2023 Nissan Versa S Manual - Long Term Detailed Owner Review and Experience, Good and Bad 2024 2025

[@LyleBialk]

I bought a 2024 manual Versa in August. I just got home from my first road trip, put over 1200 miles on it on this trip. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and capable it was on the freeway. The only negative I can say was that when you are directly behind a semi, at highway speed, the car does get buffeted around a little bit - nothing scary. Just don't tailgate semis. After this trip, my overall average is 44.6 MPG. It was a very relaxing car to drive, even through construction zones. The small size and ease of maneuvering is much nicer than my F150 with an 8 ft bed. LOL

[@youtoobe169]

It's a surprisingly good car in every way

[@sowhat1073]

What if your 6' 4" and 340 pounds?

[@youtoobe169]

@@sowhat1073 Only way to answer that is to see for yourself

[@rafaelcruzvazquez2634]

It was a very detail video. I'm going to buy a Versa with standar transmission. I trusted your comments. Than you for our sincere comments.

[@youtoobe169]

Thanks for the comment!

[@openscholar9908]

Most youtubers are actors paid by the channel owners which seem to be owned by corporations. I take what they say with a grain of salt. I'm glad they're still some real youtubers like yourself.

[@youtoobe169]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@d.w.j.1114]

My first brand new car was a 1989 Sentra. It was the base model, 2dr sedan, 4spd manual, no pwr steering, didn't even have a radio or passenger side rear view mirror, but I did order it with a/c. It weighed 2200lbs & the 1.6L SOHC 12valve engine made 90hp & about 100lbft of tq. That car was an absolute blast. I would imagine that the Versa you have is the modern day equivalent of that Sentra & I'm actually thinking about buying one. My only regret with that car was I didn't go up to the next trim level to get the 5spd & tachometer, other than that it was great. TY for these videos of your time with these cars, they've been helpful.

[@youtoobe169]

Glad you like my videos and yes it is definitely like buying a brand new '80s or '90s car.

[@Digital00Inspiration]

Thanks for another great video. Over the last six months I’ve watched every one of your videos on the Versa at least once. Add me to your list of viewers who purchased a Versa because of your reviews and ride along video commentary. You are an obvious great source of first person experience from a knowledgeable car guy. The Car Care Nut also reviewed the 2024 Versa on his KZbin channel 6 months ago and recommended buying! So I did! Love my Versa and wanted to tell you thank you for all the great videos and information you provided.

[@youtoobe169]

Thanks for the kind words! I am glad my videos help and glad to hear you love your Versa!

[@A_K664]

Same here. Just bought mine this past Saturday!

[@youtoobe169]

@@A_K664 Congrats on your new Versa!

[@vinsinfletcher8019]

@@youtoobe169 I"m considering a New 2024 Versa S with MT. People with CVT Nissan cars,, say they have Great success. But mechanics and transmission specialist Plead with me, Do Not buy a Nissan with CVT. Though the 2024 supposed to be Much better. You'd stick with Manual Transmission ONLY?

[@youtoobe169]

@@vinsinfletcher8019 I don't really like CVT, but I heard that if you change the CVT oil every 30K miles, they will last a lot longer.

[@fohatadri]

For anyone wondering, rpms at highway speeds are: 2481rpm - 55mph 2704rpm - 60mph 2927rpm - 65mph 3122rpm - 70mph 3373rpm - 75mph 3596rpm - 80mph 3819rpm - 85mph mathematically calculated based on gear ratio, diff ratio and wheel size.

[@youtoobe169]

Your math is a bit off. In my video at 72 MPH the RPM are about 3400.

[@fohatadri]

hmm, could it be the published gear ratios that I found are false? 5th gear ratio is supposed to be 0.82 and final drive ratio 4.066.

[@hojnikb]

@@fohatadri likely that the speedo is off...

[@johnfranklin5277]

Those high RPMS at freeway speeds 75 80 is absolutely what almost everyone does here would drive me nuts. And can't be good for longevity. I wouldn't want to drive cross country with that engine screaming all the way. My kia K5 GT LINE 8 speed automatic, reaches about 2900 rpms at 100 mph. At 70 it's turning about 1700 Rpms.

