2014 Versa Note ( USA ) questions

10286 Views 33 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Kennethbokor, Jul 20, 2013

versact

Discussion Starter · Jun 13, 2013

Hi new member here and first post . I hope some of you can answer some questions I have . I was looking at purchasing a Honda Fit Sport when I saw the Versa Note was coming out shortly , actually about another week at my dealer . So I have a big decision to make on which to purchase . Forgetting about driving dynamics , I'm more concerned about good reliability . I am looking at Note with the SL tech package and love all the features that come with it . I have read of a good number of various Nissan model engine failures which concern me about quality . I have an older SE-R that continues to run perfect., can I expect that from the Note ?
1) is the revised 1.6 a good reliable motor , I read the 1.8 doesn't use steel cylinder sleeves and has wear issues .
2) is the intelligent key going to be a problem , would prefer just a remote but not a available on the top model
3) how is the Nissan CVT for reliability
4 ) will this powertrain be fairly trouble free or do you think I'm making a mistake buying it . The price per features is excellent
Thank you for any help or advice you can offer.

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robj80

· #2 · Jun 13, 2013

If your rocking an older SE-R as in a b13 with an sr20 motor then no. The versa note won't be on the same level of build quality or reliability.

1)No way to tell the new 1.6 is reliable yet. It's only been out a year. My old 1.6 has been great.

2)the intellegent key has been around for a long time. You will not have any more problems with that then you would a normal remote.

3) I drive manual but Nissan's CVT's if you use the correct fluid when you need to change it are reliable.

4)No way to tell really. Nissan makes fairly reliable vehicles. The Versa is the bottom of their barrel though. If your being this cautious maybe you shouldn't buy a first year vehicle and wait and see how it does.

gapperguy

· #3 · Jun 13, 2013

I agree to steer away from the first year model with significant changes. My Nissan Versa 2010 HB has been great, but some still get lemons. Honda can have lemons too. I would consider the Honda Fit. However, my personal opinion is to not buy a brand new car anymore. You can pick up a 2012 Nissan Versa HB for a good price with low miles these days. I bought my 2010 Versa from Hertz rent to own with 21,000 miles on it for $5,000 below bluebook and loaded. The car was still under factory warranty until 36,000 miles so I felt comfortable. I had to replace the tires at 36,000 miles and wiper blades. Tires are 40,000 mile or less on most new cars these days.

versact

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 14, 2013

Thanks guys , whatever decision I make will be soon . The Note pricing came out today and the top version is around 18500 plus destination . I am hopeful the redesign is a solid one but it is a risk . I got the brochure from the dealer last Sunday and it looks significantly improved in quality and features . I usually steer away from first year models for obvious reasons but have bought 2 over the years . Bought a Honda CR-Z it's first year and couldn't be happier with it . The 2014 Fit won't be out till later this year and I won't be able to wait that long . The features of the new Note are very impressive at this price , a leader in that respect . My dealer will have an SV trim in next week and I guess I will make a choice then . Assuming they can get the trim level I want in short time otherwise I won't even have to make a decision . The Honda dealer is next to it and has the 2013 models in stock though I would rather have a 2014 .

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JVersa

· #5 · Jun 14, 2013

I think the fit is over priced, but a good point was made here. It's a new car so there's no way to tell what problems your gonna see. It's funny this came up, I watched a video today in it a guy that work for Honda for years tells how he watched the quality of the cars go down hill. That's something to think about with any car today when a Japanese cars are what you bought when reliability is on the mind.

SilverV

· #6 · Jun 14, 2013

All I know is is that this is the second generation Note, overseas E11 was the first generation this is the E12. It's built off the same V platform that underpins the Versa sedan and the new Sentra.

No way to tell about reliability, my sedan has been solid so far but I only have 5000 miles on it, to early. It might be best to wait for the second year model if you can because the Note has many features unique to that car only that we don't have in the sedan, sounds like you want the top of line model which comes with many of those features. For example the Note has available active grill shutter to improve fuel economy which the sedan does not so this is unproven and the around view monitor which is being used in other Nissan products like the Pathfinder and has gotten good praise but no clue about long term reliability.

I agree it might be wise to hold off a year if you can so these new features can be put to their paces and Nissan can make some changes and updates if needed to the car and even offer more standard features in the second year model.

For example I know my 2013 CVT sedan gets slightly better fuel economy vs. the 2012 sedan because of changes to the engine and CVT programming, and improved aerodynamics by means of a decklid spoiler and underbody ducting, the 2014 sedan has some suspension/steering changes and more standard features.

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versact

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 14, 2013

Can't wait a year , I need to buy something shortly . I would be getting the top of line . The features are what impresses me . I want the around view camera , Nav , heated seats ect . I need the convenience and tech packages , you also need the top model to get engine immobilizer . . If I buy , I won't settle for a SV which is what the dealer has coming in . I can at least get a feel for the quality and the way it drives . The Fit Sport is still on the table , fun and ultra reliable but doesn't have the tech I want . Both dealers are next to each other so I can just drive right over if I'm not happy with car or the deal they offer . Anyways the Note looks like Nissan really stepped the interior quality and style based on what I saw in the brochure . In a week or so I will know .

