The 2011 Versa can last over 200,000 miles, with only rare engine and air conditioning issues. At $4,536 – 5,970, it’s well priced for the comfort and quality.
Is the 2011 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2011 is a good year. We have received many positive owner reviews mentioning a roomy interior, low running costs, and a long-lasting engine.
- Reliability ratings are good. We recommend models from 2010-2011, and buyers should avoid 2012 and newer models with widespread transmission issues.
- There are two weak 4-cylinder engine options.
- Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Versa?
- Consumer Reports finds the Versa to be smooth and quiet, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Versa 4.6/5 liking the roomy interior, but finds the car to be very boring to drive.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Versa 4.4/5 with great fuel economy, but doesn’t think the car is as good as the Honda Fit.
What Problems Does the 2011 Nissan Versa Have?
Problems with the Versa are relatively rare and include an inaccurate speedometer, engine knock, and air conditioning system issues.
Speedometer inaccuracies show up in the first 15,000 miles and are the most common complaint. Owners have found the speedometer to be off by about 10 miles per hour, unfortunately Nissan says it’s within spec and there’s no fix for the problem.
Engine knocks are a rare but very serious problem at around 50,000 miles. Sensor failures, low quality gasoline, or worn out engines are all possible sources. Replacing sensors costs about $200, but full engines are over $3,500.
Air conditioning issues show up at around 55,000 miles in some vehicles. Failed compressors cause the problem, costing about $1,350 to replace.
There are 6 recalls including the front coil springs, and several for air bags. Most serious is the recall for front coil springs, which can increase the risk of a crash if they corrode.
How Long Will the 2011 Nissan Versa Last?
A properly cared for Versa will last about 200,000 miles, a bit shorter than longer-lasting competitors including the Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars at $418 per year, according to Repair Pal.
As a Versa reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace the brake master cylinder for $450, ignition coil costing $275, and radiator hoses which cost $280.
The vehicle is mostly reliable for a long time. After around 80,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle does start to have some problems that can be fixed. Overall the car is okay. I had the vehicle maintained on a regular basis so it did not have too many problems. The car's engine literally stopped in front of my neighbor's house after I had backed it out of the driveway. It was taken in, inspected, & components were replaced. The problems that it had were mostly fixed (it cost over $1,300 in repairs).
The Nissan versa is very reliable for us. It fits everyone and takes us where we need to go in style. We have not had many issues with this vehicle.
Yes, as mentioned the reliability is one of the main reasons I would say it is a 'good' vehicle. Other than regular oil changes and normal maintenance, I haven't had any mechanical problems with the car.
So far the airbag had a recall. They changed it for free and the pipe on the bottom keep getting holes but I drive a lot so I get why it would happen. Besides general maintenance like breaks, lights ect its been ok
The Nissan is not super reliable. We have had to replace the engine twice, and the battery. The airbags were recalled and it took months for them to replace them. I had to sit in the backseat until they were replaced.
So far the only problems) we have encountered is the driver’s side door handle fell off, and the brakes and tires have had to be replaced.
The only problems I've run into are my alignment and tires. When I would brake over speeds of 45 miles/hour, my car would shake uncontrollably. Other than that, I haven't had any major car issues.
Yes it is reliable, I do regular upkeep new tires oil changes and regular maintenance and needed. I imagine it is less to upkeep than other cars. I'm grateful for that.
How Much Is the 2011 Nissan Versa Worth?
Blue book prices range from $4,536 – 5,970 making the Versa more affordable than a Mazda3 or Civic. When new, the price range was $9,990 to $17,410. Depreciation is similar to other cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Versa?
There are four models available. Technology is outdated since it was introduced in 2008, with an update coming in 2015.
1.6 Base is the stripped-down entry-level model with:
- 14-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Manual Tilt Steering Wheel
1.6 adds some good features including:
- Air Conditioning
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
1.8 S is a sportier model adding:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Keyless Entry
- Power Windows And Locks
- Cruise Control
- 6-CD Changer and 3.5MM AUX Jack
1.8 SL is the flagship model and adds:
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- 6-Speaker Stereo System With Bluetooth
Is the Nissan Versa a Safe Car?
Safety ratings are abysmal, only getting 2 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Air bags are offered as standard. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are available as optional upgrades.
What Engines Come In the Versa?
There are two weak 4-cylinder engines available in the Versa. Performance is very poor, taking 9.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
- The base engine is the very weak 1.6L 4-cylinder with only 107 horsepower.
- An underpowered 1.8L 4-cylinder is available and makes 122 horsepower.
What Colors Does the Versa Come In?
How Big Is the Versa?
The Nissan Versa is big for a compact car similar in size to the Fit and Fiesta. Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin, easily fitting adults in the back seats with plenty of legroom.
Cargo space is excellent with a 13.8 cubic foot trunk in the sedan and up to 50 cubic feet of room in the hatchback.
How Does the Versa Compare to the Competition?
One of the closest competitors is the more expensive Ford Fiesta. Where the Fiesta stands out is with better interior materials, but the Versa has a smoother suspension. We recommend the Versa since there are significantly fewer mechanical problems.
Another competitor is the higher priced Toyota Yaris. The Yaris offers better safety scores, but passenger room is better in the Versa. Overall, the Yaris is a better choice since it has higher reliability ratings.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
It is an okay vehicle. It has served me well for the many years that I have had it. The car has good gas mileage which is really nice. It is a lot easier to park this car because it is a smaller vehicle. The car for the most part has not had many major issues (just a few).
It is a very good vehicle. My family uses it every day and it is a great car for us. It fits the right amount of people and takes us where we need to go. Plus, it is stylish and modern and a great color.
Yes in terms of being economical. It isn't loaded with features but gets good gas mileage and has been reliable for me since I got it.
Yes it is! Has never left me on the side of the road. This year is the first time I ever had to fix the car. Has really been good to me.
No, we have had to replace the engine twice, and the airbags were recalled. We will probably not buy another Versa for our next car.
Yes it is. It has way more space than it appears from the outside, we have ran up well over 100,000 miles and it’s still going strong.
I love my Nissan Versa! It’s a reliable car overall. I have had issues with the alignment and tires. My vehicle used to shake when I would brake over speeds of 45 miles/hour. Other than that, I haven't had any major issues.
Yes I'm very happy as a single use driver it is great on gas, enough room , I'm very happy. I would recommend it to a single to two person owner.