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Nissan Versa

1273 messages,  Last post on Aug 07, 2012 at 8:29 AM

You are in the Nissan Versa Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 128 of 128

#1264 of 1273 Hopefully a temporary Nay by pf_flyer HOST

Apr 13, 2010 (3:22 pm)

Yesterday on my 2007 Versa, the tailpipe just in front of the rear muffler broke free from corrosion at the flange. Three years seems a pretty short time for this and I'm more than a little convinced that ethanol in our fuel is a contributing fact since the combustion of ethanol produces heat, carbon dioxide, and water. Water inside an exhaust system can't be the best thing for longevity of those pipes.
 
But here's the real (hopefully temporary) nay... there are NO aftermarket replacement mufflers as of yet, and with Nissan being the only source for a replacement, the price quoted to me for the part only was $432!
 
I went to a Midas shop and they took a look and were able to weld a flange on and get me back on my quiet way for $100, but they told me they've seen a lot of similar issues on 2 and 3 year old Murano exhausts. Seems they just used steel welds on the flanges and something is eating them up. Certainly the normal natural elements are a factor, but I've been drivng Nissans for 31 years, averaging about 175,000 per vehicle and I've NEVER replaced any exhaust system parts this soon.
 
The Midas guys seem to think that with 2007 being the first model year, that aftermarket mufflers (not "performance" mufflers) should be appearing soon.

#1265 of 1273 No Scan Feature on Radio by twistedmuffin

Dec 26, 2010 (2:08 pm)

This is annoying. No scan feature on radio. Just search for next station. You are going to wear out the search button, hitting it again and again and again and again forever ......... trying to find some music instead of an ad. Dangerous, too. Distracted driving.

#1266 of 1273 Re: No Scan Feature on Radio [twistedmuffin] by merckx

Dec 26, 2010 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: twistedmuffin (Dec 26, 2010 2:08 pm)
I've had my 2011 Versa a little over two months. Overall, I'm very, very pleased with the car. but there are some aspects of the car I find suprisingly down market....And I do realize it isn't a very expensive.
 
The remote entry....It's so easy to sound the alarm...The buttons aren't recessed enough. And the ignition key entry...It is completely flat, and is very hard to fit the key in when it's dark...And there's no light by the rear-view mirror.
The manual shift is really terribly clunky.
But despite seeming a little rough and unfinished, the back seat room is truly amazing....That is entirely why I bought the car. It is also pleasantly soft riding and quiet.
I've twice had the front end alignment looked at by Nissan. the car is quick to wander...
 
But overall, I'm extremely happy with it. i just wish they made an Infiniti version for another $4,000....

#1267 of 1273 Re: yeahs and nays of the versa [judithabrowne] by michelekraus

May 01, 2011 (8:39 pm)

Replying to: judithabrowne (Mar 06, 2010 8:07 pm)
We have two Versas (soon to be three), and the hubcaps fell off my daughter's hatchback constantly. Solution: Bought a 4-pack from Walmart for less than $30, snapped them in, and it's been over six months without a loss.

#1268 of 1273 Re: Yea's and Nay's of Versa [daniknight] by formula353

Dec 29, 2011 (6:58 pm)

Replying to: daniknight (Sep 20, 2007 9:00 am)
Had my 2012 SL sedan 2 weeks
Pros:
Good ride for it's class
Great back seat room for it's class
Great gas mileage (35-36)
Strong headlights/foglights
Plenty headroom for 6 foot guy
Gauges easy to see for 6 foot guy (most cars I cannot see the top half of the speedometer
Warms up quick
 
Cons:
I don't have the tech package radio with Nav
- Contrast of the stereo makes it very difficult to read
- If you like music, plan on buying a sound system
- Steering wheel controls allow volume up/down and cycle through 6 preset stations
- If you hit scan on the radio, you MUST hit scan to stop it on the station you like. Hitting any other button will not stop the scan.
Headrest is a little on the invasive side. I've driven cars much worse though.
The buttons on the key are impossible to feel out in the dark.
The window controls are a little far forward. I'm always blindly using the rear window controls rather than the front.
The drivers side window control is the only lit control on any of the doors. Good luck finding the door lock in the dark.
Good luck to passenger to find any door controls.
The front cup holder area is not lit. (I think you can buy an accessory.)
There are 6 drink holder which would be good except none of them are convenient. It requires moving your arm in an uncomfortable position.
 
With that said I'm sure over time I could add to the list. I am still happy with my purchase.

#1269 of 1273 Re: Yea's and Nay's of Versa [formula353] by pf_flyer HOST

Dec 30, 2011 (4:55 am)

Replying to: formula353 (Dec 29, 2011 6:58 pm)
Getting our 4th Versa 6-speed hatchback tomorrow. Daughter bought my 2007 from us so it's still in the family, the 2010 saved the wife when she was stopped in traffic and an F-150 plowed into the stopped cars and totaled it, so the 2011 replaced that one.
 
