Questions from New Owner

[V Chai]

I am thrilled to join the community! I do have two questions to ask that worry me a bit though.

First of all, I must admit I am new to "new car." (My first car was a used car and the Versa is my second car). I got a new 2008 SL and I was assuming that it has ABS without asking the dealer about it. I only found out today, after four days of delivery, when I braked a car a little bit hard that it is not equipped with ABS. Since SL was a higher trim, I didn't expect it wouldn't come with it. I wanna ask what you guys' situations are? Is it common for SL not to have ABS or I was somehow tricked by not being mentioned this? And what I should pay attention to in driving car without ABS (my previous car has it)? Greatly appreciate if you can share your experience.

The second question was really because I am a newbie to new car. My new Versa came with 180 miles on it, and I didn't realize until today when I searched on the Internet that it was kinda unusual to have that mileage on a new car. What do you guys think? What happened to the car for such a mileage? Now that the deal has been completed, any suggestion on how I can, perhaps, negotiate some favor from the dealer as a compensation?

I know these questions may sound silly to you, but I am really inexperienced. Thanks in advance for you guys' help! I am sure I will be hanging around from now on!

[fjwagner]

one of my disappointments in the smaller cars that are more affordable is that ABS is often an option. Dealers will leave ABS off their car orders to keep the prices down; unfortunate, but something I learned while looking for a car for our two teens to drive. My attitude is that ABS is a fairly cheap insurance policy and I was not buying a car for them without it.

I took my son to a driving school when he turned 16 (I took the adult course) and one of the exercises was high speed braking while turning. ABS allows one to steer the car while braking hard. Conventional brakes do not. I am sorry that you missed out on them, but maybe your experience will help others out.

Did you notice the mileage when you test drove the vehicle? That is probably your only argument is that the miles were added after you committed to the car. Good luck. Fred

[Vahagn23]

I didnt have ABS on my car nor did I get CVT Transmission, though my dealer told me I was going to get all of that. I didnt know that the S doesnt come with CVT and that ABS was optional. My dealer also didnt give me a the window sticker, so I only learned about this after the purchase.

As for milage my car came with 50 miles on it, thats because the dealer drove it from another dealership to his.

[kc5f]

It seems like at first you could only get ABS with some other combination of options which were hard to find. I think that's changed, but it's still an option. CVT's were rare when I got mine, so I went without ABS, but I've never had ABS on any car, and haven't missed it with the Versa. (It also had 300+ miles on it when I got it, because they had to swap with a dealer in Georgia - the closest one with a white CVT at the time.)

[fjwagner]

but I've never had ABS on any car, and haven't missed it with the Versa.

the think about ABS, is that when you do need it then ABS can definitely keep you out of trouble or an accident. Being able to steer while braking hard is accident avoidance at it's finest.

[brainguyus]

Welcome to the forum fellow 'yunzer'

ABS is an option on the Versa. Surprisingly, at least in Pittsburgh, it was hard to find.

As far as mileage goes it's not uncommon for a new car to have one or two hundred miles on it...sometimes more. They get traded from dealer to dealer and often are taken for test drives while they're on the lot.

Fifty miles is nothing. My V was traded from another dealer and had 105 miles on it. My Murano was traded twice and had over 200. Other cars I've bought had milage between 20 and 150 as well. No big deal.

Where'd you buy your V? I bought my Murano and Versa (two weeks apart) from Wright Automotive. So far they seem like a solid dealership.

[V Chai]

Thanks for all the replies.

Brainguyus, so is your Versa without ABS? Is that something not that important to a Versa given that it is not that heavy a car? I am trying to reassuring myself.

The salesman actually is, despite the ABS thing, very nice and helpful. So, I would rather not to disclose the dealership creating the impression that they are not that good. It is not Wright though. We went there as our first hunt but we didn't find something we like and with the right price.

[KimberKenobi]

the think about ABS, is that when you do need it then ABS can definitely keep you out of trouble or an accident. Being able to steer while braking hard is accident avoidance at it's finest.

I solemnly swear to hold my tongue...

As for the mileage, I would ask the dealership about that... that is an odd mileage to start out with...

amusing story: when I was in Atlanta (for NOPI Nationals) we were waiting in line for the Chevy test drive and the girl behind me was spouting about how this was normal because dealerships were responsible for breaking their new cars before they sold them and how you'd never get a new car with low mileage... I turned around and looked at her and asked, "is that all dealerships, or just Chevrolet?" She stated that it was all. I commented, "How odd, both of my new cars had less than 10 miles on them when I purchased them..." shrugged and turned back around. rofl! She was none too happy to be told she was wrong in front of the throng of guys she was trying to impress with her vast knowledge...

[brainguyus]

.........In line for the Chevy test drive and the girl behind me was spouting about how this was normal because dealerships were responsible for breaking their new cars before they sold them and how you'd never get a new car with low mileage... I turned around and looked at her and asked, "is that all dealerships, or just Chevrolet?"

