So I bought a Versa

[Rhettigan]

I am totally and entirely new to Nicoclub. Hi.

I've been driving a fully-loaded '98 200SX SE-R since February 2005. It would need ~$500 of repairs to get it through the winter, culminating in a PA inspection in January. If I would get in inspected in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), I would have to fix an emissions program which has pegged the engine light for a year. That fix was estimated at $1500, plus I'd probably need to get some other work done, too. It simply didn't make sense.

So, I bought a 2009 Versa SL hatchback with all the fixins. I'm particularly stoked about the Bluetooth parts of the convenience package.

I'll probably add the window guards soon after I get it and perhaps fog lamps if I find I miss them (200SX has them). I'm not one much for all kinds of valance and spoilers, but a carbon fiber hood has caught my interests for a "hooray I paid it off" present to myself when it's paid off in three years (36 mos @ 0% deal = win).

My question is more related to car care than Versas, though. This car will be kept outdoors in Pittsburgh weather for probably two years, as I have no garage. What can I do to protect it from the onset of rust and such? I have off-street parking, so I don't have to worry about traffic or street plows.

Are there any other new car care tips I should know? Any caveats of which I should be aware in my new Versa?

[Vahagn23]

I leave my car on the street. Its been through snow and rains and other strong storms. No rust that I can find. Oh and its really dirty havent been to a carwash for a while

[Knightro2]

I don't know about rust protection as I don't get snow down in Florida.But let me know how you like your bluetooth.I have it as well and it works ok if I'm on a normal road but I have found while on the highway the people on the other end have a hard time hearing me.

[Rhettigan]

What's the purported benefit of fog lamps? I don't think I've ever noticed a marked difference between driving in my 200SX with them and my Dad's Mazda 626 without them.

[Knightro2]

For ones that come on vehicles from the factory...they are more looks than anything. On my S-10 I had 2 PIAA offroad 500-watt lamps on my brush guard. It was like having night vision in fog. That and if someone cut me off at night I could retaliate by blinding them from behind. heh heh.

[vkheifets]

I agree Piaa makes two types of lights Fogs and driving lights.They have a set that also fits in nice in the factory holes. I would go with Piaa any day over factory.

[Knightro2]

These are what I had:

Put a couple of these bad boys on the V and you're good to go! lol.Although it would kind of make it look like a Rally car.

[Atx_Versa]

What's the purported benefit of fog lamps? I don't think I've ever noticed a marked difference between driving in my 200SX with them and my Dad's Mazda 626 without them.

1. They look good2. I have noticed a difference when driving in the rain, the lines on the road are more visible.

[vkheifets]

This is what I am talking about. I used to have a pair like this any I can truly say they are great.

http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-images/1100x.gif

[the djay]

I bought an SL Versa complete with the Tech Package. I love it!! The Satellite Radio is way cool for travelling, the Sub does a good job as well. The only thing is you must remember to speak clearly and not too loudly when voice dialing a number. If you yell or speak to loudly it seems to have problems understanding.As for the weather, I keep mine in the garage at home but I had it rust proofed and undercoated. I put on several coats of good quality wax before winter and keep it washed, making sure to spray out the fender wells and the undercarriage. I also wash and wipe down the engine and compartment as well since I plan on keeping this V for awhile. Also buy a touch-up pen from the dealer to take care of any stone chips immediately when you find them.So far my V still looks like it did the day I picked it up, except for the crack in the windshield thanks to a gravel truck passing me on the highway !

[Rhettigan]

As for the weather, I keep mine in the garage at home but I had it rust proofed and undercoated. I put on several coats of good quality wax before winter and keep it washed, making sure to spray out the fender wells and the undercarriage. I also wash and wipe down the engine and compartment as well since I plan on keeping this V for awhile. Also buy a touch-up pen from the dealer to take care of any stone chips immediately when you find them.

What is involved in the process of rust-proofing and undercoating? How much does this cost? Where can it be done?

[vkheifets]

I work for a car dealer. You should not pay more than 400-500 for it. If you can get it for about 300 i would say that is a very good dealwe charge 495 for a complete rustproof and scotch guard pkggood luck

[1_Sleek_Versa]

"we charge 495 for a complete rustproof and scotch guard pkg"

Jesus C!!rist. For that price here in Quebec I can rust proof you a 10 wheeler and it's 53' trailer and still have money left to fill one tank.

The highest price here to rust proof a car I saw was 175$. Just did mine, rust proofed everywhere with scotch guard and all and cost me like 90$.

Damn lol.

[Stumpkin]

We picked up a "V"for our college kid. She picked it out and will buy it from us when done with school. Point is - it will be outside for at least 3 years. She will have off street parking. But this is the mid west and we get salt I mean snow. So we had it undercoated & paint sealed. Have had a Datsun & a Nissan in the past. Both went to the bone yard running just rusted beyond safe. p.s. she loves the "V."

[vkheifets]

[QUOTE=1_Sleek_Versa]"we charge 495 for a complete rustproof and scotch guard pkg"

Jesus C!!rist. For that price here in Quebec I can rust proof you a 10 wheeler and it's 53' trailer and still have money left to fill one tank.

The highest price here to rust proof a car I saw was 175$. Just did mine, rust proofed everywhere with scotch guard and all and cost me like 90$.

