The 2013 Nissan Versa only lasts around 125,000 miles with serious transmission and suspension issues. At $6,402 to $7,584 it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands to keep it running.
Is the 2013 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 4/10 – 2013 is a bad year for the Versa, and it deserves a low overall rating when everything about the car is bad aside from fuel economy. Owner reviews complain about mechanical issues, poor performance, and broken interior parts.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials are extremely cheap with a lot of weak plastic, however the seats are decently comfortable, and cargo space is great.
- Reliability 4/10 – Reliability is terrible with widespread transmission failures. 2011 was the last good year and we recommend avoiding models from 2012–2017.
- Performance 4/10 – Performance is awful from the standard 4-cylinder engine, which has less power than other compact cars.
- Safety 4/10 – The 2013 Versa is not safe with a 4-star overall rating in crash tests, and only 3 stars in the frontal impact test. There’s an optional rear view camera available.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 35 MPG, which should get owners about 378 miles of range out of the 10.8 gallon gas tank. Monthly fuel costs are $59 cheaper than average at around $143 per month.
- Value 5/10 – The 2013 Versa is an extremely cheap car, yet it’s still not worth buying since you’ll spend a ton of money fixing it up over the years.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Versa?
- Consumer Reports says the Versa has dropped to the bottom of the subcompact sedans, and has very low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Versa a 3.9/5 praising the roomy interior for its size, but doesn’t like the erratic shifting with the CVT.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Versa 3.9/5 and enjoy the cheap purchase price, however, owners don’t like the boring driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2013 Nissan Versa Have?
The most common problems found on the 2013 Nissan Versa include transmission failures, broken struts, and heater system issues. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact cars, and the repair costs are higher as well.
Transmission failures are the most widespread complaint from Versa owners at around 90,000 miles. The CVT transmission is a known weak spot across Nissan models and has to be replaced when it fails. Changing out the transmission costs about $3,800, depending on local labor rates.
Broken struts are another issue reported by owners at around 40,000 miles. The struts simply break as the Versa ages, and they have to be replaced. Changing out all of the struts costs about $600, and if they break it can cause more suspension damage, which can cost thousands to fix.
Heater system issues show up on some Versa models at around 80,000 miles. The heater core gets clogged and has to be replaced. Changing out the heater core is a very labor-intensive process and costs around $1,600.
There is only one recall, which is better than other compact cars from 2013. The recall covers a lower trim panel which can impede pedal operation. Nissan will modify the panel to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of the pedal.
How Long Will the 2013 Nissan Versa Last?
A well-maintained 2013 Nissan Versa should last around 125,000 miles, which is less than half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other compact cars, at $522 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Since most used 2013 Versa models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the rack and pinion for 1,000, engine oil cooler costing $200, and the battery cables which cost $400.
It is reliable. There has been issues with rust, specifically in certain areas under the paint-rear fender, around windshields and the hood, and the exhaust. Mechanically, there has not been any issues at all. Another problem is that when the weather is cold enough, the locks can sometimes stick and I am unable to open the trunk and the driver's door.
So far, so good! It is not the greatest in windy conditions or snow, but aside from that it is great. The service engine light does comes on more occasionally.
Its reliable car with good engine and fuel efficiency. The interior design doesn't attract youth. Stereo is old model and no Bluetooth connection. No rear camera
It is reliable but has some problems with pick-up and transmission. No mechanical issues though. Very reliable on the roads.
It is not reliable. The transmission is going out, and it’s only six years old. It’s too soon for these types of conditions
Although the transmission is been giving me issues I believe that the Nissan Versa is very reliable due to how long. It runs for and it never really has problems
The Nissan Versa is a very reliable vehicle. You have to keep the vehicle serviced but it runs well.
How Is the Technology?
The technology is extremely basic in the 2013 Nissan Versa with a simple 2-speaker stereo system, and even the upgraded 4-speaker stereo isn’t very good. There’s an optional rearview camera on the SL model, and there’s no other safety technology available.
Is the 2013 Nissan Versa a Good Value?
No, the 2013 Nissan Versa is a bad value since there are so many mechanical problems. Blue book prices range from $6,402 to $7,584, making it cheaper than a similarly equipped Honda Civic or Ford Focus. When new, the price range was $11,990 to $16,800. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Versa?
There are three models of the Versa offered for 2013, from the base S model all the way to the well-equipped SL.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Cruise Control
- 2-Speaker Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX
SV is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Folding Rear Seat
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
SL is the top-of-the line model which adds:
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Ignition
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Optional Navigation System & Rearview Camera
What Engines Come In the Nissan Versa?
The engine found in the 2013 Nissan Versa is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which only makes 109 horsepower while getting up to 35 MPG. Performance is terrible, taking 9.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Versa Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Versa?
The 2013 Nissan Versa is surprisingly comfortable for a compact car with high quality seats. There’s enough room for up to 5 people. The materials used throughout the cabin are cheap and don’t feel great, but everything is supportive and durable.
Passenger room is excellent in the back seats, with enough leg room for taller adults, which is surprising for a car this small.
How Is the Storage In the Nissan Versa?
The 2013 Versa has more cargo space than other compact cars, with enough space for 3-5 suitcases in the trunk.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Nissan Versa was launched in 2012, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.
2011: Antilock brakes are now standard, and available CD changer.
2012: Second generation released, fully redesigned with more interior room.
2013: More fuel efficient engine and hatchback model discontinued.
2014: No major changes.
2015: Minor exterior styling changes, standard Bluetooth connectivity.
2016: Standard 4-speaker stereo system added.
How Does the Nissan Versa Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Versa is one of the worst compact cars from 2013 since there are so many serious mechanical problems that lead to high ownership costs.
The Nissan Sentra is another competitor from Nissan which costs about $1,500 more. Performance is better in the Nissan Sentra with the larger motor, however the Nissan Versa has a more comfortable cab. We recommend avoiding both cars for 2013 since they have costly transmission issues.
The Hyundai Elantra is another compact car which costs around $1,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Nissan Versa has a smoother suspension. We recommend buyers stay away from both cars for 2013 since the Nissan Versa has transmission issues and the Hyundai Elantra has a bad engine.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is mechanically sound and surprisingly large amount of room for the size. Overall, the design is good.
In my personal opinion, yes. However, I believe it runs just as well as the 2009 versa I used to own.
Perfect family car with large space and legroom. The trunk is wide enough to fit bulk luggage. Fuel efficient car with little maintenance. The only unsatisfactory feature is interior design. It's so lame and the no Bluetooth to connect phones.
Yes. It's a great vehicle with extraordinary mileage. Good performance and durability. Would definitely recommend it.
No. I am not satisfied with my vehicle. It was not very well made. I definitely would not recommend the versa to others.
I believe it is because it’s been very reliable to me. The Versa has always been driving for hours on end and it has never really failed me although it has its struggles it’s been good to me
A very good vehicle. Economical and easy to maintain. It is an inexpensive vehicle but if you keep it maintained it runs well.