[mgoofy24]

Hi All. Just found this forum. I am currently in a car search to replace my rapidly aging 94 Toyota Camry.

I am currently looking at a 2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 S Hatchback from Hertz Rent2Buy program. The car has about 28K miles and is generally in my price range in terms of financing.

I was wondering if any of you could give me suggestions on what to look for during my 3-day test drive of this car. Are there any issues with this year/model that I should keep in mind? Any general opinions on this model in general?

Any input you guys have would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit: Primary use for this car will be highway commuting, approximately 75 miles round trip every day. Then, family car on the weekends

 

[mgoofy24]

I own a 2010 and no issues. There was a recall on the FPR(fuel pressure regulator) but as far as I know that's the 07-09 models. As long as you change the oil when you're supposed to you'll be fine.

What's the warranty on it? And price(if you don't mind me asking)? Mileage sounds good but I ask because alot of times these ppl try to sell overpriced cars with little to no warranty so you might be better off going directly to Nissan.

Price is $11,800 at 2.9% apr for 5 years. I get the remainder of the factory warranty, they provide a 2 month warranty with the option of purchasing additional warranties through them.

How easy is this car to work at home? I try do most of my own car repairs that I'm able to do.

 

[mgoofy24]

I would never buy an ex-rental car personally. You're probably better off finding a used car from a single individual owner...that's just my opinion though.

Yeah, it would be my first option, but with student loan payments and such, have to get financing...

 

[mgoofy24]

Way back when, I used to work for a rental car company (college days). The nice part about rental cars is that the companies usually do a good job ensuring that their cars get all the maintenance required and hire good mechanics. The bad part is that some of the cars do indeed get banged up. However, I would say that a good 80-85% of the rental cars are in pretty good shape.

 

[mgoofy24]

So, picked up the car tonight for a 3-day test drive. Few things I've noticed so far that are detracting:

There are two spots, about 1" each, of light rust and worn away paint on top of the hatchback door, one to each side of the center break light, on the most-raised parts of the contours. I assume this is from the rental company repeatedly running the car through an automatic washer. Has anyone here fixed rust spots on their V? How difficult was it? How hard is it to find color matching paint? This car is the Arctic Blue color (paint code RAF).

On the interior trim, rear, driver-side, door, on the arm rest, there is a small circular hole in the vinyl, probably about half the size of a pencil eraser. Has anyone fixed their interior vinyl before? How much would a shop charge to get it filled in/patched up?

Other than those things, and a few rock dings along the body, the car runs great, no pinging from the engine, and is pretty fun to drive.

Oh, also had this question - is it possible to fit a full-size spare in the 2010 HB Versa? From the brief look I got at the spare, it does not seem to be full-size, but there appears to be room around it, possibly enough to fit a full size in. Thoughts?

Thanks!!

 

[mgoofy24]

Seems like the rust spots will be the deal killer here..... Body shop won't even touch rust here in San Francisco.

 

[mgoofy24]

Seems like the rust spots will be the deal killer here..... Body shop won't even touch rust here in San Francisco.

Hmm, maybe not. Looks like it is covered under warranty..