The Nissan Versa is a compact car offering a lot of space for not a lot of money.
The five door hatchback can comfortably fit five adults thanks to it’s box shape frame. In fact, the Versa has more room in the back than many mid-size sedans. How many other compacts can claim that?
It gets up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway from it’s 122 hp 1.8 liter DOHC engine. Though not a lot of power compared to other cars, it’s fairly lightweight at 2500 pounds which makes it seem more powerful than it really is.
So you’ve decided you’re going to buy a Versa. Do you buy an automatic or manual?
Definitely get the manual transmission as the automatic can make the car feel a little sluggish. The 6-speed gear box doesn’t feel as precise as a Honda Civic, but it is plenty fun to drive around town.
If you must get an automatic I would recommend getting the SL version with its continuously variable transmission, or CVT.
A new 2011 Versa hatchback with manual transmission will set you back 15 grand so I would recommend buying used. Many used 2007-2008 models can be bought for under 10 grand.
But are these cars reliable you ask?
Of course they are. We’re talking about an entry level car from Nissan with hardly any options.
The less options there are on a car the less things there are to break.
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yeah, I also bought a 2009 Nissan Versa, blk with A/C for about $12,180. And, after hours of uriagng and negotiating the price, I got a free JVC radio. It came without a radio. It has no power windows, locks and mirrors. No mirror on the passenger side! Plus, you can open the car ONLY from the driver’s side so it’s absolutely painful! But, because I am on the most strictest budget in the world, I had to do this. When I press the accelerator, it takes a while all the time for the engine to pick up it’s strange. Is that the same as a fuel pump issue?Thanks!