[@MrBacchus18]

I like the Versa especially with the manual transmission and considering the price. Miles better than a Mitsubishi Mirage.

[@youtoobe169]

Agreed!

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Hi, I bought an one year old Subie Impreza sport hatchback 5 speed in 22. I am so glad I got the manual. I would have picked up the Versa but couldn't find an manual near me. Thanks for the video 😀👍

[@youtoobe169]

Thanks for the comment

[@Versa-o5e]

I had the same car for a year. I traded it in for a new golf r…I love the golf r but I wish I kept the Versa! I can’t believe how much I miss it!

[@youtoobe169]

They definitely have a lot of charm!

[@vinsinfletcher8019]

what do you like more about the Versa?

[@scottprice4813]

Just passed 1100 miles on the Versa I picked up on April 27th. 95% expressway driving very conservatively the mileage per gallon reading is 44.4. Even off a bit that’s definitely over delivering on the published estimates .

[@youtoobe169]

Yes it definitely beats what's on the sticker

[@1996ikey]

I got this same car love the videos about it , I hope you do a lot of winter driving to is this your daily keep videos coming

[@youtoobe169]

Congrats on your Versa and thanks for the comment! I will drive it in the winter, but not in the snow. I do plan to keep making videos.

[@mindfreeze0838]

Im glad youre still making videos on the Versa S. While im not a fan of the S trim because of the lack of certain key features(a remote key is one of them) , despite that as the cheapest car in America it offers alot. On that KZbinr who took this car as a easy mark,guys an idiot or just a self promoting shill looking for the next viral video. Anyone looking at this car sees it as a economical family car,not a plush Merc or Maserati which they often beleive all cars should be.

[@youtoobe169]

Agreed! Thanks for stopping by!

[@carfo]

Glad to see you put out another video. I started watching your videos before I bought mine and now I’m at 850 miles or so. I love it a lot, I’ve gotten used to how slow it is by just downshifting and i keep getting better every day with rev matching. I made my own review of this car in hopes people with the manual trim specifically will see it given there’s a fair amount of SR and SV videos on this model already. Hope it helps any prospective buyers of this car but given the sales, it’s very, very few people. A low demographic for sure.

[@bwho]

I love Datsun and Nissan body styling and this car has great body design. I don't see anything that egregious in the mechanicals of the car, really. And the guy running this channel has already covered what can and what could go wrong. Plus, Nissan makes good cars - especially with manual transmissions. I want to row my own gears and I'm grateful to my Dad for teaching me one afternoon in Perrinville, WA, at a huge open dirt lot next to a furniture store. I've driven scads of automatic transmission vehicles. To know how to drive stick enables you to find the exact gear you need to motor in and out of what you're needing at just that moment. If coasting with the clutch in fits for a few seconds, so be it. It's an automotive skill. Coupling this car's great body design with solid mechanicals (the problem described does need to get fixed, I agree) but it's not enough to scare me off. To get this car for $16,000 and change is simply too good to pass up. I was recently looking at Mini Cooper's and Fiat 500 Abarth's and Ford Fiesta ST (actually I have my eye on an orange 2015 Ford Fiesta ST right now that is getting inside my brain!!) but watching this video has opened my mind back up for getting one of these. I drive a 2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick that I've only put 40,899 miles on in just short of 4 years. I like the car a lot but I don't love it. CarMax is offering $13,600 for it in trade for that Fiesta ST. They want $14,998 for that car that has 68,000 miles. I've driven a Fiesta ST before and it has a LOT of POP. Anyhow, before I write a book, I'll leave you to your day, sir!

[@youtoobe169]

Yes, not many of us! Congrats on your Versa and don't be afraid to rev! All the power is at the top of the rev range.

[@youtoobe169]

@@bwho I remember driving a Fiesta ST when they were new and it was super fun!

[@youtoobe169]

Let me know when you post your review and I'll watch! I couldn't see it on your channel

[@carfo]

@@youtoobe169 i uploaded it to a second channel called "ComputersAreEverywhere" and the 9th letter is R so i believe it was actually made in 2024

[@gayasparagus]

Glad to hear that it's rev happy. I paid for the tachometer. Im gonna use the whole tachometer 😂 Also as a commercial driver with a CDL, cruise control is a godsend to keep me from getting tickets

[@bwho]

Great video, man. I wouldn't rule out a purchase of one of these myself one day. Fine way to spend $16,130. The car's tiny flaws are eclipsed by it's many, many fine attributes. The key is to get the manual, not the automatic CVT.

