Perfect for families on the run - and on a budget - the used Nissan Altima continues to attract buyers with its roomy cabin and luxurious ride. This mid-size sedan has changed a lot over the years. However, from the third generation on, you'll recognize the Altima we all know and love: an upscale, refined sedan with a friendly price tag.
Used Nissan Altima Buying Guide
Fifth Generation, 2013-Current
Comfort: When you settle into one of these used Nissan Altimas, "luxurious" is the first word that comes to mind. Seats are nicely padded, and both rows provide the space your family needs to get through the daily grind.
Technology & Convenience: If you're looking for smartphone integration features, this generation is your best bet. Look for the Technology package, which includes voice controls and a responsive touchscreen interface to keep you connected.
Safety: You'll find a rearview camera on every model, making it easy to back out of the driveway without hitting any stray toys. High-tech driver aids, like blind-spot monitoring, were optional throughout this generation. These devices helped you spot danger and avoid accidents.
Performance: The newest Altima is also the most fuel-efficient. For example, the 2016 Altima earns up to 27 city/39 highway mpg. The updated continuously variable transmission provides a smooth ride, and high-end models even include paddle shifters, so you can emulate downshifts when you need a little extra push.
Fourth Generation, 2007-2012
Comfort: Inside, these used Nisasn Altimas are attractive and upscale, with high-quality materials that are soft to the touch. The nicely bolstered seats will keep you snug, even as you swing around tight turns.
Technology & Convenience: This generation sported CD players and auxiliary input jacks, the latter of which lets modern drivers plug in their smartphones.
Safety: All of these sedans have standard full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags for extra protection in a crash.
Performance: More powerful than previous models, the fourth-generation Altima feels smooth and secure on the road. Its continuously variable transmission helps you save on gas.
What Drivers Love about the Used Nissan Altima
Used Nissan Altima buyers can't help but appreciate the comfortable front seats - they keep you feeling snug and secure, even after hours on the road. Modern models also come with a lot of tech features for the money, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity. When you've got a long trip ahead of you, entertainment options seem endless because you can stream all your favorite podcasts and Pandora radio stations.
What to Look for in Your Used Nissan Altima
As you shop the used Nissan Altima market, you'll find a lot of differences between model years. For example, the continuously variable transmission arrived for the fourth generation to improve fuel mileage. Third-generation models have either a traditional manual or automatic transmission.
What to Watch Out For
For the first two generations, Nissan was still molding the Altima into the mid-size sedan we recognize today. These models weren't as spacious as the current version, so you might miss out on some crucial head and leg room. You should also note that although the fourth-generation and current fifth-generation Altimas have similar engines, modern models are more fuel-efficient. And, if you come across a fourth-generation model with a six-speed manual transmission, give it a test drive to see if it's really for you. The manual transmission had a bit of a rep for not being as refined as its automatic counterpart.