S vs. SL

[jlav]

I am currently in the market for a used Versa. However all of the Versa's I have come across have been the S model. Besides the lack of VSC is there any other advantage to the SL. And would you buy the S ? I live in Philadelphia, a couple of hefty snowstorms a year but nothing that can't be worked around. Thanks for your help it is greatly appreciated.

Edit Duh! Wrong car, I meant CVT, which would have nothing to do with snow or traction. Was thinking about the Scion XD when I wrote that. Help me get away from that Scion!! So my question stands S vs. SL??? Thanks again.

[Scottneon]

I have the 08 S Sedan. It all came down to monthly payment. The S had everything I wanted. I love the car. Very roomy. Comfortable ride. Very happy with it. If I could afford it I probably would have gotten the SL but very happy with what I have.

[my_new_v]

Well, if you get the S model you cant get the CVT in it, at least where im at you cant. Im in arizona. Also with the SL, you have more options to choose from to be added on, and more things come standard on it that you would have to pay extra to get on the S model.

[Ever Victorious]

Differences in standard equipment:

Power doors/locks/keyless entry (Optional on S)Alloy wheelsAM/FM/6-disc MP3 changerFront and rear armrestsCruise control (Optional on '08 S, not avail. on '07 S)Flat-woven seat cloth (The S uses less durable sueded cloth)

Options available on the SL that aren't available on the S:

Bluetooth/iKeySatellite radio / SubwooferSunroof

[BBISHOPPCM]

Speaking from someone who also lives in a snowy climate, if you buy an S (or an SL for that matter), make sure you get ABS; it's a lifesaver in low traction scenarios, and panic stops. If your used to not having ABS, keep in mind, the ABS package also comes with electronic brake force distribution; this helps overcome the Versa's inherent braking flaws (people who bought their cars without have a tendency to complain about the brakes on their Versas). Everything else is icing on the cake; the SL comes with a center console, 6-disc CD, woven cloth seats, alloys, etc... but the basic car is the same.

If it were me, I'd go for the SL, as I am a sucker for toys (and I did, and I love that car to death).

[Great White Versa]

I have an S hatchback and really like it. That said, if I could go back and do it again i would have spent the extra 10 or 20 bucks a month to get the SL. I would really like to have the steering wheel controls and the nicer audio, among other things.

[bikeman]

I don't believe the S has the pump for the driver's seat adjustment. Without that feature, I can't fit in a Versa. It's ironic that in a car with a football field sized rear passenger compartment, the front seats have barely enough legroom for a tall person.

David

[kc5f]

I was originally looking for a basic, standard transmission car when I stopped by the Nissan dealer to see what they had. The only Versa they had on the lot was an SL with CVT, so I test drove it. When they did have an S model on the lot, I looked at it and was surprised how different it felt and looked immediately on opening the door. I probably would have been happy with an S with the 6MT if I'd seen it first, but I was spoiled by the SL CVT and have loved it ever since!

[COVersaSL]

My 2 pesos:

If you have the extra money the SL is well worth it. The intelligent key, armrest, stereo, steering wheel controls, 60/40 rear seat and all the other little things really make a difference after you've owned it for a while. I think the intelligent key and it's associated features alone are a deal maker.

My V (07 SL Sedan 6MT) is in the shop because I got rear ended, nothing major. My rental is an 08 S Sedan w/ CVT and there is NO WAY I would trade. It's not horrible but it's not nearly as enjoyable to drive as mine. Things I don't like about the S/CVT are how the engine revs way up when I accelerate, not having the things I like about the SL. I do like the way it drives but the over-rev drives me kind of nuts.

Happy hunting I'm sure you'll enjoy what ever you get.

[vpnavy]

If I had to do it all over again - I would have jumped for the SL. I only miss two things in my S.

1. Better seat covers2. Cruise Control

Just my 2 cents!

[keanucosmo]

S models do not have CVT in either HB or Sedan. Your rental must have a regular Automatic if it is an S model. The 6MT is the same in S and SL.

I had an 07 HB S and I had it to do over again due to an accident that totaled the 07. I went with the 6MT S again.

