Waiting too long, giving up on Versa - for now...

[canada_versa]

I have been waiting for over 12 weeks for my Versa, and when I checked with the dealer before Christmas I was told another 4-6 weeks at least. This long of a wait (I checked with other dealers in the area and they are giving the same message) plus the long delay in parts, in addition to gas mileage not being what it is expected to be, have made me decide to get my deposit back, and wait 6-9 months to see how this situation plays out. We are interested in a Frontier, and were told that they are not subject to the same delays as the Versa as the Frontier is built in the US and not in Mexico. Is that saying something about the Mexico factory? Maybe, maybe not. Whatever is going on out there in Versa world is not sitting well, so better safe than sorry. I'm putting this one officially on hold.

[Bubs daddy]

The Versa is a first year model in demand. I'm sure there will be planty of them come spring. As far as the mileage goes, mine got 29 mpg first tank mixed city highway, not bad before being broke in. It will get better in time. EPA figures have never been reliable for real world driving on ANY car and that's why they're changing their testing method next year.

[proxim2020]

I really hate how NNA is screwing you Canadian folks. You guys have some of the longest wait times and it shouldn't be. Whoever came up with the projection numbers/estimations and the person that approved it should be fired. There shouldn't be a 4 1/2 month wait for a car to be built and shipped. Come on, we're not buying Enzo's. Shame on NNA

[bdcwriter]

I know the feeling. After waiting 3 months for a car promised to arrive within 2-3 months with no end in sight (the dealer had no idea when or if the ordered car would arrive) I lucked into a Honda Fit and pulled the plug on my hopes for a Versa SL. The worst part was Sundays watching constant ads for the Versa during NFL broadcasts, pitching a car Nissan simply couldn't deliver. I still think Nissan put too many of its eggs in the revamped Sentra's basket, but who knows.

[Slither]

I wonder if the delay in Mexico has anything to do with them having to re-tool stamping press for several models.

I mean maybe they had to halt/slow Versa production while they set up for new Sentra last summer. I think there's another local model down there too, that they're producing. So that's at least 3 plant set ups on the belt.

[JPack]

In particular, it's Western Canada that's being screwed. The situation in Eastern Canada is much better. In Toronto, I've noticed dealers getting Versas only two or three weeks after their manufacture date.

[Montag]

I ordered my Versa a little over 3 months ago and just received it yesterday. I like it so far, but haven't really experienced it yet. I'm sorry that you're giving up...but I don't blame you. I was getting a bit frustrated as well.

[CALGARY]

In Sept-ish I started off ordering an S model, they said it would be 3 weeks and I was pissed it was going to take that long. On Nov 01/06 I changed to an SL. They said it would be 3 month's. I figured, OK, I REALLY want the SL I'll have to suck it up and wait.

I called mid Nov to ask something and she said "Good news, it should be here before Christmas" Well..... nothing yet. I have a loaner which is nice (a 2006 Sentra.... what a hunk of $%&*, the most boring car I have ever driven) I have been calling my dealer and have been speaking to the Gen. Sales Mgr. He told me today that he has no idea when the cars (18 Versa's he's waiting for) will be here. They are in Vancouver, they have to go to Edmonton and then to Calgary. He has been telling everyone to come and get their deposit's back and look elsewhere. I apreciate his honesty BUT...

I'm willing to wait it out as this car is in my price range and it has all the little extra's I want. I asked the guy today if (for the trouble and the pain in the but this has been) maybe he could throw a year or 2 of free oil changes my way..... it's gotta be like what...8 changes? I'll bring my own supplies even. Anyhoo, he says that it's not SUNRIDGE NISSAN's fault and it's NNA. Crappy communication is their fault, I can't believe that someone in his business would say that.

I'm about to give up too, I have called Honda to see when I can get my paws on a Civic DX-G

[CalgaryVersaOwner]

H

In Sept-ish I started off ordering an S model, they said it would be 3 weeks and I was pissed it was going to take that long. On Nov 01/06 I changed to an SL. They said it would be 3 month's. I figured, OK, I REALLY want the SL I'll have to suck it up and wait.

I called mid Nov to ask something and she said "Good news, it should be here before Christmas" Well..... nothing yet. I have a loaner which is nice (a 2006 Sentra.... what a hunk of $%&*, the most boring car I have ever driven) I have been calling my dealer and have been speaking to the Gen. Sales Mgr. He told me today that he has no idea when the cars (18 Versa's he's waiting for) will be here. They are in Vancouver, they have to go to Edmonton and then to Calgary. He has been telling everyone to come and get their deposit's back and look elsewhere. I apreciate his honesty BUT...

I'm willing to wait it out as this car is in my price range and it has all the little extra's I want. I asked the guy today if (for the trouble and the pain in the but this has been) maybe he could throw a year or 2 of free oil changes my way..... it's gotta be like what...8 changes? I'll bring my own supplies even. Anyhoo, he says that it's not SUNRIDGE NISSAN's fault and it's NNA. Crappy communication is their fault, I can't believe that someone in his business would say that.

I'm about to give up too, I have called Honda to see when I can get my paws on a Civic DX-G

Hey Calgary!

I picked up my SL at Stadium Nissan in around the second week of December. Give them a call. As an added bonus, they threw in oil changes for LIFE! (and I wasn't waiting on a car....I just called them and bought it a day later!) I can't imagine what Sunridge is thinking treating a customer that way after waiting as long as you have.

The service was great and I have the name of a quality salesman there if you are interested. Let me know! Since you are left waiting indefinately, you may want to check them out.

By the way, I love my 6speed white SL! Hope you get setup soon!

[versaowner]

Wow, oil change for life. That's a good deal. How can you get that? Paying extra for that?

