Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A blue 2018 Nissan Altima is shown from the front at an angle.

If You’re Going Used, Go Nissan: Why Nissan Is a Top Choice Among Used Car Buyers

Stop in at any local used Nissan dealer—or better yet, talk to current Nissan drivers—and find out exactly why drivers are scooping up used Nissan models left and right. In case you’re unfamiliar with the Japanese automaker, Nissan often tops the list of preferred brands for both new and used vehicles. Why? Maybe it’s their first-class engineering or their affordability, or maybe it’s their great lineup; maybe it’s all of the above. It’s hard to say because a whole host of factors go into making Nissan a great brand.

Nissan has cultivated a reputation as a well-oiled machine, consistently creating vehicles that are the perfect blend of long-term durability and functionality drivers can depend on for miles of trouble-free driving.

If you’re wondering what makes Nissan worthy of being your next used vehicle, we get it. When buying a used vehicle, it’s always good to do your homework and ensure you’re getting the best for your money. So we did a little research for you to help make your path to a new car a little less bumpy. Read on to learn why drivers love Nissan and why it’s often considered one of the best brands to buy used.

And don’t say we didn’t tell you so because we’re telling you. If you’re going used, go Nissan.

Good From the Get-Go

Nissan has a long and colorful history that began in the 1920s. The company has since gone on to produce some of the most iconic cars on the market. From the popular Datsun brand to the modern Nissan models drivers love today, there’s no mistaking a Nissan.

Thanks to Nissan’s innovative thinking, thoughtful design, and superb engineering, drivers are getting a value machine that is affordable to buy, affordable to maintain, and was created to live up to the wear and tear of the road, all without losing its balance of comfort and convenience.

You might easily overlook a used Nissan if you’re not familiar with the brand because of the clean, understated design. Nissan is a name that doesn’t have to rely on flashy gimmicks to attract buyers. Once you know, you know, and you tend to be a driver for life. Each Nissan vehicle expresses the company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and the drivers they serve.

If you’re searching for a used vehicle, Nissan is the preferred choice of many drivers, and for all sorts of reasons—reasons that can’t be summed up in a single word—so here are several that can help describe why drivers tend to choose Nissan over other car brands.

A red 2021 Nissan Altima is shown from the front at an angle.

Budget-Friendly

The Nissan Altima is one of the automaker’s best-selling sedans. One of the main reasons is that it is affordable for those on tight budgets. Not only is this midsize sedan economical to purchase, but it provides drivers with great gas mileage, helping them save a few dollars when filling up their tanks.

The Altima also comes with low maintenance costs and is inexpensive to repair—if ever a repair is needed—thereby making this sedan the perfect car for commuting, carpooling, and running everyday errands. The Altima has been on the road since the early 1990s and has only gotten better over the decades. Drivers that want to get into a midsize sedan can count on the Altima to give them a lot for their dollar.

Retained Value

When you buy a vehicle, whether new or used, it’s always going to depreciate in value—but the question is, how much? Some brands hold their value better than others. Nissan is one of those brands. Models like the Frontier, GT-R, and Maxima are three that drivers can look out for if they’re in the market for a great vehicle that won’t rapidly lose its value when it comes time to trade it in down the road.

One of the easiest and most affordable models Nissan offers is the Maxima. The Maxima has a following of loyal drivers that swear by the car’s premium engine choices, and it often sits among luxury high-performance car brands like BMW and Lexus as the favorites of pamper-pleased drivers. The Maxima is another case of a great, affordable Nissan, giving drivers the added bonus of a superior engine and a reputation for longevity.

Reliably Reliable

Nissan has a high ranking in reliability, making a used Nissan the perfect choice for drivers who want an affordable car they can depend on. Nissan is one of the more prominent names that often ranks at the top of reliability lists alongside iconic brands like Toyota and Honda.

The great thing about Nissan is that they have been around for a while, so it’s easy to look at driver satisfaction ratings for certain models to scrutinize their rankings on dependability and performance. Lately, Nissan has outdone itself, creating better and more refined vehicles as the years go on. Picking up a Nissan that is only a few years old gives you a top-quality car you can count on while saving you money.

If you’ve dealt with a troublesome vehicle in the past that you just couldn’t depend on, picking up a used model like the electric Nissan Leaf is a great way to put your worries to rest the second time around. The second-generation Leaf ranked as one of Nissan’s most reliable vehicles and was ranked the world’s all-time best-selling electric car up until 2019 when the new Tesla Model 3 knocked it back to second place. Drivers interested in making the switch from gas to electric should check out the Leaf to get a great electric car they can depend on.

A white 2020 Nissan 370z Nismo is shown from the front at an angle.

Tip-Top Safety

Nissan is a name that ranks at the top regarding safety. The company has demonstrated that it puts drivers first with a superior list of advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies. Many Nissans are often awarded four or five stars from the NHTSA regarding safety and crash test ratings. Drivers on the lookout for a safe car for themselves or their teenage upstart drivers will find a variety of Nissan models that offer superior performance and top safety ratings.

In 2022, the Nissan Altima and Maxima were both given a Top Safety Award+ from the NHTSA. As for SUVs, count on finding the 2022 Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder among the NHTSA’s Top Safety Award+ winners. When drivers want value and safety without comprising, they know Nissan is a great brand that offers a lot for their money, and buying used is no different.

Great New, Great Pre-Loved

Nissan makes great cars; even when used, you’re getting the best of the best. Drivers who want to get into a used vehicle see the Nissan name and recognize it as a brand that will give them what they’re after, be it safety, affordability, reliability, or a balanced blend of all the above.

Picking a used Nissan means drivers get a host of great options without having to compromise on one thing over another. Even picking up a used Nissan that is only a few years old means drivers will get access to top-tier engineering, modern design, and long-lasting durability, which makes a Nissan a great buy. With plenty of models to choose from, drivers will have no problem finding a used Nissan that fits their needs and budget.

We love Nissan’s solid fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and the user-friendly tech that makes them fun and easy to drive. When buying a used vehicle, avoid the headache of the unknown and keep an eye out for a Nissan. Great from start to finish, drivers who want the peace of mind they’re after will find it behind the wheel of a Nissan.