i'm tempted to take advantage of cash-for-clunkers and let go of my '97 explorer. it's basically our winter car, SUCKS gas, and on top of that, seems to be starting to have problems due to age and mileage. i'd only do it if i can find a car cheap and appealing enough, and it'd basically be our daily driver and *winter car.* the cheapest car i can find is surprising not a hyundai accent or focus (which has gotten quite expensive relatively), but a couple of nissan versas. they're all 1.6, not the base model, so [whoopee!] has a/c but not much else. they're 11.8k, gets 34 mpg on the highway, and are all stick shifts. i like it enough, it's super simple and from what i read is a decently safe car. and w/ the $4500 i'd probably end up paying a bit under 8k out the door. given that the *street value* of ford explorers is about $1k (if i can find anyone to buy it), trading it for the versa seems like not a terribly bad idea. thoughts?

 

It's not bad of a car, especially if you have low expectations (using as a beater). I personally drove a Cube, I hated it. I ended up getting a Pious, but I was looking for a nice daily drive. Look at it this way, anything is better than a Ford Exploder right?

Chances are that you won't find any Focus in 5 spd and Hyundai Accent in stock.

www.cashforclunkersfacts.com

 

fit?

 

oh you mean the sedan? cause only the sedan has the 1.6... i say no way. in person the versa sedan is uglier than an aztek- and not in a good way

 

i love the fit, but it's not cheap enough =P

i know i'm really cheap, but this would be our 3rd car, strictly as a daily driver, commuter, grocery getter, and winter car. i'm considering it 'cuz $4500 for an explorer feels too good to pass up, and the new car would have warranty and probably last a good while as an efficient transportation appliance

 

yaris base sedan is maybe a grand more gets better gas mileage city and highway and - my opinion - much better looking

 

whats your zip?

 

You need to pay 13K-14K to get a Yaris with power windows right?

 

If you can get a Versa hatchback I'd go with that. But if you could swing a Fit, definitely that over the Versa. I'd put the Yaris in a tie for 3rd with the Hyundai Accent. I dislike the wacky Yaris dash, but like the new 4DR hatch.

 

id agree on the versa hatch but if he doesnt want to spend the money then the yaris sedan would be my choice

 

my zip is 48108

i've searched all the cheapest cars near my area. the cheapest yaris is about 2k more than the cheapest versa. there used to be an accent for 10k but that's gone now. someone posted somewhere that they actually found a versa base and w/ cash-for-clunkers ended up paying $5400 for it. (!)

my preference would be fit > yaris hatch > versa if money was not really an issue/incentive

 

If your expectation of the Nissan Versa is to have it as a cheap, gas sipping, reliable daily driver without quiet a few creature comforts, then the Versa is a tremendous vehicle.

 

I got one for the significant other - it is very nice.

Loads of rear legroom compared to the competition, cheaper than all of them even in hi-spec.

We got the sedan and the CVT tranny, in black. Trunk is large, plastics and fabrics are a good quality, and the tranny is a hoot!

....and it takes the same oil filter as the '8.

S

 

what?!

this is too good to be true

 

Just an observation.

Even my Forester XT takes that same filter......

 

i would get a yaris, but versa wouldnt be bad eitehr. i think both cars are perfect for point a to point driving. gl on your purchase.

 

I LOL'd when read that!

HAHA So you're the one at the parts store buying a case of oil filters!

I think my Tribute and GTO share the valve stem caps... past that...... i dunno. I guess I'm doing it wrong heh

 

 

id pick the verso over the yaris ... just my opinion

 

Sorry for the ignorant question but this cash for clunkers thing only works when buying a new car? Or could it be used?

 

Got to be new car...

I vote or teh Suzuki SX4 hatchback. That is born to be a winter beater car. It will likely be mine next year. AWD bishes...and I remember reading a sweet article in C&D where they slapped an aftermarket FI and were making ridiculous horsepower...

 

http://www.carsdirect.com/research/c...1D0=&x=81&y=11