Post a picture you took today.
- Thread starter tixer
- Start date
My Escape (in Magnetic metallic) next to a '15 Focus SE test driving for my daughter. I have now learned everything there is to know about the PowerShift automanual transmission. Two of the three I drive had really bad hesitation and lurching at low speed right on tip in with the throttle. I consider it a drivability issue and don't think I could get used to it, or feel I would like my daugher should deal with it. Otherwise a fine car, nice size, lots of space with the back seats folded down, just enough high tech bits, but not navigation that will be out of date or cost 300 bucks a year to update.
I honestly feel this Versa Note is a better smaller vehicle. Same price (both ex rentals at Enterprise). A little less refined, a little smaller inside, but not as much as I thought it would be. CVT is nice compared to the lurch of the Focus (the '15 Focus next to it I drove and did the same thing):
I don't really know that my daughter needs more cargo space than the Versa has with the seats up. It sacrifices some cargo space for much better back seat leg room than the Focus.
I honestly feel this Versa Note is a better smaller vehicle. Same price (both ex rentals at Enterprise). A little less refined, a little smaller inside, but not as much as I thought it would be. CVT is nice compared to the lurch of the Focus (the '15 Focus next to it I drove and did the same thing):
I don't really know that my daughter needs more cargo space than the Versa has with the seats up. It sacrifices some cargo space for much better back seat leg room than the Focus.
Last edited:
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
A co-worker of mine has the Focus, and it has the same DSG issue you describe. It would drive me nuts. Seats, interior, ride, and stereo are all great though.
I can also however, attest with confidence to the value of the Versa. I've spent a few hundred miles behind the wheel of one recently, and really like it. It's nimble, comfortable to drive, and fits anywhere.
If the price is right as opposed to the Focus, you really wouldn't go wrong with the Versa. Particularly from a "kid's first car" perspective.
I can also however, attest with confidence to the value of the Versa. I've spent a few hundred miles behind the wheel of one recently, and really like it. It's nimble, comfortable to drive, and fits anywhere.
If the price is right as opposed to the Focus, you really wouldn't go wrong with the Versa. Particularly from a "kid's first car" perspective.
Jamesvinar
New member
What about the CVT tranny? Those usually dont last all too long
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
Early on, I know just about everyone had longevity issues with their CVTs. I did deal with one in a Ford 500 that experienced a failure at about 40k, but last I heard that particular car was over 150k or so on the replacement unit.
Nissan (and Subaru?) have been throwing CVTs in pretty much their entire lineup for years now, and I'd think there would be more news of failures if it was still a significant problem.
As a technology, I admire the efficiency and simplicity that a CVT brings to the table. you have to "get used" to driving them, but personally, I wouldn't be any more afraid of the CVT than any other kind of transmission, and in the Versa specifically, it sure seems to be miles better than my (Focus) buddy's DSG.
Nissan (and Subaru?) have been throwing CVTs in pretty much their entire lineup for years now, and I'd think there would be more news of failures if it was still a significant problem.
As a technology, I admire the efficiency and simplicity that a CVT brings to the table. you have to "get used" to driving them, but personally, I wouldn't be any more afraid of the CVT than any other kind of transmission, and in the Versa specifically, it sure seems to be miles better than my (Focus) buddy's DSG.
Joe, it's bad trans tuning on the DCT. it's a little difficult to get right.
Ford did it bad enough it drives bad and kills the clutch.
Ford also marketed it as an auto, but despite shifting automatically, its basically a manual, and most auto seeking focus/fiesta owners did not like that.
i drove a passat tdi with a DCT that did very well in most cases, so good on VW.
but in some case, specifically when loading it on a trailer, the bad habits would really come out. clunking and lurching when trying to load it slowly.
Ford did it bad enough it drives bad and kills the clutch.
Ford also marketed it as an auto, but despite shifting automatically, its basically a manual, and most auto seeking focus/fiesta owners did not like that.
i drove a passat tdi with a DCT that did very well in most cases, so good on VW.
but in some case, specifically when loading it on a trailer, the bad habits would really come out. clunking and lurching when trying to load it slowly.
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
I agree that VW's DSG implementation was very good. A friend who recently had her diesel Jetta bought back actually misses the driving manners. Specifically how it held gear when lifting one's foot off the gas. Her new Audi coasts up to a stoplight at speed like any other automatic..
Jamesvinar
New member
Had one of those the other day too but a little bit bigger. I was so tired that i just went to sleep without killing it and when i woke up it was gone. Dont know how worried i should be
Slowmkviii
i want summer
Last snow I hope
Attachments
BadSax
enjoys 3 martini lunches
Seriously, we gotta get Jeff to come out of his cave and hang out now that the weather is becoming tolerable...
germansheperd
New member
Like the valve covers