Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,888 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options 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 stands out for its quiet cabin and strong value for money, which makes it feel like a smart choice rather than a compromise.

The main trade-offs are that all-wheel drive is not available, the stereo is lacking, and a manual transmission is not offered. For you, that means the Sentra makes the most sense if you want an efficient, polished compact sedan for commuting and everyday use rather than a more engaging or versatile setup.

Only 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective but still worth shopping.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

User feedback points to a car that owners feel good about living with over time, with repeated praise for its dependable feel, fuel efficiency, and overall satisfaction. The expert evaluation also describes it as reliable and a strong value for the money, which reinforces the sense that it is built for everyday use rather than short-term novelty.

The cost-effectiveness review also frames it as a car you can live with for years, which is a useful sign if you plan to keep your used car for the long haul. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about the core package and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy daily use.

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

At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a careful inspection of the body, cabin condition, and any signs of noise or wear that could point to harder use. It is also smart to focus on how the car feels on the road, since the Sentra’s appeal depends heavily on its overall refinement.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the base model and is nicely equipped, but the SV adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, and upgraded tech, while the 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, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, intelligent engine brake, active ride control, intelligent trace control, hill-start assist, 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 models get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, and wireless capability is 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 fit if you care most about getting the Sentra’s core strengths at the lowest cost.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, and upgraded tech without jumping to the top of the range. If you want the most balanced mix of equipment and price, this is the one to focus on.
• SR: This is the right choice if you want the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor. It also gets the 8-inch touchscreen and the most upscale presentation in the lineup.

Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control, and 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 expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,888 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,035, 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 $15,273 sits slightly below last year's $16,346.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a market that is still adjusting downward from prior levels. If you buy well now, you may be starting from a more realistic price point than shoppers did a year ago.

For resale, the key is to choose a clean, well-kept example with the right equipment and a strong condition history. Cars that present well and have broad appeal tend to be easier to move later, especially in a competitive compact-sedan market.

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 received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (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, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, intelligent engine brake, active ride control, intelligent trace control, hill-start assist, 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 include a 360-degree camera system, which gives you an extra layer of visibility if you want the most complete safety setup.

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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra combines a polished cabin, strong fuel economy, and standard safety tech in a well-rounded compact sedan package.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,809, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,273 average.
• It feels more upscale than its price suggests.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,709, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,273 average.
• It is easy to live with and well balanced.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, safety, and everyday livability, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value path; if you want to spend more for a newer-year alternative, the 2022 is the natural step up.

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