a question for car people - Nissan Versa

[20,000]

My girlfriend is interested in the new Nissan Versa. It gets really good gas mileage, and it looks different from other cars out there. Plus it is relatively cheap (maxed out with Sirius Satellite radio it is like $18k).

But I am not a car person and know nothing about recommending whether a car would be good or not.

She is most interested in the gas mileage and low cost, as she is planning on going back to school but on the other side of the state (about a four hour drive). I know there are other options, but does anyone have any experience with this car?

I've also heard that getting a car in its first year of production is not always a good idea, as glitches have not been worked out and are still being found. Does anyone have anything to say about this theory?

Oh, and the Versa supposedly comes with some new fancy transmission, which, if new, would be fixable by Nissan dealers (if anything goes wrong with it), not local mechanics at first. Or am I worrying too much here?

Any advice on this car would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
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Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying...'I will try again tomorrow.'

[LaLakers999]

[Mike@LG]

[Canadian Laker]

If you're looking at those entry level sub-compacts, other good choices include:

1. Honda Fit
2. Toyota Yaris
3. Suzuki SX4
4. Chevrolet Aveo/Pontiac Wave

I'd say build and price them all out online, then test drive each of them. After the test drive, rank them by which you like best. If you can't decide between 2 or 3 models, play brand dealers against each other (eg go between Nissan and say Honda, the best deal gets the sale).

If you know which one car you want, maybe you can do what a couple of my friends did: fax each dealer in your area that sells your car stating exactly what you want (model, features, colour etc.) and give them a deadline to reply back with their best price. Some dealers didn't reply to my friends, thus they lost a sale.

Good luck!

[MIMLaker]

ALSO: Stay away from 1st or 2nd year cars. Too many glitches to get worked out.

Check CarMax. I'm sold on their whole buying experience. Yeah, with some good research, starting with buying the latest Consuemr Reports car buying magazine guide (an absolute MUST), you could probably do a little bit better than CarMax's no-haggle pricing, but the warranties and LoJacka re cheaper there than at most dealers.

I just bought a 2006 PT Cruiser -- not a Touring or GT version, but still decently equipped with A/C, power windows and doors, and AM/FM/CD stereo -- from them, one with 2400 miles on it. Long story short, at Carmax I got essentially an excellent condition used car for about $1500-$2000 less than the best price I could haggle from a Chrysler dealer after two hours of negotiation for a new one.

Plus, if you go to the LAX Carmax now, they have manufacturer rebates going on so that the 2006 Touring models (new, not used) are going for like $15K. Add on Satellite and LoJack, and we're talking $18K before financing costs. Not bad at all. Good storage space, decent pickup for a small car (150 hp). 21/26 on gas mileage -- not outstanding, but decent.

As you can tell, I LOVE my Cruiser. It's a Consumer Guide "Best Buy" and Consumer Reports "Recommended" vehicle, and it doesn't LOOK like a cheap car, IMO.

Even if you go for a new one at a dealer, they're doing manufacturer rebates and stuff, and they're pressed to dump inventory before the 2007s come in the Fall. Still, try Carmax, though, so you can check inventory online.

[url]auto.consumerguide.com[/url] gives detailed reviews on various levels of differnet models (i.e. basic v. luxury packages). I lived on that site for days before buying my car.

Stay away from the Aveo -- mediocre acceleration, cheap-looking interior, below-average seats, rough suspension while driving on the 210 freeway -- an embarrassment of an American car. Stuck in a 2006 rental when my wife's car was in the shop last week -- you DON'T want it.

Good luck to you and your girlfriend.

MIM
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[GonzagaAlum]

hyundai sontata. Thank me later.
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[Mike@LG]

Agreed with MiM, Carmax is damn good. No haggle pricing. etc.

[mbloves L.A.]

My mom got a Versa. So far the only problem was with the low tire pressure light. Otherwise it is extremely roomy for a compact car. She says it handles like a dream. I was in the car and in the back seat my legs fit so I am happy about it. I like it so far, but don't take my advice on buying this as I don't drive it.
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Where's Cokie the Clown when you need him?

[LaLakers999]

if your looking for a sub compact get the Scions Xa or Xb


trust ME.... you will thank me later and buy me a beer and pay for my lap dance

[mbloves L.A.]

The XB is a fuggo. The XA is fugly. But then again you do have the hots for Kathy Grifith or however you spell her name. But it is okay you make me laugh Lakers999.
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Where's Cokie the Clown when you need him?

[LaLakers999]

[mbloves L.A.]

[LaLakers999]

[ArrOhBee]

[LaLakers999]

[mbloves L.A.]

[Mike@LG]

xB is the japanese Hummer. Box? Yeah. Best looking? No way. Looks better with huge wheels? Yeah.

It's probably the most underrated vehicle I've seen in awhile. Toyota quality. All that utility. Gas mileage. Adequate power.

I hope the next gen Scions look better though. They should.

But otherwise, if I had $18k, I'd be looking hard at the Mazda 3 and Scion Tc. Hurts a little bit more on gas, but far better looks, overall performance, etc.
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Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.

[MIMLaker]

OK, encina1, check here:

CarMax link

Scroll down the page and you'll see a couple dozen PTs. I think the ones in the $14K range are the ones with automatic trans, and the price is AFTER a $2K mfr. rebate. If you want color and selection, though, there you are.

Also, their rates on LoJack and extended warranties are pretty good. Throw iin a five-day return policy (incl. three business days for you to find your own financing thru your bank/ credit union, etc.) and you're set.

MIM
_________________
Keep or Dump Power Rankings (4/12/23):
1 - Bron; 1a - AD; 2 - Reaves; 2a - DLo; 3 - Vando; 4 - Rui; 5 - Shroo; 6 - Christie; 7- Brown; 8 - Gabriel; 9 - Beas; 10 - Bamba; 11- Lonnie

[ArrOhBee]

[mbloves L.A.]

[MIMLaker]

Amen. No problem with getting a good car at a cheap price when it doesn't LOOK like a cheap car.

MIM
_________________
Keep or Dump Power Rankings (4/12/23):
1 - Bron; 1a - AD; 2 - Reaves; 2a - DLo; 3 - Vando; 4 - Rui; 5 - Shroo; 6 - Christie; 7- Brown; 8 - Gabriel; 9 - Beas; 10 - Bamba; 11- Lonnie

[Mike@LG]

04 Mazda Mazda6 s 4D Sedan $16,998 23K Gray Auto 6 Irvine /Free Transfer

If that was my budget, and I needed 4 doors, and I wanted to keep the car awhile, that's the one I'd be getting.

But if gas mileage and insurance quotes are that important...

Then I'd just be getting another Civic/Corolla.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.

[20,000]