Introduction
Used Nissan buying guide: Purchasing a used Nissan could be a wise choice to ensure that you obtain a dependable vehicle without having to pay as much as you would for a brand new car. Nissan has plenty of popular models, such as the Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Frontier, Maxima, Pathfinder and Murano. But some models and years are more reliable than others. There are many used Nissans that can last for many years and perform well, and then there are those with a high cost of a transmission, engine, electrical or cooling system problem.
The trick is to focus on the car’s functionality, price, and features. Purchasers should also review the maintenance records, mileage, VIN, accident history, recalls, engine, transmission, tires, brakes, and condition. Also, if you’re interested in purchasing a used Nissan may be helpful. An adequate inspection and test drive will enable problems to be identified before they turn into costly repairs.
Best Used Nissan models to consider
Nissan Frontier
One of the more attractive used Nissan pickups is the Nissan Frontier. It provides handy towing and hauling facility, classic truck styling and high availability on the used market. When purchasing one, look at the frame, suspension, drivetrain, cooling system and transmission. Heavy towing and off-road driving may cause more wear than normal road driving, which may be evident in trucks.
Inspect the underside of the truck for rust, fluid leaks, damage, or poor repairs. When testing, drive the vehicle and check that the transmission has a smooth shift, and be aware of any unusual noises in the drivetrain or suspension. One of the best ways to find a good used Frontiers purchase is to be able to maintain a clean history and good maintenance records.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is yet another popular used Nissan as it has comfortable seating, good road holding and is widely available. But, buyers should be very careful with the transmission, particularly on older CVT vehicles. If you find any hesitation, shudder or unusual noises or if the car doesn’t accelerate properly, you should check it out before buying.
A good service history is important for a well-maintained Altima that still provides good value. Inspect engine-water leaks, cooling system, brakes and suspension, and make sure all warning lights are in working order. Don’t always opt for an Altima that is low in cost.
Nissan Years To Be Extra Cautious
Older CVT-Equipped Nissans
The CVT is one of the most important issues to take into account when purchasing an older Nissan. Some Nissan vehicles have been known to have transmission issues, therefore, it is essential for prospective buyers to carefully assess their CVT. It is especially noteworthy with the used Altima, Sentra and Rogue.
When performing a test drive, watch for delayed acceleration, shuddering, odd whining sounds, hesitation or uneven engine speed. Request and inspect a vehicle’s transmission records, and determine if the transmission has ever been repaired or replaced. If you’re considering buying a newer Nissan but it has no service records, it might be better to have a car with documented service.
Sentra and Rogue
The Sentra and Rogue are both popular models and may even be found to be a budget-friendly used car, yet extra research should be done on the year and model details, along with the history of the vehicle. There have been a few older models that have presented transmission and other mechanical issues, which is why it’s important to have a professional check out the car.
Don’t expect that all Sentra and Rogue from a particular year would be bad. The condition of any vehicle will differ from one to another. Before deciding, consider checking the VIN, maintenance record, recall history, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, and electrical systems.
What to check before purchasing a used Nissan car
Exterior and Interior
The first step is to look for paint that doesn’t fit, dents, rust, broken lights, irregular gaps between the panels, and previous accidents. Observe all 4 wheels to see if they are wearing unevenly, which may be a sign of suspension and/or alignment issues. Check the air conditioning, windows, locks, lights, infotainment system, seats and other electrical systems in the vehicle.
Be sure to compare the car’s mileage and overall condition and service history. If the driver’s seat, pedals or steering wheel are worn on the driver, or if the driver’s seat is worn on non-drivers, this can be of interest but does not necessarily indicate a mileage error. A professional inspection will be able to detect issues that may not be apparent from a walk around.
Engine and Transmission
Inspect the Nissan, if possible, when the engine is cold. Check for abnormal rattling, knocking, excessive vibration or irregular idle. Inspect for oil or coolant leaks, inspect hoses and other visible engine parts.
It is also recommended to carefully test the transmission. Slow down and come up to speed very slowly, then gradually harder, watching for hesitation, vibration, slipping, and/or strange sounds. Test reverse and low speed driving, also. If you notice a difference in how the transmission performs after the car gets warm, don’t purchase it.
Nissan Test Drive Checklist.
City Driving
Operate the vehicle at normal city speeds in traffic and perform acceleration, braking, steering, suspension and transmission function checks. Pass over a few normal bumps and listen for any clunks or rattles. The brakes should be smooth and not tight.
If your Nissan has a CVT, be especially mindful of getting out of a stop. The vehicle should handle it smoothly without any wobbling or hesitation. Check air conditioning and electricity while driving!
Highway Driving
Include some higher speed driving when possible and safe. See if the Nissan tracks straight with minimal steering correction and listen for any abnormal noises in the wheels, suspension, engine, or drivetrain. Slowly test to ensure that the engine and transmission respond correctly.
The test drive should be long enough for the temperature of the vehicle to stabilize to normal levels. Certain issues may not manifest themselves immediately after the start up of the engine. If something is unusual, don’t overlook it just because the car looks great or the seller is offering a low price.
Verify VIN and Vehicle History.
One of the most crucial details to look for prior to buying a used Nissan is the VIN. It can assist you in looking into recalls, crash history, records of ownership and more. Check the VIN of the vehicle with the VIN listed on the registration and other documents.
Also it is wise to check the VIN for open recalls prior to buying. However, don’t automatically refuse to buy the car because of a recall, just be aware of what the problem is and if the repair has been done. Vehicle-history reports may also reveal details of accidents, title issues, or important information.
Maintenance Records
When you are looking at two similar Nissans, it can be a huge factor if you review the maintenance records. Note any signs of regular oil changes, brake repairs, tire replacement, cooling fluid maintenance, transmission service and significant repairs.
You can’t trust that a seller just said the car has been well-maintained.The seller’s word that the car has been well-maintained isn’t as convincing as receipts and service records. If the seller does not have any information about maintenance, you may want to ask for a maintenance check before you offer.
What is a fair price for a used Nissan?
The price of used Nissan cars and trucks is subject to change based on model, year, mileage, trim, condition, location, accident history, maintenance history, etc. Generally, older Sentra and Versa vehicles will be less expensive than newer Rogues, Frontiers, Pathfinders or higher trim versions of these models. There, however, is no fixed price that will be fair to all used Nissan cars.
Make comparisons for a few cars that have roughly equal years, mileage, trims and conditions. When determining what to offer, factor in the costs of replacing tires, brakes, suspension or repairing any other mechanical issue that affects a Nissan. Also, it’s a good idea to set aside some extra cash for insurance, registration, maintenance, and any repairs that might be needed, instead of paying for the vehicle with all of the money you have.
Conclusion
When purchasing a used Nissan, examine the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, maintenance history, recall history, and check the VIN. Make a thorough test drive and, if possible, have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic. This is especially important when buying an older Nissan with a CVT.
Most importantly, don’t base your selection of used Nissan solely on the price or model year. A clean history and an overall well-maintained vehicle may be a better deal than a newer Nissan with a poor maintenance record. After doing some research on the model, verifying the VIN, looking at the car, and price comparisons, you can avoid the unpleasant surprises and have a better grasp on the long-term value of a used Nissan.
