we looked at a versa as a potential, also the sentra. Both with manual transmissions. We went with a Hyundai Elantra. 2600 lbs, gets good milage, 150 HP with direct injection. Only standard thing it didnt have was power seats. Less than $17K which is on par with the nissans unless you go to the smaller ones and they are really basic. There is a smaller hyundai/kia to look at be the wife like the elantra best. Have only towed it for about 5 miles since just got the tow bar setup installed, really seemed to work well.