The Nissan Versa Note Years to Avoid
Nissan Versa by Elise240SX - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Nissan Versa Note is a subcompact hatchback originally introduced in 2004. This first-generation vehicle was mostly sold in Japan and the UK, though it eventually hopped the pond to get to North American markets and drivers. You can sometimes find first-generation vehicles in North American used car lots, though, and these are among the Nissan Versa Note years to avoid.
Instead, you’ll be better off with second-generation Nissan Versa Note vehicles, which were primarily produced after 2010. With this in mind, 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.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR MODEL FOR THE NISSAN VERSA NOTE
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.
Nissan Versa Note Years to Avoid
To keep your family safe when you purchase a new or used Nissan Versa Note, you’ll want to avoid certain model years. These years include:
- 2007 Nissan Versa Note
- 2008 Nissan Versa Note
- 2009 Nissan Versa Note
- 2012 Nissan Versa Note
- 2014 Nissan Versa Note
This is partially because the earlier models of the Nissan Versa line of vehicles had more avoidable issues as Nissan was determining how to build the car with modern technologies without introducing additional problems or complexities. Keep note of these years in particular if you are looking to purchase a used car, used Nissan Versa Notes from these model years are more likely to have hidden issues.
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What Was the Worst Year for the Nissan Versa Note?
Out of all the different model years for the Nissan Versa Note, two particular years stand out as being especially bad: 2009 and 2012.
According to motorbiscuit.com, the 2009 Nissan Versa Note had approximately 155 problems and over 700 complaints. Thus, this model year had the most complaints out of all Versa model years. Many of these complaints specifically relate to the suspension system.
However, the 2012 Nissan Versa Note also had a huge number of problems, especially transmission issues. Certain sources indicate that this model year yielded over 700 complaints and over 140 distinct problems, 69 of which involved some sort of transmission failure.
Given this information, you would do well to avoid both 2009 and 2012 Nissan Versa Note vehicles, especially those in used condition.
Best Nissan Versa Note Cross Years
While there are some Nissan Versa Note years to avoid, there are also some better-than-average years that produced fantastic cars with great value for money. These years include:
- 2018 Nissan Versa Note
- 2019 Nissan Versa Note
These particular years lacked many of the transmission problems that plagued earlier iterations of the vehicle. However, they come with the same ease of use, features, and comforts that this practical, cost-effective vehicle became known for over time.
This is partially due to over a decade of manufacturing experience on the part of Nissan. But it’s also because many users discovered how best to take care of their Versas as they spent more time driving them. Furthermore, Nissan developed new replacement parts that could quickly be shipped to auto manufacturing shops to ensure fast repairs for relatively minor issues, resulting in less downtime for the vehicles and more satisfied drivers overall.
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How Many Miles Does a Nissan Versa Note Last?
On average, you can expect a well-cared-for Nissan Versa Note to last for approximately 200,000 miles. The national average is around 15,000 miles per year, and getjerry.com indicates that the Nissan Versa is a fairly reliable vehicle. So long as you take it in for regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy great mileage throughout its lifespan.
In addition, repairpal.com indicates that the average annual repair cost for a Nissan Versa Note is approximately $445. That’s fairly affordable, especially compared to similar vehicles (the average for most other subcompact cars is $456). With this in mind, make sure to take your Nissan Versa Note in for maintenance when you detect any problems; it will be worth it in the long run for your wallet and your peace of mind.
Common Issues with the Nissan Versa Note
That all said, some of the Nissan Versa Note years to avoid have been known for various issues, particularly cars from the first generation of this vehicle model. According to nissanproblems.com, the most common issues that owners complain about include:
- Transmission failures
- Windshield cracks
- Tire slipping
- Brake issues
- CVT slippage
- HVAC problems
Some of these flaws are certainly more repairable than others. But certain issues, such as failures with the transmission, can cost quite a pretty penny. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to pay attention to the Nissan Versa Note years to avoid so you don’t purchase a bad vehicle by accident.
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How Reliable is the Nissan Versa Note?
Like with many vehicles, the Nissan Versa Note’s reliability is contingent on both the model year you purchase and how well you take care of your vehicle.
However, some years are certainly better than others. Motorandwheels.com indicates that the Nissan Versa Years of 2020, 2018, and 2015 are particularly reliable, both in terms of overall maintenance requirements and excellent fuel mileage.
For example, the 2020 Nissan Versa Note has a very good fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon in the city, and it has worked out many of the kinks or problems in previous model years. The vehicle’s upgraded touchscreen is responsive, and the cabin is well-designed for comfort and ease of use, as well as driver safety.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Nissan Versa Note is a generally reliable vehicle if you purchase and drive a car from the latter half of its lifespan (e.g., from 2015 onward). If you are purchasing a used Nissan Versa Note, make sure to buy a vehicle from one of these model years.
Otherwise, you could sign up for a variety of expensive maintenance headaches and potential hazards on the road. That’s the last thing you want to do when purchasing a vehicle that is supposed to save you money and give you the driving flexibility you need to get to anywhere in your community.
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