[@youtoobe169]

Agreed!

[@bwho]

@@youtoobe169 The car is so good that I feel like I should step up my hunt for one. I'm afraid Nissan is going to no longer make a Versa S manual for the 2025 model year. Anyone heard any advance news on that?

[@youtoobe169]

@@bwho Only some fake news. As far as I can tell, it will return for '25

[@bwho]

@@youtoobe169 That is really good news!

[@d.w.j.1114]

​@@youtoobe169 I hope so

[@sjnavaid]

i have a 22 5mt impreza and it reminds me very much of this car w a lil more (awd, carplay). but at the end of the day a very good first car. walked out the door for 18k.

[@youtoobe169]

Did you buy the Subaru new, or just recently?

[@sjnavaid]

@@youtoobe169 i bought it new 2 summers ago!

[@STARFLEETC0MMAND]

Have U Upgraded The Following: - Rear Drum Brakes To Disc ??? - All Lights To LEDs ??? (Let Us Know If The Manual Transmission Fails). Good Review 👍. ✌️🖖

[@hhjhj393]

A car like this you just keep stock, do the maintenance, change the fluids and get your money out of. No reason to change brakes or lights or anything. Keep it plain jane.

[@lstuart2704]

Led lights are dumb

[@jphone9200]

Ha this is great might buy a manual until i saw the power issue thing gets remedied

[@chaddarnold1]

Ive been looking at getting one of these. I had one for a rental and was impressed for whatt it was. I have thought about the mirage My social services but I think these for a little bit more money are Head and shoulders better than the mirage. Yes you give up a couple miles per gallon but it's still pretty impressive. I had one as a rental. Like I said, when I turned in the rental I had because it sounded like a diesel which was a Hyundai Kona. This thing was much better.

[@izaicslinux6961]

Its a shame about the stall power loss issues. I love the car otherwise. Ran into the power loss two weeks ago for the first time on a highway with traffic lights because I stalled it trying to hurry.

[@youtoobe169]

Yes, it's scary if you don't know what's going on and get caught in a situation.

[@zxtenn]

There is one for sale at a local dealership here in NC for $18,200, i can get for 18, not much negotiations as expected for such an inexpensive car.

[@youtoobe169]

Yeah, any discount is a good deal

[@abraham3981]

I own a brand new 2024 Versa S 5MT, one downside is the gear whining noise which is prominent in first like in reverse and somewhat noticeable in 2nd as well.

[@youtoobe169]

I made a video about the whining kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nKlH5rZal5d5I

[@VinnyDeez-]

Had a 92 civic back in the day and had whining in my second gear id call it my super charger gear because it made the car feel fast 😂

[@youtoobe169]

@@VinnyDeez- Nice!

[@TheMrmodernmonkey]

ive stalled my manual 2024 abut 5 times... lol hasn't had a power loss issue at all i was worried seems like they fixed it at least mine.

[@youtoobe169]

There have been one or two others who have told me they haven't seen the issue, so maybe some of them are reprogrammed.

[@carfo]

@@youtoobe169 I’ve stalled twice, each time I waited a few seconds before starting it up. No power loss.

[@youtoobe169]

@@carfo Can you look on the VIN sticker inside the door and tell me when yours was made? Some other people have commented this and I am trying to figure out what month they fixed it.

[@bcnyt]

these are great cars,ive still got my 2015 with over 100k..one question,youve got the manual,and could you quote the speeds that it recomends to shift to into each gear? id buy another one but always wanted a pickup truck and the ford maveric may be my next vehicle..good videos..take care..

[@youtoobe169]

I just go by the redline on the tach for max speeds in each gear. Otherwise, you just go by feel driving normally.

[@jrob07105]

Where specifically/geographically are you driving in this video? It looks like a nice place to drive.

[@youtoobe169]

Most of the video is in eastern PA

[@jrob07105]

@@youtoobe169 thank you!

[@1imesub]

Good video. Does it have fold down rear seats?