I'm surprised a GM product would run long enough to break in .....God I hate them!....I had a Buick for four years and it didn't go more than two weeks without a trip to the shop. That's not an exaggeration. The experience even started out with the dealer forging my name on new finance papers. GM Corporate could not have cared less.

Brainguyus, so is your Versa without ABS? Is that something not that important to a Versa given that it is not that heavy a car? I am trying to reassuring myself.

Mine has ABS. I won't buy a car without it. For some reason it seemed like it was a hard option to find. None of the Versas on the lot at the time had it, and they had quite a few. They had to trade from a dealer near the middle of the state to get the exact Versa I was looking for.

Does anyone know if this is an option that the dealer can add on? Seems like it would be a heck of alot of work.

[fjwagner]

I solemnly swear to hold my tongue...

.

You should not hold your tongue as I would certainly be interested in hearing how someone could think ABS is not a good safety feature if that is what you are referencing.

[Ever Victorious]

CVT's were rare when I got mine, so I went without ABS, but I've never had ABS on any car, and haven't missed it with the Versa.

Then your Versa may be an aberration. I wouldn't ever get in a non-ABS equipped Versa again, not after #1's tendancy to fishtail badly during panic braking.

ABS vs Non-ABS argument has a couple strong aspects to it...

1) Climate. People in areas that get a lot more snow and rain tend to like ABS better than those where it is dry more often. Not surprising, as ABS actually takes MORE time to stop on dry pavement, and a non-ABS car isn't likely to lose too much control on dry (we'll skip the wet and snow argument for the moment)

2) Driving habits. I've noticed (no offense intended) that a lot of older drivers, who learned how to drive WELL before the advent of ABS, have learned driving habits that are GREAT for driving a non-ABS equipped vehicle. But those same habits will get you in trouble driving an ABS vehicle. So, rather than blame their own outdated habits, they blame the system.

[Slither]

I'm surprised a GM product would run long enough to break in .....God I hate them!....I had a Buick for four years and it didn't go more than two weeks without a trip to the shop. That's not an exaggeration. The experience even started out with the dealer forging my name on new finance papers. GM Corporate could not have cared less.

Re: GM I learned quick.. Had an 84 Acadian lemon with a recurring carb/automatic choke problem. What I remember most was having to deal with the bolshy 'Archie Bunker' service rep cursing & swearing at me under their breath in the service dept. ..There was the true culture of arrogance..

The 4-banger Mustang I had later when Saddam invaded Kuwait was little better no wonder the big 3 have been on a slide. I'm a bit older & wiser now.

Mine has ABS. I won't buy a car without it. For some reason it seemed like it was a hard option to find. None of the Versas on the lot at the time had it, and they had quite a few. They had to trade from a dealer near the middle of the state to get the exact Versa I was looking for.

Does anyone know if this is an option that the dealer can add on? Seems like it would be a heck of alot of work.[/QUOTE]arned

I agree with ABS I won't have another car without it. If you brainguyus are used to not having ABS then you shouldn't miss not having it.

Note to any potential new V owner taking delivery soon. Ask to see your car first before signing the papers and check it over to see its optioned your way. In my excitement back in Sept 06 I signed first then they brought the V round and it didn't have the beige interior I wanted.

[fjwagner]

2) Driving habits. I've noticed (no offense intended) that a lot of older drivers, who learned how to drive WELL before the advent of ABS, have learned driving habits that are GREAT for driving a non-ABS equipped vehicle. But those same habits will get you in trouble driving an ABS vehicle. So, rather than blame their own outdated habits, they blame the system.

I fully agree that people like myself that grew up without ABS brakes had to re-learn. Some of us did, many others did not. They get concerned when they feel that grinding that is indicative of ABS brakes doing their thing and back of them. Without ABS brakes, one has to modulate the pedal. With ABS brakes, one leaves the brake pedal mashed to the floor and drives/steers the car. This requires practice which unfortunately most people do not get until in a bad situation. I have practiced that on a track, an ice pad and a few times in real life. Why I have made my kids take track courses. Not sure I agree that ABS brakes stop slower on dry than non-ABS brakes. Did a little internet surfing and could not verify that. Fred

[J. Reid]

I went without ABS on my S, finding one with the ABS package is nearly impossible in Canada currently. I test drove both and actually preferred the non-ABS equipped Versa myself, partially as my previous car didn't have ABS.

The SL however comes standard with ABS (at least in Canada, according to the brochure I have). There seems to be a few differences in whats standard vs option on Canadian sold Versas, though some are just due to the climate (such as the standard block heater)

And in terms of mileage, I agree that does sound a bit high. My S had 55km on it when I picked it up, which the dealership said was due to moving it to the dealership from another.

[fjwagner]

I went without ABS on my S, finding one with the ABS package is nearly impossible in Canada currently. I test drove both and actually preferred the non-ABS equipped Versa myself, partially as my previous car didn't have ABS.

interesting you would prefer non ABS in Canada. What kind of test driving did you do that led you to prefer non-ABS?

