Used 2021 Nissan Maxima for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 9.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 450 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — 4.8/5 owners rate it highly, and the expert rating is 7.33/10. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, design, features, smooth ride, and luxurious interior. That lines up with the Maxima’s use-case as a big sedan that feels more upscale than most other Nissan models, with a premium cabin and a relaxed driving character. The main trade-offs are that it can use more fuel than expected and that it lacks all-wheel drive. Good and great deals account for 26.7% of listings, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a reliable, dependable, and trouble-free ownership experience, with many shoppers saying they can count on it over the long term. The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Maxima as a solid choice with a strong overall package and a powertrain that feels well matched to the car. Nissan’s three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty add some reassurance for used buyers. For a used purchase, the main long-term ownership risk is that higher fuel use and age-related wear can make upkeep less appealing if the car has been neglected.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

At 59.1% 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 multiple owners. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior repair quality, and whether the cabin and electronics still feel well cared for. Because this model year is a sporty, premium-leaning sedan, you’ll want to make sure the car’s condition matches its asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV is the least expensive trim, while the SR adds a more aggressive look and the Platinum sits at the top of the range. The 40th Anniversary Edition package adds two-tone exterior treatment, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats, so it is the most distinctive choice if you want the most visual flair.
• Powertrain: The Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. It is quick enough for everyday driving, but the review notes torque steer and limited front-end grip when you push it harder.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system are optional, and ProPilot Assist is not offered here.
• Infotainment: You get an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and USB-A plus USB-C ports. The system covers the basics, but the review says the interface feels dated and can be awkward to use.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA ratings are 24 mpg combined, 20 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway. The review also notes 20.6 mpg during mixed driving, which reinforces that efficiency is not a strong point.

Which 2021 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima is offered in 3 trim levels: SV, SR, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• SV: This is the entry point, so it makes the most sense if you want the Maxima’s V6 power, standard safety tech, and upscale feel without paying for extras you may not need. It is the value play if you care more about the core driving experience than appearance upgrades.
• SR: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it sits in the middle and adds a more athletic personality without jumping all the way to the top price. If you want the Maxima’s sportier look and a richer feature mix, this is the trim to target first.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the most premium version of the Maxima and are willing to pay for it. It is the trim that gets the 40th Anniversary Edition package, which adds the most distinctive styling and interior touches.

The Safety Shield 360 suite is standard, but ProPilot Assist is not offered on this model year.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

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

• Deal availability: 26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 450 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,449, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $19,755 sits slightly below last year's $21,809.

That price movement suggests the Maxima has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range, you give yourself a better chance of limiting further loss when it is time to sell. The model’s premium feel and strong owner satisfaction can help keep demand steady, especially among shoppers looking for a comfortable, well-equipped sedan.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

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

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The main caveat is that headlights were rated Average by IIHS, and ProPilot Assist is not available on this model year.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Maxima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its strong safety results and premium-feeling cabin.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $17,394, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,755 average.
• It blends space, comfort, and an engaging driving character.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger overall package, the 2021 is the better target because it combines solid pricing, strong safety, and high owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one in clean condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.