To buy or not to buy?

[BobaHoTep]

Hey all, I'm seriously considering heading to the dealership tonight to buy a Versa SL w/ tech package. I've done a ton of research, and, while the initial findings were positive (second highest seller in subcompact market, consistently finishes second to Honda Fit in reviews, etc), my latest research, including a lot done here, has shown that the fuel efficiency isn't as good as originally listed, and there seems to be a handful of consistent mechanical issues.

Can anyone here provide any advice? Is the concensus that the Versa is a solid vehicle, or should I be going with the Fit? I loved the SL test drive I took, but I just got rid of a lemon, and am not keen to have the car in service at all within the first year+.

Thanks,-Boba

[marleyfan]

I can't comment on the Fit since I haven't done anything except test drive it. I am more than happy with my Versa. As with any car it is possible to get a problem vehicle, especially in the first year. In your research has there been more problems with the Versa than the Fit? I suspect that many of the early problems are no longer showing up in recently manufactured vehicles. You should probably just go with the car you like the best. They are both good. As for me...I'm keeping my Versa.

[ace rothstein 81]

I've had no experience with the Fit aside from seeing my neighbors. His is always parked in the driveway. It doesn't seem like he ever drives it, so that might be a sign. What I can say, though, is that my Versa has been great and I've been 100% satisfied thus far. I think the mechanical issues you speak of were from the early runs of the car.

[Ever Victorious]

There are many reasons to buy the V over the Fit.

MOST of the people I've read that have test driven both have either said the V drives better and is more comfortable, or that they're about the same. Few have said that the Fit is superior.

You will probably, however, find that Honda dealers are still gouging for Fits (second sticker, and not bargaining down much from that) where as Nissan dealers are not doing so on the Versa.

Furthermore, if you've been researching both models, I'm assuming that you know that the Fit also has its share of issues popping up commonly... like paint wearing off the bumper for no reason, or air bags going off when they shouldn't. The latter being quite a severe and dangerous problem.

So I'd say V all the way.

[ThirstyRoss]

Hey all, I'm seriously considering heading to the dealership tonight to buy a Versa SL w/ tech package. I've done a ton of research, and, while the initial findings were positive (second highest seller in subcompact market, consistently finishes second to Honda Fit in reviews, etc), my latest research, including a lot done here, has shown that the fuel efficiency isn't as good as originally listed, and there seems to be a handful of consistent mechanical issues.

Can anyone here provide any advice? Is the concensus that the Versa is a solid vehicle, or should I be going with the Fit? I loved the SL test drive I took, but I just got rid of a lemon, and am not keen to have the car in service at all within the first year+.

Thanks,-Boba

I think most of the problems are ironed out. I got my SL w/Tech Package here in Toronto last month, not sure what the build date was but looked new from the factory, and haven't had any problems yet, and loving it. Was cheaper than a similarly equipped Fit as well

The biggest issue with the Versa seems to be the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), but we don't have that on Canadian Versa's so don't worry about it.

[bobloblaw]

Yep, I'm pretty sure the Fit is still getting 5-10 % markups over MSRP, and for what it is, I don't think it's worth it. I drove the Fit around for an hour before I bought my Versa (just a couple of weeks ago, so the memory is fresh!), and it suffered from all of the normal Honda problems. The seats were uncomfortable, the throttle was unresponsive, and the automatic that I drove was nowhere near as smooth as the CVT in the Versa, from my perspective. The rear seat with 64-way adjustability or whatever they're advertising was a draw for me, but it's much smaller size overall made it a lot less appealing. I found the road noise to be a lot worse, as well.

Also, another totally subjective point is that the Versa is just a better looking car!

[brettv]

I took a fit out for a test drive before i bought my versa. I had an appointment booked over a week in advance and when i was let out for the drive, the gas light came on within 2 minutes. So i drove it back and forth past the dealership until it was just about to die, then parked it. Needless to say, right then and there i knew 100% sure i was not buying a fit. Not only did i find the versa much more refined and a better car, i am not going to screw around with a dealership. The least he could of done was had some gas in the car for me to drive it.

[BobaHoTep]

Thanks everyone. After bringing the girlfriend up to see it, and test driving it a second time, I pulled the trigger and bought an SL w/ tech pkg last night...should be ready to go for the weekend! I was glad to see your responses after the fact, and am feeling a bit more confident that the problems were with early builds of the car. As for comfort, ride and overall look/feel, you're all right; the Fit can't touch the Versa.

Seeya'll on the road,-Boba

[Demonspawn]

good deal another happy person!great nickname but bad movie lol thank you thank you very much!

[Rockhound]

Thanks everyone. After bringing the girlfriend up to see it, and test driving it a second time, I pulled the trigger and bought an SL w/ tech pkg last night...should be ready to go for the weekend! I was glad to see your responses after the fact, and am feeling a bit more confident that the problems were with early builds of the car. As for comfort, ride and overall look/feel, you're all right; the Fit can't touch the Versa.

Seeya'll on the road,-Boba

Congrats...you'll enjoy it.

[ms_stylin_versa]

I test drove the Fit after the Versa, and well although I liked them both I hated the fact that the Fit didn't even have the option of coming with an armrest. Also the seats on the Versa were much better and since I drive a lot that matters to me. Basically the Versa is just a better bang for your buck. I am picking mine up on Saturday and I'm starting to get pretty excited (although I'm getting a stick which I don't know how to drive).

[Demonspawn]

yea i loved the blue led intrument panel on the FIT but i could not get one unless i ordered it and the salesman was a bit of a jerk i had to ask him to be quiet during test drive.so i drove from honda to another nissan dealer and saw my blue boy and the rest was history.

[Ever Victorious]

I test drove the Fit after the Versa, and well although I liked them both I hated the fact that the Fit didn't even have the option of coming with an armrest. Also the seats on the Versa were much better and since I drive a lot that matters to me. Basically the Versa is just a better bang for your buck. I am picking mine up on Saturday and I'm starting to get pretty excited (although I'm getting a stick which I don't know how to drive).

Actually, for a new car, you couldn't ask for a better car to learn to drive on. It's also the best manual transmission for stop-and-go driving, because the gearing for 1st and 2nd are perfectly designed for idiot-proof, traffic-proof starts and stops.

The others can say what they want about the top end of the V's 6-speed, but I really liked the transmission.

[ms_stylin_versa]

Actually, for a new car, you couldn't ask for a better car to learn to drive on. It's also the best manual transmission for stop-and-go driving, because the gearing for 1st and 2nd are perfectly designed for idiot-proof, traffic-proof starts and stops.

The others can say what they want about the top end of the V's 6-speed, but I really liked the transmission.

I'm glad to hear it's "idiot-proof" cuz I am quite worried. Oh well, in a week or two I should be fine.

[ThirstyRoss]

The others can say what they want about the top end of the V's 6-speed, but I really liked the transmission.

What's wrong with the top-end of the V's 6spd? I found that it got along pretty well at 120km/h+ and it never felt underpowered.