For me the only option I wanted on the 07 that I didn't have was the Cruise Control, and I got it on my 08.

The 07 had ABS which was a hard to find option when I bought it. The brakes sucked so bad even with ABS, it was on the bottom of my list for required options. I got ABS on the 08, but it wouldn't have bothered me if I hadn't.

I just got a Clarion Bluetooth receiver for < $140, so that covers integrated bluetooth. I used a bluetooth speakerphone in my 07 which was OK, but not as nice as being integrated with the receiver.

[BBISHOPPCM]

But if you lived in a snowy, hilly climate, the ABS would've made a world of difference.

[keanucosmo]

But if you lived in a snowy, hilly climate, the ABS would've made a world of difference.

I don't think so. I live in a hilly area although not snowy. I would get lockup even with the ABS and had to modulate the brake pedal myself.

I have ABS on my Corvette and have been in situations where it was activated so I know how ABS works and feels and when it should be working.

On the Versa it wouldn't start working until after initial lock-up, by which time I can use old school techniques to avoid lock-up. Maybe there was a problem with my car if other Versa owners experiences are different, but on mine it sucked.

[biggie]

I would agree for the price the SL is a good idea.

When I bought mine I was looking for an S, 6spd. But I had to have cruise, so ended up with the SL. Just happened that the SL in the color I wanted with 6psd was also fully loaded. But the Inteligent key and steering wheel controls (and sub/tweeters) are fantastic, never realized how convient the inteligent key would be before I got one.

Only issue is on my other cars I forget to get the key out of my pocket until I'm already in the car and ready to start it.

[bikeman]

On the Versa it wouldn't start working until after initial lock-up, by which time I can use old school techniques to avoid lock-up.

I'm having to unlearn "old school techniques" but it's worth it. My wife was never good at those techniques and ABS is an asset to her. Maybe it's an asset to me also but it's not readily apparent.

David

[KimberKenobi]

Differences in standard equipment:

Power doors/locks/keyless entry (Optional on S)Alloy wheelsAM/FM/6-disc MP3 changerFront and rear armrestsCruise control (Optional on '08 S, not avail. on '07 S)Flat-woven seat cloth (The S uses less durable sueded cloth)

Options available on the SL that aren't available on the S:

Bluetooth/iKeySatellite radio / SubwooferSunroof

Let us not neglect to mention the map lights and sunglasses holder in the SL...

[evoxpisces]

It's ironic that in a car with a football field sized rear passenger compartment, the front seats have barely enough legroom for a tall person.

David

I agree. All of the focus on Versa's extraordinary room is on the backseats. I don't care about backseat room. I rarely have more than 1 other person in the car, I wanted more front legroom. But I suppose the legroom in the front is sufficient, but I think they should have made it slightly longer.

[BBISHOPPCM]

You mean the sunglass holder that launches my sunglasses into the car behind me whenever I accidentally open the damn thing? Good thing I only spent $150 on my prescription sunglasses.

[KimberKenobi]

It launches your sunglasses into the car behind you? That's quite a feat! *s*******

No, seriously... I've never had this problem... maybe your latch is lose?

[jlav]

Thanks for all the info, greatly appreciated. I am going to continue my search with all this in mind. I will be back to reap more info once a purchase has been made. Off topic for a second, anyone else tired of all the media attention the Fit is getting? That car is such a bore!!

[BBISHOPPCM]

No, a few times, I've bumped it while fumbling for the map lights (yeah! map lights! yeeehaaa!) Anyway, the door opens with considerable force (no dampers to prevent this), causing the aforementioned glasses to bounce out of the door.

[COVersaSL]

I believe your right... my rental is a 4 speed. I didn't realize it until I read this.

Now I have driven a V with each type of trans and I still think the 6 speed is the best.

[KimberKenobi]

No, a few times, I've bumped it while fumbling for the map lights (yeah! map lights! yeeehaaa!) Anyway, the door opens with considerable force (no dampers to prevent this), causing the aforementioned glasses to bounce out of the door.

I don't think that should happen... I think there's something wrong with your latch. JMHO.