Why has this happened?

"Vimto" (smudgey)
07/12/2014 at 10:10 • Filed to: None

5 months ago I sold this:

2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 S 5M/T (bought used)

And bought this:

2007 Mercury Grand Marquis LS

I am starting to miss the Versa. I miss driving stick, I miss the simplicity of its lack of power options. It had no power windows, locks, mirrors, or anything...just a stereo with 2 speakers and A/C. Electronics keep breaking on my Mercury (just replaced serpentine belt, radio, rear air suspension, one power window...) and while it's whisper quiet and ridiculously comfortable for long drives...the thought of trading it in for a 2015 Versa is starting to emerge in my thoughts. I bought the Merc to experience big American body on frame V8 luxury (I moved to America from England 9 years ago and have always driven small econoboxes) and I feel like I've had my fill. Also my Versa used to average over 40 MPG or double the Marquis'.

Am I crazy, or just losing my mind?

DISCUSSION (25)

Nibby > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:13

There's a TON of better cars than the Versa, but I can see why you'd want to ditch the Panther.

Vicente Esteve > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:15

Well. You are in a weird position IMHO. I mean, yes, the simplicity is in the end better for you. And yes, you have already experienced what you were looking for in America. So, I guess it would be OK to go back to your more familiar vehicle, or do whatever makes you feel happier.

Vimto > Nibby
07/12/2014 at 10:15

I know the Accent, Fiesta, Sonic, and just about every other small car is technically superior to the Versa, but I picked it because it is just so bare bones. Also, the driver's seat in my 2012 was just perfect for my body size (which is good because it doesn't have much adjustment)

jkm7680 > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:29

Try a Sonic RS, It's a great little car. Manual, attractive looks, not that thirsty.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:35

dude, trade it for a new fit or a new fiesta. they're both also underpowered fun little hatchbacks! a green SE with a 5-speed will put a smile on your face almost as big at a FiST could!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:38

I don't blame you for wanting to leave the Grandma-rquis and get back to a little econobox, but I think you can enjoy a manual-transmissioned, basic econobox without subjecting yourself to the Versa, as it is quite literally the worst car in its category. Still, if you find the complete lack of anything on that car character building, try looking at a Mitsubishi Mirage, It is also kind of a nothing-car, but much cheaper.

ranwhenparked > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:42

That looks exactly like my old GrandMa. Decent car, but it was never the same after that tree branch fell on it.

PS9 > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:49

Kinja'd!!!

You just haven't experienced the panther when it's achieved it's final form.

But...yeah, the base models are all lame as hell.

Vimto > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 10:55

The Mirage is actually more expensive than the Versa despite being much smaller. Also, my Versa used to get 40 MPG every fill up depsite being rated at 26/35...the Mirage is 37/44 but I don't think it'd get that.

Vimto > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/12/2014 at 10:56

I actually forgot about the new Fit. Maybe there will be some decent deals for a base Fit at the end of its first model year.

Vimto > jkm7680
07/12/2014 at 10:56

Does the 1.4T require premium?

jkm7680 > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 10:58

Sorry, I'm not exactly sure about that.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 11:00

Wow, you're right. I always thought it was the Mirage, but I guess the Versa must be the cheapest new car you can buy. If that is your stipulation, then go with the Versa. It is, as I said, the worst car in its class. However, if you are after spending the least money possible on a new car with the least frills, which I've heard people do but I couldn't understand less if I tried, then the Versa certainly offers the least equipment of any new car on the market.

Vimto > jkm7680
07/12/2014 at 11:02

I just checked the EPA site, it's rated 27/34 on regular. Not bad. It would take me a long time to pay off the difference between an LS and an RS though.

Vimto > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 11:05

I realize how stupid it sounds. However, as someone who has owned this exact car (the 2015 is only different cosmetically), it doesn't feel like any less of a car just because it's cheap as chips. My mother has a Mazda2, I was going to buy myself a Mazda2 but the deal fell through and the Versa was next on my list. That has more standard power options, and is clearly better put together better, but it didn't put me off the Versa.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 11:10

At the end of the day, you buy whatever car you feel is right for you. If you want advice, we'll be happy to give it to you. If you already know you want a Versa, go for it. The upshot of a car like that, apart from good MPG and a low purchase price, if you probably have minuscule repair bills, for the very few times when something actually does break.

Vimto > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 11:14

Well, let's take the Versa out of the equation for a minute. What would be your top pick for a brand new manual subcompact or smaller vehicle? Strictly the base model of that vehicle, and the Mazda2 can't be included because the new model we don't know much about will be around by the time I'm in the market.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 11:17

I would go with either a Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, or Honda Fit.

Vimto > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 11:26

I'll do some more research on the Sonic. I appreciate your insight

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 12:08

I drove a last gen fit automatic in driver's ed, and it cornered well when I "acidentilly" forgot to brake for an off-ramp. joking aside, it's a real blast to drive!

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 12:14

What about the Golf? Especially the TDI

Vimto > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
07/12/2014 at 12:45

Definitely out of my budget. I am set on buying new. With a good enough deal I could probably afford a 2.slow Jetta.

Dean > Vimto
07/12/2014 at 16:31

Fiesta is expensive, but has the best materials, driving dynamics, and features in the class. If you're going to spend Fiesta money, a SE is less than $200 more than an S after rebates and discounts, and once you're onto the "power windows with rims" the prices are a lot more comparable.

Mazda2 doesn't have quite the quality, but has the driving dynamics down for cheaper.

thebigbossyboss > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
07/12/2014 at 22:27

How much do those retail four though like 3x versa money?

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > thebigbossyboss
07/12/2014 at 22:54

Yeah… I was thinking used or getting just a base model Golf.