Apparently we've been very pleased with our Versas

#1270 of 1273 Re: Yea's and Nay's of Versa [pf_flyer] by maxx4me

Jul 19, 2012 (4:19 pm)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Dec 30, 2011 4:55 am)
I'm resurrecting this thread. I have been looking at three models for a brand new driver. The reasons for these three (Fit, Yaris, Versa) are their ability to steer out of trouble, and the tall glass eliminating blind spots. I ultimately will buy a VERY used model to keep insurance costs down. The Versa hatchback is at the top only because there is a new model coming out in a few months and it should favorably impact the used prices (I hope). I currently own a Elantra Touring, which also is an outstanding car for a new driver (great viewing angles, the best brakes I've ever seen). The only reason it is not on my list is that the Elantras are plagued by vague steering, and one must fully pay attention while driving the Elantra or you could suddenly find yourself quickly drifting off into another lane. That type of steering is not good for a new driver. Now back to the Versa. While I have climbed in one or two, I have a few general questions before I ask you to provide any major safety issues with your car that you have encountered (like the electric steering failing on the Fit).
1. how are the brakes? I rate the Elantra as an absolute 10. I rate my Vibe's brakes as a 2 (come on Toyota, get with it). I read some posts about the warped rotors, but I was wondering if that was a result of the nuts being torqued too tightly.
2. can I change the oil myself? On the two models I have looked at, one had a plastic apron underneath and another model did not. They both were first gen (obviously) Versa hatchbacks, and I could not figure out why there would be a difference.
3. should I get the SL, and more importantly, should I get the CVT transmission? I have seen some hatchbacks with the SL logo on the back, yet on cars.com, I also see ads for the SL with pictures of vehicles with no SL badging. Can someone straighten me out here?
Aside from those questions, I'd like to hear any major issues with the vehicle (using the Fit as a model again: electric steering issues, excessive tire wear, few options for tire replacement due to its odd sizing).
Certainly used Versas are more competitively priced than used Fits, so I appreciate all your pros and cons. Thanks in advance.

#1271 of 1273 Re: Yea's and Nay's of Versa [maxx4me] by busiris

Jul 24, 2012 (11:29 am)

Replying to: maxx4me (Jul 19, 2012 4:19 pm)
My daughter has a 2009 Hatchback SL purchased new... CVT, 65K miles.
 
In response to your questions:
 
1- Absolutely no brake issues of any kind, and stopping ability is excellent.
 
2-Oil changes are a breeze. Her car has the splash apron, and I replaced the plastic securing "snaps" (on the sides, 2 each side) with speed nuts and stainless machine screws. It isn't necessary to remove to get at the filter, but its much cleaner to remove it to get to it. One of the easiest oil changes you will find. Very similar to changing the oil on a Toyota Corolla.
 
3-CVT gives the car a feeling of much more power than it actually has... Great for acceleration on Interstate entrance ramps, etc.
 
Having said that, she had her CVT replaced under warranty at 49K miles (10 year, 120K warranty). It still ran fine, but a bearing was degrading, making a bit of a roaring noise at slow speed. It wasn't a surprise, as the issue first manifested itself at around 12K miles, and the dealer service personnel and I both agreed to let it run its course before replacing it. Overall, I haven't seen many reports on late model Versa CVT failures.
 
My main disappointment is in the front seat door panels, as on both sides the adhesive holding the vinyl on both armrests has released. I have removed them and re-glued the vinyl, but it should not have happened in such a relatively new car so well taken care of...
 
On the steering front, the dealer replaced the lower steering shaft under warranty, because the steering had a "popping" feel in it when you turned hard rights (primarily). evidently, according to the service dept., this was a widespread problem and it took Nissan some time to figure it out. Since repair, no issues.
 
In conclusion, I wouldn't have any qualm about buying another Versa. In fact, my daughter is interested in trading up to the new model/body style after its been out for a year or so, so that any bugs can be worked out of the 1st year model run.
 
I hope this helps you in your search for a car...Good luck!

#1272 of 1273 Re: Yea's and Nay's of Versa [maxx4me] by maxx4me

Jul 24, 2012 (1:28 pm)

Replying to: maxx4me (Jul 19, 2012 4:19 pm)
your review was perfect. Thanks. If your Versa has the phone buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, I'll buy your Versa when it is time for her to get the new one. I'm amazed how many cars are advertised as SLs on cars.com yet don't have the SL badge on the back gate. I'm assuming that to even have a chance at finding the phone buttons on the left side, it will have to be an SL model.

#1273 of 1273 Drove one today by maxx4me

Aug 07, 2012 (8:29 am)

I was lucky enough to drive a SL hatchback with CVT today. Once you look past the cheap plastic interior, I am thoroughly impressed with this car. I thought the brakes were fantastic. I liked that there was a little slop in the steering to keep the car from quickly wandering into another lane. The visibility of course was excellent. I also liked the driving position (high seat position) even though there isn't any telescoping of the wheel. The car zooms from a stop very quickly with the CVT technology and the rear leg room is better than on my Elantra Touring which is hard to beat. I also love the small windows extending the view of the rear passengers. The upcoming Versa appears as though the rear passengers will be looking directly at the c pilar, which is not very appealing. Now, when it comes to buying a used one, I hope I can find a white or light blue one with the phone buttons on the steering wheel.

Messages Page 128 of 128

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