simple commuter car

[badgers]

hello, I am am looking to repalce a 1995 honda civic.I use this car to go to and from work and that is about it. I don't care much about stereo as I like quiet after a day in the office.I have been looking at the Versa SL CVT hatchback and the Hyundai Elantra SE

I am asking for general opinions about the Versa and any insigt people may have.is the CVT worth it? is the standard automatic better in cold/hot weather.I live in Madison, WI and it does get cold. I have never had a CVT transmission so any input on that topic no matter how basic is appreciated.

Hatchback vs Sedan? (other then personal preference, ie hatchbacks leak, sedan trunk rattles)

I was going to get the ABS option on the SL but not really get any other options.

I don't mean to set up anything about the Hyundai, it is just the other car I am considering because it is about the same cost and they come from the same dealer.

are there any after market items that are strongly recommended for the Versa? oil cooler, block heater for cold climate, ect..

thanks again and I thank you for your time, have a good day

[skyliner34gtr]

DO NOT GET AN ELANTRA!! My friends mom has the 2003 Hyundai Elantra and all they do is ***** on how ****ty that car is, nothing but problems. A simple sentence EVERYONE should live by is "You get what you pay for". A midsized car priced in the economy car class, yeah, I would stick with the Versa. I also heard the newer Elantra's are nothing but trouble as well.

[rwanttaja]

I bought my Versa as a simple commuter car (~18 mile round trip per day). It has been very adequate. I like the CVT, but after two and a half years of ownership, I don't even notice it anymore. Don't have any experience in real cold weather nor a lot of snow/ice with it, but what snow we've had, it's handled OK.

I have the hatch, but I think I'd get a sedan next time around. Hatchback has wide pillars in back, they make it awkward when backing up.

Ron Wanttaja

[biggie]

It's always up to you. But Hatch vs sedan, the sedan may be slightly lighter, but hatch can fit a lot of stuff in it, then theirs the looks that are up to you. I've enjoyed my hatch for commuting (and hauling things), was 100 miles per day, but now down to 20.

If you are stuck on the SL you can't get the standard AT, just the CVT. I don't have CVT but most on here who have it, like it. The standard options on the SL are good and most S owners want them.

Believe a block heater is a standard option and you should get it. A few on here have it and can speak to it. Don't think there is any aftermarket options that are 'needed'. Most people do go for the wind/rain visors and tint.

Depending on how far your drive is you may want the convience/tech packages (steering wheel controls and bluetooth connectivity). Just look into it on Nissans website for the options you may want.

[badgers]

thanks, I will take a second look at the hatchback and the wide pillars.When test driving the salesman drove the car up to the front door(cold outside) so I never backed the car up!

That is what I love about these forums, something so simple but so important.

what tint option is there? It hurts my head to consider all the options out there.

How much should the block heater option be? is it something the dealer can add to the car they have in stock?

thanks again for everything

[feloniousmonk]

The Versa is a great simple commuter car. It'll get you there and back with little drama. The hatchback is definitely more practical than the sedan. You can fit a 50" LCD TV, with box, easily. That's how big the cargo area is with rear seats folded. The fact that the seats don't fold flat to the hatch area is a bummer, but there is a factory accessory storage bin you can add to make it possible.

It's all about managing your expectations really. If you're expecting a sporty fun car... the Versa will probably bore you a little over time. Watch, I'll get flamed for that. But, it is what it is a great basic commuter. Unless you can get a great deal on one with CVT, my opinion is that it's not worth the extra cost if all you're interested is getting from point A to point B and not so much what happens in between.

[badgers]

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

[biggie]

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

Yes for SL only options are CVT or 6-speed manual. You can get the S with standard AT, but would have to add a lot of options to get the standard SL options.

Tint is aftermarket and would depend on your laws and what you wanted to do.

The block heater should be at the dealership or may have already been installed on the ones you are looking at.

[keanucosmo]

Yes for SL only options are CVT or 6-speed manual. You can get the S with standard AT, but would have to add a lot of options to get the standard SL options.

No transmission options for the SL Hatchback. CVT only. S gives choice of 4-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

[superskunk]

2009 models dont come 6MT SL anymore, if you want the 6MT you will have to get an S

[biggie]

No transmission options for the SL Hatchback. CVT only. S gives choice of 4-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

Ah, thought the 6MT was still an option, forgot changed in '09. They shouldn't have taken it away, but at least you can get the S with most options now.

[srellim234]

You don't say how long your commute is; if it's any length at all the better seats on the SL are definitely worth the extra price of the SL over the other models. Especially after a long or hard day at the office.

The cruise control price (standard with the SL but you have to pay in the S) plus the center armrest in the SL are also considerations if your commute is of any length.

We've had our hatchback SL with the convenience package for over a year and a half now and haven't been disappointed. The car is very comfortable, including a drive from southern California to Florida and back.

