best vehicle I've ever owned. I fly to Richmond, VA every other week, and drive many different rental cars and have not driven anything better (subjective opinion of course).

However, I was disappointed with the radio. I got the upgraded radio with sub & XM. If I ever buy another new Versa, I will stick with the cheapest radio option from the factory and upgrade it with aftermarket instead. The cost of the factory upgrade is not worth it to me. But, it's not like the radio is bad really, I just don't think it was worth the extra $600 or whatever it was I paid for the upgrade.

[Rockhound]

havent heard from you in while rockhound... work is really slow rite now! so many rigs are getting shut down, oxy brought out another drilling rig prior to the price of oil dropping, and now theyre trying to decide which of the 3 to shut down... one of our production rigs got shut down... glad it wasnt mine! have you heard a new kind of well that is drilled in 2 directions with 2 submersible pumps in it? we are going to start running those when the price of oil stabilizes...

I'll continue the threadjack for a bit...yeah, I had been so busy that I just didn't have the time to come on the forum, but once you make a visit back, you get sucked in to making some posts.

Our side of the business has slowed down considerably, too. The price just doesn't support many wells being drilled - especially natural gas. Rigs are being dropped right and left - you could barely get your hands on one just a few months ago. Glad to hear your rig is still running!

Is that like a dual lateral? I've heard of using the same pilot hole to drill off multiple laterals in different directions - can be a real cost saver when you don't have to drill the vertical section again...

/threadjack

[DUCeditor]

My commute is 150 miles that mixes multi-lane highway (50%) two-lane country roads (40%) and getting in and out of the urban morass (10%). So, in just a couple of months I;ve got almost 8K on my 2008 Versa SL. Problems? None. Likes? Many. Its roomy, comfortable, quiet, smooth and has so many conveniences.

The CVT is fantastic. Indeed I can't imaging ever wanting a car w/o one. The keep-your-key-in-your-pocket feature is SO convenient. -Far more than I would have expected. The 6-disc changer is great for the books on discs and college lectures that make my commute endurable. And I regularly get 33+ mpg.

Any negatives? Yes. The sound of the 6 speaker audio system is less than stellar and the cup holders poorly positioned.

Overall I'd rate the Versa as a very good car that wins the practicality sweepstakes but places 2nd or 3rd in its effect on the heart.

Interpretation Hint: I love my '77 FIAT Spider and ride a couple of Ducati motorcycles. All win over that said heart but would suck on a daily commute.

[frankoV]

Btw is this new law in effect now? I know they offered a bill, but have no idea whether they passed it or not.

Naw, I jumped the gun a bit. The bill has been proposed but not passed. It will be, though.

My head set is garbage and I don't like the feel of the handsfree sets, but I guess I'll be stuck with one. It'll stay in the car, though . . . I think it looks doofus to walk around with one [but that's only one Luddite's opinion].

[Knightro2]

I think it looks doofus to walk around with one [but that's only one Luddite's opinion].

You aren't the only one...I think so too...and so does MSNBC.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28039226?pg=7

I had a woman in the building I used to work in that would walk around with a bluetooth headset in one ear and a Plantronics wireless headset for her desk phone in the other...ALL THE TIME!! I mainly saw her in the elevator when she was going down to the cafeteria. She was never using them...she just had them on her ears. Looked like a complete moron.

[VersaMG08]

I'm satisfied with my V overall. I wish the suspension were a bit sportier, but can't be too picky.

Haven't had any problems with it since I bought it. Purchased the car April 11th 2008 and it has around 6,600 miles. Driving to school and work didn't add too many miles on the odometer. I work about 5 minutes away from my house and college is 7.3 miles, about 13 minute drive one way.

[vegarose]

2008 SL hatch..since july 2008 6000 mi. so far

Love my Versa even though I needed the engine replaced due to a defective engine block! Runs better than ever now. I get around 27mpg city driving.

[Deke40]

I have had my SL for 20 months and have 31K on it and the only problem I have had is the bluetooth module went out at about 6 weeks with no trouble since.

Did have the slow to start problem for a short period real early on but haven't had it since.

As you can see by my listing I also have a loaded V6 08 Altima that just turned a year old and it only has 9K on it and 3K of that is a Colorado trip. It mostly sets in the garage as I would rather drive the V.

Probably next year when I go down to one car there is no doubt which one is going to stay. Gas is $1.22 down here and it sure is cheap for a fillup on the V. Bone dry is a little over $16.

[Slither]

As you can see by my listing I also have a loaded V6 08 Altima that just turned a year old and it only has 9K on it and 3K of that is a Colorado trip. It mostly sets in the garage as I would rather drive the V.

Probably next year when I go down to one car there is no doubt which one is going to stay. Gas is $1.22 down here and it sure is cheap for a fillup on the V. Bone dry is a little over $16.

Well Deke when I sat in the Altima at the dealership I found the top of the windshield just raked right back into my forehead. Felt kinda claustrophobic compared to the V.

[the djay]

Had my V 9 months now and still no probs. The Bluetooth and xm package are great. As mentioned in this topic, xm sound is ok but not great due to the bitrate. Cd sound is great, sub fills out the sound nicely, and I don't feel like one of the" Rolling Boom Boxes "while driving as the sound is just real nice not stupid loud. I'll recommend the V #1 for what it is.

[Slither]

I'm looking hard at a new Versa SL (hatch) with CVT this summer.

Whatever you decide on this summer, with this economic downturn you don't want something that's been parked for months on a lot. How would you feel if it's already made now and just sitting waiting for you out in the elements?

[chelk]

I purchased my versa in the summer of 2007. I live in northern BC and for anyone who lives in a cold climate I would not recommend this car!!!!! once it passed minus 10 celcius I have had problems with the fuel pump and the car starting! I took it to my dealer and had them do many tests, but unfortunately they were unable to locate the problem. I find the defrost is also quite poor and the mileage is unacceptable. Like I said before this may be because I live in a colder climate, but I wouldn't purchae this car again.

The leg room is fantastic and the car is quite "peppy" which is very nice. I have the fully loaded version, and the stereo is quite good. I have the bluetooth, but everyone I talk to complains that it is hard for them to hear me, so I do not use it anymore.

I do not mean to be so negative, but I am planning on selling mine this summer which is very unfortunate seeing I will loose about 5 grand!

Good luck!