Cars / Nissan Versa
Nissan Versa depreciation in USA
A Nissan Versa loses about 15.3% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $18,500 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $11,260 (61% retained); after 5 years, about $8,087 (44%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Nissan Versa loses value a little faster than the market average, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $495/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $495/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $17,828 total
| Down payment / cash price | $18,500 |
| Sales tax | $1,295 |
| Insurance | $4,500 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,260 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $2,220 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$10,697 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $10,697 (range $9,667 to $11,927)
If you rent: $18,360 total
| Rental payments | $18,360 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Nissan Versa depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $18,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 15.3% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $15,678 (85% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $13,287 (72% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $11,260 (61% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $8,087 (44% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $10,175 to $12,555 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $495/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 109 data points · R² 0.94 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Nissan Versa depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 15.3% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Nissan Versa be worth after 3 years?
Around 61% of what you paid, about $11,260 on a $18,500 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Nissan Versa in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $495/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 109 · R² = 0.94 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology