Best Nissan Altima Years to Buy Used

Used Nissan Altima Quick Facts

• The best used Altima models come from 2022 and later.
• Fuel economy has long been one of the Altima’s strongest selling points.
• Earlier Altima generations were available with manual transmissions, and a coupe body style was available for a short time.
  

The long-running Nissan Altima has typically held third place behind the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but don’t let its runner-up status turn you away. The Altima has a track record of solid build quality, decent reliability scores, and good fuel economy. It’s also generally less expensive than its Toyota and Honda rivals on the used car market. 

If you’re in the market for a used sedan, this guide can help you determine which Nissan Altima model years are the best choices. We’ll cover the specs and features of the latest generations to help you make the right choice. Let’s get rolling. 

What Is the Best Model-Year Used Nissan Altima? 

The best used years for the Altima are from the latest, sixth generation, particularly 2022 or later model years. Nissan improved the car’s build quality and added more tech and safety features, making these models the easiest to live with. The sixth-gen cars are also available with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a surprisingly capable turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. 

Older fifth-generation Altima models offer many compelling features at a much lower price. In many cases, you can find a higher trim level with reasonable mileage for less than the price of a newer base trim.

The fourth generation is the enthusiast’s choice, as it was offered with a potent 270-horsepower V6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. That said, most cars from this generation now have high mileage, which can pose reliability challenges.

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Nissan Altima by Generation: Which Should You Buy? 

Sixth Generation: 2019-2025

Model-Year Changes:
2026: Nissan offers an SR Midnight Edition package and reduces the lineup to only SV and SR trims.
2025: Nissan drops the 2.0-liter turbo engine.
2024: No significant changes.
2023: The Altima gets revised styling and new features. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on the SR and SL and optional on the SV. The Platinum trim is discontinued.
2022: No significant changes, aside from updates to some option packages.
2021: The Platinum trim loses the 2.0-liter turbo, Nissan positions the SR above the SV in the lineup, and new options for the S include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and rear parking sensors.
2020: Safety Shield 360 becomes optional on the S and is now standard on the SR.

See 2019-to-current Nissan Altima cars for sale near you

Fifth Generation: 2013-2018

Model-Year Changes:
2018: All models gain automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. The 3.5 SL gains adaptive cruise control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join the optional equipment list.
2017: No significant changes.
2016: The Altima gets a significant makeover, a new SL trim, and a new Tech Package featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
2015: Nissan drops the 3.5 S and SV, leaving only the 3.5 SL, which gains front and rear parking sensors. The SV trim gains an 8-way power driver’s seat.
2014: NissanConnect adds access to smartphone apps such as Pandora, iHeart Radio, and Google Online Search.

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Nissan Altima Early Years: Generations One Through Four

Should You Buy a Used Nissan Altima? 

The Nissan Altima makes a great used option, especially in the later fifth and sixth generations. All generations offer spacious interiors, comfortable seating accommodations, and strong value, but the later years have the most desirable technology and safety features. Even low-mileage, lightly used examples can have issues, however, so we advise getting a pre-purchase inspection for any pre-owned vehicle. 

Is the Nissan Altima Reliable? 

The Altima has fared well over the years, with newer models being the least likely to have rust or electrical issues. Older model years with higher miles may have issues with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and other cars equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine may experience excessive oil consumption. Most model years are free of major red flags, but you can view open recalls on any Altima by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. 

Used Nissan Altima Model Years to Avoid 

While no major red flags exist for any specific model year, those with the most issues and complaints are 2015-2018 (fifth generation) and 2019-2021 (sixth generation). Older Altima cars also seem to have issues with CVT operation and excessive oil consumption from the 2.5-liter engine. Again, this is not something every Altima will suffer, but it is worth having the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic before you buy.

Does the Nissan Altima Hold Its Value?

The Altima holds value better than the average vehicle, particularly the latest generations. Despite that, its 5-year value retention is nowhere near as strong as that of the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Instead, expect depreciation on the level of the Volkswagen Jetta. 

RELATED: Best Honda Accord Years to Buy Used

Does the Altima Come in Coupe or Wagon Form?

Except for the fourth-generation coupe, the Altima is a sedan-only affair. 

RELATED: Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy Used 

What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Altima Get?

Over the years, the Altima’s fuel economy has been one of its best attributes. In a non-hybrid world, it generally leads the midsize sedan group, with city and highway fuel economy estimates at or near the top of its class.

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Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.