Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearRochester, NY

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 10.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 482 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection 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 repeatedly point to its stylish design, powerful performance, and comfort-focused features. The Maxima is also described as fun to drive, with a plush interior and a strong sense of character.

The trade-offs are its CVT transmission and pricing, along with an interior that can feel dated compared with newer sedans. For you, that means the Maxima makes the most sense if you want a roomy, upscale-feeling sedan with an engaging personality rather than the newest tech.

Only 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards careful comparison shopping.

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 live with, especially when you value comfort, style, and strong performance over flashier tech. The same feedback also suggests you can count on it as a satisfying daily driver if you accept its quirks.

The expert evaluation reinforces that the Maxima is built around a durable-feeling, comfortable cruising character, with a powertrain that is sufficiently strong for most drivers. It also notes that the car is easy to live with, which supports the case for steady ownership.

If you buy used, your biggest long-term risk is ending up with a car whose condition or maintenance history doesn’t match its upscale image.

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

At 56.8% 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 listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven wear, and any evidence that the car’s condition doesn’t match the seller’s description.

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 Maxima 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 is standard on SV and higher, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 7.0-inch driver display. NissanConnect Services is reserved for the 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 is the one most likely to leave you wanting more convenience and tech. It makes sense only if your priority is getting into the Maxima at the lowest possible price.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the core infotainment and comfort features that make the Maxima feel modern enough without pushing you into the highest prices.
• SL: This trim is the better pick if you want a quieter, more comfort-oriented setup, since it adds the more upscale feel that suits the Maxima’s cruising personality.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportiest look and feel, including the 19-inch wheels and paddle shifters. It is the trim that leans most clearly into the Maxima’s engaging side.
• Platinum: This is the most premium choice, with the richest cabin presentation and the most upscale equipment. It is the right pick if you want the Maxima to feel closest to a near-luxury sedan.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trims, but traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control skip the base model, while lane intervention is limited to SR and Platinum.

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 stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 482 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 56.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,048, 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 $17,109 sits slightly below last year's $19,155.

That decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the market, which can be good news if you are buying now but less favorable if you plan to sell soon. If you own one, you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the model still has a recognizable identity and a loyal audience, a clean example can remain appealing to used buyers. The challenge is that the broader price trend is working against sellers, so strong presentation and documentation matter more than ever.

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 IIHS and NHTSA testing, and its front crash prevention results were given the top "superior" rating by the IIHS.

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, and lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.

That means the Maxima gives you a strong standard safety foundation, but you should still check whether the specific trim you are considering includes the driver-assistance features you want most.

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:

• 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 56.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It offers a plush cabin, a potent V6, and minimal changes after the 2019 refresh.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,877, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,109 average.
• It brings a mild refresh with updated style, technology, and interior features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,580, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,109 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the right pick if you want the Maxima’s core strengths at a softer price than the 2021. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2019 is the smarter value play because it delivers much of the same character for less money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.