simple commuter car

[VersaMG08]

The Chevy interior is bland and feels like the plastic would wear down quickly of excessive useage overtime.

At my work, we have these Chevy vans and everytime I ride in one, there is something broken on it and has to be fixed. Other than that, the engines on them work fine and hardly have issues.

[feloniousmonk]

I was looking at the hatchback based on the recomendation of more "useful" space.I only listed CVT because my recolection is the dealer told me the only way to get the SL hatchback was with CVT

BTW, have you looked into the cube? available with 6MT or CVT. Same engine as the Versa but with nicer interior, dash and climate control. Pre-ordering is about to start, starting MSRP of $13,990 (or close to that). Nicely loaded SL variant is about high $18k. Pretty much the same pricing as the Versa. Got one sitting in my office right now. Probably won't be in dealers until April.

For the flamers, I'm not saying it's better. Just another option.

SX4 crossover is a very good value for the price. But, do you really need 4wd? do you want to deal with the extra maintenance associated with 4wd? If you do need 4wd, it's the cheapest car you can buy (new).

Oh, and if you want something sporty, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is coming. Over 200hp at $22k and 30mpg.
Modified by feloniousmonk at 5:23 PM 2/18/2009

[Red Devil]

BTW, have you looked into the cube? available with 6MT or CVT. Same engine as the Versa but with nicer interior, dash and climate control. Pre-ordering is about to start, starting MSRP of $13,990 (or close to that). Nicely loaded SL variant is about high $18k. Pretty much the same pricing as the Versa. Got one sitting in my office right now. Probably won't be in dealers until April.

For the flamers, I'm not saying it's better. Just another option.

SX4 crossover is a very good value for the price. But, do you really need 4wd? do you want to deal with the extra maintenance associated with 4wd? If you do need 4wd, it's the cheapest car you can buy (new).

Oh, and if you want something sporty, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is coming. Over 200hp at $22k and 30mpg.

Modified by feloniousmonk at 5:23 PM 2/18/2009

Not flaming, but I don't find the interior anything special. I don't like how it looks like you're sitting in a semi and the quirky things throw it off. Why exactly are there ripples in the ceiling around the interior light? Just to weird for me. It might appeal to odd 18-25 year olds, but not me. Just my opinion.

As far as AWD, in that type of car(SX4) it's more of a safety thing, not a performance feature like in an Evo or STi.

I have to agree with you on the Genesis Coupe. The perfect choice for a person who wants a no frills sports coupe, that is tuned for track use and is affordable? The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec.

http://jalopnik.com/tag/chicag...51658

[feloniousmonk]

Not flaming, but I don't find the interior anything special. I don't like how it looks like you're sitting in a semi and the quirky things throw it off. Why exactly are there ripples in the ceiling around the interior light? Just to weird for me. It might appeal to odd 18-25 year olds, but not me. Just my opinion.

Exactly. If you don't get it, it's not for you. No need to put it down and it doesn't mean it's not right for others either.

I liked it at first but I've changed my mind since (I'd rather have a Nismo Frontier or Pro4x), but that's based on my needs in a vehicle. The dash and climate control of the cube is more up-to-date than what the Versa has (which is quite pedestrian). Whether it's better or not, that's a matter of personal preference. To have a climate control system where you set the exact temperature you desire in this price bracket is almost unheard of. I have to give Nissan props for that.

FWIW, the dash lighting is very similar to what you'd find in a Infiniti. That in a $13,990 car? Again, I applaud Nissan. I shot some video at the press day of the LA Auto Show back in Nov. Cube content between 04:00 and 04:30. 370Z stuff after that for those interested (gorgeous car in person).

URL to video: http://vimeo.com/3259253

Quote »As far as AWD, in that type of car(SX4) it's more of a safety thing, not a performance feature like in an Evo or STi.[/quote]Obviously with regards to Evo and STi. However, you are comparing apples to oranges. SX4 was never marketed as a performance vehicle or competitor to the other two. Safety is a side benefit to having 4wd, but the SX4 has it mainly because it's marketed to people with active outdoor lifestyles. The ones who go backpacking one weekend, snowboarding the next and mountain biking the one after that — or those who like that image.

Quote »I have to agree with you on the Genesis Coupe. The perfect choice for a person who wants a no frills sports coupe, that is tuned for track use and is affordable? The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec.[/quote]It's a solid choice for the sport compact enthusiasts. Hyundai has ties to Mitsubishi and we all know that the latter is quite familiar with turbocharging technology. Personally, I wish the styling was a bit more elegant and mature like the sedan. The boy racer appeal out of the box is a bit much.


Modified by feloniousmonk at 8:19 PM 2/18/2009

[SpeedyV09]

I couldn't get through all of the posts so I don't know if this was addressed

I live in Minnesota and cold is not a problem at all. Had my Versa this whole fricken freezing winter so far and not once have I had a problem. Car sits outside and when we had -25°F temp with -45° windchill the car started up no problem almost turned over in a second, which is especially amazing since some of my friends couldn't get to school on time because their cars wouldn't start and they might own Audis or Volvo or whatever, So Cold is NOT an ISSUE!

When it comes to engine block heater I thought that was a Canadian deal only or I didn't get one, just as well the car warms up pretty damn quick. I love my Versa and I know it will always be reliable and start up when I tell it to no matter what the situation.

