Used Nissan Sentra Quick Facts
- 2021 and newer are the best years to buy a used Nissan Sentra, but an older version with a manual transmission is also a good bet.
- The Sentra consistently ranks as one of the most fuel-efficient compact sedans.
- Older Sentra models include sporty trims like the SE-R and SE-R Spec V.
The Nissan Sentra is a roomy, affordable compact sedan, often loaded with premium features, especially on newer models. For most generations, you’ll find a big back seat, plenty of cargo space, exceptionally good fuel economy, and a smooth ride. That’s the good stuff. Now for the bad.
For the first five generations, Nissan offers a choice of a manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and these years are pretty good, although by now, age and mileage make them less desirable. However, in 2005, Nissan introduced the sixth-generation Sentra and with it, a continuously variable automatic transmission, better known as a CVT. These transmissions have a notorious reputation for failure and are not cheap to fix or replace. The issue seems to have lessened with the 2020 model year, or eighth-generation, car. However, these may also be too new to give a green light.
A caveat about the sixth and seventh generation Nissan Sentra: there is a manual transmission option, but only on the base trim and some performance models, like the SR Turbo and Nismo. These cars are pretty good used choices, as their engines, build quality, and fuel economy remain competitive, but they don’t suffer the same reputation as their CVT-equipped siblings.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Nissan Sentra?
- Nissan Sentra By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Should You Buy a Used Nissan Sentra?
- Is the Nissan Sentra Reliable?
- Used Nissan Sentra Model Years to Avoid.
- Does the Nissan Sentra Hold Its Value?
- Does the Nissan Sentra Come in Coupe or Wagon Form?
- What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Nissan Sentra Get?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Nissan Sentra?
The best bet on a used Nissan Sentra is a 2021 or newer model. Buying one of these Sentras brings more standard safety systems, improved fuel economy and performance, and, most importantly, a revised CVT that purportedly resolves the previous two generations’ issues. You’d also be OK with a fifth- or sixth-generation model, provided it has a manual transmission.
If your budget is limited, we recommend looking for a well-maintained fourth- or fifth-generation Sentra with low miles.
We also note that Nissan extended the warranty period for the CVT on the 2013-2019 models from 5 years/60,000 miles to 7 years/84,000 miles.
See used Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
Nissan Sentra By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Eighth Generation: 2020 – Current
The eighth-generation Sentra is a good car with a better reputation for reliability and resale than the two previous generations. Nissan addresses the CVT issue with an improved design and better maintenance schedule. A 2.0-liter engine good for 149 horsepower replaces the previous generation’s 1.8-liter engine. A CVT is the only transmission option, as Nissan drops the Nismo and SR Turbo.
A simplified trim lineup includes the S, SV, and SR. Standard equipment on the base S includes 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, rear drum brakes, power mirrors, automatic halogen headlights with automatic high beams, variable intermittent wipers, and a rearview monitor.
Standard conveniences encompass a one-touch up/down power driver’s window, power door locks, remote keyless entry with push-button start, and manual single-zone air conditioning. Nissan’s Rear Door Alert reminds the driver to check the backseat for children or pets before leaving the vehicle.
The Sentra S has a reasonably functional infotainment system comprised of a 7-inch color touchscreen display and an AM/FM radio with four speakers. The system also features one Type A USB port with an iPod interface, an auxiliary input jack, and streaming Bluetooth.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. The Sentra S also features a driver drowsiness monitor to warn the driver that they may need to pull over and rest.
On the passive safety front, the Sentra S includes front airbags, side-curtain airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and rear side-impact airbags.
The SV is a better choice here. It adds alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, heated mirrors, upgraded cloth seating, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent Key keyless entry. The SV’s infotainment system adds an 8-inch touch screen, two more speakers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a Type-C USB front charge port, and a Type-A USB rear charge port.
The SV Premium Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, quilted leather-appointed seats, a leather shift knob, and a 6-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support.
The SR is the sportiest of the Sentra models, although it still uses the same engine and transmission as the S and SV. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, sport cloth seats with orange stitching, and a rear spoiler. The SR gains dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and four two-tone paint options.
