as long as you steer away from the CVT, I'm in on a Versa. Mirage or Spark? uh, those are no better than the Versa.

Anything with manual transmission!

I have a coworker who had one and had constant problems with it, very poorly built both interior and mechanically. Also look up crash test videos of that generation Versa, they aren't stellar compared to other small cars that were out at the time.

My friend bought a 2009 brand new and I have helped him with most maintenance on it since then. His is the 1.8 with the 4 speed automatic transmission. It has 140k on it now and the only things replaced have been a MAF sensor and one set of brake pads and rotors. Oil changes with conventional oil usually every 5-7k miles, changed the ATF once around 50k, and coolant and spark plugs were changed as well. It has been a very reliable car for him. He mostly owned Ford trucks over the years as well but his experience with the Versa was positive enough that he bought a new Nissan Titan this year and is keeping the Versa around for a second vehicle.

Get VW Jetta 2.5 with Manual transmission.

Or a Rabbit!

Scion Xa or other. Toyota reliabilty but more obscure so you pay less. My daughter got one for about $2000 and I've only done a couple of oil changes and got her new tires, though it needs some exhaust system work. A bit noisy but I find it fun to drive with the 5-speed. Handles well. Good in snow.

If you can one a few years newer than a Versa, they are

Where the OP is, cars do not last long at all! Rust kills cars FAST. Up there, get the newest, least-rusty car you can afford, and Krown it annually

Appreciate the input so far!

Unfortunately, a manual transmission isn't happening. It's how I learned to drive, but I can't get the darling bride or kids on board with a MT. I wouldn't trust a MT in this age/price range anymore than an AT anyway.

Scotty Kilmer doesn't know everything, and frankly, I consider most of what he said to be... questionable.. about modern vehicles.

Get Nisan with CVT and let us know.

Purchased a new 2013 versa sedan for 14k. Nothing fancy but it has a/c, power windows and most importantly 66k miles of reliability. Brakes and battery have been the only requirements. 5,000 mile oci’s with conventional 10w-30. It’s paid for, costs $60 a month for insurance and now that I’m retired and not driving much I hope it’s my last car.

I'm now the daily driver of my wife's 2008 Versa S Hatchback with 4 speed AT. She bought new. Has 130,000 miles on it now--no engine or transmission issues. Getting ready to replace factory spark plugs. Might use 1/2 quart of oil in between 5k changes. 32 mpg. Had it in the dealership for airbag and coil spring recall. I drive 100 miles a day highway commute. Just put on new Hankook tires and adjusted alignment--smooth on the road, engine still sounds good. I've been all over the map on engine oil--5w30, 10w30, syn, conventional, etc. I change it regularly with whatever clearance oil I have on hand and don't worry about it.

100% recommend.

Or a Beetle 2.0 slow or 2.5

There just happens to be a Spark in the Items for sale section. Wonder who's it is?