CVT Transmissions - Nissan Versa 1.8 SL

nkryptit · July 21, 2009, 07:08:32 AM

So we're looking for a new car with decent gas mileage and we came across the Nissan Versa 1.8SL. I took a test drive yesterday and was actually impressed with this little guy. I like the feel of the CVT, but I do have my concerns. I seems that Nissan is one of the biggest manufacturers of vehicles with CVTs, with "over 1 million sold", but I haven't seen a lot of people with lots of miles on them. Basically I'm wondering how reliable the CVT is going to be, because if it goes, you have to replace it, no repairs as of right now.

Any constructive input is welcome. Thanks!

mitt · July 21, 2009, 08:40:01 AM

I have been cautious of CVT's too, but I have not heard any horror stories so far, and I would consider myself a nissan fan. They use them with 200+hp maxima and murano, so I would assume the 1.8L would be well within their capability.

mitt

hypurone · July 21, 2009, 08:42:50 AM

My nephew has an altima with the cvt (and manual sport shift option) and he beats on it hard, so far it is still working with approx 40K on it tho the rest of the car has been a POS. he bought it new and has had one thing after another go wrong woth it and some things they can't even determine what the hell is wrong!!

My Camry hybrid has the cvt as well as my quad, both have been reliable so far but not very high mileage on the quad (for sale!) and the Camry only has 24K on it. The belt is serviceable on a CVT as are the pulleys and some other components, fyi.... CVT's tend to last longer than regular AT's as they don't have as many parts or the "shift shock" associated with them...

nkryptit · July 21, 2009, 08:52:12 AM

Thanks for the replies. I have heard the same thing about the CVT's having less parts, it does make sense that they'd last longer. But in the last hour, it looks like the Mrs. has decided to go with the mazda 3 5door. It's a jump up, bigger engine, and 'cuter'. So that's that. Thanks for your input!

hypurone · July 21, 2009, 10:21:05 AM

OK! She gets what she wants, now do you? Can I interest you in a killer 3rd gen RX7? I just happen to have one for sale...

nkryptit · July 21, 2009, 10:33:22 AM

Quote from: hypurone on July 21, 2009, 10:21:05 AM
OK! She gets what she wants, now do you? Can I interest you in a killer 3rd gen RX7? I just happen to have one for sale...

The lease on my 6 isn't up until middle of next year, but you just made me drool a little

Autostrada Pilot · July 21, 2009, 11:08:06 AM

Quote from: hypurone on July 21, 2009, 10:21:05 AM
OK! She gets what she wants, now do you? Can I interest you in a killer 3rd gen RX7? I just happen to have one for sale...

Pics please?

Turbo?
Price? (even though there's no way in hell my wife will let me get it as a "commuter" car).

hypurone · July 21, 2009, 12:13:26 PM

Quote from: nkryptit on July 21, 2009, 10:33:22 AM
The lease on my 6 isn't up until middle of next year, but you just made me drool a little

Glad i could help!!

Quote from: Autostrada Pilot on July 21, 2009, 11:08:06 AM
Pics please?
Turbo?
Price? (even though there's no way in hell my wife will let me get it as a "commuter" car).

Yeah, ALL 3rd gens are Twin Turbo. This one has mods and currently runs 15 psi w/ H2O/alcohol injection.
Why not as a commuter, it can get 25mpg on the highway...as long as you aren't boosting all the time!!

there are some pics in the ad on autotrader:

http://tinyurl.com/mnxh7k

I'm motivated to sell as the new camaro is gonna be here soon. I am willing to drive it a fair distance to deliver.

News:

CVT Transmissions - Nissan Versa 1.8 SL