Optional on the SR is the Premium Package that adds faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. Also in the package are Nissan’s 360-degree Around View monitor, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a power moonroof, and thin-type projector LED headlights.
For the most part, this generation is reliable. There are some reports of the touchscreen freezing up or going blank, but most were resolved with a software update. There was a recall for an issue with suspension tie rods that can bend or break (2020-2022), and issues with the CVT shuddering or feeling sluggish. You can see a complete list of recalls and complaints by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Model Year Changes:
2025: NissanConnect offered on the SV trim.
2024: The Sentra undergoes a few modest styling and powertrain revisions.
2023: No significant changes.
2022: The SV trim offers an All Weather Package with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.
2021: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while the SR trim gains NissanConnect and Wi-Fi.
See 2020 to current Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
Seventh Generation: 2013-2019
The seventh-generation Sentra gets a more aerodynamic exterior, a lighter body, more interior room, and a set of new engines. Although it doesn’t start out with them, later years see the addition of important driver assists, such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Trims include the base S, fuel-efficient FE+ variants, midlevel SV, sporty SR, and luxurious SL.
The standard engine is a 130-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic. Though not terribly powerful, this engine does return impressive fuel economy, as high as 40 mpg highway with the FE package. In 2017, two new trims arrive, dubbed the SR-Turbo and Nismo. They employ a 188-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter and a 6-speed manual transmission (the CVT is optional).
Compared to the previous generation, this Sentra offers better interior materials and more options, like a touchscreen infotainment system, NissanConnect with navigation, and Bose audio. It has a noticeably larger rear seat and trunk, a quieter cabin, and more safety tech.
The base S trim includes air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 16-inch wheels with covers, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.
Moving to the SV brings cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, and premium cloth seating. The SR has 17-inch alloy wheels, sporty exterior trim, and more options, such as rear disc brakes, keyless entry and start, and Bluetooth.
The SL adds dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, and fog lights. Options include a Bose audio system, a power sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and navigation.
Most red flags for this generation center around the CVT. Nissan issued multiple software updates to try to resolve issues like bucking, shuddering, and hesitation, but many Sentras still experience transmission failure at or below the 100,000-mile mark. It’s not feasible to repair a CVT, and replacement costs with labor run around $5,000. Other lesser-known problems revolve around glitchy touchscreens, flimsy interior plastics, premature brake wear, and loose-feeling steering.
If you do end up buying one of these cars, try to learn if the transmission has already been replaced. And be sure to follow a strict service regimen. It’s a wise idea to change the CVT fluid at least every 60,000 miles. Many high-mileage cars have never done it. Old or dirty fluid can lead to operational issues ranging from sluggish shifts to complete failure. We highly recommend having a qualified mechanic check over any used Sentra from this or the older generations before buying.
Model Year Changes:
2019: All but the base trim receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018: Automatic emergency braking is made standard on all CVT-equipped trims. New standard equipment includes a 5-inch color monitor and rearview camera. The SV adds dual-zone automatic climate control.
2017: Two new trims debut: The SR-Turbo and Nismo.
2016: The Sentra gets a mild exterior refresh, and upper trims offer advanced driver assists, like adaptive cruise control, while the SV offers a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic assist.
2015: New standard equipment includes cruise control, Bluetooth, and USB ports. The SV adds proximity keyless entry, while the SR gains heated front seats, rear disc brakes, auto headlights, proximity keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2014: Nissan changes Sentra’s CVT programming, suspension, and steering.
See 2013 to 2019 Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
Sixth Generation: 2007-2012
The sixth-generation Nissan Sentra is probably our least favorite. It marks the arrival of the CVT automatic, which doesn’t hold up well over time. Considering almost all cars from this generation will probably have high mileage, odds are the CVT will be an issue at some point. However, models with the manual transmission get a reprieve from our “avoid at all costs” list, especially the sporty SE-R Spec V.
The sixth-gen Sentra includes the base, S, SL, SR, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V. The base engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter engine paired with either a CVT or 6-speed manual, depending on trim. The SE-R gets a 177-horsepower 2.5-liter engine and CVT, while the SE-R Spec V bumps output to 200 horsepower from the same engine and comes with a 6-speed manual.
