Anyone try out a Nissan Versa Note?

[Leyawiin]

I've got the same Jatco CVT that Nissan uses in a 2010 Mitsu Lancer Sportback GTS. Its O.K.. My previous car was a Mazda with a 4 speed auto and when I left the dealership and headed up the freeway onramp to go home I didn't think "OMG this is so noisy/weird!". Of course I noticed it didn't shift, but it performed fine and with a 2.4 168HP engine in a compact most of the time its pretty relaxed. I also drive less than 10K a year so if it lasts 100K or so with no issue I'll be fine (will have gotten rid of it before that). Damn thing was so cheap ($15,500 pretty much loaded brand new) and that's what counted at the time.

 

[desura]

This probably counts as a slight derail, but since this *is* about smallish economy hatchback-ish cars...

I've been reading long-term reports on the Toyota Prius, and some people are reporting that like very very little in the way of maintenance. Stuff like reaching 200k miles and still using the same brakepads as they had on purchase.

The CVT transmission replacement and cost got me thinking: the prius and other hybrids might actually be *more* reliable? Because accelerating from a stop and at low gears probably puts a lot of strain on the gas engine, which an electric can handle just fine and more reliably.

 

[Kaido]

This probably counts as a slight derail, but since this *is* about smallish economy hatchback-ish cars...

I've been reading long-term reports on the Toyota Prius, and some people are reporting that like very very little in the way of maintenance. Stuff like reaching 200k miles and still using the same brakepads as they had on purchase.

The CVT transmission replacement and cost got me thinking: the prius and other hybrids might actually be *more* reliable? Because accelerating from a stop and at low gears probably puts a lot of strain on the gas engine, which an electric can handle just fine and more reliably.

Yeah, I think Tesla said somewhere that their brake pads have a 100k-mile life due to regenerative braking. Very cool!

 

[slashbinslashbash]

I had a Versa hatchback as a rental a couple of years ago. I was impressed and would not hesitate to buy one if I were in the market.

 

[cbrsurfr]

If you think out of warranty repair on CVT is expensive, wait till people start getting bills for the new DSG replacements. It will cost more than the car is worth.

I don't know about other brands but VW DSG parts have come way down from where they were. Mech unit used to be $4500 and is now around $1300. It's not uncommon to see them last 200K+ with regular service. I've even seen one with 350K on it.

 

[bigi]

Good call, they're supposed to have double the battery life by 2015.

And of course, you might be able to opt for the self-driving package

Good stuff. I was not aware of either of those.

I must admit once they double the range, the Leaf will be a super hot buy.

 

[Kaido]

Good stuff. I was not aware of either of those.

I must admit once they double the range, the Leaf will be a super hot buy.

Agreed. I'm even attracted to the 120-mile range Kia Soul EV, because on my current commute that would still give me 20 miles of extra range even if the battery gets cut in half in the winter. Plus, I love the Hamstar ride :awe:

 

[desura]

So there's a prius near to where I live that's really cheap. Like, 12k cheap range. I think it's a 2008 model. But near 90k miles.

Good deal? What to look out for?

 

[yottabit]

So there's a prius near to where I live that's really cheap. Like, 12k cheap range. I think it's a 2008 model. But near 90k miles.

Good deal? What to look out for?

Just consider that's creeping up on the price you could get a certified pre-owned for. From what I understand not much really goes wrong with them. I just think it's worth checking out some pre-owned ones and then deciding. If you're just doing it for the MPG then you could also go the other way and get a high mileage 2nd gen for really cheap.

 

[Centauri]

The Note looks even better now that we know what the next Fit looks like.

 

[Thegonagle]

Yeah. And I thought CVT's were supposed to be a lot more reliable than regular automatic transmisisons

I've never had that impression. Never. The Subaru Justy was no good--Consumer Reports made sure everybody knew it--the Honda Civic VX/HX has had some problems (although Honda fixed them and managed to keep most owners happy enough), and we all know about Nissan, Infiniti, Audi, and Mini from the early 2000's.

They clearly haven't been the best for long-term reliability. But they are getting better. Remember when regular automatics were generally pieces of crap that "went out" all the time? If not, then you're younger than I am. CVTs are still in that stage, but like automatics that came before, they too will eventually achieve parity with the manual transmission.

Long-term reliability aside, I definitely think they are superior to a regular automatic in normal operation, because they keep the engine running close to the ideal RPM required at the moment, either for horsepower and acceleration, or efficiency and solitude when you're mostly just idling along on your rush hour commute.

Some people don't like the "drone" or the fact that it doesn't "kick" down or jerk your head when it shifts. I, on the other hand, am so far over the days when I "needed" to hear the engine and feel the transmission shift every time I drive somewhere, and if I do feel the need, I'll do it with a standard manual transmission. But if it's an automatic, I'm pro-CVT all the way! Gears in an automatic seem so old fashioned now.

 

[MadScientist]

My parents just replaced the CVT transmission on their 2008 Versa hatchback at 130,000 miles. Was $3,500 or so, d'oh! But they like the car and it still drives extremely smoothly for the mileage, so they went for it. I took it out for a test drive the other day after the transmission swap and it drives like new

Too bad it didn't go at 120,000 miles. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles. http://www.nissanassist.com/faqs.php?menu=3 I have 62,000 miles on my 2009 Versa SL HB. So far no problems, just routine maintenance.

 

[MadScientist]

Since you got my attention, and I'm retired and have the time, I went down to my local Nissan dealer, just a few miles from my home, to check out the Versa Note SV HB.

In summary, the only thing I liked about it over my 2009 Versa SL HB was the exterior styling, larger behind the rear seats cargo space (21.4 cubic feet compared to 17.8), and the estimated (doubt if you will get it) 31 city/40 hwy mpg with the CVT, old Versa estimated 27/33MPG. I get about 29 MPG combined. The Note is 200 lbs lighter.
They both have ample rear legroom.

From 0-60 mph I thought my Versa, 122HP, 1.8 L engine, is slow, 9.1 sec, but the Note, 109HP, 1.6L, at 10.8 sec is just a bit quicker than my lawn tractor. On the positive side the Note though is quieter.
They both handle just ok. These are not sports cars.

I do like the exterior styling over mine, except the SV comes with plastic wheel covers, at least mine came with alloy wheels. I hate plastic wheel covers.
The interior is almost all solid cheap plastic, even the left armrest. One of the main reasons I purchased my Versa was the upgraded interior compared to the competition.
Review: http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/nissan/2014-nissan-versa-note-review-video-2697.html

So would I trade my Versa in for a Note. Don't think so. Why trade in your car if it's running fine. If you are looking for something in this category also check out the Hyundai Accent HB. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/accent/

 

[Kaido]

FYI, big recall on the 2014 Notes:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/31/nissan-recalling-13k-versa-note-hatchbacks/

Nissan is recalling 13,000 of its new 2014 Versa Note hatchbacks due to an issue with various bolts used to assemble the vehicle. Considering the Versa Note was only recently put on sale, this news must be driving Nissan nuts (we couldn't resist), but presumably the lion's share of these vehicles are still at dealerships.

According to a report from The Detroit News, there are two separate issues. The first has to do with the latches for the rear seats, which include bolts that may not be strong enough to keep the seats upright in the event of a crash. The second relates to the bolts that attach the body to the undercarriage. Apparently they may not have been tightened properly, and in rare cases may be missing altogether. No injuries or accidents have been reported from either issue.

Owners are being told to report to dealers for the fixes, with notifications coming in mid-August.