The cheapest car in America just got pricier
Share this @internewscast.com

(TestMiles) – Nissan has quietly discontinued the $18,330 Versa S manual, marking the end of America’s sub-$20,000 new car era. Even the most basic budget cars are no longer immune to the effects of tariffs compressing profit margins.

Why does this car matter right now? Because this isn’t merely about the loss of an inexpensive vehicle; it’s about the loss of an entire category. With the elimination of the base-model Nissan Versa S, which was previously the only new car available in the U.S. for less than $20,000, the market has effectively shut out budget-minded consumers. Forget about incentives on EVs or luxury enhancements. For those in need of a new car that operates smoothly without affecting the rent, the answer was once clear. It was the Versa.

But no longer.

Nissan has removed the manual transmission version of the Versa S, which was the only model that managed to stay under the $20,000 threshold with a basic five-speed manual and no extra features. The least expensive new Versa now starts at $21,130, attributed to a compulsory CVT and inflation-driven trims. Nissan’s official stance? They’re “focusing on the most popular Versa grades that deliver the strongest business performance.” In other words: fewer consumers are interested in manual transmissions, and tariffs further complicate the justification for producing budget cars.

The Versa isn’t dead, yet, but its pricing edge has eroded. The death of the under-$20K new car says more about the state of the industry than it does about one forgotten sedan.

How does it compare to rivals?
It still undercuts them, but not by much.

The Versa now starts at $21,130, which means it’s still the most affordable new car in the U.S. That’s technically true, but not emotionally comforting. Just behind it are the Nissan Sentra ($22,730), Hyundai Venue ($21,650), and Chevrolet Trax ($21,895).

None of them are sedans. That leaves the Versa as the last of its kind, a subcompact four-door car designed for city living, learner’s permits, and ride-share hustles. However, if pricing continues this trend, the category may disappear entirely.

The Mirage? Gone. The Rio? Discontinued. The Yaris? It’s now just a memory and a badge-engineered Mazda in select overseas markets.

Buyers might shrug and turn to compact SUVs, but those bring higher insurance, worse fuel economy, and more weight for the same power. If you value simplicity, the Versa used to make sense. Now it makes compromises.

Who is this for, and who should skip it?
The Versa remains for folks who want a new car without the new car price tag, students, seniors, Uber hopefuls, and anyone who’d rather not deal with Facebook Marketplace haggling or Craigslist roulette. It has a 3-year warranty, modern safety tech, and decent fuel economy.

But make no mistake. The fun is gone. With the manual transmission out, driving engagement is toast. And if you were hoping to dodge that $20K sticker with an entry-level sedan, you’re now officially out of luck.

Enthusiasts can skip it. The CVT saps any hint of driving charm and won’t impress your mates at Cars & Coffee. But if you’re a commuter with an allergy to dealer markup, the Versa is barely your cheapest new option.

What’s the long-term significance?
This isn’t just a trim change, it’s a tipping point.

We see the slow death of the economy car as we know it. Manufacturers can’t afford to build them, and most buyers no longer want them. Add rising tariffs on imported components and tightening safety and emissions regulations, and suddenly, a car like the Versa S manual becomes a business liability.

The average new car transaction price in America now hovers above $47,000. Even the bargain brand Nissan can’t make a sub-$20K new car work anymore. That should concern anyone who thinks mobility shouldn’t require a five-year loan and an 800 credit score.

There was a time when the cheapest car on the lot had a price tag you could actually pay in cash. That time has just ended.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Islanders add more to cupboard at NHL draft

Islanders Strengthen Roster with Strategic Picks in NHL Draft

The second day of the draft often serves as a more engaging…
Suspects accused of shooting at officer's patrol car during pursuit in Waycross

Individuals Allegedly Fire at Officer’s Patrol Vehicle in Waycross Chase

The authorities are urging individuals with any further details about the location…
Keir Starmer speaking to the media.

PM Ignores Calls to Dismiss Influential No10 Head Morgan McSweeney Following Welfare Backlash

THE PM’S powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is “not going anywhere”…
Todd and Julie Chrisley Break Silence After Trump Pardons: “God Touched President Trump’s Heart”

Todd and Julie Chrisley Speak Out After Trump Pardon: “We Believe God Influenced President Trump’s Decision”

Todd and Julie Chrisley are no longer behind bars — and they’re…
The product you didn't know was clogging your pipes

The Surprising Product That Might Be Blocking Your Drains

There are a few things we all know we’re not supposed to pour down…
Two Iranian ballistic missiles in the sky.

Iran Developing Warheads Capable of Reaching London in Its Bid to Create the Largest Missile Arsenal

IRAN’S twisted regime was attempting to produce a terrifying two-tonne warhead which…
The Yankees greats who didn’t make the cut

Legendary Yankees Who Didn’t Make the Roster

You’re familiar with the debate: Who belongs on your Mount Rushmore of……
Explosions in Kremenchuk from missile and drone strikes.

Putin Launches Massive Overnight Assault: 500 Missiles and Drones Target Ukraine as NATO Warplanes Respond

VLADIMIR Putin has unleashed another night of hell over Ukraine with a…
Dave Parker death: Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder known as 'the Cobra,' dies at 74 after Parkinson's disease: Pittsburgh Pirates

Dave Parker, renowned Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder nicknamed ‘the Cobra,’ passes away at 74 due to Parkinson’s disease: Former Pittsburgh Pirates star

PITTSBURGH — Dave Parker, a renowned power-hitting outfielder scheduled for induction into…
Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war, Ukraine says

Ukraine Reports Russia Conducts Largest Aerial Assault of the War

Russia launched its biggest aerial attack overnight since the start of the…
Satellite Images Reveal the Hellish Devastation Unleashed on Iran's Fordow Nuclear Plant

RedState Weekly Update: Valuable Lessons and Major Successes

Welcome to the RedState Weekly Briefing — your quick roundup of the…
Woman found dead in clothing donation box: Florida cops

Florida Authorities Investigate Woman Discovered Deceased in Donation Box

A homeless woman was discovered deceased in a clothing donation box in…