Used Nissan Sentra Buying Guide

• If you’re looking for a Sentra that comes with the most variety, then you’ll want something from the seventh generation. This is because it comes with some of the most powerful engines, as well as some of the best luxury for its time.
• If you’re wanting a reliable family car that saves you time, and money at the pump, then you’ll want something from the eighth generation.
• In both generations that are covered, the SR comes with the best features as standard, making it one to look for no matter what.

The eighth generation started fairly recently, and thanks to this, you’ll find that it comes powered by just one engine. This engine is the 2.0L I4, and it comes with 149 horsepower, and 146 lb-ft of torque. This engine is very efficient, coming with an EPA rated 33 MPG, making this a solid daily commuter, and a road trip vehicle.

While this model only had one engine, it did come in three trims. The trims that you can find are the S, SV, and the SR. If you’re wanting some of the best features that are available, then you’ll need a higher-end trim, this is because they come with an 8-inch touchscreen, compared to the smaller 7-inch touchscreen.

Some models will be outfitted with leather seats, and if you find yourself looking at one, you’ll be able to enjoy heated features, helping you stay comfortable. While there wasn’t anything new for awhile, the IIHS tested the Sentra in 2022, and they gave the vehicle the IIHS Top Safety Pick.

With the seventh generation ending fairly recently, you may find quite a few late gen models on the lots. When this generation first hit the roads, it came in 6 trims, but that was slowly reduced at the end of this cycle. The trims that you can find at first are the S, FE S, SV, FE+ SV, SR, and SL. If you’re looking for something that is a bit more “unique” then you can look for the S trim. This is because most S models came standard with a manual transmission.

The most features come in the higher-end trims for the first few years. This is because these trims had access to features like Satellite navigation, intelligent key with start button, and dual-zone climate.

With both 2014 and 2015 models seeing some changes, they aren’t too noteworthy, but in 2016, there came a large facelift. This year saw the Sentra gain the look of some of its siblings, making it more recognizable. This year also saw the lineup get reduced, now coming with 5 trims, with them being the S, FE S, SV, SR and SL. Much like before, the S is the only trim that comes with a manual transmission, making this a must have for those who prefer that diving style.

If you’re wanting something that is comfortable, then you’ll need the SR, and the SL. This is because they come with a six-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, as well as NissanConnect.

If you’re more into the performance aspect side of the Sentra line, there’s the SR Turbo, and the NISMO. Both were introduced in 2017, and it marked the first time that turbocharged Sentras were offered for the US. First year SR turbos came with manual transmissions, but stopped a year later, while the NISMO has offered them throughout the trims life. These models come with an I4 that can push out 188 horsepower, which is rather zippy for a car this size. This makes it a solid option for those who want a bit more adrenaline.

No matter what though, for every model that wasn’t a performance one, you can find the same engine. This engine is the 1.8L I4, and it produces 130 horsepower. While it is less than the more powerful engine, it does come with a better fuel economy at 32 MPG combined, compared to the 29 MPG that is offered for the SR, and the NISMO.