The Nissan Versa is dead in the United States. After about two decades on sale in North America, the automaker decided to pull the plug on the model following the 2025 model year. New cars are only getting more expensive, with the average price around $49,000, and the cheapest options are now hovering around $22,000. In fact, since the Versa left town last year, the most affordable new car is the Hyundai Venue SE trim level at $20,550 before the $1,600 destination fee.Here's the deal, though: the 2025 Nissan Versa's base model was never really a great purchase. Sure, it was affordable, but it didn't come with many comfort features. The car wasn't very reliable either.We see the death of the Versa as a liberation. Buyers might not be able to find new cars for under $20,000 anymore, but the used market is wide open and full of even better options for less money. You can buy a previously owned car for less than a base model 2025 Versa sedan and get more comfort, safety, and reliability than the Nissan ever offered. There are five models valued between $15,000 and $20,000 that we think are better than the base model Versa ever was.All specs are sourced directly from the manufacturers. Used car prices vary depending on a variety of factors, including location, mileage, number of owners, cosmetic condition, mechanical condition, and more. Prices shown are averages based on current listings and auction results. This list is organized from the oldest to the newest model year. 2018 Honda CR-V Base Trim's Average Used Price: $17,727 2018 Honda CR-VWe know the Versa is a compact sedan, but for less than the base price of a 2025 model, you could get a more powerful, larger, more reliable SUV. The 2018 Honda CR-V is currently valued at around $17,800, based on recent price trends shown in the CarBuzz Marketplace.The 2018 model lies near the beginning of the model's fifth generation, which was on sale from 2017 through 2022. When researching this iteration's reliability, we found that some owners with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine had issues with the oil being contaminated with gasoline. That said, the 2.4-liter engine found in the base model features the Honda dependability we all know and love.By choosing a used CR-V, buyers can reap the benefits of greater cargo volume, optional all-wheel drive depending on the trim level, and a safer driving experience. The International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave this CR-V "Good" scores — the agency's highest rating — in almost every crash test. 2019 Toyota Camry Base Trim's Average Used Price: $17,445 2018 Toyota Camry XSELet's say you want more room than the Versa provides but don't want to upgrade to an SUV. There are a handful of midsize sedans that can meet those requirements. The 2019 Toyota Camry is a reliable, stylish, and affordable model that costs less than $18,000. Nevertheless, buyers can find a base model 2019 Camry with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for far less than any new car today. If you want one with the 3.5-liter V6, then our price trends data shows prices of just over $20k.No matter which engine you end up with, you'll be safe and won't have to spend much on maintenance. This Camry earned Good scores in most of the IIHS' crash tests (only earning a Poor score in the updated side test) and has good headlights. As far as reliability goes, the 2019 Camry earned an 83 out of 100 in J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability test. The V6 engine is particularly reliable. 2019 Subaru Outback Base Trim's Average Used Price: $16,664 2019 Subaru OutbackThe 2019 Subaru Outback is a larger, more practical, and safer vehicle than the base model Versa ever was. A main selling point of the Outback is its standard all-wheel drive, regardless of trim or engine. This Outback's base model is currently worth an average of about $16,700, depending on location, condition, mileage, and more. If you want one with the larger 3.6-liter engine, then buyers can expect to spend a little more than $20k. That said, the 2.5-liter engine is powerful enough for most people, it's more efficient, and highly reliable.In fact, we found that the 2019 Outback is one of its best model years for reliability. It earned an 80/100 in quality and reliability from J.D. Power, a 3.5/5 in reliability from RepairPal, and a B- in reliability from CarEdge. This model year has few complaints from owners, and only minor recalls. As for safety, it earned Good scores in all IIHS crash tests. 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback Base Trim's Average Used Price: $17,287 2025 Mazda 3 HatchbackFor a stylish, compact car, take a look at the 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback. The model year is currently valued at under $18,000, depending on the trim level and other factors. It was available with two powertrain options — both based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The sedan variant of this model also offered a 2.0L four-cylinder, but the hatchback skipped that weaker option. The turbocharged version's power outputs vary depending on fuel octane (87 vs 91), but those Mazda 3 hatchback trims are still a bit too expensive for this article's budget.The 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback excelled in the IIHS's crash tests, earning Good scores across the board. In terms of reliability, the model earned a 79/100 in quality and reliability from J.D. Power, and gets a 4 out of 5 from RepairPal. 2021 Toyota Corolla Base Trim's Average Used Price: $17,300 2021 Toyota CorollaA 2021 Toyota Corolla is a great alternative to a 2025 Versa. The Corolla sedan is also far more reliable, earns great safety scores, and is cheap on the used market today. Buyers could choose between two engines when it was new, and both options are affordable today. Almost every trim, including the SE with a 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission, can be found for under $20,000.J.D. Power gave this model year an astounding score of 88 out of 100 for initial quality and reliability. RepairPal gives the Corolla Sedan a 4.5 out of 5 for reliability, and there are zero reported issues with that platform. To solidify your decision further, the 2021 Corolla sedan earned Good scores in nearly every IIHS crash test, with the updated side test earning it an Adequate score.