Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 8.27% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 471 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — the 2020 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.31/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise its stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The Maxima also comes through as fun to drive, with a plush, upscale feel that fits shoppers who want a comfortable sedan with a more engaging character than many rivals.

The trade-offs are familiar: the CVT transmission and the price draw criticism, and the car’s tech is dated. That makes it a better fit if you value comfort, style, and a premium cabin more than the latest interface polish.

Good and great deals account for 28.5% of listings, so there is 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 points to a car that many people find dependable enough to enjoy over time, especially when you value its strong performance and upscale feel. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Maxima is easy to live with and a good value proposition relative to rivals.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a car with dated tech and a CVT can be more sensitive to maintenance history and prior use.

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

At 57.1% 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 if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven panel gaps, tire wear, or interior wear that doesn’t match the mileage. Focus on overall condition, because the Maxima’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and whether its premium-feeling cabin still feels fresh.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SV, and SL ride on standard 18-inch machined-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, while the SR gets 19-inch gloss black wheels and a sportier rear spoiler. The Platinum adds 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a more premium cabin feel, so the base trims are the ones most likely to feel light on extras.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It is strong for the class and tuned more for comfortable cruising than hard-edged sport driving.
• 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 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all but the base model, along with hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 7.0-inch driver information display. NissanConnect Services is reserved for the top Platinum grade.
• 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 misses some of the nicer convenience and tech features found higher up. It makes sense only if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with a simpler setup.
• SV: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds the more useful standard equipment without pushing you into the pricier sport or luxury trims. If you want the sweet spot between price and features, this is the one to target.
• SL: This trim adds a more upscale feel and brings in comfort-oriented upgrades that make the Maxima easier to live with every day. It is a strong pick if you want a more premium experience without going all the way to the top.
• SR: This is the sportier-looking version, with 19-inch gloss black wheels, a rear spoiler, and paddle shifters. Choose it if you want the Maxima’s most aggressive appearance and a slightly more engaging setup.
• Platinum: This is the most luxurious version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium overall feel. It is the right choice if you want the Maxima at its most upscale and are willing to pay for it.

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 market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 471 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.27% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,043, 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 $18,842.

That softer pricing suggests the Maxima has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you keep the car in strong condition and avoid accident history, you may be better positioned than buyers who pay closer to the top of the range.

The market still shows enough demand to support resale, especially because the Maxima has a strong owner satisfaction score and a premium-feeling cabin that appeals to used shoppers.

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 earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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.

The main caveat is that some of the more advanced driver-assistance features are not included on the base model, so you should verify equipment carefully if safety tech is a priority.

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:

• 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.27% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 model is a refined carryover with plush accommodations, a potent powertrain, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $17,138, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,285 average.
• It offers a mildly refreshed style and updated tech.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,051, 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: The 2020 is the best all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of price, safety, and upscale comfort. If you are focused on saving money, the 2019 is the better value play, while the 2021 makes sense only if you specifically want the later-year updates and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.