Red_Alert

· #8 · Jun 14, 2013

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Just saw a 2014 hatchback on a truck this morning! It was leaving the local nissan dealership when I saw it. I'm going to stop by and see if they have a new 2014 hatch during lunch time.

iluvmyVersa08

· #9 · Jun 14, 2013

I haven't seen the Note in person yet, but I do know they have arrived at the dealerships here too (surprising since we usually get things arriving here later than in the US). If you like the Note, then just go with your gut and buy it.

I didn't know anything about the Versa when I bought mine, and it's been 5 years now (88,000 kms). Recently had to replace the exhaust flange as mine rusted off, but after speaking to numerous other owners, found out they have had the same issue. It was a small fix, $50. And it's been the only out of pocket fix I have had to make (everything else has been covered under my warranty). So I guess I can't complain to much about my Versa (except the resale value stinks).

versact

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 14, 2013

The exhaust was another question I had . Does Versa use a stainless exhaust ? My SE-R exhaust rusted out at a flange and cost me a catalytic converter , same with the rear exhaust , muffler still good but a flange rusted . All this recently , though the car is old it is only 70k miles and rarely was drivin in snow . I have an older car and with far more miles and exposed to salt with no issues .

thematz

· #11 · Jun 14, 2013

I can't say for the new versa Note but the 07 to 12 versas the exhaust is not stainless.

versact

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 14, 2013

Yeah I'm thinking the exhaust will be the same as previous models to save cost . That's another consideration for a problem down the road .

08versailles

· #13 · Jun 14, 2013

still had the original muffler on sentra after 300000km, but replaced flex pipe.
did replace flange ahead of muffler on versa though

iluvmyVersa08

· #14 · Jun 14, 2013

versact said:
The exhaust was another question I had . Does Versa use a stainless exhaust ? My SE-R exhaust rusted out at a flange and cost me a catalytic converter , same with the rear exhaust , muffler still good but a flange rusted . All this recently , though the car is old it is only 70k miles and rarely was drivin in snow . I have an older car and with far more miles and exposed to salt with no issues .

The flange on mine rusted out & my brother has an 09 SE-R and his exhaust had a hole in it after a few years. Small fixes though, not too expensive to repair (not at Nissan).

Red_Alert

· #15 · Jun 15, 2013 (Edited)

Got to see the new Versa Note today. It screams, screams, and screams Honda Fit (even the salesman said Honda Fit). The one I saw was a blue SV with SL package. I am assuming that you can't get a SL anymore.... Front cabin room seems to be still good. Didn't really pay attention to the back seat leg room. The salesman said that I can test drive it on Monday if I wanted. I've driven the new 13 Sentra SR. I'm going to compare it to the Versa Note.

Also, this SV was 20,700 sticker.

versact

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 15, 2013

iluvmyVersa08 said:
The flange on mine rusted out & my brother has an 09 SE-R and his exhaust had a hole in it after a few years. Small fixes though, not too expensive to repair (not at Nissan).

Seems like exhaust is still an ongoing Nissan problem even nearly 20 years later . It cost me $1200 for repair . All said though I have done the exhaust , 1 wheel bearing , oxygen sensor , gas tank fuel line and that's it except for maintenance in 17 years . Only 70k miles but mechanicals are solid . Still I shouldn't have needed a full exhaust at that mileage .

versact

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jun 15, 2013

Red_Alert said:
Got to see the new Versa Note today. It screams, screams, and screams Honda Fit (even the salesman said Honda Fit). The one I saw was a blue SV with SL package. I am assuming that you can't get a SL anymore.... Front cabin room seems to be still good. Didn't really pay attention to the back seat leg room. The salesman said that I can test drive it on Monday if I wanted. I've driven the new 13 Sentra SR. I'm going to compare it to the Versa Note.

Also, this SV was 20,700 sticker.

How did they get that sticker price , are they asking more than sticker or add some accessories ? The SV with all option packages is around 18500 plus destination . They really did model this like the fit but doesn't have the Fits magic seat , instead they use a board to try to create a flat floor . They even have a rear spoiler but its a dealer add on . I guess you will get to drive it before me and appreciate any observations and info before my dealer gets theirs . I am tempted to just get the Fit Sport and not worry about possible issues . Hopefully my dealer gets one this week , they have been known to make a market adjustment to the price . They did that when the Versa first came out and gas prices were high , added 2k to the sticker . If they try that then I will just walk over to Honda next door and buy the Fit .

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versact

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 18, 2013

Just came from the dealer and they just got 2 Notes in . Both lower trim levels but 1 was an SV with a lighting package and maybe some other stuff . It pushed the price to $18200 or so . The other was a SV with nothing added . I couldn't drive since it wasn't prepped yet but did sit inside . Decent space , felt comfortable and good visibility . The steering wheel seemed like plastic made to resemble a leather wheel including imitation stitching , sort of looked molded . Whatever they get is what the factory sends them so other ones are coming but no idea what model . I'm thinking the factory will add other packages to the top of line model pushing the price to the point that it won't be a bargain . The styling was a little bland but i will have to see how it looks in the dressed up version , felt solid though . Tomorrow I will be off to check some other brands and get prices .

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versact

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jun 18, 2013

Apparently according to the website the SV has a leather wheel , so maybe it was a covering to protect it .. Hope that's not wheel .

jin

· #20 · Jun 19, 2013

My dealer has no notes yet :[

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