[@dr.awkward9075]

The manuals do not have fold down rear seats. My 2022 S automatic does though, so that's weird. 🤷‍♂

[@jasonyao3753]

I'm buying a new Versa after watching a few of your videos. Nissan should pay you lmao.

[@youtoobe169]

It's funny, I've actually had a few people say that to me. Congrats on your new Versa!

[@deionhughes6867]

Random question but is that West Virginia you're driving in? Lol that terrain looks way too familiar.. haha but in regards to the Versa I think with the manual transmission that should be a pretty solid vehicle long term. 👍

[@youtoobe169]

Northern WV and western PA, and yes I agree!

[@WorkingOnRocks]

@@youtoobe169I noticed the olgybee lights in your old vids

[@chrism7482]

Any comment on the seats? I went to test drive one and I liked the car but the material on the seats seemed EXTREMELY thin and not good for longevity. That's one of my concerns along with the lack of keyless entry that it used to have.

[@youtoobe169]

No issues with seat material, but I've only put 8K miles on mine. Seems like it will hold up though. Still looks like new. You may want to look at some online ads for 100K+ mile cars and see what they look like.

[@chrism7482]

@@youtoobe169 Great idea thanks

[@karthik7800]

Is there a workaround for the stall to limp mode? I'm considering this car but this is quiet basic to get it right. while I don't stall but you never know about some weird situation. You try to restart the car back in neutral or whatever the gear it was in previously?

[@youtoobe169]

Some people report shut off the car, open and close the door, then restart.

[@ptaylor8185]

​@@youtoobe169I've also heard to turn key on and off 5 times to reset it.

[@youtoobe169]

@@ptaylor8185 I don't think it takes that many. Maybe one or two. I've been able to avoid the issue in mine since I first discovered it.

[@WaterBarleyHopsYeast]

Hi, I’m looking at maybe buying a 2024 Versa S 5-speed but it looks like only the CVT model has the option to add Apple CarPlay. Are you able to buy a subscription or upgrade on your 2023 model to add CarPlay? Thank you!

[@youtoobe169]

Not on the base S, but there's an S plus that may or may not have it.

[@djkenny1202]

Just get a better quality head unit with Car Play.

[@WaterBarleyHopsYeast]

@@djkenny1202 yeah but it’s pretty ridiculous that Nissan chose to not even allow Apple CarPlay to be an option on the manual transmission model. The radio system is exactly the same as the plus trim on the base CVT model but they just don’t include the software. Replacing it with a new radio altogether to just get Apple CarPlay you also end up losing the ability to use your steering wheel buttons to control the volume, play/pause/skip, and changing stations.

[@djkenny1202]

@@WaterBarleyHopsYeast you don’t lose steering wheel controls, and you can get a better head unit.

[@WaterBarleyHopsYeast]

@@djkenny1202 I’ve been looking into it some more and yeah the stereo installer at Best Buy is the one who told me I would lose steering wheel controls for some reason. Looks like that isn’t the case, thanks for that info. 👊

[@zxtenn]

I wouldn't be waiting so long for an oil change especially if you're looking for 150K++ use and rev it a lot, lots of the manufactures overextend themselves on intervals. If you change it yourself its probably 20-25 bucks for the oil and filter so i would say 4500-5000.

[@youtoobe169]

Oil change interval is one of the most hotly contested things in the car world. :)

[@zxtenn]

@@youtoobe169 Yes but better to change early than late--Toyota suggests 10K and more than a few have failed and LOTS of sludge WITH full synthetic, a Toyota mechanic suggests every 5K. Its noisy due to NO hydraulic lifters, they are mechanical lifters with a certain clearance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y53Ui2l8d6amhM0

[@youtoobe169]

@@zxtenn I think Toyota changed their recommendation to 5000 miles. I know that's what it is on my GR Corolla. Nissan recommends 7500 on the Versa and I actually changed at about 6600.

[@ptaylor8185]

I'm an Uber driver and drove a 2018 Toyota Camry hybrid that I purchased new to 195k without a single issue, only changing the oil at the recommended 10k intervals and my Camry is still going strong. I also only run the oil made by the car manufacturer and never any aftermarket oil. All of my vehicles get only the manufacturer recommended fluids and I've never had an engine issue, I drive on average between 50-65k per year​@@zxtenn

[@mikek2218]

How does it do in the snow? I live in snow country and would be getting a set of snow tires.

