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Since moving to Florida I have been debating which new vehicle to get for a 3 rd commuter car , also to have something when friends family come to visit to lend them. I have an F 150 and wife has an escape. My commute is about 35 miles, my wife's is about 10, so she has been driving my f 150 for now until we closed on our new home, and since we now have a mortgage again and don't have to worry about putting a big purchase on our credit, bought something this past Sunday.
Settled on a Nissan Versa Note, had 3000 miles on it, dealer used it as a loaner vehicle. I drove it about 40 miles last night, car is extremely basic, has the CVT tranny, manual windows, am/fm w/cd. Price was 12900. It is a 2014. I have owned only fords for the past 21 years, this is the first Japanese vehicle.
Basically it will be a commuter vehicle, I plan on driving the hell out of it. Plus possible trips to Disney, sightseeing, etc. Gas mileage can't be beat. The same year Honda Fit was $4k more with way more miles, that was the deal breaker for me. Originally wanted a ford fiesta but heard the tranny has major issues.
Any suggestions on maintenance? I guess oil changes every 5k is fine but like I said I never had a japanese vehicle before.
Yes, sorry you bought a Versa. Why not a Ford Fiesta for about the same price (+/- $1000)? Can't really complain about it as a basic commuter car though. There's not much to do maintenance wise. Just follow the manual. I believe they have timing chains too, so you're off the hook on that big maintenance item. Check your air filter often - those suckers get dirty fast on small economy cars.
Make sure you keep all your records and receipts for maintenance, especially if you are doing it yourself. CVT trannies don't have the best reputation.
thanks all for the info...if it gets me back an forth to work for $6 in gas thats all i really care about...mileage was the major factor, not really performance etc. price was right too. i know its somewhat of a cheesy car, as long as it runs good and the mileage is as advertise i will be fine. trust my i would have preferred an accord or even a camry but mileage was key
should have bought a Toyota corolla or hybrid prius c if gas mileage was the biggest buying criteria....put it on another year's payment. It would have been worth it if you are going to drive the heck out of it. That Nissan is not nearly as good as the Toyotas or Hondas, however, it's probably light years ahead of any Ford, Chevy, or Chrysler product.
I'd kill myself driving that. I do 50 miles a day commuting and just recently got a 2013 Ford Taurus SHO. I'll gladly pay the premium to drive something nice and powerful. Life is too short to drive a POFS. Can't take your money with you!!
lol trust me my f150 is loaded and nice to drive, my wifes escape is nice too....this is just basic transportation i will change the oil and drive it into the ground lol
Those transmissions don't have a good track record..... so keep that in mind. You may be shelling out a decent amount of money to repair or replace it sooner than you would like to.
well i figure if i change the fluid every 40k or so should be ok the ford fiesta/focus tranny not so hot either. this will be all highway driving. it is what it is. price was right i still have my f150 and i do take care of my vehicles. i do see a lot of them on the road but i feel like it can fit in my truck
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