Thinking of getting a versa - Fill me In!

[M88]

Well, I may be converting from the Blue Oval to Nissan. I was thinking about a Ford Fiesta but the price is up there. Looking around I see the Versa is a cheap, simple car. Peeeerfect. It's also been the same model for a few years so I'm assuming most of the bugs are worked out.

I'll be in the market soon (depending on when my car kicks the bucket) for a Hatch. I only require power windows and 3 pedals on the floor. Hopefully I can find something!

So, are there any really common problems? The main thing I'm concerned about is RUST. NO RUST PROBLEMS. Is rust a problem? Guess I am wondering about silly stuff like "right rear wheel well rots out' 'rear springs break religiously' 'spark plug 3 spits out at 23013 miles' ...

Thanks!

[blindsnyper]

i havent heard of any rust issues, but depending on where you live it might be inevitable (sp?).
only "problems" i can think if are: fuel pressure regulator (may pump?), front suspension knock and front strut top mounts. but i think these were all 07-08 issues and all covered under warrenty.

somebody correct me if im wrong.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Rust might depend on where you live.

My rear ABS brake harnesses were recalled because they think that they could rust and then cause ABS braking problems. However, that was covered under warranty.

Only other issue was the fuel pressure regulator. I also had that covered under warranty.

[08versailles]

Well, I may be converting from the Blue Oval to Nissan. I was thinking about a Ford Fiesta but the price is up there. Looking around I see the Versa is a cheap, simple car. Peeeerfect. It's also been the same model for a few years so I'm assuming most of the bugs are worked out.
The main thing I'm concerned about is RUST. NO RUST PROBLEMS. Is rust a problem? Guess I am wondering about silly stuff like "right rear wheel well rots out' 'rear springs break religiously' 'spark plug 3 spits out at 23013 miles' ...!

Almost bought a used focus when i bought my used Versa.
Versa better price, room, reliability history.
My old sentra had rusty door bottoms, but had over 300000km, thru southern Ontario salty winters.
When i shopped used, i saw Versas and Focii definitely better shape rust-wise.
I saw Mazda 3 and Pontiac Vibe bad for paint chipping and rust [but not Toyota Matrix!]
Advantage Focus and Fiesta for go-cart feeling, but advantage Versa for everything else,
IMO.

08v

[M88]

Took a look at one again at a dealer today. Is it some sort of beam axle in the rear? If so ... I like! I also like how it's a separate spring and shock as opposed to a strut. Would make airbagging (for big loads) or replacing springs a bit easier.

Well, I may be converting from the Blue Oval to Nissan. I was thinking about a Ford Fiesta but the price is up there. Looking around I see the Versa is a cheap, simple car. Peeeerfect. It's also been the same model for a few years so I'm assuming most of the bugs are worked out.
The main thing I'm concerned about is RUST. NO RUST PROBLEMS. Is rust a problem? Guess I am wondering about silly stuff like "right rear wheel well rots out' 'rear springs break religiously' 'spark plug 3 spits out at 23013 miles' ...!

Almost bought a used focus when i bought my used Versa.
Versa better price, room, reliability history.
My old sentra had rusty door bottoms, but had over 300000km, thru southern Ontario salty winters.
When i shopped used, i saw Versas and Focii definitely better shape rust-wise.
I saw Mazda 3 and Pontiac Vibe bad for paint chipping and rust [but not Toyota Matrix!]
Advantage Focus and Fiesta for go-cart feeling, but advantage Versa for everything else,
IMO.

08v

I was actually surprised when I saw the versa hatch ... I was thinking something along the lines of a real real real small car. Inside, looks bigger than the focus! I live in the rust belt and drive a rustbucket deathtrap right now.

Bad balljoints, worn out tierods, bad steering rack, power steering works when it wants to ... handling isn't so much a concern at this point. Aside from that on my Taurus, I'm used to driving solid front axle 4x4s. Handling, eh I can take it or leave it.

Rust might depend on where you live.

My rear ABS brake harnesses were recalled because they think that they could rust and then cause ABS braking problems. However, that was covered under warranty.

Only other issue was the fuel pressure regulator. I also had that covered under warranty.

Sounds like a small problem that would be corrected by now. If not, nissan is good about warranty stuff? Almost seems like some WD40 and transmission fluid on the harness would stop the rusting.

i havent heard of any rust issues, but depending on where you live it might be inevitable (sp?).
only "problems" i can think if are: fuel pressure regulator (may pump?), front suspension knock and front strut top mounts. but i think these were all 07-08 issues and all covered under warrenty.

somebody correct me if im wrong.

Suspension knock like swaybar bushings? That's something I've done many times haha.


I'm not going to be getting very serious about getting a car for another month or two but when I do it's going to be whoever can get me out the door cheaper. Pretty sure what I have isn't going to make it through the winter

[Promise Land]

I have an '09 with 25k and have only had the fuel pressure regulator need replacing. My dealer replaced it in a couple hours and I was back on the road. I wouldn't pick any other small car on the market right now.

[kc5f]

We've got three, from 34k to 108k miles, and no signs of rust on any of them. (They salt the roads here in the winter, but I wouldn't call it the "rust belt"!)

Minimal problems, too. Fuel pump regulator fixed easily under warranty on one, and no complaints!

[srellim234]

'07 SL here. In two more days it will be three years of ownership. 37,000 miles and never have experienced any pressure regulator problems. Car has been very dependable. I live in dry climate (nowhere near the beach) so I can't speak to any potential rust issues.

[Panzer Kampf]

If you buy decide to buy one, go ahead and throw down on the SL trim level. Comes with the center console arm rest and better made seats among with all the other goodies!