[@youtoobe169]

I never drove my Versas in the snow, but should be fine with snow tires.

[@rolando2742]

Hello youtoobe169, your Nissan Versa has timing belt or chain? Thank you in advance for your response.

[@youtoobe169]

Chain

[@nickgold4111]

When I bought my versa it did the limp mode after stalling, but the last couple of times it was fine. Has anyone else had the issue resolve itself? How did that happen?

[@youtoobe169]

I think there must be some very specific parameters that trigger it. A couple days ago I stalled mine when trying to park in an odd spot, and it never triggered the limp mode.

[@dareeltoro6681]

No CarPlay on the base trim, bummer

[@youtoobe169]

True, but it does have Siri Eyes Free which can be helpful

[@bondovwvw]

Is there any way to add Android auto to the s?

[@apkn1955]

Don't you think some of the reviews based on the cvt transmission are bringing the rating down ?

[@youtoobe169]

I am not sure since I don't watch many of the CVT reviews

[@4Lights.5Liights]

How cold is the AC for Texas Summers?

[@youtoobe169]

I made a video about the AC if you want to check it out

[@geyser3445]

Does it have auto start/stop? If so, how does that work?

[@izaicslinux6961]

Key start on the manuals. And no for the eco-start/stop.

[@youtoobe169]

No it does not.

[@geyser3445]

@@izaicslinux6961 Intereting.

[@djkenny1202]

I still think these are great, discounted under $14000.

[@youtoobe169]

Those days are gone. Last one I got under $14K was my '21

[@djkenny1202]

@@youtoobe169 you already let it go? Been seeing $15,800. A lot for lowest priced car.

[@youtoobe169]

@@djkenny1202 Yeas, sold the '21 in '21. Have had my '23 over a year. And I'd buy all that I can find at $15800. You sure that's a real deal without hidden markups? By the way, even at $17500 it's a lot of car for the money. Only comp is the Mirage and it's not even close.

[@djkenny1202]

@@youtoobe169 Recent posting from a dealer, just last week. They had black and white ones for $15,800, base with manual. Not bad. $17,500 is more than I would expect. Was it with fees beyond tax/title/lic? Why sell the 21? Was it with issues?

[@youtoobe169]

@@djkenny1202 I'll bet if you read the ad closely, it probably says "does not include destination charge" which would push it to $17K at least. I've had 4 of these Versas. Back when the market was strong, I could buy one, drive it for 6 months, sell it to Carvana and buy another brand new one without it costing me a dime.

[@willburrsistler3163]

Why did you own 4 versas in 2 years?

[@youtoobe169]

I go into a lot of detail about that especially in some of my older Versa videos

[@willburrsistler3163]

@youtoobe169 I just started watching your channel. I watched them today. Good job on your videos. Great information. Thank you. My only question is, what I was looking for is. How easy is it to replace the clutch plates.

[@youtoobe169]

@@willburrsistler3163 Clutch work is a job that's a bit above my skill level, so unfortunately I cannot give any feedback on that.

[@knowone6214]

Lazy engineering on the injection....instead of changing the flow pattern on the nozzles they went with doubling them up

[@jphone9200]

Why have you owned 4

[@youtoobe169]

I go into details about that in some of my other videos

[@rosesanchez7757]

Piece of crap car. I had one for 6 years and the defroster never worked and the starter was crap. Couldn't wait to dump that piece of 💩nissan.

[@youtoobe169]

You couldn't have had one for 6 years. These just came out for the 2020 model year.

[@rosesanchez7757]

Bulkshit. Mine was a 2008 bought in late 2007. Worst car ever.

[@TheMrmodernmonkey]

@@youtoobe169 lol its youtube lol

[@youtoobe169]

@@rosesanchez7757 My videos are specifically for the 2020 and up. I can't comment on the older ones so your comments are not relevant.

[@youtoobe169]

@@rosesanchez7757 And does cussing at me make you feel better about yourself?

[@dirtydogvideo]

good review. pretty sure i am getting one for my daughter this week.