Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,881 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.83/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The Sentra also comes across as a smart choice for everyday commuting, with an upscale feel for the class and strong value for money.

The main trade-offs are that it does not offer all-wheel drive or a manual transmission, and some owners note concerns about trunk space and noise while driving. That makes it a better fit if you want a polished, efficient compact sedan rather than a more engaging or utility-focused one.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 29.7% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.83/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for its fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall everyday livability. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing the Sentra as efficient and reliable, with a well-sorted driving feel.

That said, used buyers should still pay close attention to maintenance history, because long-term ownership risk depends heavily on how well the car was cared for before you buy it.

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

At 70% 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 any signs of prior bodywork or uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use, including cabin wear, tire condition, brake feel, and any unusual noise or vibration on the test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the base model, while SV adds some tech, rear disc brakes, and nicer interior materials. SR brings the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.
• Powertrain: All Sentra models use a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control; SR models can also be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.
• Infotainment: The S trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR use an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free text messaging. Wireless smartphone integration and over-the-air capability are not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined in S and SV trims, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined in SR form.

Which 2021 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and still want standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It is the best-value trim for shoppers who care most about price and core safety tech.
• SV: This is the sweet spot for many buyers because it adds nicer interior materials, rear disc brakes, and more tech while staying below the top trim. If you want the most balanced mix of equipment and price, this is the one to target.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most upscale cabin, the 8-inch touchscreen, and access to features like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor. It is the right pick if you want the most content and are willing to pay more for it.

SV and SR models also add intelligent cruise control, while SR can be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without waiting forever.

• Deal availability: 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,881 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,033, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $15,502 sits slightly below last year's $16,611.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. For a future seller, that means your best protection is to buy a clean, well-kept example and avoid overpaying up front.

The Sentra’s strong owner satisfaction should also help sustain demand when it is time to sell. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.83/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and it includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control; SR models can also be upgraded to a 360-degree camera system.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra 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:

• 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra blends strong safety, good tech, and efficient commuting manners into a polished compact sedan.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,902, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,502 average.
• It delivers a more upscale look and major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,850, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,502 average.
• It offers a well-rounded, comfortable, and easy-to-use small sedan package.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usability, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same appeal.

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