I would be stupid to not get ABS and EBD?

[ullyeus]

Just making sure as I am not a car guy.

I am buying a Nissan Versa and I assume it would be dumb to not shell out the $500 for ABS (anti lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) ?

[Tijuana]

ya you really should get abs

[hytong]

EBD would be useful even to the experienced driver

[jetway1212]

For only $500 i would get it. ABS is so important in winter especially to the new driver

[BartBandy]

ABS doesn't necessarily help you stop faster, because anyone who is good with a brake pedal can outperform ABS. What ABS does do is give you control while braking.

EBD will maximize your emergency stopping power, depending on speed and road conditions Our X-Trail has it, and I think it has the best brakes of any car I've driven.

If the option is only $500, then do it.

[rfdrfd]

Since its not $1000 or something that high, then yes, go for it.

But seriously, is there any studies that showed ever since the implementation of ABS or EBD that accident rates have gone down?

What about many yrs ago. When normal passenger cars don't have ABS as an option? People still drove in the snow, and I imagine our snow removal on streets only improve and was worse 30 yrs ago?

ABS comes on in the snow only during breaking that is too hard or you want to stop faster than normal. We can all just adjust our driving during snow to avoid these situations.

Break earlier, break soft, hold it. Don't pump it, or keep pressing it down further. If your car is slowing down (eg. -10km/hr), then keeping your brake at the same level will eventually stop your car. Every second it is slowing down more than tha second before it. Its simple math or physics. You will ALWAYS be able to stop. If you feel you are not going to stop in time, then that means you did not brake early enough. I've driven for many years in the snow and I've rarely had any stopping problems, the problem times were my own fault (too fast, braking late).

If something suddenly jumps infront of you, if your car slides on ice or something, then ABS may help, but unlikely to stop your car faster. Let's you turn, but on most city streets, there is no where to turn (that won't hit something). Actually ABS increases your stopping distance too.

But with that said, $500 is cheap. So get it. Will increase the re-sale value of your car anyways.

[gordholio]

ABS is nice, but people were able to stop without it before it was invented.
I wouldn't call it a necessity, but you might want to get it if the price is reasonable.
Keeping a decent distance between you and the next driver is also a good idea.
IMHO, proper defensive driving is more important, although ABS can help in some situations.

[themanfromvlad]

On the Versa, you should get ABS. I have heard many complaints from US owners of the Versa, where it is hard to get one that has ABS.

You should get a SL model instead of the S. It comes with ABS standard and a whole slew of options (Crusie control among them). Better value than the S with the Value package.

I have an SL with CVT and the car is terrific.

[ullyeus]

But with that said, $500 is cheap. So get it. Will increase the re-sale value of your car anyways.

That's about what I figured as well.

[ullyeus]

On the Versa, you should get ABS. I have heard many complaints from US owners of the Versa, where it is hard to get one that has ABS.

You should get a SL model instead of the S. It comes with ABS standard and a whole slew of options (Crusie control among them). Better value than the S with the Value package.

I have an SL with CVT and the car is terrific.

Howdy,

I'm not too easily convinced, while the SL is only $1000 more than a fully equiped S it only brings the following to the table:

CVT transmission
Cruise Control
Slightly nicer cloth (debatable, I like the cheaper stuff)
Anti Theft System

to me, that's not really worth it, or am I missing something important?

[SoNgMaN]

Howdy,

I'm not too easily convinced, while the SL is only $1000 more than a fully equiped S it only brings the following to the table:

CVT transmission
Cruise Control
Slightly nicer cloth (debatable, I like the cheaper stuff)
Anti Theft System

to me, that's not really worth it, or am I missing something important?

you should see what the insurance differences are with/without the antitheft, that may pay for it there . ABS is a good safety feature because in times of panic your wheels aren't locked up and you still have control the car. I find it annoying at times especially in the winter when it kicks in at a stop sign etc because your wheel slipped a bit then you slide into the intersection

[themanfromvlad]

Howdy,

I'm not too easily convinced, while the SL is only $1000 more than a fully equiped S it only brings the following to the table:

CVT transmission
Cruise Control
Slightly nicer cloth (debatable, I like the cheaper stuff)
Anti Theft System

to me, that's not really worth it, or am I missing something important?

I too looked at the S with value, but I the SL is too good to be true. For me, $1,000 for Cruise control, ABS, and wheels on aluminum-alloy rims is reason enough to buy the SL. Adding the Anti-theft, much nicer interior (not just the seats, there's additional armrests in the front and back, extra storage spots and carbon accents throughout the car) and the option to get the CVT transmission is icing on the cake. I know what you're saying about the cloth, I too liked the look of the micro-fibre S trim, but it isn't as durable. The CVT is so smooth. Nissan makes the best CVT transmissions, it's just great to have a car that is so quiet.

You'll be happy with either Versa regardless, try and qualify for the 1% interest rate, it will save you up to a few thousand depending on how long the term is.

[silverspy]

you should see what the insurance differences are with/without the antitheft, that may pay for it there .

I am just wondering what's the insurance rate with and without anti-theft for Versa? Thanks.

[rchong]

It's good to be able to lock up the wheels so that you can 'dig' into the snow.

[hytong]

It's good to be able to lock up the wheels so that you can 'dig' into the snow.

only do that when it is about to stop, threshold braking or with help of ABS is still better in higher speed situations. That said, ABS does prevents anticipated lockup.