[Bubs daddy]

I can't address your cold weather questions, I'll let the others do that. But the Versa has been a reliable, commuter car for over 2 years now.

The hatchback is very handy. This car holds a lot of everything. I like the ease of entry and there's lots of headroom.

I consistently get 31-34 mpg combined city/highway.

I recommend the SL as the upholstery is significantly higher quality and you get quite a few upgrades for the money.

[Red Devil]

Ah, thought the 6MT was still an option, forgot changed in '09. They shouldn't have taken it away, but at least you can get the S with most options now.

So my model year was the last SL HB to be offered with the 6 speed MT and I own one? Thats kinda cool.

[badgers]

my commute is 20 min one way.90% highway, the rest is in my neighborhood. not any stop and go just 3 stop signs. I do have some country roads that are pretty sharp corners but that is about it.

I was pretty set on the SL but I appreciate the opinions.thanks again

[alonsorules8]

I can talk about the cold weather driving.

My 08 Versa SL CVT is awesome in the cold, I do not have a block heater on mine. I went to pick up my brother from his base in Northern NY the outside temps were about -20F and the Versa runs like a champ in those conditions. A block heater is recommended at these temps.

Also if you get a lot of snow a good set of snow tires are recommended. I drove through 2 blizzards and 1 ice storm in my car and had no issues with control of the versa with the snow tires on, by the way I do not have abs.

After 29000 miles and 1 1/3 years ownership I would sell it for anything, and it's a great car!!!

[sooner4x4]

We also got the Versa for a basic commuter car and for a teenage driver. If your need is for a simple car, the S model works fine. That is what we got, in the sedan. The trunk doesn't rattle, and it actually holds a lot of stuff that you would have to fold the seat down in the hatch to fit. No the sedan won't hold a large screen TV, but that is not a typical scenerio while commuting. The seats in the S are not uncomfortable, and are fine even for an all day road trip. The only options we added were the power package and anti-lock brakes. Both are low price options and the anti-locks are a Huge improvement over standard brakes and will probably be put to the test a few times while commuting over the next 10 to 15 years.

Look around and get what you like.

[VersaMG08]

Hey bro, I was a ex 98 civic owner. Definitely look into the Versa, you won't regret it. Try the SL model, such a great car, I had zero problems with it so far. Owned it for 10 months and it's a charm.

[blockmachining]

The Versa is simply an incredible car for the money. As far as the SL vs. the S models....I hear several...actually many people who either wish they had gotten the SL model instead of the S or want certain features for the S that the SL has. I have an SL hatch with CVT. I don't believe I will ever own another car without the CVT. It's silky smooth, no shift shock whatsoever which should mean extended life for the constant velocity joints and also should add fractionally to the life of the tires. The CVT is also a perfect marriage with the cruise control. There are no downshifts when climbing hills and such. You'll just notice the speed stays constant and the RPM will gradually be going up to maintain your speed. Several S owners have also commented about premature seat fabric wear/failures while I haven't read any from SL owners. By the way, on 3 occasions, I've loaded $550 dollars worth of groceries, 2 children...ages 7 and 12, and two adults in the car at one time. The hatchback can definitely haul the grocerys, or most anything else for that matter. I just folded down the 40% section of the rear seat, left the rear privacy shelf at home, and I was on my way! By the way....if you remove the headrest on the passenger front seat, push the seat all the way forward, and recline the backrest horizontal to the floor, you have a smooth 6 foot bed you can stretch out in and catch a few Zs. The front seat lines up perfectly with the rear seat bottom cushions. That feature came in handy on a 16 hour trip to Miami from Kentucky. Good luck and I hope you choose the Versa. You really can't go wrong.

[bucksnort]

My wife drives a S Hatch fron DeForest to East Towne everyday and likes the car. My daughter just got a Sentra with the CVT and she likes it more

[They Call Me Whatshisname]

By the way....if you remove the headrest on the passenger front seat, push the seat all the way forward, and recline the backrest horizontal to the floor, you have a smooth 6 foot bed you can stretch out in and catch a few Zs. The front seat lines up perfectly with the rear seat bottom cushions.

I used that trick on a 6 and a half hour drive to dallas in my base sedan. I'm 6'3 so it didn't really work for me as I had to either put my feet on the dash or tuck them under the glove box. It sure would be comfy if you were normal sized though lol.

[blockmachining]

The fact that you even tried to lay down at 6'3" is testament to the versatility and value you can get in this car. My former 02 Q45 had the reclining rear seats; however, you could not stretch out as I did in the Versa.

[7speed]

I've had my V for almost 2 years now, and absolutely love it. It hasn't given me any grief whatsoever. It's only had regular service and two warranty repairs (one quite common, the fuel filler release cable 'was malfunctioning'...warranty guys don't like the word broke...)

