Used 2014 Nissan Versa Note for Sale near California

Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note a good car?

Generally — 4.33/5 from owners and 6.67/10 from expert testing point to a car that makes a strong case as a budget-friendly commuter. The model scores 8/10 across Form and function and Technology.

Owners most often praise its fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability, and the review summary also highlights its practical interior space and everyday usefulness. That lines up with the overview: you’re looking at a simple, efficient hatchback that’s especially well suited to city driving and daily commuting.

The main tradeoff is the same one repeated across the data: it’s not quick, so highway merging and brisk acceleration can feel strained. Even so, the market signal is still decent, with 28.6% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to a car that many drivers found dependable for commuting, with repeated praise for its fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability.

The expert review adds that the Versa Note’s operation is efficient and that complaints are few in number and small in significance. It also notes that the car does not come with a free-maintenance plan, and the ownership-cost discussion flags below-average reliability from J.D. Power.

For used buyers, that means the long-term risk is more about maintenance history and condition than any single glaring flaw.

What should I look for when buying a used 2014 Nissan Versa Note?

At 64.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of bodywork, alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this car is often bought as a commuter, it also makes sense to focus on wear items, interior condition, and whether the car still feels tight and well maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the bare-bones entry point with a 5-speed manual, steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a basic 4-speaker stereo. The S Plus adds a CVT, cruise control, and active grille shutters, while the SV brings more everyday comfort with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, power accessories, keyless entry, and vanity mirrors. The best-value trim is the SV if you want a more complete ownership experience without jumping to the priciest packages.
• Powertrain: The redesign swapped in a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. CVT-equipped models are rated at 31 mpg city/40 highway/35 combined, and the car is tuned more for efficient commuting than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and stability control. The front brakes are discs, while the rear uses drums.
• Infotainment: The available tech ranges from a 4.3-inch audio display with satellite radio, USB input, iPod compatibility, and a rear-view camera to a 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system with voice control, Google Send-to-Car, hands-free text messaging, and a 360-degree Around View Monitor.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA estimates for CVT-equipped models are 31 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined. The expert review also recorded 35.5 mpg in mixed driving.

Which 2014 Nissan Versa Note trim should I buy?

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is offered in 3 trim levels: S, S Plus, and SV.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the cheapest way into the Versa Note, but it’s very basic. You get the manual transmission, steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a simple audio setup, so it makes sense only if price matters more than convenience.
• S Plus: This is the better pick if you want the lowest-cost automatic. It adds the CVT and cruise control, making it a more livable commuter than the S without moving too far up the price ladder.
• SV: This is the best-value trim. It adds the comfort and convenience features most shoppers will actually notice every day, including Bluetooth, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The safety setup is straightforward across the lineup, with standard airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and stability control.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2014 Nissan Versa Note?

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 28.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 213 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 64.3% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note safe?

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in side-impact crash tests, four-star rollover protection, and three-star front-impact protection.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan equips the Versa Note with 6 airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and stability control. One caveat is that rear drum brakes are used instead of rear discs, and the front-impact crash result is the weakest part of the safety picture.

Should I buy a 2014 Nissan Versa Note or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2014 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2014 if:

• 28.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It was fully redesigned for 2014, bringing a more efficient engine, more interior space efficiency, and new features.

Consider the 2015 if:

• It adds SR and SL trims that bring more personality, sport pretensions, and tech features.

The bottom line: If you want the lowest-cost path into a practical, efficient hatchback, the 2014 is the better value play. If you’re willing to spend more for extra equipment and a little more personality, the 2015 is the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.