"Vimto" (smudgey)
08/26/2014 at 17:09 • Filed to: None
2
31|
"Vimto" (smudgey)
08/26/2014 at 17:09 • Filed to: None | 2
| 31 |
Well, I've now owned my brand new 2014 Nissan Versa 1.6S 5-speed for an entire day. Since this is my first brand new car, I'm trying to document each and every little detail, experiment, and milestone. I've already set it up a Fuelly (search for Smudgey) and started a maintenance log for the future. I bought it with 23 miles, it now has just over 40.
+ Engine is very quiet, almost inaudible at idle, road noise isn't too bad considering the lack of insulation
+ The backseat is HUGE. I'm not just talking about "for a small car". With the driver's seat where I like it, which is pretty far back because I have long legs, there is still abundant head & leg room.
+not as susceptible to crosswinds on the highway as the Versa sedan (from my very limited testing so far)
+feels significantly more solid and better put together than Versa sedan (2012 model)
+With just a few hypermiling tendencies, the trip computer is reading at 37 MPG non-highway so far, higher than the highway rating of 36. Once the car is broken in I bet it'll consistently get 40 MPG around town
-Stereo sucks. The bass was set to '2' when I took delivery and it was already washing out the rest of the audio.
+Love the outboard mirrors being mounted on the door rather than the DLO. Excellent visibility!
+Clutch is lighter than an Olsen twin.
-Showed some of my buddies living in dorms and they felt it was a very feminine vehicle.
+Seems to be getting along quite well with my Panther so far. They're protecting each other from door dings, at least on one side.
Tohru
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:12 |
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I'd wager it's actually the speakers that suck, not the stereo.
Anyways, congrats on the new Micra!
Alex B
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:13 |
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Cool. I did not like the Versa sedan. It was so cheap. Does your note have map lights?
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Vimto
> Tohru
08/26/2014 at 17:15 |
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I can't tell if you're kidding on the Micra statement, but you're probably right. It only has 2 speakers and they're more likely made of crumpled newspaper and toddler snot.
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Vimto
> Alex B
08/26/2014 at 17:17 |
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Nope. The base model Note, which I have, is somewhere between the Versa S and SV in terms of equipment. It has the electroluminescent gauges, visors that extend, grab handles, and the nicer seats/carpet of the SV, but lacks power options like the S sedan. My Note just has the overhead light between the seats and a light in the cargo area.
I believed I mentioned to you I previously owned a 2012 Versa sedan. The Note definitely feels more substantial, even if it is essentially from the same parts bin.
Logansteno: Bought a VW?
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:18 |
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Crank windows!!!
Base model I'm assuming?
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Tohru
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:19 |
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The toddler snot is an option.
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Vimto
> Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/26/2014 at 17:19 |
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Had to get the base model to get the stick shift, so yes.
mazda616
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:19 |
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Only two speakers? That's odd in a new car. Anyway, I like that. A hell of a lot better than the sedan, that's for sure. Are you keeping the Panther as well? I wish I could have two cars. :(
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Logansteno: Bought a VW?
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:22 |
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It kinda bugs me how companies limit stick shift to base models.
carcrasher88
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:22 |
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Very nice. I'm rather fond of the Versa Note, good to hear it's mostly a pretty good car.
Looks nice in the Aspen White, though I'd personally go with Metallic Peacock, MorningSky Blue, or Red Brick.
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Vimto
> mazda616
08/26/2014 at 17:22 |
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Yes, I'm keeping the Panther. The nice part about it is that when I move, I can just tow the Versa on a dolly behind it. Yeah, the Versa twins are pretty bargain basement as far as features go, but the Note is far more practical.
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Alex B
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:23 |
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Oh, 10/10 I would buy a note. I was shocked that our rental SV didn't haven map lights. I thought, this is a SV, somewhere in the middle of the Versa so it should have them. I was wrong. It has the same side view mirrors as our leaf. (The sedan only does) The Versa is a good car for what it is. The note is above average for what it is. I really do have a soft spot for the note. :)
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mazda616
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:24 |
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Very cool. Hatchbacks are amazingly practical. I've used mine as a moving van several times.