[grogman]

since you found us members of this versa forum, you must have done your homework. be sure that you are going to have a car that makes you happy long term. when you are shopping for your new versa make sure there aren't any program versa deals on the lots. call around. there is a 60k powertrain warranty included on all versas so you still have that. try to find dark colored versas primarily then go for the softer colors. tan interior is a great color but black is ok also. i will buy rims and tires eventually but will still keep the originals for winter travel. versa rides better than most check for yourself. shop the lots late at night and sundays so you dont get attacked by the salespeople.................and great luck to the purchase of your new versa if you are smart and get one............and let us know how it all turned out.

[badgers]

when you are shopping for your new versa make sure there aren't any program versa deals on the lots. call around. there is a 60k powertrain warranty included on all versas so you still have that. try to find dark colored versas primarily then go for the softer colors. tan interior is a great color but black is ok also. i will buy rims and tires eventually but will still keep the originals for winter travel. versa rides better than most check for yourself. shop the lots late at night and sundays so you dont get attacked by the salespeople.................and great luck to the purchase of your new versa if you are smart and get one............and let us know how it all turned out.

I read this article and since then I have a different opinion of salesmenhttp://www.edmunds.com/advice/....htmlCould you explain more about the " Program versa deals on the lots"I am not sure I undertand. When requesting internet quotes I have indicated I don't care about the color, do the tan interiors hold up better?

reading this article and others it seems that the dirty business is really a top down thing and that the salesman is just the face on the deal.http://www.edmunds.com/advice/....html

I do appreciate everyones help. thank you very much

[feloniousmonk]

Color doesn't matter. Strangest advice I've ever seen.

Edmunds used to have a very good "how to purchase" article years ago when the site was new and much smaller. The info is probably still there but buried and edited as to not offend dealers who advertise on the site now.

Dealing with salesmen is not as scary as most people think. Three basic rules:

1. Know the car, what's standard, what's not, etc. (so you can spot any product related BS the salesmen try to spin to help persuade your decision to buy).

2. Before going into the dealership, know exactly what you want (color, trim, options and max desired price including your desired trade-in value) and what you're willing to compromise on.

3. Be willing to literally walk away the second you are told that you can't get what you want. They will try the good guy bad guy game on you (I'd sell it to you but my boss says...) Ignore it. Your terms, or else.

The last point is the most important. There are plenty of cars on the market and plenty of dealerships. Lay down the law and establish control as soon as you express your interest to buy. If your terms are not met, leave immediately. Chances are they will change their mind right there and agree to sell. I've been in and out of dealerships in less than 30 min. following those 3 rules.

[badgers]

I read this article and since then I have a different opinion of salesmenhttp://www.edmunds.com/advice/....html

in case I was unclear, what I got out of the article is that the salesman isn't the bad guy.

I do agree that research is important and you have to know what you are willing to pay before going. That is why I really appreciate everyones input. food for thought and it helps me make up my mind if I want the S or SL, I am getting ABS, I won't get a block heater, I might ask for window visors, ect...

thanks

I still don't know what that"Program versa deals on the lots"is about. Not saying it isn't obvious to others, I just don't get it. But I hate cars, they are depreciation on wheels and very expensive.

I know some people love cars and that is cool, they are just something to get me to and from work in my opinion.

it takes all kinds to make the world go round.

thanks again.

PS do most people use home equity loans to buy cars?

[srellim234]

I'm not positive what he's talking about, either, but my guess is that grogman is referring to any programs that Nissan might be offering that the dealer or salesman might not be offering to you up front in order to use it in negotiations later (cash back, 0% financing, free extended warranty, etc.). The dealer will use that type of program only if he has to to make the sale. Likewise, he will frame it in a way that makes it look like it's out of the goodness of his heart and it really hurts him to offer it. It pays to know what is available before you even get there.

Exterior color is irrelevant. A darker interior won't show the stains from spills and such as readily as a light interior, but get what you want and will be happy with.

[KimberKenobi]

Financially, the SL makes sense. Most bang for the buck.

I LOVE my little Camel!

I recommend the CVT for saving gas if you do mainly highway.

I also recommend the Hatch because IMNSHO it looks best. The Versa was originally intended as a Hatch and somebody did a really quick job slapping a trunk on there for the Sedan. (if CoVersaSL is still out there, I love you! ;o* no hard feelings toward your V)

For being such a little car, it has a HUGE interior and is quite impressive.

I've put tens of thousands of miles on mine in less than 2 years and it's sound and solid. (and I'm not exactly easy on cars)

[VersaMG08]

Financially, the SL makes sense. Most bang for the buck.

I LOVE my little Camel!

I recommend the CVT for saving gas if you do mainly highway.

I also recommend the Hatch because IMNSHO it looks best. The Versa was originally intended as a Hatch and somebody did a really quick job slapping a trunk on there for the Sedan. (if CoVersaSL is still out there, I love you! ;o* no hard feelings toward your V)

For being such a little car, it has a HUGE interior and is quite impressive.

I've put tens of thousands of miles on mine in less than 2 years and it's sound and solid. (and I'm not exactly easy on cars)

That's funny. Actually COVersaSL was in here not too long ago. He checked the threads to see what was up. I believe I frightened him away when I told that I was from the same state as him.

I agree, I love the hatchback more than the sedan. It's more stylish and the sedan is just meh.

[grogman]

program vehicles are like what i purchased. either my versa was a rental car or a lease or a bad loan, it gave me the ability to afford one. mine was a certified preowned vehicle which can also be termed as a factory program vehicle. i saw a certified preowned versa on the local nissan lot for 10.4 k. it had 30k miles and had auto etc. it was a hb. so if you do your homework you can find a decent nissan from a nissan lot. you just have to be persistent.