In better times the price might not be as appealing. But with a sticker price of just a shade under $10,000, the Nissan Versa warrants a look from many car shoppers in these trying economic times.

Even with a pricetag that places the Versa in a small field of bargain vehicles, the most shocking thing concerning this mundane subcompact sedan were the items that most people take for granted.

If you don’t mind going old school, the stripped down Versa is a tempting purchase. What do we mean by old school? How about do-it-yourself windows, the kind anyone under 30 doesn’t know exist. For the younger generation, that means manually rolling the windows up and down.

Another more distressing omission for young and old is the 2009 Versa came with absolutely no entertainment options. Forget about an iPod connection or an MP3 player, those are nowhere to be found.

But what was quite startling is that even a radio doesn’t come with this no-frills Versa, which goes for $9,990. There was also no keyless entry, so locking and unlocking the doors was a chore that took some getting used to.

Despite the inconveniences, there are some good things to report about the Versa. It gets very good gas mileage at 26 to 34 miles per gallon. Yet, with a low-performance engine — a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder with 107 horsepower — one would think the Versa would demonstrate even greater fuel economy. The remaining Versa trims all feature a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder that has 122 horsepower.

The base model is devoid of any niceties, yet that doesn’t mean they can’t be purchased. Optional equipment includes a sunroof, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, iPod integration and upgraded speakers.

Offered in a sedan or hatchback, the Versa doesn’t provide much excitement. Yet it does serve as an ideal commuter vehicle, or one that is an occasional user for a young driver or senior citizen who needs to run errands.

Introduced in 2007, the Versa actually provides a fair amount of interior spaciousness. It offers excellent headroom and the legroom is generous as well for either front or backseat occupants. A fifth person is a real tight squeeze in the back, but that is typical of practically all subcompacts.

The Versa is a rather nondescript car to drive, yet it does corner fairly well and the five-speed automatic transmission adds a little fun factor. Another plus is the trunk is tall and spacious for the class.

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2009 Nissan Versa

Price: Starting at $9,990

Mileage estimate: From 26 mpg city to 34 mpg highway

Power: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 107 horsepower

Standard features include: Tire-pressure monitor; tilt steering wheel; variable-intermittent wipers; rear defogger; wheel covers