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Vimto
> Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/26/2014 at 17:24 |
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I blame consumers for not making it financially viable for companies to offer a stick shift across more trims/vehicles. They're only going to offer what sells.
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Vimto
> carcrasher88
08/26/2014 at 17:26 |
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I wasn't too picky about color, as long as it wasn't black (Florida heat). However, this one has been sitting on the lot since late April so I got a better deal on it compared to the other Notes they were offering. The Aspen has a nice pearl effect in the sun.
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Vimto
> Alex B
08/26/2014 at 17:27 |
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I will be sure to keep you, and Oppo as a whole, how my Note does as time goes on. I'm really liking it so far. I'm sure we would be intrigued to read more about your Leaf as well.
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carcrasher88
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:32 |
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Yeah, it definitely does. Especially in that main picture.
For Sweden
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 17:40 |
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We need a picture of the Grand Marquis towing the Note.
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Vimto
> For Sweden
08/26/2014 at 17:45 |
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Well, you're in luck! Sort of. I'll probably tow the Note down to my parents house when I visit them at Thanksgiving so that they can check it out, because why not. I will take plenty of pictures of the process, and hopefully not destroy my Note loading it onto a dolly.
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Vimto
> carcrasher88
08/26/2014 at 18:02 |
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It's subtle, but yeah, me likey.
I'm probably going to mostly debadge it eventually - the 'note', 'PureDrive', and dealer sticker...I might rearrange the VERSA so it says "REVS"
Rico
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 18:16 |
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why not just drive the Note instead so you can break it in?
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carcrasher88
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 18:19 |
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That sounds awesome.
You know what else is awesome? Collecting loose car badges.
Just the idea of debadging makes me think of the old Oldsmobile hood ornament I used to have. Never figured out where it disappeared to, unfortunately.
At least I didn't lose any money, since I found it on the ground at a railroad crossing.
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Vimto
> Rico
08/26/2014 at 18:27 |
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The Mercury needs maintenace, belts replacing and the like, which I do at my parents' place because I have access to an actual garage and tools.
BaconSandwich is tasty.
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 18:51 |
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I will say, I'm a fan of how the Versa Note looks. It seems like it is what the Honda Fit should have been: cheap, durable, utilitarian transport for the masses.
V8 Rustler
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 19:39 |
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Have you drifted this machine? I tried once but it was very difficult because it had an open diff.
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Vimto
> V8 Rustler
08/26/2014 at 20:13 |
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No, but Edmunds did. Sorta.
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Vimto
> BaconSandwich is tasty.
08/26/2014 at 20:16 |
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I think the Versa Note is a bit of a more downmarket, honest version of the Fit. It isn't trying too hard to be every car to every person, and it doesn't have a bunch of gimmicks, but it's still a spacious, efficient little hatch.
That being said, I may have test driven one if they offered a more basic model that lacked power options.
The man in the iron mask
> V8 Rustler
08/26/2014 at 20:50 |
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Open diff isn't a barrier. your under inflated tires could be the problem
jkm7680
> Vimto
08/26/2014 at 23:17 |
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Park the Panther ass out, in order to protect the drivers side!
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BaconSandwich is tasty.
> Vimto
08/27/2014 at 21:48 |
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That seems to be the thing these days - finding a car without all the fancy power options. I'm still a fan of hand-crank windows. Power locks, maybe, but definitely hand-crank windows. Simplify and add lightness.
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Vimto
> BaconSandwich is tasty.
08/27/2014 at 22:51 |
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My first few cars didn't have power anything, except steering of course. For the first few months I owned a car with all the power options, I was blown away and amazed. Eventually I realized that it really doesn't save much time and effort, its more to go wrong, and getting a stick shift today often means forgoing these options anyway.