Thinking of buying a used Versa, what questions to ask?

[jfrussell]

Hey everyone,

My name is Jason. I have a 2005 Nissan Frontier 4x4 that has been awesome these past few years. But I recently got a job that jumped my commute from about 30 miles a day to 80 miles a day. Needless to say I need to do something. I'm not willing to give up my truck as I still get plenty of "truck' use out of it. So I figured I would do the next best thing and buy an inexpensive commuter car with good MPG.

I've been keeping my eye on dealer websites and craigslist to see what I could find. I have pretty much narrowed it to Versa, Yaris, and Aveo. Versa and Yaris are better vehicles I think, but I've been seeing Aveo's for almost half the price.

Anyway, to get to the point. I came across a Versa being sold by a private owner. It's a 2008, 4K miles, and the ad lists "auto, CD/AM/FM, CC, A/C, Power everything, key-less entry".

I'd really appreciate any input as far as what questions I should be asking. It's a far enough distance that I would have to have as much info before actually test driving and be ready to buy it same day. Any advice specific to the Versa would be great, but honestly this would be my first time buying a used car from a private seller so any advice in general about that would be great too.

Thanks,

Jason

[kc5f]

You'll get better mileage from the Yaris, but then you have to sit in a tin can and look off to the side to see what speed you're going. (The Toyota dealer wouldn't even unlock one for me to look at after finding out I'd just test-driven a Versa!)

The "Automatic" only comes in the S-model. The "CVT" is the SL version, and is 100% better, besides getting better mileage. Since the ad listed "CC", then it's either an SL or has aftermarket cruise. If it's the SL, then I think you'll love it.

My commute is nearly all 60-75 mph and the cruise really helps me get decent mileage, if not top-of-the-EPA. (See my signature.) My daughter says I "drive like a grandpa", but she bought an SL, too, two years ago when she graduated from college. She's getting about the same mileage I am and loves it.

[IMHungry]

Question#1 Was it a rental?

If the answer is yes, walk away.

If the answer is no, carry on.

[biggie]

Just buy mine, ok so you are on the other side of the country.

But would definately look for a SL model. Most people who get the S want the other options soon after.

If you do look to a manual, I would ask if the clutch has been replaced. Apparently an expensive item down the road, depending on where its done.

Ask about brakes and if the pads/shoes have been replaced and rotors turned.

For other cars, I don't trust Aveos, seen them fall apart completely. I choose the Versa over the Yaris because of looks/room and Versa over the Fit for room. A smaller person wouldn't have as much issue with interior room as I do though.

Good luck.

[BlueMango]

That sounds like an S model. I have a similar set up and the only thing I miss that the SL has is the AUX jack for an iPod.

You wanna ask about any possible accidents, why they are selling it, maintenance issues and if the warranty is transferable. As for the rental car comment my family has owned several and have all held up better than the non-rental used cars that we've purchased (we've also only purchased through enterprise). They usually have excellent maintenance records but they usually sell them at around 40K miles.

If I were you I'd go to the closest dealership and just go drive these three vehicles. You'll be able to immediately drop the Aveo off your list.

[aleg1975]

I cont have anything specific to versa, but I bought a '99 ford escort by private sale a few months ago.

you want to ask if its been in an accident or flood. Here the seller has to provide a used vehicle information package that provides that info.

check out this link, it has some info and a good checklist

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/engli...shtml

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Are you only using the 2nd vehicle to just go to work and back? If so, I would probably check out a Toyota Echo or Yaris. They get super gas mileage but you have to deal with the ride of a small car and the speedometer in the middle of the dash. I've heard plenty of people getting over 40 mpg highway with those things though.

[1_Sleek_Versa]

First of all, ask if the fuel pump and/or fuel pressure regulator have been changed.

Other than that here is how I'd deal with it...

Aveo ; cheap, low-reliability, good mpg.

Yaris ; small interior, higher priced, excellent reliability, very good mpg.

Versa ; Lots of room, fairly priced, medium reliability and mpg.

I chose the versa out of these three also. Tried all of them.

[jfrussell]

Thank for all the info everyone. Let's see if I can cover most of the responses.

kc5f: I'll have to verify the model. The pics I've are not the best resolution so I can't see the badge on the rear right hand side.

IMHungry: I don't think it was a rental. A 2008 with 4,000 miles and it appears to be a private seller. Will check.

biggie: If you weren't in NC I would be open to the idea of buying yours.

BlueMango: Like I said I'll have to verify the model. And I will be checking on any accidents, maintenance issues, etc. I've already got the VIN number and will be using one of those "Auto History" websites. And I will be test driving this weekend.

aleg1075: I will be referencing that checklist.

Shad0wXCalibur: It will be primarily for work but I plan to drive it unless I need the truck for a specific reason. I was also considering the Yaris. But I've been reading some reports that cars like the Yaris and Smart cars don't not hold up nearly as well in case of accidents. And while 40MPG would be awesome I'm willing to sacrifice a few MPG for piece of mind.

