Used Nissan Maxima for Sale nearSanta Maria, CA

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 $15,865, and its nationwide low point over the past year was $15,593. 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 a strong owner reputation and a clear identity as a stylish, comfortable sedan with a premium feel. The all-generations owner rating is 4.55/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners repeatedly praise its powerful performance, stylish design, and comfortable interiors. Across the expert reviews, the Maxima also stands out for its upscale cabin, strong standard equipment, and engaging road manners.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert coverage are the CVT’s effect on driving feel, limited rear-seat space, and fuel economy that trails some rivals.

27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Nissan Maxima models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Maxima as comfortable, stylish, and enjoyable to drive, with strong performance and a premium-feeling cabin coming up again and again. Expert coverage also reinforces the model’s appeal through its solid standard equipment and composed road manners.

• Owners rate the Nissan Maxima between 4.31 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by focusing on service history and condition, since some model years have owner-reported reliability concerns.

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

Across all model years, at 56% 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 trim starts the lineup with the Maxima’s core comfort, style, and premium-feeling character, making it the best-value choice for many shoppers.
• SR: adds a sportier setup and a more performance-focused feel for buyers who want a sharper personality.
• Platinum: brings the most upscale equipment and serves as the range-topping choice.
• 40th Anniversary Edition: adds a two-tone exterior, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge 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 the most visible used picks because they give you more inventory to compare and more chances to find the right price, mileage, and condition combination.

What is the Nissan Maxima's resale value?

Most model years are moving lower year over year, which creates more room for used buyers to find value. The declines are especially pronounced in several recent and mid-cycle years, while one newer year is essentially flat and a few others are down by smaller amounts.

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

The 2023, 2022, and 2014 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 −6.22% versus a year ago, and the 2021 model is at −13.38%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 33.8% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2017 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,924. The Nissan Maxima offers a stylish, premium-feeling cabin that helps it stand out from ordinary sedans.

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

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