Nissan Altima Best Years to Buy Used

Nissan Altima Best Years to Buy Used - Prices, Trims, Reliability, Interior, & More

Hero image collage graphic of the best Nissan Altima years to buy used with interior and exterior car photosConsidering an older model Nissan Altima as your next car? With many pre-owned models dating back to the late 1990s, balancing affordability with reliability and individual vehicle history can be challenging.

Below, we'll break down the Nissan Altima's best years to buy used to ensure you invest in the right car.

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Nissan Altima Best Model Years to Buy Used


2010 Nissan Altima

Exterior image of a light gray 2010 Nissan Altima parked in a parking lot during the dayThe 2010 Nissan Altima is still a strong contender over a decade later, with average used pricing ranging between $1,031 and $3,262 based on vehicle condition, mileage, and package options. It received a refreshed exterior with a new front fascia, an expanded 9" touchscreen navigation system, and added standard stability control.

2011 Nissan Altima

Exterior front side angle image of a white 2011 Nissan Altima parked in a coastal settingThe 2011 Nissan Altima is widely recognized as one of the most reliable Nissan Altima years by multiple automotive publications, with a pricing range from $1,247 to $3,602. These include CarBuzz praising it as among the most dependable models and a respectable 82/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score.

2019 Nissan Altima

Exterior image of a red 2019 Nissan Altima CV-T Edition ONE parked outside a building during sunsetThe 2019 Nissan Altima was the first model year of the current sixth generation and a complete redesign, with pricing ranging from $9,600 to $21,989. It was voted the Editors' Choice by Car and Driver for its newly introduced AWD configuration, extended list of standard safety features, and revamped interior and exterior.

2023 Nissan Altima

Closeup exterior image of a white 2023 Nissan Altima parked on a road during sunsetThe 2023 Nissan Altima received new upgrades, building off the 2019 model year's redesign, with pricing ranging from $16,849 to $25,598. The Safety Shield 360 added new features that became standard across the lineup, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning, along with a redesigned exterior including new paint options, wheels, and front fascia with new LED headlights.

2024 Nissan Altima

Exterior side angle image of a red 2024 Nissan Altima parked in a cityscape landscapeThe 2024 Nissan Altima is the most modern used model year available, offering the latest advancements and best reliability, with pricing ranging from $17,998 to $26,854. It's applicable for most sedan drivers and families due to its spacious 15 cu ft of cargo storage and an impressive 27 MPG city / 39 MPG highway fuel economy-among the best-in-class estimates for midsize cars.

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Best Used Nissan Altima Trims & Configurations

Here are our recommendations on the best Nissan Altima years to buy used by trim and configuration.

Best Used Nissan Altima S Model Years

Exterior front side angled image of a white 2024 Nissan Altima S parked on a white backgroundThe 2011 Nissan Altima S offers multiple variants to configure your ideal midsize car with affordability as the base-level trim and an older model year. For $1,247 to $3,039, you can get a sedan or coupe body style with a capable chassis, high-quality cabin materials, and responsive steering-plus high-reliability scores from J.D. Power.

The 2019 Nissan Altima S is best for used car drivers on a budget looking to maximize value. For $9,600 to $18,118, you benefit from a redesign year with plenty of standard features in the base-level trim, including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, 16" steel wheels, and remote engine start.

The 2020 Nissan Altima S is ideal if you don't need the peak of luxury or sport-tuned performance, with pricing ranging from $11,796 to $18,051. It's practical and affordable due to its low ownership costs and notable fuel economy (25-28 MPG city / 34-39 MPG highway), and it is ranked in the Best Used Midsize Cars $15k and Up for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2023 Nissan Altima S received new styling and equipment upgrades, offering more value and reliability as a newer model year. For $17,321 to $21,287, you gain new wheels, a redesigned front fascia with new LED headlights, two new paint options, and added Safety Shield® 360 features, including blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2024 Nissan Altima S gives midsize sedan drivers the most modern used model year and latest updates at the lowest price point of the lineup. For $19,287 to $22,167, you benefit from the 2023 model's upgrades, plus new NissanConnect Services features, including remote locking and engine starting, and emergency calling with a three-year trial instead of six months.

Best Used Nissan Altima SV Model Years

Exterior front side angled image of a black 2024 Nissan Altima SV parked on a white backgroundThe 2019 Nissan Altima SV was part of a redesigned model year and has trim-exclusive safety features without upgrading to packages for premium safety. It received the standard ProPILOT Assist, including self-steering and adaptive cruise control, with a pricing range of $11,418 to $19,280.