Model Year Changes:
2012: A few new packages mark the major changes.
2011: Anti-lock brakes, traction, and stability control are made standard.
2010: The SE-R trims get a mild refresh and more standard equipment, including electronic traction and stability control.
2009: Numerous minor revisions to styling and trim features mark the big changes. The gas-sipping FE+ tag appears on some trims with the CVT, and the SR trim debuts.
2008: The S trim gains anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and a security system.
See 2007 to 2012 Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
The Sentra Early Years: Generations One through Five
2000-2006 — Fifth Generation
The fifth-generation Sentra is larger than the previous car and is the last to use a traditional geared automatic transmission. It also uses better-quality interior materials and is generally a nice alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
The XE and GXE are powered by a 126-hp 1.8-liter engine, with the sportier SE getting a 145-hp 2.0-liter unit. The SE-R gets a 165-hp 2.5-liter engine.
This generation is generally considered a sturdy one, with few issues, although at this age, one can expect normal wear and tear to the suspension, brakes, and engine components.
See 2000 to 2006 Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
1995-1999 — Fourth Generation
The fourth-generation Sentra improved over the third, with more aerodynamic styling, a nicer cabin, and improved engines. The base 1.6-liter engine includes a timing chain, which is rare for the time and helps explain this engine’s longevity. The sportier SE has a 140-hp 2.0-liter engine (also with a timing chain).
1991-1994 — Third Generation
The third-generation Sentra jettisons the boxy look of the second-generation car. A wide range of trims and options make this Sentra a more comfortable ride, with the top-line GXE offering things like power windows, door locks, cruise control, and a sunroof. The hatchback coupe and short-lived wagon do not carry over, leaving only a sedan.
A fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine musters between 110 hp and 126 hp, while the SE-R’s 2.0-liter tops out around 140 hp.
1987-1990 — Second Generation
Boxy and a bit more refined, the second-generation Sentra adds a sporty coupe and versatile wagon to the lineup. Generally regarded as good cars, the second-generation Sentra sold well.
1982-1986 — First Generation
The original Sentra arrived in 1982, imported from Japan, as a replacement for the Datsun 310. Later, the coupe version became the second car produced at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, plant. It featured a 70-hp 1.5-liter engine that was rated by the EPA as the highest-mileage gas-powered car sold in the United States.
Should You Buy a Used Nissan Sentra?
A 2021 or newer Sentra is probably a safe bet, but if possible, we’d advise a certified pre-owned (CPO) model that includes a rigorous inspection and additional warranty coverage. Buying a sixth- or seventh-generation Sentra is a roll of the dice. If the CVT has been replaced or you know the vehicle’s complete service history, a used Sentra may be a good buy, especially if the price is low. If you’re on a budget, opt for a low-mileage fifth-generation in good condition.
Is the Nissan Sentra Reliable?
If we’re talking about a model with the manual transmission, the Sentra is a fairly reliable car, depending on the year. As mentioned above, some generations have issues with the CVT, while others have trouble with steering, suspension, and electronics. A new model is probably your best bet, but we can’t give a big thumbs up to the sixth- and seventh-generation models.
To see a list of complaints and recalls affecting the Sentra of your dreams, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Used Nissan Sentra Model Years to Avoid.
A 2007-2019 Sentra will likely have issues with its CVT at some point. If you can’t afford a newer model and are looking at one of these, we strongly recommend having it checked out by a trusted mechanic.
Does the Nissan Sentra Hold its Value?
The Sentra’s average resale values have been lower for the years with the problematic CVT automatic. Its five-year values are nowhere near those of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Hyundai Elantra.
Does the Sentra Come in Coupe or Wagon Form?
The only years the Sentra offered a coupe, hatchback, and wagon date back more than 30 years and are found in the first-, second-, and third-generation cars.
What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Sentra Get?
One of the Sentra’s longest-running traits is its superior fuel economy. Early first- and second-generation cars posted fuel economy figures in the 40s and 50s. Newer models post city figures between 27 mpg and 30 mpg and highway figures ranging from 37 mpg to 40 mpg. Sportier trims like the SE-R and SR Turbo post lower figures that are still respectable.
See Nissan Sentra sedans near you.
