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Car Report: 2014 Nissan Versa Note is a solid entry-level car

By Mike Parris

WASHINGTON — When it comes to finding your first car or a commuter car, the many choices can seem a little overwhelming. But if you want all the toys for less than $20,000, the new 2014 Nissan Versa Note will stand out in a crowded class.

My first car was Nissan Pulsar NX, so I always had a soft spot for Nissans.

The five-door Nissan Versa Note looks sharp and sleek compared to the old Versa hatch. With a starting price of less than $14,000, it looks like a more expensive car. Even fully loaded, my test ride was around $19,000.

I drove the Versa Note SV with the SL package, which comes with larger 16-inch wheels, push-button ignition, fog lights and a neat adjustable rear floor that lets you choose from two levels of storage in the rear hatch.

Also, it came with a technology package that includes navigation and a slick around-view monitor that makes parking in smaller spaces a breeze. Also included is Nissan Connect, with a hands-free text messaging assistant that reads your incoming texts aloud.

Driving the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is not going to knock your socks off with speed — it has just 109hp from its 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. It’s enough power for city driving, but plan carefully for merging onto faster highways.

My first Nissan had about 70hp, so I guess 109hp isn’t too bad. I completed 200 miles of mostly city driving, and I managed 33 mpg on regular fuel and saw 40 mpg on a few short trips on the highway. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to, but it’s hard to argue about the fuel economy.

The ride is quiet and there wasn’t much wind noise at speed — impressive for a subcompact. But if you push the pedal to the floor, the Nissan Versa note can get loud as the rpm’s climb high in the rev range, so just keep the car at a comfortable pace — your ears and wallet will thank you.

Inside the 2014 Versa Note, there’s plenty of room for four six-footers with lots of head room and good leg room. The heated front seats are comfortable and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch. There are hard plastics throughout the cabin and the dash. There is a decent amount of cargo space in this small package; if you drop the back seats flat, it makes a ton of space for a subcompact.

If you’re looking for your first new car or a commuter car, the new Nissan Versa Note gives you a roomy and efficient choice. You can add cool options such as navigation and a 360-degree around-view monitor and still keep it affordable for the first-time buyer. The Versa Note isn’t very quick, but I found myself liking the value of this entry-level five-door hatchback anyway.

Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI ,FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.

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Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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