[aidan80]

I would highly recommend a Versa! I've a 2009 S Manual (bare bones) and just hit 8k on it, still smells new too lol! I paid $13,500 out the door and that's all I financed which is hard to beat for a new car. The only issue I've had is a button I accidentally broke which was fixed by the dealer at no charge. Otherwise coming from a 98 Escort I have to say the differences are massive in terms of quality and power available. The car is quite large inside and with the hatch down, if you don't mind the step it creates you can pack quite a bit in there. Overall it's the best you could get for the money. Had I the option when buying (e.g. approved for more financing) I'd have jumped on an SL just for the extra's. I'll admit I'm tempted to trade up to an SL lol

[daan]

After having several Ford products (1 EXP, 3 Escorts, 1Taurus, 2 Explorers) I can heartily recommend getting a Versa. In 30K all I've had to do is get the fuel pressure regulator replaced under warranty, and now an AC hose of some sort, also under warranty. That's it! None of the Fords I had were anywhere near this reliable, and even the Escorts didn't get the mileage the V returns. Go for it, you won't be dissapointed. Oh yeah, as for your rust question, I live in salt central- I think Minnesota uses more salt than the next 3 states put together and even with all the rock chips on the hood, there's no rust on my V after 2 winters.

[MajorLeagueBabe]

having just purchased a versa sedan yesterday, I can tell you this fuel pressure regulator everyone is mentioning is not covered by warranty (unless you buy the extend warranty (or added security plan as its called). they are charging us $1300 for this plan. (im in ontario if that makes any diffence).

the AC hose mentioned looks like its covered 3 yrs.
front suspension knock- I cant find this on the list (sorry i dont know about cars, maybe it has another name)
front strut top mounts- its says 'strut mounting plates, bushings and bearings - so if thats the same thing then its covered for 3 yrs

the powertrain is covered for 5yrs, and a bunch of other stuff is covered for 3yrs, and then some other stuff is not covered at all unless you pay more money for the extended warranty.

[iluvmyVersa08]

having just purchased a versa sedan yesterday, I can tell you this fuel pressure regulator everyone is mentioning is not covered by warranty (unless you buy the extend warranty (or added security plan as its called). they are charging us $1300 for this plan. (im in ontario if that makes any diffence).

the AC hose mentioned looks like its covered 3 yrs.
front suspension knock- I cant find this on the list (sorry i dont know about cars, maybe it has another name)
front strut top mounts- its says 'strut mounting plates, bushings and bearings - so if thats the same thing then its covered for 3 yrs

the powertrain is covered for 5yrs, and a bunch of other stuff is covered for 3yrs, and then some other stuff is not covered at all unless you pay more money for the extended warranty.

They should be covering the FPR under warranty regardless (does not have to be the extended warranty). If this is what they told you, then it was most likely a ploy for you to extend the warranty with them.

Tons of other members have had it replaced under warranty, and very few on these forums extended the original Nissan warranty.

BTW your from Ontario Me too. Where abouts!? We are having a meet today and very few people can make it, we are trying to find new people to meet up with us! Let me know.

[MajorLeagueBabe]

well I dont,know, I have big list of parts, and that is not listed as one of the things covered.
under the Fuel System and Control section, the following are covered for 3 yrs, nothing else is covered:
Fuel Pump
Fuel Pump Control Module
Fuel Tank and lines
Fuel Tank Sending Units
Seals and Gaskets for listed Components

There are 7 other things listed that are not covered, including Pressure Regulator. ??

Im about 3 hrs north of Hamilton, up by Sauble Beach... we dont have our new car yet, and unfortunately we dont trust our 1997 escort to make it 3 hrs away lol. omg do you really have a hello kitty car? I want a hello kitty car

[iluvmyVersa08]

Im about 3 hrs north of Hamilton, up by Sauble Beach... we dont have our new car yet, and unfortunately we dont trust our 1997 escort to make it 3 hrs away lol. omg do you really have a hello kitty car? I want a hello kitty car

Well next meet we have, I'll let you know the location. Today it's just looking to be me and APLPIX that can make it. We try to change the locations up. Today the meet is in Brampton.

I do have a HK edition Versa

I'll post up a few pics on a separate thread for ya.

[08versailles]

I'm not going to be getting very serious about getting a car for another month or two but when I do it's going to be whoever can get me out the door cheaper.

I jumped on this V for the price, but mostly cuz of what you get for the price!
Pony up for the SL, especially if you gonna keep it for a while IMO.
08v

[iluvmyVersa08]

Wow, this is a good deal. Anyone in the Ottawa area need a Versa?

Fully loaded with the sport package, magnetic gray, 57000 kms, manual transmission for $8000 CDN !
Wow!

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles ... Z218773161

[br4dysays]

wow thats a crazy deal.

under 36,000miles and not even 8,000$ US

[iluvmyVersa08]

That's a CDN vehicle, so it's only $8000 CDN
And it has the sport package (sport bumpers, fogs, and sunroof) !!!!!

[08versailles]

Wow, this is a good deal. Anyone in the Ottawa area need a Versa?

Fully loaded with the sport package, magnetic gray, 57000 kms, manual transmission for $8000 CDN !
Wow!

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles ... Z218773161

I noticed Toronto and Ottawa generally have cheapest used cars.
Niagara and up north more $$$.
Then east and west coasts even more $$$ used, but same $$$ new.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Ya I didn't venture far to get mine. I could walk to Plaza Nissan from my house, lol ...

My brother is moving to Ottawa this weekend. I told him to search for my second car for me. They seem to have quite a few for sale up there and at a cheap price. I want to buy it by next summer.