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Which Years of Used Nissan Versa Notes Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Orange Nissan Versa

Source: Pixabay

As consumers sought an affordable, compact hatchback MPV, Nissan developed the Versa Note: a versatile, highly popular vehicle that quickly became one of the most profitable in the Versa series. You can find many of these used vehicles at secondhand markets, but you’ll need to know what the most reliable Nissan Versa Note years are to get the best bang for your buck.

With lots of different years to look through, it can be tough to figure out which used car you should purchase. Read on to learn more.

Most Reliable Years for the Nissan Versa Note

The most reliable Nissan Versa Note years tend to be those made toward the second half of its manufacturing history. These include:


THE NISSAN VERSA NOTE YEARS TO AVOID

Let’s take a closer look at other Nissan Versa Note years you should avoid and which years you should prioritize as you search for a used or new vehicle.


  • Nissan Versa Note 2015
  • Nissan Versa Note 2016
  • Nissan Versa Note 2017
  • Nissan Versa Note 2018
  • Nissan Versa Note 2019
  • Nissan Versa Note 2021
  • Nissan Versa Note 2022

Simply put, as Nissan became more adept at manufacturing the Versa Note as a hatchback vehicle, fewer problems arose regarding the transmission and brakes. A “hatchback” vehicle, if you aren’t aware, is a four-door passenger vehicle that has a two-box body and a tailgate. It’s essentially a cross between a sedan and an SUV.

Are Nissan Versa Notes Generally Reliable?

But what if you can’t find one of the most reliable Nissan Versa Note years in good condition? You’ll want to know whether the vehicle line overall is at least generally reliable.

In most cases, the answer is yes. For example, carparts.com says that the Nissan Versa Note has pretty good respectability scores and is usually rated a 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability. Thus, this is either about average or more reliable compared to other compact SUV/sedan crossovers.

However, it’s also clear that your mileage may vary. Edmunds.com’s consumer reviews rate the used Nissan Versa Note at 3.8 stars out of 5: not exactly a sterling recommendation. It’s clear that your Nissan Versa Note’s reliability will depend on its model year and whether it had maintenance concerns in the past.


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Which Nissan Versa Notes Are the Least Reliable?

Just like there are some of the most reliable Nissan Versa Note years, there are also less reliable years you should avoid as you search for one of these cars in used condition. These years include:

  • 2011 Nissan Versa Note
  • 2012 Nissan Versa Note
  • 2014 Nissan Versa Note

These three years in particular were plagued with manufacturing errors, high maintenance costs, and even some factory recalls. Because of this, any used cars you find from this first generation of the Nissan Versa Note should be skipped over in favor of other vehicles.

Are Nissan Versa Notes Expensive to Maintain?

The initial asking price isn’t the only thing you’ll have to keep in mind. After all, your used Nissan Versa Note will need to go in for maintenance from time to time.

On the plus side, repair costs shouldn’t break the bank. According to repairpal.com, the average annual cost for repairs and maintenance on any Nissan Versa Note is $445. This is a little cheaper compared to the $652 average for all vehicle models.

Furthermore, you may not have to bring your used Nissan Versa Note into the repair shop all that often. The same source indicates that Nissan Versa Note owners bring their vehicles in for maintenance for unscheduled repairs 0.3 times per year compared to 0.4 times per year: the average for all other vehicles.

Which Nissan Versa Note is Most Reliable?

If you’re looking for the overall most reliable Nissan Versa Note years, you can’t go wrong with the third-generation 2021 and 2022 Nissan Versa Notes.

These newest vehicles have barely any complaints or reported problems, although admittedly this may be due to their newness. Still, copilotsearch.com says that the 2021 and 2022 Nissan Versa Notes are top-tier in terms of reliability and warranty coverage. If you can find a used version of either vehicle, you could potentially save money both on the initial purchase and in the long run if you ever do run into maintenance issues.

Both of these Notes come with advanced and modernized features, like better interiors and touchscreen interfaces. Thus, they’re also good choices for car shoppers who are looking for something modern and easy to use.


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What Are the Most Common Nissan Versa Note Problems?

If you purchase a used Nissan Versa Note from one of the less-than-stellar years, you may run into several potential problems. According to nissanproblems.com, the most common issues that Versa Note owners encountered include:

  • Transmission failures
  • CVT slippage
  • Cracks in the windshield
  • Wheels slipping
  • Brake problems

Some of these are certainly more alarming than others, so you should always ask for a vehicle maintenance report and accident history report from the current user before purchasing a used Nissan Versa Note. That’s the only way to make sure you don’t get a dud car with a lot of problems hiding under the hood.

Is the Nissan Versa Note Worth It?

Given all this information, you might wonder whether a used Nissan Versa Note is really worth the price. In most cases, the answer is yes.

Even though you might find a bad used Nissan Versa Note, you’re more likely to find a stellar, flexible vehicle that can be used for offroading adventures and commuting in equal measure. More importantly, so long as you do adequate research and pick one of the most reliable Nissan Versa Note years, you’ll be likely to save money in aggregate compared to purchasing any other used sedan.


8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle?  We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.


Final Thoughts

In the end, the Nissan Versa Note is a fairly reliable vehicle that can provide you with a lot of versatility in your day-to-day driving. Just be sure to purchase a used Nissan Versa Note from one of the better years, not from its earlier manufacturing lifespan.

In addition, always ask about vehicle maintenance history and crash reports before buying! This goes for both the Nissan Versa Note and any other used car you may purchase in the future.



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