Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearPhoenix, AZ

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,829 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 helps it feel more upscale than many compact sedans at this price point.

The main trade-offs are that all-wheel drive is not available, the manual transmission is not offered, and the stereo is lacking. It fits best if you want an affordable compact sedan that feels polished, efficient, and easy to live with rather than sporty or especially versatile.

With 30.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with repeated praise for its fuel efficiency, safety, and overall day-to-day livability. That kind of feedback usually matters most when you want a used car you can count on over time.

The expert evaluation also describes the Sentra as reliable and efficient, with a mature, well-sorted driving feel. It is the kind of compact sedan that should reward routine maintenance and careful ownership.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the basic mechanical package and more about finding a well-kept example with no hidden history or neglect.

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

At 70.4% 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 prior damage or multiple owners. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use, including cabin wear, tire condition, brake feel, and any signs of noise or trim issues.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the base model, while the SV adds rear disc brakes and nicer interior materials, and the SR brings the nicest interior appointment plus access to desirable options. The base trim is the one most likely to feel lightest on equipment.
• Powertrain: All models use a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder 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 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/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined in S and SV trims, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined in SR trim.

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 keeping purchase cost down.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and intelligent cruise control. It gives you the most noticeable everyday upgrades without jumping to the top trim.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most upscale presentation, the nicest interior appointment, and access to desirable options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor. It is the trim to consider if you want the most features and are willing to pay more for them.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, while intelligent cruise control is included on SV and SR models.

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: 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,829 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.4% 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 $15,493 sits slightly below last year's $16,595.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your best resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and documentation.

Because the Sentra has broad appeal as an efficient, well-equipped compact sedan, clean examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. A well-kept car with strong records is more likely to hold buyer interest 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 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 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.

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:

• 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra combines strong safety, good value, and a polished cabin after its recent redesign.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,920, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,493 average.
• It delivers a major redesign with a more upscale look and stronger style, tech, and driving feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,811, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,493 average.
• It builds on the redesign with a comfortable cabin, easy-to-use tech, and a polished everyday feel.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the sweet spot if you want the best balance of price, safety, and features. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while still delivering much of the same core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.