The 2008 Nissan Versa only lasts around 150,000 miles due to transmission and suspension issues. At $3,762 to $4,834 it’s cheap, but ownership costs will exceed the value of the car as it ages.
Is the 2008 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- No, 2008 is a bad year for the Versa. Owner reviews complain about transmission issues with the CVT, poor acceleration, and lack of technology.
- Interior quality is better than average for a compact car, with more soft-touch fabrics and plastics used than some rivals, but the technology is extremely basic.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. Models from 2007–2017 all have a lot of mechanical problems, with some reliability improvements for the 2018
- Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engine compared to other small cars.
- The Versa is reasonably safe for a small car, getting 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash tests, and scoring 4 stars in all impact tests.
- Fuel economy is very good compared to other compact cars, at up to 29 MPG, which should get an owner about 356 miles of range on a single tank of gas.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Versa?
- Consumer Reports says the Versa is sluggish to drive, and has lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Versa a 4.4/5 praising the spacious interior, but Edmunds doesn’t like the poor braking capabilities.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Versa 4.4/5 and enjoy the efficient engine, but owners don’t like the high maintenance costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Nissan Versa Have?
The most common problems found on the 2008 Nissan Versa include transmission failures, rusted exhausts, and broken suspension ball joints. Overall, the mechanical issues are more severe than in other compacts from 2008.
Transmission failures are the most common issue reported by owners at around 120,000 miles. The CVT transmissions found across Nissan’s lineup are weak and fail often. Replacing the transmission costs about $4,000, depending on local labor rates.
Rusted exhaust components are another frequent problem at around 60,000 miles. The flanges that hold the exhaust together rust quickly, even in areas without salted roads. Replacing the flanges costs about $400.
Broken ball joints in the suspension control arms are another complaint that shows up at around 55,000 miles. Replacing the ball joints is a fairly labor-intensive process, costing about $600 at a shop.
There are 7 recalls, which is worse than average. The most serious covers the front springs corroding, which increases the risk of an accident if they snap.
How Long Will the 2008 Nissan Versa Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Nissan Versa should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than other compact cars, according to Repair Pal, at $349 per year.
Since most Versa models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the fuel sending unit for $940, the clutch costing $1,200, and the A/C pressure sensor, which costs $200.
Yes it is, the main issue it the transmission tray that needed replacement so we had to replace the whole transmission which was expensive, and the horn stopped working.
It is very reliable, the only problem is getting it to go faster. It works it is way up at a slower pace.
It has been very reliable. It has had very few problems. Other than tires and brakes I have only had to replace a few bulbs and maybe a fuse...
No it is reliable and will get you to point a to point b, does have a shock problem and had a steering wheel recall recently.
Absolutely reliable and sturdy. I have only needed to do basic maintenance. It has over 100,000 miles on it and still purrs like a new car.
No it doesn't have any problems I change the oil on a regularly new tires. And my mechanic keeps up with the latest things.
I have not experienced anything that has negatively impacted my thoughts on my vehicle. If I had one down thing to say it would be the access to the back tail lights is much more difficult than I expected.
For the most part, yes. As stated in the previous entry- it has alternator and overheating issues as a common problem amongst owners.
How Much Is the 2008 Nissan Versa Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,762 to $4,834, making it thousands less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $12,880 to $15,980. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Versa?
The 2008 Nissan Versa is offered as both a sedan and hatchback, and there are two models available for each. Technology was updated in 2007, with additional infotainment features added for 2010.
1.8 S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Power Mirrors
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
1.8 SL is a step up and adds:
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm Jack
What Engines Come In the Nissan Versa?
The only engine offered in the 2008 Versa is the relatively weak 1.8L 4-cylinder which makes 122 horsepower and gets up to 29 MPG combined. Performance is weak, taking 10.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Versa Come In?
How Big Is the Nissan Versa?
The 2008 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback, similar in size to the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Passenger room is surprisingly good given the small exterior dimensions, with plenty of legroom for adults in the back seats.
Cargo space is average in the sedan with 13.8 cubic feet of room in the trunk. The hatchback offers a generous amount of space with 17.8 cubic feet of room behind the seats, and up to 50.4 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s enough space to fit 3-4 suitcases in the sedan, and 4-5 in the hatchback.
How Does the Nissan Versa Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Sentra is another compact option from Nissan which costs about $300 more. Interior materials and features are better in the Nissan Sentra, but the Nissan Versa’s hatchback is more practical. We don’t recommend either Nissan since they both suffer from expensive transmission problems.
The Toyota Corolla is a rival which costs about $2,300 more. Reliability as well as general fit and finish are both better in the Toyota Corolla, but the Nissan Versa hatchback offers more cargo space. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since they last twice as long, and are more affordable to own.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
Yes, drives well, have had very little maintenance, gets great gas mileage, air conditioner is excellent.
Yes it is a very good vehicle it is very economical and a gas saver which is a plus considering the gas prices today. It is very easy to steer, has a lot of room in front and in back. Huge trunk space, back seat. I'd recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an economical vehicle.
Yes it has been very reliable and gets very good consistent mileage. I have been very happy with it since I decided to buy it.
It is drives okay could be better. Might be the age or something like that I am not sure hahahahaha.
It is a great car. Reliable and great gas mileage. I have never had an issues with it beyond regular maintenance. It is fun to drive. It looks small on the outside, but is surprisingly spacious on the inside. Out of any car I have owned, this is by far my favorite.
Drives great and gets real good gas mileage and lots space it's a hatchback we have driven it in all kinds of weather and all over the country.
Nissan in my opinion has definitely made decent vehicles. Id say the satisfaction rate on my 2008 Nissan Versa is 88%. Reliable, easy to maintain and great on gas.
Yes. It does tend to have alternator and overheating issues though. While the fixes aren't excessive, it can get costly.
