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Want to Know More About Used Nissan Sedans? Read This!

A red 2024 Nissan Versa SR is shown parked in front of a modern wall.

Having options is never a bad thing, especially when shopping for your next car. Some manufacturers don't offer you much choice when it comes to sedans, but Nissan provides plenty of options with five great sedans to choose from. When you visit us at Anderson Nissan—your go-to used Nissan dealer in Rockford, IL—you'll find the Nissan sedan you're looking for. In addition to our selection of the latest Nissan models, our pre-owned lot is full of fan-favorite Nissan sedans. Today, we'll give you a rundown on the five available Nissan sedans to better guide you towards the vehicle you not only want to try but the one you want to buy. Ready? Good, let's go.

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa has the benefit of not only being Nissan's most affordable sedan but one of the lowest-priced vehicles on the entire market. That low price extends to our pre-owned models, so if you're looking to get a vehicle that won't empty your wallet, a used Versa is the way to go. This sedan first hit the market in 2007 and has evolved through three generations. Should you opt to save the most money possible, a first-generation Versa can now be found at an extraordinarily low price, and it has ample performance to boot.

The 2007 Versa comes with a 1.8L I-4 engine paired with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission. This engine provides 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, but the 2009 model introduced an additional lower-powered 1.6L I-4 engine with 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. When the redesigned 2012 Versa arrived, the 1.6L I-4 engine was the only powertrain that would remain. For the new 2020 model, the 1.6L I-4 engine got a boost to 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, putting it more in line with the 1.8L I-4 seen in the earliest Versa models.

Ultimately, this means you can save the most money possible by purchasing a first-generation Versa, and it'll output the same amount of horsepower and even more torque than the latest model. However, later models like the 2019 Versa are when modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were implemented to complement the integrated infotainment center, so if you're using a Versa for commuting, this is where you'll want to start. The infotainment center can help you get around, whether you're traveling to Chicago or looking for a shop here on E State St.

A white 2021 Nissan Sentra is shown from the front after leaving a used Nissan dealer in Rockford, IL.

Nissan Sentra

The Sentra is a popular choice from Nissan's lineup because of its near-perfect blend of value and performance. The Sentra also has the added benefit of being a part of Nissan's lineup since 1982. Over forty years later, the Sentra is still one of the most well-priced sedans you can get considering the features and performance you can expect. Realistically, if you're shopping for a pre-owned Sentra, you should start your search around the sixth generation. Ideally, the seventh-generation Sentra will give you a healthy blend of more modern features, so if that matters to you, then begin with the 2013 Sentra.

The 2013 model uses a 1.8L I-4 engine with 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, but that's not the whole story. Some drivers may find this essential––the 2013 Sentra's powertrain can include a six-speed manual transmission, an option that was dropped from the lineup with the 2020 redesign. The Sentra is an excellent commuter while outperforming the entry-level Versa. Its good fuel efficiency can go a long way as you travel around the Rockford area.

Some may find this surprising, but the Versa has slightly more cargo space than the Sentra. Comparing the most recent generations, you will see the Sentra has 14.3 cu.ft. of trunk space against the Versa's 14.7 cu.ft. A roughly 3% increase in cargo space won't make too much of a difference, and the Sentra has other added benefits like an upgraded infotainment center and higher-end finishings.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is one of Nissan's most popular vehicles. This midsize sedan improves upon the foundation laid by the Versa and Sentra and costs significantly less than vehicles like the Nissan LEAF and Maxima. The Altima is powerful, efficient, and rather spacious for a sedan. Later models can be found with a large and luxurious 12.3-inch infotainment center, but many older models still come standard with an eight-inch touchscreen. If you're shopping for a Nissan Altima, you should start with the 2013 model, as it was the beginning of the fifth generation.

The 2013 Altima comes standard with a 2.5L I-4 engine that creates 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque––not far off from the 2.5L I-4 engine in later models like the 2023 Altima, which has 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Older models can also outperform the newer ones thanks to an available 3.5L V6 engine, which produces 270 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, later models offer an optional turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine, and while it has better fuel efficiency, it outputs a lesser 248 hp. Having both power and efficiency is important, especially if you're traveling on the highway often, such as heading to Chicago or Milwaukee on I-90.

A black 2019 Nissan Leaf is shown from the side driving on a bridge.

Nissan LEAF

Back in 2011, Nissan launched the LEAF, a hatchback that replaces the traditional gasoline powertrain with electric motors and a battery. While it was revolutionary for its time, older LEAF models lack range compared to their newer counterparts. For instance, the 2011 LEAF features a 24 kWh battery that provides just 73 miles of range. Today, there are two variations of this hatchback: the LEAF and LEAF Plus. The 2022 LEAF features a 40 kWh battery that provides 149 miles of range, while the LEAF Plus has a larger 62 kWh battery that offers 226 miles on a single charge. With more charging stations popping up around the country, charging is easier than ever. There are several here in Rockford, including the Blink public chargers on Cedar St. and the DC Fast Charger at the nearby Sam's Club on Walton St. There's never been a better time to buy a LEAF.

Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima may be the priciest sedan in Nissan's lineup, but it's also the most powerful of the bunch. The Maxima first entered the market in 1980 and held the position of Nissan's four-door sports car. With the Maxima set to be discontinued in 2024, these powerful sedans will continue to get cheaper on the used market. The proverbial meat and potatoes stem from its engine, and the Maxima has always come standard with a six-cylinder powerplant for improved performance.

The 2016 Maxima has the same engine as the latest model: a 3.5L V6 paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission. This engine creates an incredible 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, trumping any of the other sedans we've mentioned so far. If you need power, you should check out the Maxima, and it is also one of the best Nissan sedans to customize with luxury features. There's no denying a used Maxima that includes features like heated leather seats not only looks great but is quite comfortable for driving in the winter time, especially in Rockford, IL.

The Choice Is Yours

The choice may be difficult now that you've read about all five Nissan sedans you will find on the used market. However, whichever sedan you choose, you're still getting an experience unlike any other––an experience only Nissan can conjure. If you're having trouble deciding, or if you've already landed on which sedan you want to look into, then visit us at Anderson Nissan for reliable service, a wide selection, and competitive prices in the greater area of Rockford, IL. Our friendly team can walk you through your different options and get you behind the wheel of a used Nissan sedan that interests you. There's no time like today, so take a trip to Anderson Nissan––you'll find us at 6555 East State St. in Rockford, IL.