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Used car guide
Used Nissan Altima: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Nissan Altima from 2010 to 2025, across 3 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,000 to $24,000), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2010–2012, 2017–2018, 2021–2025. Look harder at or skip 2013–2016, 2019–2020.
2019–2025 Nissan Altima
A sleeker, more modern-looking version of Nissan's midsize family sedan.
Years to target: 2021–2025. Look harder at or skip: 2019–2020. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
| 2020 | $15,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~75,000 |
| 2021 | $16,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2022 | $17,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~55,000 |
| 2023 | $19,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~40,000 |
| 2024 | $21,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~30,000 |
| 2025 | $24,000* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~20,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- 2019: owner complaints spike (231, mostly the electrical system).
- 2020: owner complaints spike (179, mostly the electrical system).
- The variable compression turbo is complex, so the 2.5-liter is the simpler pick, and CVT service history still matters.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the SV: it adds ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise, remote start and alloy wheels over the S. Every trim has automatic braking and CarPlay, and AWD is available.
On the test drive
Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed, and feel for shudder or hesitation when pulling away. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2019).
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2019, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla 2021–2024 · $17,500–$22,000
- Toyota Camry 2020 · $21,500
- Toyota Prius 2019–2020 · $19,000–$20,500
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2013–2018 Nissan Altima
A comfortable, efficient midsize sedan with supportive seats and an available six-cylinder.
Years to target: 2017–2018. Look harder at or skip: 2013–2016. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $6,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~150,000 |
| 2014 | $7,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~140,000 |
| 2015 | $8,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2016 | $9,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2017 | $10,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2018 | $11,000* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Skip 2013–2016. The CVT in these years has a high failure rate, and replacement costs thousands.
- 2013: owner complaints spike (2,312, mostly the airbags).
- Even later years need CVT service records, and interior plastics and road noise feel economy grade.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the SV: it adds a backup camera, remote start and a power driver seat over the S, plus blind-spot warning from 2016. Confirm CVT fluid service history.
On the test drive
Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed, and feel for shudder or hesitation when pulling away. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from 2017, optional from 2016.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2013–2014 · $10,000–$11,000
- Acura TSX 2013–2014 · $10,000–$11,000
- Lexus ES 2010–2011 · $10,000–$10,500
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2010–2012 Nissan Altima
A roomy, comfortable midsize sedan with a capable four-cylinder and good fuel economy.
Years to target: 2010–2012. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $5,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~140,000 |
| 2011 | $5,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~130,000 |
| 2012 | $6,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~125,000 |
Worth knowing
- The electronic steering lock can fail and stop the car from starting, and CVTs this old need a careful inspection.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a 2.5 S with the Convenience package: it adds a power driver seat and upgraded audio. The 3.5 SR V6 adds strong power, but check CVT service history on any example.
On the test drive
Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed, and feel for shudder or hesitation when pulling away. On a hybrid, ask for a battery health check.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Ford Fusion 2010–2011 · $5,000–$5,500
- Mazda Mazda3 2011–2012 · $5,000–$5,500
- Honda Insight 2011–2012 · $5,000–$5,500
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.