The 2020 Nissan Altima SV is the perfect Goldilocks trim, offering the best-balanced value in the lineup, with pricing ranging from $13,080 to $20,227. It has standard ProPILOT Assist, dual-zone climate control, and noise-reducing windows, and it is ranked among the Best Gas Mileage Cars of 2020 by Edmunds.

The 2021 Nissan Altima SV is a carryover model, but it remains one of the best trims of this year. For $13,398 to $20,311, it has an 81/100 J.D. Power consumer-verified score and offers a new SV Premium package with heated front seats, a sunroof, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Nissan Altima SV received new appearance updates, added Safety Shield 360 features, and optional equipment. For $16,849 to $21,777, a 12.3" infotainment touchscreen became available, the front-end exterior was restyled, and new standard safety technologies were added, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning.

The 2024 Nissan Altima SV has high ratings that build on the base-level S and valuable features that don't require upgrading to upper-trim levels, with pricing ranging from $18,153 to $22,987. It was rated 8.4/10, and the recommended trim by U.S. News & World Report for its 8" touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available AWD.

Best Used Nissan Altima SR Model Years

Exterior front side angled image of a dark red 2025 Nissan Altima SR parked on a white backgroundThe 2019 Nissan Altima SR was a redesigned model, and in the current generation, it offers modern and valuable features at a lower price. For $10,784 to $17,795, you get a sport-tuned suspension, 19" wheels, LED headlights, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2020 Nissan Altima SR added new driver assistance features exclusive to this trim, with pricing ranging from $12,854 to $20,120. These included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist.

The 2021 Nissan Altima SR received trim-exclusive changes and was part of a praised model year, with pricing ranging from $14,575 to $20,995. The SR was the only trim with an available turbocharged 2.0L engine and ranked 7th for 2021 Affordable Midsize Cars by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2023 Nissan Altima SR received valuable trim-exclusive changes again, with pricing ranging from $18,008 to $23,342. A 12.3" infotainment screen became standard, upgraded the digital gauge cluster, and is Car and Driver's recommended trim for this model year.

The 2024 Nissan Altima SR is an ideal mid-level trim and the most modern used model year for sedan drivers who want the best overall value. For $19,484 to $24,550, it has a standard eight-way power driver's seat, an extended NissanConnect Services trial from six months to three years, and available AWD that isn't an option on the base S and top-level SR VC-Turbo trims.

Best Used Nissan Altima SL Model Years

Top-view front angled image of a white 2018 Nissan Altima SL parked in an all-white tile environmentThe 2019 Nissan Altima SL is worth considering because you benefit from a redesign year for used model pricing. For $10,459 to $19,832, you get available AWD (rare among its class), a restyled interior/exterior, and a newly available VC-Turbo engine that accelerates quicker than competitors, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, at 0 to 60mph in 4.1 seconds.

The 2020 Nissan Altima SL builds off the previous year's redesign and is highly rated for families, showcasing both premium safety and luxury. For $18,878 to $24,968, it ranked among the 2020 Best Midsize Family Sedans for its above-average fuel economy scores (25-28 MPG city/ 34-41 MPG highway) and long list of standard safety features. Combined with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and leather seating, you can enjoy an upscale driving experience even when carpooling.

The 2021 Nissan Altima SL added new luxury and standard safety features, with pricing ranging from $15,009 to $20,999. These included a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition-contributing to ranking among the 2021 Best New Cars for Teens by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2023 Nissan Altima SL added standard interior features never offered before, with pricing ranging from $18,952 to $24,727. These include a 12.3" infotainment touchscreen with navigation, rear automatic braking, and blind spot warning.

The 2024 Nissan Altima SL brought a better driving performance than competitors in its class. For $13,030 to $20,294, the AWD configurations offer greater traction control, even without the sport-tuned suspension, than the AWD Subaru Legacy and FWD-only Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

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Best Used Nissan Altima AWD Model Years

Exterior front side angle image of a dark red 2024 Nissan Altima driving through a parkSince Nissan's Intelligent AWD system wasn't available for Altima models until 2019, below are the five best years to buy used: 

The 2019 Nissan Altima AWD models were not only a redesign year, but also the first time this configuration was introduced. For $19,382 to $27,013, you get an all-new design part of the current generation and the rarity of AWD configurations of midsize car competitors in this segment.

