The purchase of a pre-owned or used car is often a no-brainer for any buyer on a budget, but with so many options, it can be difficult to know which model to pick. Reliability standards are one aspect to consider. When considering the reliability of a specific model, one company to consider first is Nissan. This Japan-based company is known for making reliable cars that are often bought pre-owned because they are known to last. After all, there are used Nissans from the early 2000s, when many of the more popular models were introduced, that can be found on the market and on the roads today.
The idea of buying a pre-owned vehicle can scare some people off, but used cars tend to be cheaper than something straight off the production line – both upfront and over the life of the vehicle. Used Nissans, specifically, are not prone to a large number of difficulties over time. They don’t land in the shop very often, nor are they prone to heavy recalls. No matter how you look at it, a used Nissan can be one of the best investments that a person can make.
Nissan Frontier
Those seeking a used Nissan pickup would do well to look into the midsize Frontier. It seats between four and five adults, depending on the cab option selected. Though the towing capability changes based on the year the truck in question was made, a V6 Frontier from the past two generations will have a max tow rating in the area of 6,500 pounds. There are both short and long bed options for the Frontier, allowing for plenty of space to haul cargo.
The Frontier as a whole has seen very few changes since 2004. Larger engines and more powerful transmissions have come and gone, but the base of the Frontier is not changed in any significant way. It stands to reason that this lack of serious upgrades shows that the Frontier is providing what buyers want in a midsize pickup, whether purchasing new or used. It also means that purchasing an older Frontier will get you more or less the same truck you would find brand new on a Nissan dealership lot.
The Nissan Frontier rates high in performance, comfort, and reliability across its model years and generations. The engine and powertrain options are responsive, making driving the Frontier a smooth experience. Interior comfort is assured through the use of high-quality fabrics and well-made seats. The 60/40 split-bench seating in the back, where available, offers more cargo space for those who aren’t carrying as many passengers. With so many high ratings and so much praise, the Nissan Frontier is a natural choice for anyone needing a midsize pickup truck.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has seen more changes across its respective generations than the Frontier, starting with a sporty look in its first incarnation and earning a more luxury feel thereafter. This SUV can seat up to five adults comfortably, with plenty of room in the second row. A European-based suspension system offers decent handling, and there is the option for an all-wheel drive system that can be locked in 4×4 via a button push. Muranos made after 2015 are larger than their predecessors, but the earlier models are still highly rated for comfort and handling. Every Nissan Murano across its three generations is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, although power has gone up slightly over time.
A used Murano is guaranteed to be reliable if its maintenance needs were taken care of regularly. Any Murano used for towing by the previous owner may require a little more attention to ensure it is in the proper shape. While the Murano is no pickup truck, it is more than capable of towing light trailers and small campers for a bit of added utility. But despite its power, the Murano is nearly silent when it is idling, ensuring that this SUV will not disrupt the neighborhood. This vehicle is fully capable of performing every standard action expected of an SUV, from towing to carrying passengers.
The Murano has a very comfortable, roomy interior that can easily be compared to luxury vehicles, though its price remains affordable – especially when buying used. The rear seats can both recline for extra comfort or fold down completely for extra cargo space. The cabin of the Murano is incredibly quiet, with engine noises occasionally coming through only under hard acceleration. For a quality used SUV with a hint of luxury, buyers would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Nissan Murano.
Nissan Altima
Anyone seeking a comfortable midsize sedan should look for a used Nissan Altima. This family sedan offers exactly what is expected: comfortable seating for five, multiple airbags, and a great fuel economy. The four-door, five-seat Altima has come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine since 2002, though it also comes in V6 and turbocharged options for drivers seeking more power. The continuously variable transmission offered in later models is programmed in such a way that drivers might think the vehicle is conventionally automatic instead. This is an interesting touch that combines both efficiency and familiarity.
The technology available in the Altima, like any other vehicle on the used market, increases with the more recent model years. Even without all of the most modern technology, however, any used Nissan Altima is comfortable as well as quiet. Well-designed seats for the driver and front passenger ensure an excellent view all around, with mirrors well placed to help negate blind spots. The most recent models have excellent safety as well, thanks to the presence of many modern safety features in the Nissan Safety Shield suite. These range from a backup camera to forward collision warning and help warn you of potential dangers. Overall, a used Nissan Altima can be the perfect sedan for anyone in need of one.
Used Nissan: A Model for Every Need
Buying a pre-owned Nissan is a fantastic choice, with options available for every type of driver. The pickups are powerful, the SUVs roomy, and the sedans are perfectly suited for individuals or growing families. Nissan has proven that they are capable of putting out high-quality products that will last. Every model has something different to offer. Some have a high towing capacity, while others claim expansive cargo space with plenty of extra cubbies for more storage. Despite these differences, most of the universal selling points remain consistent across every model.
Nissan models as a whole have enjoyed excellent safety ratings and are well known for their staying power. They can be seen on the road long after their original manufacture date, usually in good repair and running well. If a used vehicle is in need of repair, most of the parts that may need to be fixed are comparatively cheap or at least easy to access for what they are. Ease of access alone can be one of many deciding factors when it comes to going through with a vehicle repair. With the Nissan line of vehicles, no matter which model, buyers can expect excellent reliability, low pricing, and plenty of vehicles to choose between.