We have the SL hatch, 6MT, so I can't comment on CVT issues. I can comment that the weather gets very cold up here, and so long as you use the block heater when the temperature drops, you'll do just fine.

We also get a lot of snow and have very icy roads during the 6-7 month winter season (Oct-Mar/Apr). We only have the OEM all-seasons on it, and drive accordingly. We've never got stuck, or hit anything. If we drove into the mountains with it during that time, I would definitely get some decent winter tires. For just a commuter car though, I wouldn't bother, just remember what kind of tires you have when the snow comes.

[badgers]

thanks for the comments, I am 6'-4.5" tall and I never find a car that fits me perfectly, but it is nice to know that someone about my size drives the Versa often.

Isn't the Sentra a more expensive car? I do appreciate the opinions on other models but I really am trying to stay on budget.

I do appreciate the opinions about the S type. I was considering that difference. I was pricing that because the friend who has a Versa has the SL and I was just staying with what I know. After adding the options I want to the S at edmunds.com it seemed to come down to the premium for the CVT. I really see both sides, I could get the S sedan 4A and add the options I want and maybe come away with it for less money but how much less is unclear. It seems that having an SL puts me in a different column for the blue book when it comes time to get rid of it. From my untrained eye it looked like the options added to an S don't get as much credit in the blue book value as if I had just got the SL without any other options. Except ABS does seem to be worth the money after talking to my insurance guy. It appears the insurance premium is set assuming ABS and the cost for nonABS is really much higher.

thanks again

[biggie]

thanks for the comments, I am 6'-4.5" tall and I never find a car that fits me perfectly, but it is nice to know that someone about my size drives the Versa often.

Isn't the Sentra a more expensive car? I do appreciate the opinions on other models but I really am trying to stay on budget.

I do appreciate the opinions about the S type. I was considering that difference. I was pricing that because the friend who has a Versa has the SL and I was just staying with what I know. After adding the options I want to the S at edmunds.com it seemed to come down to the premium for the CVT. I really see both sides, I could get the S sedan 4A and add the options I want and maybe come away with it for less money but how much less is unclear. It seems that having an SL puts me in a different column for the blue book when it comes time to get rid of it. From my untrained eye it looked like the options added to an S don't get as much credit in the blue book value as if I had just got the SL without any other options. Except ABS does seem to be worth the money after talking to my insurance guy. It appears the insurance premium is set assuming ABS and the cost for nonABS is really much higher.

thanks again

I'm also 6'4" with no issues.

The Sentra is more expensive and with no hatchback option, which is why I didn't look at it. Though the dealership tried to push it.

The SL should hold a higher value. I don't have ABS, but didn't notice the insurance was too high.

[Andrews Chalmers]

DO NOT GET AN ELANTRA!! My friends mom has the 2003 Hyundai Elantra and all they do is ***** on how ****ty that car is, nothing but problems. A simple sentence EVERYONE should live by is "You get what you pay for". A midsized car priced in the economy car class, yeah, I would stick with the Versa. I also heard the newer Elantra's are nothing but trouble as well.

Hyundai has come a long way in the past 5 years - I've heard a lot of troubles with the Versa too, but fortunately I've only had to deal with the fuel regular and bad air/fuel sensor. I tend to discount personal experiences on reliability issues because they're not statistically representative.

I would check out the new Honda Fit and compare it with the Versa SL HB - both are quality vehicles although the interior for the Fit is a little.. unique?

[Knightro2]

LOL...yea..."unique"

The steering wheel is fugly and the head unit placement would annoy me because it is off center....I'm OCD like that.

[Red Devil]

Don't throw out the sentra so readily. If you aren't looking for as many features and don't care about the HB the Sentra is a decent option.

As far as cars to look at in the Versa's price range,

Honda Fit

Toyota Yaris (Ugly and I could never get over the instrument cluster placement, it's in the middle)

Mazda 3 (a base model is decent and is near in price)

Chevy Aveo (Ugly and if it's the entry level Chevy, the interior must be paper mache or something)

Ford Focus (I'd pass, it's the same as the first Focus just with some bells and whistles and an uglier body)

Chrysler......nah, I can't recommend anything from their crappy company.

Suzuki SX4 (Actually a very decent automobile for the cash. AWD equipped on some as well. Kinda wisah I had found this car before I found my V)

Hyundai Elantra (Hyundai has come a long way. Their next generation of cars, i.e. Genesis and Genesis Coupe, shows that they are a true global player now.)

[Andrews Chalmers]

Good list. Although the Suzuki SX4 has one of the worst interiors in the segment - it was so bad when I checked it out that the Scion xB & xD's interior appeared attractive in comparison.

[Red Devil]

Good list. Although the Suzuki SX4 has one of the worst interiors in the segment - it was so bad when I checked it out that the Scion xB & xD's interior appeared attractive in comparison.

Still, it can't be nearly as bad as any Chevy interior.