Used Nissan Maxima for Sale nearHighland Park, IL

How much does the Nissan Maxima cost in today's market?

Used Nissan Maxima prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Nissan Maxima's current nationwide average price is $15,467, and its lowest point over the past year was $15,467. Recently, prices have come down for the 2021 and 2022 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the Nissan Maxima has broad appeal if you want a sedan with style, comfort, and a strong performance character. The all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Maxima for its powerful acceleration, stylish design, and comfortable, upscale-feeling interiors. Review summaries also repeatedly point to a smooth ride, strong handling, and a well-equipped cabin that feels more premium than many shoppers expect.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2019 models among the highest across all years.

The main tradeoffs center on fuel economy, the CVT’s effect on driving feel, and rear-seat space in some years.

26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Nissan Maxima models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the Maxima as a comfortable, stylish sedan with strong performance and a premium-feeling cabin. Across the model years in the data, that combination is a major reason it continues to attract used buyers.

• Owners rate the Nissan Maxima between 4.3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking service history carefully, especially on older examples where reported reliability concerns appear in owner feedback.

What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Maxima?

Across all model years, at 56.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2023 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360
• Infotainment: an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
• Fuel efficiency: 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)

Which Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offers these trims:

• SV: the base Maxima SV trim level gives you the core Maxima formula at the lowest starting point, making it the best-value trim for shoppers who want the model’s style and comfort without moving up the range.
• SR: the Maxima SR sits above the SV and adds a sportier position in the lineup.
• Platinum: the range-topping Maxima Platinum adds the most upscale presentation, and the 40th Anniversary Edition package builds on it with a two-tone exterior, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white speedometer and tachometer faces, and heated rear seats.

What Nissan Maxima do most buyers choose?

The Nissan Maxima years with the most listings are 2017, 2018, and 2016.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more listings to compare, which can make it easier to find the right color, mileage, and condition. They also often sit in a sweet spot where pricing and equipment line up well for used shoppers.

What is the Nissan Maxima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which creates more room for used buyers to find value. The largest drops are concentrated in recent model years, while a few older and newer examples are changing more slowly. That mix suggests the Maxima is broadly softening in price, with one newer year staying close to flat.

The 2023 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2023, 2014, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Nissan Maxima safe?

• 2021: 9/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2019: 8/10
• 2016: 7/10

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on the 2021 Maxima.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 and 2021 models both post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Nissan Maxima now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2022 model is at −8.01% versus a year ago, and the 2021 model is at −14.44%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 30.9% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2017 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,776. The Nissan Maxima offers a stylish, upscale-feeling cabin that helps it stand out from more ordinary sedans.

If you're buying used today, the 2017 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

How does the 2018 Nissan Maxima compare to the 2018 Toyota Avalon?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.