Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.74% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,856 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $15,035.08, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 its stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency, and the broader feedback also points to a quiet cabin and strong value for money. The main trade-offs are that the stereo is lacking and the car does not offer all-wheel drive or a manual transmission.

For you, that makes the Sentra a smart fit if you want a compact sedan that feels more polished than basic and works well as a commuter or first new car. With 30.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

Owner feedback describes the Sentra as reliable, and the broader praise for its fuel efficiency and strong safety performance reinforces that it’s a car many buyers feel they can count on. The expert evaluation also points to a comfortable, grown-up compact sedan with features and capabilities you can live with for years.

The performance write-up adds that the Sentra delivers positive feedback in the way it feels and drives, with a solid, well-sorted character that supports everyday dependability. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about making sure the specific car you choose has been cared for properly.

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

At 70.1% 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 been in any collision. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs that the cabin or electronics have been repaired poorly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is nicely equipped, but SV adds nicer interior materials and rear disc brakes, while SR brings the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options.
• Powertrain: All models use a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT.
• 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.
• Infotainment: The S gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR get an 8-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless capability is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: S and SV models are rated at 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, while SR models return 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined.

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 Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It is the best fit if you care most about keeping costs down.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds nicer interior materials, rear disc brakes, and the 8-inch touchscreen while staying below the top trim’s price.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup, plus the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.

All trims get the same standard safety suite, and SV and SR 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 can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,856 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.74% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,035.08, 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 $15,542 sits slightly below last year's $16,666.

That price movement suggests the Sentra has become a more approachable used-car buy, which can help future resale by keeping it attractive to budget-conscious shoppers. At the same time, the softer market means you should expect some depreciation pressure if you buy at the wrong price.

Because the model combines strong value, good fuel economy, and broad appeal, it should remain easy to explain to future buyers. 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 a 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, and 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:

• 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.74% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Sentra feels more polished and well-rounded.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,845, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,542 average.
• It delivers major style, technology, and driving-dynamics upgrades over the older Sentra.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,984, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,542 average.
• It remains easy to live with, comfortable, and stylish for everyday use.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday polish, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value target; if you want to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 is the natural step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.