The 2020 Nissan Altima AWD configurations had even better fuel economy ratings in real-world testing, making it more valuable as a used model. For $12,394 to $21,025, it was EPA-estimated as 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway, but Car and Driver shared it had up to an incredible 41 MPG highway in their 75 mph testing route.

The 2021 Nissan Altima AWD models have great gas mileage for a midsize car, and this configuration isn't often found in similar competitors in this model year. For $14,383 to $22,508, the four-cylinder engine has 26 MPG city/36 MPG highway, and the turbo-four has 25 MPG city/34 MPG highway-offering lower ownership costs and higher value.

The 2023 Nissan Altima AWD configurations offered this configuration that competitors in its class didn't during this model year. For $18,870 to $24,98 combined with the VC-Turbo engine, it's practical for families who live in colder regions with slippery terrains.

The 2024 Nissan Altima AWD configurations have impressive fuel economy ratings, giving used car owners more affordability and reliability as the newest used model year. For $19,382 to $27,013, it has a 26 MPG city / 26 MPG highway and has a perfect 10/10 fuel economy score from U.S. News & World Report.

Best Used Nissan Altima Coupe Model Years

Exterior front side view image of a red 2010 Nissan Coupe parked outside a buildingAlthough the Nissan Altima Coupe existed between 2008 and 2013, below are the best years to consider if you want the most reliable used hybrid model:

The 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe is surprisingly and competitively high-tech for an older model year in the midsize car market. For $1,031 to $3,262, it's equipped with an upgraded stereo, navigation system, Bluetooth, and a restyled front end.

The 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe offers modern styling and sport-like performance at an affordable price. For $1,247 to $3,602, it comes with sportier seats and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds on the base-level S trim alone.

The 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe has competitive fuel economy and a high ride quality. For $1,536 to $3,950, it has a 23 MPG city/ 31 MPG highway/ 26 MPG combined rating and is noted for its strong suspension that absorbs bumps with responsive steering, making it a more comfortable and quieter drive.

Used Nissan Altima Model Years with the Best Interior

Closeup interior image of a 2023 Nissan Altima driver's seat area, steering wheel, and infotainment system in black colorsThe 2012 Nissan Altima shows you don't need a newer model year to get great interior design. For $1,489 to $4,128, it has quality cabin materials, among the most user-friendly audio and climate controls in its class, and an 8.7/10 U.S. News & World Report rating-showcasing its reliability with aesthetics.

The 2019 Nissan Altima was a redesigned model year and significantly improved its interior. For $9,600 to $21,989, these upgrades included ambient lighting, a power sunroof, heated front seats, driver's seat memory settings, and expanded rear seats with more legroom.

The 2020 Nissan Altima brought new available features to add even more luxury to your used midsize car. For $11,451 to $21,037, it offers memory function side view mirrors, Gloss Black cabin accents, and spacious back seats for adults.

The 2023 Nissan Altima introduced new technologies that enhance the cabin's driving experience. For $16,849 to $25,598, a 12.3" infotainment touchscreen was added with select trim availability and new safety gear that's standard across the lineup, including lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist.

The 2024 Nissan Altima makes the best interior list as the newest used model year. From $17,998 to $26,854, it uses no plastic cabin materials, has spacious rear seat room for adults, and a user-friendly infotainment system design.

Should You Buy a Cheap Used Nissan Altima Car Under $10,000? $5,000?

Although the Nissan Altima is known for its affordability, you should avoid buying used models below $10,000, especially under $5,000. Several factors contribute to these below-average prices, including high mileage, significant accident history, and potential problems hidden from non-certified third-party sellers-which will cost you more to fix than what you'd spend on a slightly higher vehicle listing.

In most cases, you can find a reliable used Nissan Altima for sale under $15,000. However, you should always purchase them from Nissan dealerships for better peace of mind and transparency, as these vehicles have been inspected and sold by reputable sellers.

Shop Used Nissan Altimas for Sale in Silsbee, TX

Now that you know the Nissan Altima's best years, models, and configurations to buy used, you can make a better-informed decision on your needs.

At Nissan of Silsbee, we offer a wide selection of used Nissan Altimas for sale and certified pre-owned vehicles. From AWD configurations to special editions and full used model lines, we have a diverse inventory for every Eastern Texas driver.

Browse our used Altima listings or contact us for recommendations on the best model for you today!