[CALGARY]

I'm so pissed with the service @ Sunridge. Who did you use @ Stadium? I'll definately call him/her

[TweeKeer]

I used to work at Fish Creek Nissan. They're a small dealership, but we never really had any problems getting cars.

Now I'm back in Nova Scotia and it seems the only problem is getting our hands on Magnetic grey 1.8S w/ VOP

All the others come quite quickly. So if you're all waiting, maybe you should get your salesman(ager) to buy one from another dealership (as in, here, in the East where we have lots of em :p)

[CALGARY]

TweeKeer:

Tell me how to buy a car!!! What are some of the "tricks" and how can I get some extra's ie: oil changes for life! Do share!~

[CalgaryVersaOwner]

I'm so pissed with the service @ Sunridge. Who did you use @ Stadium? I'll definately call him/her

Check your hotmail!

[CalgaryVersaOwner]

Wow, oil change for life. That's a good deal. How can you get that? Paying extra for that?

No extra charge. It is part of their "VIP" program that normally they sell for $400 but my guy through it in for free. Got lucky, since he had the only manual transmission, SL anywhere that I could find.

[versaowner]

No extra charge. It is part of their "VIP" program that normally they sell for $400 but my guy through it in for free. Got lucky, since he had the only manual transmission, SL anywhere that I could find.

Good for you! So far, how's your V? I still have not got mine. It's still in the railway compound as told by my dealer.

[TweeKeer]

TweeKeer:

Tell me how to buy a car!!! What are some of the "tricks" and how can I get some extra's ie: oil changes for life! Do share!~

first of all, a disclaimer:

Not all, in fact, not many dealerships work as shown in the movie "Suckers." However, there are some commonalities and in the DVD menu there is a "how not to get screwed on a car purchase" video, which is actually really good.

Best time of year to buy a car? End of December, January or February. (Car dealerships have a projection to meet and the End of December is when they're trying to squeeze it in) I say January and February, because those are the slowest months, therefore there is more in stock of the "new" model year and once again, a dealership is trying to make as many sales as they possibly can and at this time, the customer base is very low. (best trade in value for your car and best deal on their car)

Otherwise, watch "Suckers" it's a funny movie, that's partially anecdotal (but not reality) and has a good sub-movie in the DVD menu.

If there are any specific questions, feel free to ask.

[CALGARY]

OK,

Here's what I want to know.

I want an SL trim w/ CVT the MSRP w/ packages is 18523 (base MSRP is 17098)

W/Freight and PDE it's 19673

Where can I negoitate? Could I go in and say I want the SLw/ CVT and I'll give you 750 less (about 4%) On the car I have on order that is taking FOREVER I paid the asking (who knows, they may of thrown in a couple of extra $$'s for themselves for no reason) I'm going to a new dealer and may just start over.

I have a 92 Explorer XVT and they gave me 500 for it (I don't even want it.... how can I expect someone else to either) how can I negotiate on this?

Any help would be lovely! Thanks!

[CalgaryVersaOwner]

Good for you! So far, how's your V? I still have not got mine. It's still in the railway compound as told by my dealer.

I am really shocked at how much I am enjoying this car. It has so many nice features that you keep being reminded of. Everything from the interior to the stereo (I have the tech package). Even the bluetooth system that I thought I'd never use, works perfectly and has been a nice feature. Friends are always shocked when they sit in the back seat also! I am 6"1 and even another person of my height can sit behind my driver's seat without problem. You will love your versa!

[TweeKeer]

OK,

Here's what I want to know.

I want an SL trim w/ CVT the MSRP w/ packages is 18523 (base MSRP is 17098)

W/Freight and PDE it's 19673

Where can I negoitate? Could I go in and say I want the SLw/ CVT and I'll give you 750 less (about 4%) On the car I have on order that is taking FOREVER I paid the asking (who knows, they may of thrown in a couple of extra $$'s for themselves for no reason) I'm going to a new dealer and may just start over.

I have a 92 Explorer XVT and they gave me 500 for it (I don't even want it.... how can I expect someone else to either) how can I negotiate on this?

Any help would be lovely! Thanks!

Well, dealerships are allowed to sell their cars below cost. There is no rule against that. So, do some research about the car you're going to buy, in this case a Versa. You'll find that the gross profit in a Versa for a dealership is around $816. basically nothing. BUT, that means that there is $816 that they can take off without losing any money.

Some dealerships are not inclined to sell cars at cost, because that's what their managers have decided. Ken Brown of Fish Creek Nissan, for example, won't. (cus he's an arsehole, no bitter feelings whatsoever, I promise haha) But my manager here in Halifax will certainly sell a car below cost, because here the amount of people buying cars is less and the amount of cars we sell is important to NCF.

So, in a case where you're going in to buy a Versa...Say the price of the car after tax worked out to be 21000. Just say, "I want to pay no more than 19000 on the road" and never budge from that for 3 or 4 days. That'll put the heat on them, let them call you, never call them. As soon as you call a dealership they know they've got you. Since it's a Versa, they're making lots of them and they will have one for you eventually, just stick to your guns until you get what you think is a reasonable price.

[proxim2020]

Best time of year to buy a car? End of December, January or February. (Car dealerships have a projection to meet and the End of December is when they're trying to squeeze it in) I say January and February, because those are the slowest months, therefore there is more in stock of the "new" model year and once again, a dealership is trying to make as many sales as they possibly can and at this time, the customer base is very low. (best trade in value for your car and best deal on their car)

For larger dealership, fiscal years are more important than 12 month calendar years. That's when the pressure is really on. Fiscal years normally end right before April. The US government fiscal year will end in July. NNA's fiscal year will end in April, so you may see more rebates start pop up in the months before. I seriously doubt they will put any out for the V.