Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearPhiladelphia, PA

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 7.10% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,913 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.2/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency, and the car’s quiet cabin and attractive design reinforce that appeal. The Sentra is also framed as a smart choice for commuters and first-time new-car buyers who want value without giving up polish.

The main trade-offs are that all-wheel drive is not available and the stereo is lacking, with a manual transmission also unavailable. Even so, the Sentra’s combination of everyday comfort, efficiency, and value makes it a strong fit if you want a well-rounded compact sedan. Good and great deals account for 34.6% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

User feedback points to a car that owners feel good about keeping, with repeated praise for its dependable feel, fuel efficiency, and safety features. The expert review also describes it as reliable and a car you can live with for years, while emphasizing that it is efficient and well suited to commuting.

The ownership picture looks reassuring for used buyers, though you should still pay close attention to maintenance history and overall condition before you commit.

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

At 69.6% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had any prior damage. Focus on body condition, signs of repair quality, and whether the cabin and trunk show the kind of wear that matches the mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the base model and is nicely equipped, but the SV adds rear disc brakes and nicer interior materials, while the SR brings the nicest interior appointment and access to desirable options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.
• Powertrain: All models use a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive, and the setup is tuned for adequate commuting performance and strong efficiency.
• 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, and more. 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 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 phone integration is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway for S and SV models, while SR models are rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

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 starting price and still want standard safety tech, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touchscreen. It is the best fit if you care most about keeping costs down.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and upgraded audio and connectivity features.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most polished cabin and the most feature-rich setup, including the nicest interior appointment and access to NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.

SV and SR models also get intelligent cruise control, while SR models can be upgraded to include 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 can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,913 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.10% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,946, 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 $14,946 sits slightly below last year's $16,088.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive resale environment if prices continue to ease. If you buy well now, you may benefit from the lower entry cost, but you should not expect a strong short-term appreciation story.

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 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, 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.

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:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.10% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds a polished redesign-era balance of safety, technology, fuel economy, and style.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,513, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $14,946 average.
• It delivers major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,420, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $14,946 average.
• It emphasizes comfort, approachable tech, and balanced execution.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, features, and market availability, the 2021 is the primary pick. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look for a lower entry cost.

How does the 2021 Nissan Sentra compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Nissan Sentra:

• Pros: Stylish design, Quiet cabin, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Stereo is lacking, Manual transmission not available.

2021 Honda Civic:

• Pros: Stylish design, Multiple body styles, Fun to drive.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Outdated technology, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Sentra 7.2/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Sentra leans more toward comfort, quietness, and value, while the Civic offers more body-style variety and a more engaging driving character. If you want the better bargain and a calmer cabin, the Sentra makes a strong case; if you care more about driving fun and variety, the Civic has the edge.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.