Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 9.36% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 481 listings available, which suggests a modest but workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.31/5 user-rated sedan with an expert score of 7.83/10. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise the Maxima’s stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The expert review also points to plush accommodations, a luxe interior, and a spacious trunk as recurring strengths.

The trade-offs are straightforward: the technology feels dated, and cargo space is limited. That matters most if you want the most modern cabin experience or need maximum practicality.

For you, the Maxima makes the most sense if you want a comfortable, upscale-feeling sedan with a stronger personality than many rivals. It also shows 28.1% good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.31/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner feedback also points to a car that many people find fun to drive, stylish, and strong on performance, while still feeling dependable enough to live with over time.

The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by describing the Maxima as a comfortable cruiser that soaks up road imperfections well and feels planted in most driving situations. It also notes that the powertrain is sufficiently strong for most drivers.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright weakness and more about whether the car’s age, transmission character, and feature set still fit your expectations.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Nissan Maxima?

At 57.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on cars with incomplete service records or visible cosmetic repairs. Focus on condition, because the Maxima’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and how fresh the cabin and technology still feel.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SV, and SL ride on standard 18-inch wheels, while the SR gets 19-inch gloss black wheels and a sportier rear spoiler. The Platinum adds a more premium presentation, and the base model is less well equipped than the others.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It’s strong for the class and tuned more for comfortable cruising than hard-edged sportiness.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are standard on all trims except the base model, and lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.
• Infotainment: An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on SV and up, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services is available only on the top Platinum grade, and the system is functional but not especially modern.
• Fuel efficiency: The Maxima is rated at 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

Which 2020 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but it is the least equipped version and is the one most likely to feel stripped down compared with the rest of the lineup. It makes sense only if price is your top priority.
• SV: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds the core comfort and tech features while staying below the sportier and more expensive trims.
• SL: This trim is a strong pick if you want a more upscale daily driver, especially since it gains the quieter, more refined feel that suits the Maxima’s comfort-first personality.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel, including the unique styling, 19-inch wheels, and available paddle shifters.
• Platinum: This is the most premium version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most upscale overall feel for buyers who want the nicest Maxima experience.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, but traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are not included on the base model.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Nissan Maxima?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 481 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.36% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,049, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $17,285 sits slightly below last year's $19,070.

That decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the market, which can work against future sellers if you buy at the wrong price. If you’re planning to resell later, your best protection is to buy well, keep mileage reasonable, and maintain the car carefully.

The good news is that a lower entry price can also help you avoid overpaying today, which improves your odds of holding value better over time. Well-kept examples with strong equipment and clean history should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.31/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima has performed very well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, and it includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are standard on all trims except the base model, while lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.

One important caveat is that the base model misses some of the more advanced convenience and driver-assist content found higher up the range.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Maxima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.36% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It offers plush accommodations, a potent powertrain, and a luxe interior with minimal changes for the year.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $17,192, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,285 average.
• It was mildly refreshed with updated style, technology, and interior features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,142, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,285 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and features, the 2020 is the sensible default. If you’re shopping strictly on price, the 2019 is the better value play. If you want the newest nearby version and don’t mind paying more, the 2021 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.