The topic of new versus used is a common one in the world of automotive consumer shopping. What are the pros and cons of buying new versus used? Is the latest model year worth the investment to get straight off the assembly line, or is it better to wait and get it used? These are important questions to consider when looking at the 2022 Nissan Versa.
The latest model year entry of the subcompact sedan lands on the market at an economical price point in a limited trim line-up with features that help fill out each of the trims to their fullest capabilities. However, the question is if you should buy it new and get the most value out of the purchase right now, or wait until the price comes down and get it used after someone else has already put miles on it?
What’s New in 2022
The starting MSRP for the 2022 Nissan Versa is $15,180, which is a great price for a brand new vehicle. However, the Versa’s 2022 model is coming in with no significant changes from 2021, but it makes sense given that the 2020 model was a complete refresh for the Versa. Typically, there’s no reason to overhaul the vehicle, so shortly after changing things up for the 2020 model year.
But does that justify the entry-level price for the base trim or the additional costs of the SV or SR trims? Well, that’s where the big question comes into play regarding cost versus features and whether it’s the sort of vehicle worth buying new versus used. Sometimes, a new slate of features isn’t necessarily the main reason to opt for a new over a used model; in the same way, that price isn’t the only reason to opt for a used model over a new one.
Benefits of Buying a 2022 Versa New
The best part of buying new is that you don’t have to worry about coming into any longstanding issues with the vehicle. There are no previous owners, no worries about the vehicle having high milage or not functioning properly off the line. There is no wear and tear on any of its parts because it hasn’t been broken in yet.
The other thing is that buying new comes with manufacturer-backed warranties and guarantees—you’re not going into the purchase blind. For something like the 2022 Nissan Versa, you’re looking at a vehicle that has fantastic fuel economy, a reliable powertrain that gives you commendable propulsion, and just enough space to get you and a few people from point A to point B without worrying about disruptions. You can get to your destination with a vehicle designed for day-to-day errands. In fact, the entry price for the base trim is actually cheaper than a lot of other vehicles that you would otherwise buy used with tens of thousands of miles on them and far less reliable fuel economy and features.
Buying the new 2022 model doesn’t come with any major drawbacks, considering that if you were thinking about getting a Versa, the latest model year with all of the most current and up-to-date features makes a lot of sense. You’re not losing anything, and you get the warranties, coverage, and dealership perks that come along with buying new. The question is, is it worth it compared to waiting and getting the vehicle used?
Benefits of Buying a 2022 Versa Used
Buying used comes with its own upsides. First and foremost, used vehicles are a lot cheaper than buying new (more or less). The benefit here is that you get to save money compared to buying a brand new vehicle. You also knock off some of the additional costs associated with a new vehicle, such as dealer or destination fees (depending on where you buy the vehicle and what the bottom line price is).
Buying used also means that the vehicle is already broken in, and you’re not dealing with something that may have to be recalled later. Used vehicles also come fully featured—you don’t have to order anything else, customize anything, or worry about hidden fees or extra costs. You also don’t have to fret over the vehicle not coming with certain amenities—what you see is what you get, and you get everything you see. This is usually one of the alluring parts of buying used because it’s a one-and-done deal.
Another benefit of buying used is that the monthly payments are typically lower, and you’re less likely to require a loan to pay off the vehicle if it’s cheap enough. This works out well for those who would rather avoid a hefty down payment or financing for a car they need for basic travel. These factors depend on the dealership and the price of the used car.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Buying used may come with the benefit of being cheaper, but sometimes it’s not always by much. Let’s be clear here: if you’re buying used but aren’t buying certified pre-owned, then you’re not benefiting quite as much with a used 2022 Nissan Versa as much as you may think. You may be able to get it for a few thousand cheaper than the MSRP, but it’s not coming with the warranty coverage and owner benefits, which adds up when it comes to maintenance, longevity, and upkeep.
While the costs of used vehicles may net you some benefits, you also have to consider that you’re getting a vehicle that has already incurred some measure of wear and tear on it, and that will lower its lifespan of how much wear and tear you can put on the vehicle. So yes—a new vehicle costs more, but you’re getting it fresh and not having to deal with the mileage the previous owner put on it.
For the 2022 Nissan Versa in particular, regardless of if you buy new or opt to wait and get it used, is that you at least know the hiccups from previous model years have already been addressed. The minor recalls that the 2020 and 2021 models had regarding the bulbs, and the fuel tank assembly shouldn’t be an issue for 2022 owners. But that doesn’t necessarily determine if you should get the vehicle brand new from a dealer or wait for it to go on sale and get it used.
The 2022 Nissan Versa is definitely an economical purchase—but do you wait and get it used or get it fresh off the assembly? The main issue is that it depends on if you want the benefits of buying new and not having to worry about the downsides of buying used. If you need a new vehicle and want the best benefits that a new vehicle purchase has to offer, with warranty coverage and post-purchase support, then buying new is a great way to go. If you still have a dependable ride, but you were eyeing the Versa and can’t quite commit to paying the full MSRP, then waiting and buying used isn’t a bad option either.