[V Chai]

Wow, I didn't expect there will be so many replies. Thank you guys!

Do you guys think if I can do anything for the non-ABS Versa? If we talk to them, is it ever possible that they will allow us to swap with another one with ABS?

[brainguyus]

Wow, I didn't expect there will be so many replies. Thank you guys!

Do you guys think if I can do anything for the non-ABS Versa? If we talk to them, is it ever possible that they will allow us to swap with another one with ABS?

Since you've already driven the car off the lot I would say a swap is not possible. I may be talking out of my rear, but I remember hearing that in PA you can return a car within 3 days, but I don't know under what circumstances.

I would call the dealer and see if ABS can possibly be added on without having to re-finance your home. It just seems to me that it would cost a tremendous amount more than if you had purchased it that way. Maybe the dealer will cut you a break. Even though I'm one of the 'OLDER' (yeah....I'm lookin' at you EV ) drivers who learned how to get through Pittsburgh winters without ABS, once I got used to it I won't do without it.

V Chai: Sorry, I thought you said 50 miles instead of 180 (wife was talking to me while I was posting ). 180 seems high if the car didn't come from another dealership and I bet that's what the dealer will tell you when you ask. The bottom line is as long as the car is in good shape and doesn't have any defects I wouldn't worry about it myself. A 200,000 mile car will still go 200,000 even if it has 300 miles when purchased, but a lemon will be a lemon even if it has zero miles at delivery. Don't let the miles ruin your new car experience.
Modified by brainguyus at 5:23 PM 6/21/2008

[fjwagner]

Even though I'm one of the 'OLDER'

Modified by brainguyus at 5:23 PM 6/21/2008

might have you beaten by a few years!

[V Chai]

A 200,000 mile car will still go 200,000 even if it has 300 miles when purchased, but a lemon will be a lemon even if it has zero miles at delivery.

Modified by brainguyus at 5:23 PM 6/21/2008

Oh, I didn't know it is possible technically to add the ABS after the car has been manufactured. I will try to talk to them about this.

I looked at the sticker, and, yes, it was from another dealer in PA. Well, that is not important to me now. I really love the car, and the only thing I wanna solve is the ABS issue.

Hey, I really like your statement quoted above; those are really words of wisdom .

[brainguyus]

might have you beaten by a few years!

Don't feel bad, it's only a couple. At this point the difference doesn't really matter anymore does it?

[Avidshifty]

maybe its because i have only been driving a few years, but i dont even know the diffrence in braking with ABS or without. My firsst car was my moms old '08 Plymoth Breeze with 100k miles on it. it had ABS but i cant really remember how it felt while braking. Until of coarse the day i pressed the peddle and it went to the floor and didnt stop me, had to coast down a hill and thru a parking lot before finding out at a shop that the brakeline rusted thru and i had no brakes :P cost me $800 to have the brake lines replaced. Traded it in for the V and only got $100 trade in a few months later

I drive fairly fast (lead foot) and a brake hard cause im an idiot. there have been plenty of times i have had to stop pretty fast because a light is turning red and i wasnt paying attention. i push the brake down, let go, pump it, then press down again i have never NOT stopped in time, same on the highway when morons stop dead in rush hour. i have yet to almost hit anyone and believe me when i say im not crawling at speed either.

Very long story/post made short, you may not have ABS but drive safely and you will still stop =)

[Ever Victorious]

On another note, speeding up a lot and braking heavily is not only bad for gas mileage because you're wasting gas constantly changing speed, but it will wear through your brakes prematurely, and can even heat them up and warp the rotors early.

I give cars as LONG of a berth as I can without getting cut off. Depending on the time of day, that may be 500 feet or 50 feet. But I've been using the brakes a lot less than I have before. We'll see if this translates into anything.

[fjwagner]

maybe its because i have only been driving a few years, but i dont even know the diffrence in braking with ABS or without.

)

when you mash on the brake pedal and hold it down; especially in a skid situation you will feel a vibration/grinding sensation in your foot. That is the ABS system controlling your braking. This is a good thing, but many think there is something wrong and take their foot off the brake. Wrong thing to do. In an emergency avoidance issue where braking and steering is needed, just keep that brake pedal to the metal and steer. Once you are clear, release the brake and keep driving or come to a complete stop.

[brainguyus]

maybe its because i have only been driving a few years, but i dont even know the diffrence in braking with ABS or without.

I see you live in Florida. That being the case I can understand what you're saying. Living in a mountainous area that gets snow during the winter is where the difference really becomes apparent.

[frankoV]

Yup, it's the ice and snow where ABS will be noticed. Kind of pumps the brakes for you instead of doing it yourself. But sounds like something is grinding and as said the immediate reaction is to remove the foot from the brake as you say "Whaaa . . . ?".