What is the Versa?
If your budget is tight but you would rather buy new than used, a subcompact (or extra-small) vehicle might be your best bet. The Nissan Versa is one such sedan, pairing modern convenience and technology features with an affordable price tag. The Versa makes a strong case for itself, with a surprisingly roomy cabin and fuel-sipping powertrain (the little Nissan is one of the most efficient non-hybrids on the market). We also like that forward collision avoidance comes standard, and that blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are on the options list. Just because you need a realistic monthly payment doesn't mean you have to do without advanced safety systems and modern tech.
Of course, there are some sacrifices for a vehicle this affordable. The engine underhood is pretty gutless, and the ride can get bouncy when you're traveling on anything but the smoothest of roads. You might also find yourself squirming in the seats on long road trips; after a couple hours, pressure points will begin to reveal themselves. However, these issues are fairly common for the class, where the price point practically requires a less-than-ideal driving experience.