Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Nissan Versa
“Bip-D-Bo” recently purchased a 2010 Nissan Versa, which is the first time this gentleman has ever bought a new car over a used one. Bip-D-Bo is married, has three children and apparently windsurfs in his spare time. With all that going on, you’d think that a Versa may be a little too small for this family, but that doesn’t seem to be the biggest concern for Bip-D-Bo. After all, in our own expert review we discovered that the Versa had exceptional rear legroom and cargo space. Continue reading after the jump for Bip-D-Bo’s full review, and then write your own review here.
“I bought the Versa hatchback because it met my needs (lots of storage) and it was cheap (real cheap). I always thought I’d buy used cars only, but when I divided the purchase price by the estimated number of useful miles remaining on the vehicle, I found that buying a new Versa, in the long run, was the best deal. I got a steal at $10,800. I paid cash with no trade-in. Out the door, with all of the taxes and fees was around $12,600. I have only driven the car for 2,000 miles, but I am very comfortable in it.
“I am a person who likes to drive for driving’s sake, not just for commuting. Therefore, I highly recommend the manual transmission, which adds a lot more fun. The acceleration is decent, but the handling can only be described as adequate. A sharp turn can be made, but with no acceleration and no brake. Otherwise, it understeers like a pig. This is caused by a couple of things: narrow track and tall outline cause a high center of gravity, skinny tires and a soft suspension. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Escort, which weighed 240 pounds less, had a lower center of gravity and therefore handled much better.
“The interior is roomy overhead and has great legroom. I am 6 foot and normally, I slide the driver’s seat all the way back. This is the first car I have ever driven where I slide it forward some. It can fit four large adults very nicely. The fifth is difficult. The car is narrow, so the middle seat is real skinny. I have 3 young children. The rear bench can fit my 6 year old without a booster, my 4 year old with a booster and my 1 year old in a car seat, but it is very tight. I wish that the car had been made wider instead of taller to give it sportier handling and a wider rear bench. Also, the driver seat sits a bit higher than I would like. I would rather it be very low, like a sports car.
“The driver seat is supportive, but the foam is dense. Therefore, it insulates and causes my back to sweat. The interior is well-designed. The seats fold down to make room for my windsurfing equipment, and the roof can be fitted with an aftermarket removable rack. The last complaint I have is the keyhole. There is only 1; on the driver side. I want a keyhole on the passenger side as well. I like to open the door for my wife but have no desire to carry around a bulky remote for keyless entry.
“Overall, this car is fantastic. It is simple, functional and versatile. Most importantly, though, is the incredible value.”
2011|Nissan|Versa
