High-mileage econoboxes.

   I've been shopping around for a starter vehicle for my kids (will be 13 and 14 later this year) and stumbled onto a '12 Versa sedan manual with manual windows and 209,000 miles listed for $1,595. On paper, it seems nearly perfect, provided there are no death rattles and it drives as it should. 
 What's the GRM consensus on these?

Very cheap appliances. Engines are noisy.

Pretty hard on front end components around here, subframe bushings are common and when they go the whole front end of the car can move around a couple inches. Aftermarket makes bushings, OEM is complete subframe only.

This Versa Sedan? 

Or, this Versa Sedan? 

In either configuration, the manual trans model was in competition to be the cheapest new car sold in America when new. As such, extremely spartan interiors. If manual then cruise control was not even offered as an option. In some years, AC was an option too so check to be sure. 

Aside from that, the drive train is capable of 200k and a lot more. Care needs the same as any car. In the Versa, the weak point was the cvt auto. Your manual should alleviate those issues. 

These cars are in the "transportation" category. Nothing about them or their manual trans will be "sporty" even with mods. Their highlights will be their simplicity and utilitarianism. 

Thanks for the info!

The  Versa is a narrow car but the wheelbase is surprisingly long.  This will mostly be noted by the rear seat which is nearly limo-like in leg room but narrow as to only comfortably accommodate 2 people/kids.  

If its in decent shape, I think it would be okay. These are used as taxis in Central and South America and hold up to abuse pretty well. If its a base sedan, less to go wrong. 

They're the worst sh**box cars available at the car rental place, I was always pissed when I got stuck with one and would really rather drive a Chevette.  But a cheap 3 pedal Versa would be a great starter car.

jwagner (Forum Supporter) said:

They're the worst sh**box cars available at the car rental place, I was always pissed when I got stuck with one and would really rather drive a Chevette.  But a cheap 3 pedal Versa would be a great starter car.

You have obviously not driven the 3 cylinder Mirage.

I kept trying to contact the dealership with the to set up a time to look at the Versa and heard nary a peep. 

So, naturally, I kept looking.  Today I drove a '10 Cobalt XFE with manual everything, no A/C or cruise, listed for $2,500, and loved it. I was mulling over pulling the trigger on it when an '07 Focus S Sedan with manual everything, A/C  but no cruise was posted for $1,250. Kind of crazy that it's exactly half the price. It's not perfect but drives pretty well, is a known quantity, and, assuming the owner can locate the title, I'm buying it. 

In reply to z31maniac :

Or a Kia Rio.