Damn lol.[/QUOTE

Well please do not forget you get what you pay for. I am not trying to sell anything but just help. The Chemicals alone for a proper job will cost you around $250 and do not forget somebody has to get paid to use them on your car. For $90 they went to walmart and got a can of scotch gaurd and told you it was rustproofed. Good luck with that.

[Rhettigan]

It looks like I'm probably going to do at least the underbody rustproofing, maybe more. The dealership recommended Ziebart for this service, as the dealership only does paint sealing and interior protection.

Any better and cheaper places out there which may do it?

Would it be worth it for me to drive up to some place just inside the Canadian border (I can get to Niagara Falls/Clifton Hills in ~4 hours) to have it done? Perhaps it would be at least worth investigating if the price would be significantly different in Canada than in the US for some reason.

[vkheifets]

Call a few of your local dealers. They do not have to be Nissan's anybody can do it. Trust me driving to Canada might be a good time but it will not be any better for you. If you have to go back and use the warranty for the job they did do you plan to go to Canada again. Any reputable place will give you a nice long warranty.

[daan]

I had a Miata (91) that lived outside (in MN) for it's entire "life". It was undercoated, and that's it. It JUST started to get rusty about 05-06. As long as you try to wash off the salt as often as you can, you can keep a car outside in a cold area for a long time. If you can't get to it yourself, there should be detail places by you that can wax it in the winter, that seemed to help my previous car. (The original owner's spouse worked at a dealership and had them wax the car once a month in the winter) the car was 16 years old and still looked great. My parents always paid for the dealership rustproofing on their cars, and none of them seemed to last any longer than other examples of whatever they drove so take that for what it's worth. Short answer: don't worry about paying for rustproofing if you just wash your car a lot in the winter.

[idunno22221]

yeah pittsburgh versa!

[superskunk]

oh you people and your snow

[Ginsu]

My local Nissan dealer charges $399 for rustproofing, $399 for underbody rubberized spray, $399 for teflon-based paint protector ("neverwax spray"), and $399 for scotchguarding the entire interior. However, if you buy all four, they "only" charge $1199. I got all four at the time of purchase and just added it to my financing. I knew I could probably find a cheapo shop somewhere in town to do it for less, but then it probably wouldn't be covered under warranty. I park outside on the street all year so the car gets sanded and salted pretty badly, but I don't worry about it.

[uglymale]

I'm new, I live in Pittsburgh, and I just bought a 2008 Versa 1.8S sedan.

Actually, I bought mine Certified Pre-Owned with 29,000 miles on it with a $12,000 OTD price. It came with the power package and cruise control. I hope I got a good deal...?

Where did you get yours? I'm thinking about what I should do to prep my Versa for the winter too...

[Bubs daddy]

What is this snow you speak of?

[idunno22221]

got mine from beaver county nissan! i work there!

[VersaMG08]

We haven't had any snow here. Last time it snowed a couple weeks ago, it barely sticked to the ground and melted a couple hours later. Most of the snow stayed up in the mountains (thank god).

[Rhettigan]

I bought mine at Pittsburgh East Nissan in Wilkins Twp/Monroeville from Ralph, the Internet Sales Manager.

I decided against the underbody rust proofing on the advice of several folks who said that, in their experience, it has made problems worse, and that it's not worth the money--it's cheaper to take it to an expensive car wash every two weeks or so for the ~six months of winter.

I did, however, opt to get the paint sealing and interior protection. It costs $395, but most of the same people said it's worth it, especially since PA loves its tar and chips, which often find themselves airborne.

The whole deal is going to bump up my monthly payments by ~$10, but I think it's probably worth it in the long run.

[Knightro2]

Don't know about the paint sealing but every time I buy a car I go out and buy a can of spray on Scotch Guard and spray it all over the seats and floor. Crack the windows and let it sit overnight. Viola! Scotch Guarded interior for $4 a can!

P.S. I do it to the carpets too when I move into a new apartment. Works wonders.

[uglymale]

Oh, I have been to that dealership. Ralph didn't want to sell me a 07 Versa HB he had in the inventory for the price I wanted. :P

Ended up going to John Sisson Nissan in Washington instead!

I bought mine at Pittsburgh East Nissan in Wilkins Twp/Monroeville from Ralph, the Internet Sales Manager.

I decided against the underbody rust proofing on the advice of several folks who said that, in their experience, it has made problems worse, and that it's not worth the money--it's cheaper to take it to an expensive car wash every two weeks or so for the ~six months of winter.

I did, however, opt to get the paint sealing and interior protection. It costs $395, but most of the same people said it's worth it, especially since PA loves its tar and chips, which often find themselves airborne.

The whole deal is going to bump up my monthly payments by ~$10, but I think it's probably worth it in the long run.

[uglymale]

What is this Scotch Guard product that you mentioned?

Also, do waterless car wash like "Dri Wash" work? Will it damage my versa??

Don't know about the paint sealing but every time I buy a car I go out and buy a can of spray on Scotch Guard and spray it all over the seats and floor. Crack the windows and let it sit overnight. Viola! Scotch Guarded interior for $4 a can!

P.S. I do it to the carpets too when I move into a new apartment. Works wonders.

[the djay]

I believe my cost for both the rustproofing and the undercoating (which also quiets the road noise) was $500.00. That was here in Calgary at Stadium Dealership.