So my questions list looks like this so far• Is it an S or SL model?• Ask about brakes/rotors• Ask about accidents• Ask why the person is selling it• Ask about maintenance• Side air bags• AUX input on stereo

Thanks again everyone!

[biggie]

If you have the VIN you should be able to answer a few of those questions.

[Moghedian]

As for the rental car comment my family has owned several and have all held up better than the non-rental used cars that we've purchased (we've also only purchased through enterprise). They usually have excellent maintenance records but they usually sell them at around 40K miles.

I had a rental from Enterprise once. I did quite a few things to that car, but I remember one situation where the water was cresting over the windshield. I have to hand it to the Neon, it didnt die but I wouldnt of wanted it to be my car after something like that.

And as far as wanting to know S or SL, if it has a badge in the lower right, its an SL. S's dont have badges.

[biggie]

And as far as wanting to know S or SL, if it has a badge in the lower right, its an SL. S's dont have badges.

Some S's do have "S" badges.

[jfrussell]

Thanks again for your help everyone. I ran the VIN number with AutoCheck.com.

It seems this car was in a collision with another vehicle on 9/5/2008. Then the title changed in Feb of this year. So I'm gonna go ahead and keep looking. I am still leaning towards the Versa. I just gotta wait and see kind of deals come around.

I've heard a couple people say I should go with the SL as opposed to the S. Is it simple "creature comforts" or is there another reason it's worth it to pay a little more up front?

[justmerging]

And my SL has no badge

The SL has mostly creature comforts over the S. However, in the used market I would definately spend the money on the SL as the price difference between the two isn't going to be that big and if you negotiate well there will be no price difference at all.

[Promise Land]

jfrussell,

How much are you looking to spend on a used one? I can see what a VPP discount on a new one would be for you, which could be a better deal on a new one vs. a used one. Just tell me what you want on it (options and colors).

[jfrussell]

jfrussell,

How much are you looking to spend on a used one? I can see what a VPP discount on a new one would be for you, which could be a better deal on a new one vs. a used one. Just tell me what you want on it (options and colors).

Thanks Promise Land,

The one I was looking at that turned out to be too good to be true was listed for $8,200. But I don't think I'm going to get away with less than 10K. But if I can get for 10K or less that'd be awesome.

Overall I'm looking for the following:Year - 2008Transmission - CVTModel - SLABSAUX Input - I'd really like but not a must haveColor - I don't care too much on color. I'd prefer not white or black. Beyond that I don't care.Cruise Control

[kc5f]

All SL models have cruise control and the 6-CD changer with AUX input, as well as power windows and locks, alloy wheels without hubcaps, adjustable driveers seat height and many other creature comforts. Also, you can only get the CVT on the SL. And all Verass have side airbags, unless maybe the new 1.6 model doesn't.

[jfrussell]

Found another one with potential. 2008 HB w/23K miles. But same issue of not knowing which model it is. Options listed on the ad:

Air ConditioningBucket SeatsCruise ControlElectronic DashPower BrakesPower Mirror(s)Power WindowsRear WiperRemote Trunk Lid AM/FM/CDCloth SeatsDual Air BagsIntermittent WipersPower LocksPower SteeringRear DefrosterRemote Keyless EntryTilt Steering

I did some more research and it appears that the remote keyless entry and power locks are only available on the SL. So I'm gonna call the dealership today and get some more details. I already ran the vin and no accidents. Only thing that came up was that it was reported at an auto auction at the begining of the year. So if all things go right I might have it by the weekend.

Thanks again for all your advice!

[Bubs daddy]

Earlier, perhaps all 2007 SL's did not have an exterior badge.

[biggie]

Earlier, perhaps all 2007 SL's did not have an exterior badge.

'07s had them, at least most I saw, including mine.

[Bubs daddy]

Mine did not come with an exterior SL badge.

[fjwagner]

As you can tell by some of the threads on this forum, gas mileage can be all over the page. I happen to be one of those that gets poorer mileage than many others. That is not something you can readily check though on a used car.

Why don't you include the Fit? I drove a Jazz (Fit in Europe) for about 1000 km last summer and was quite impressed with the mileage and the construction. The one drawback for me long term is that the Fit is smaller and more cramped, which is the main reason we chose the Versa anyway; plus price point.

[jfrussell]

As you can tell by some of the threads on this forum, gas mileage can be all over the page. I happen to be one of those that gets poorer mileage than many others. That is not something you can readily check though on a used car.

Why don't you include the Fit? I drove a Jazz (Fit in Europe) for about 1000 km last summer and was quite impressed with the mileage and the construction. The one drawback for me long term is that the Fit is smaller and more cramped, which is the main reason we chose the Versa anyway; plus price point.

Main reason I don't include the Fit is the same you listed. Smaller/more cramped and price.