The Best Used Nissan To Buy

With attractive styling and an above-average reliability rating, the 2017 Nissan Altima is the best used Nissan to buy.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Jan 17, 2023
The Nissan Altima is the best used Nissan to buy. The 2017 Altima specifically stands out for its above-average reliability rating and up-to-date safety technology. 
The Nissan Altima series is the brand’s long-running family sedan model. Boasting attractive styling queues and acceptable safety ratings, the Altima is a great choice for a used car if a new Nissan is out of your budget. 
Producing models for nearly 90 years, there are plenty of used Nissans out there to choose from, but you’ll need to know which model is going to serve you and your family the best. That’s why
Jerry
, the top-rated
car insurance
broker app, has compiled all the research you’ll need on the best used Nissan to buy. Plus, stick around for some tips on how to save on your
Nissan insurance costs
.
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The best used Nissan to buy: 2017 Nissan Altima

Nissan is passionate about introducing innovative technology to transform the way their customers live and drive—and the Nissan Altima is no exception. The long-running model has stood the test of time, making it the perfect used Nissan to buy

What makes the 2017 Nissan Altima a good used car?

With so many models in Nissan’s nearly century-long history, what makes the 2017 Altima the best choice for second-hand drivers?
Our rating system for evaluating used cars hinges on four major factors: true cost to own, safety features, reliability, and customizations. Let's take a closer look: 
  • True cost to own: When calculating the true cost of owning your used Nissan, you’ll have to look beyond the price tag and take into consideration unexpected costs for things like maintenance, insurance, and repairs—all of which can be higher when shopping used. 
  • Safety features: You’ll need to accept that, when shopping used, you’re likely to sacrifice cutting-edge safety technology. The best used Nissan will offer safety features that hold up, even years later. 
  • Reliability: Saving money by shopping used is a wasted endeavor if the car breaks down as soon as you leave the dealership. Instead you’ll want a used Nissan you can depend on. 
  • Customization and styling: While you won’t have total control over customizing your used Nissan, the best used model will offer a variety of trim levels and a timeless aesthetic. 

The true cost of owning a 2017 Nissan Altima

The true cost of ownership for your car is the total sum of the purchase price as well as costs of operation, such as maintenance, insurance, and financing fees. 
Thankfully, because the 2017 Altima is a relatively new car, you’re unlikely to inherit any major issues caused by years of wear and tear. That said, the car’s relative newness will also result in both a higher price tag and higher insurance costs. 
However, the 2017 Altima benefits from an above-average reliability rating and good safety test ratings, both of which are likely to temper insurance costs and help you avoid unexpected maintenance and repair bills. 

Purchase price

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a 2017 Nissan Altima starts at about $24,650, but a used model will run you somewhere closer to $10,000 depending on the car’s mileage. 

Costs of operation

With a good credit score and a decent down payment, you can lower your overall loan and interest payments for a used 2017 Altima. 
The 2017 Altima will also have lower depreciation costs than a newer Nissan, which can lose nearly 60% of its value in the first five years. The 2017 Altima will still have noticeable depreciation rates, however, due to the model only being seven years old. 
There are a number of trim level options available for the 2017 Altima—12, to be exact. Deciding which trim level best suits your needs will be a matter of both performance and budget. Where the base 2.5-liter 4dr sedan boasts an MSRP of $22,500 new, the 3.5-liter 4dr sedan will run you an extra $10,000 but offer higher horsepower, torque, and an increased engine size. 
Opting for lower trim levels will result in both lower maintenance costs and a lower insurance premium compounding the money you’ll save over higher trim options. 
Fuel costs for a used 2017 Nissan Altima aren’t likely to break the bank with a fuel economy of 27mpg  in stop-and-go traffic and 31mpg for highway cruising. 
Key Takeaway With its slashed price tag, high reliability rating, and competitive fuel economy, the total cost of owning a used 2017 Nissan Altima is comparatively low. 

Safety features of the 2017 Nissan Altima

The 2017 Nissan Altima offers a range of safety features comparable to newer models due to the car’s youth. Standard safety features included in the 2017 Altima include:
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Front and side-impact airbags
  • Overhead airbags
  • Pretensioners
  • Stability control
  • Security system
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
gave the 2017 Altima five out of five stars during collision tests evaluating protection during impacts for driver’s, overall front, side-pole, side barrier passenger rear seat, overall side, and side-pole barrier combined. Additionally, the NHTSA gave the Altima an overall collision test rating of five out of five stars. 
Similarly, the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
rated the Altima as “good” in terms of protection during high-speed front and side crashes in all areas except “ease of use”.

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima a reliable used car?

According to
J.D. Power
the 2017 Nissan Altima displays above-average reliability, with the sedan rated at 3.5 out of 5 stars. 
The only complaints drivers of the 2017 Altima have issued are in reference to the interior’s outdated aesthetic and the engine being louder than typical for its class
Performing routine maintenance on your used Altima will also help to improve its reliability. Getting your used car regularly inspected will not only aid you in keeping up with typical wear and tear, but also stop any issues before they develop into expensive and dangerous problems. 
In general, you can expect a 2017 Nissan Altima to last approximately 200,000 to 300,000 miles. 

Customization and styling

Beyond worrying about the cost and reliability of your used Nissan, you’ll want to find a model that is enjoyable to own and drive. Available in an impressive 12 trim levels, the Nissan Altima is rife with opportunities for customization
Boasting an LCD screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, and leather upholstery, the 2017 Altima’s higher trim levels offer a driving experience that is not only reliable and cost-effective, but also enjoyable. 

How to find affordable insurance for a used Nissan

While a used 2017 Nissan Altima features a slashed price tag compared to buying new, drivers can still expect to pay upwards of $3,000 a year on insurance for the model. 
Car insurance
can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. Licensed insurance broker and all-around super app
Jerry
can help to connect drivers with the lowest rates from the country’s top insurance providers. Just download the app, enter your information, and watch as the savings roll in!
Saving users an average of over $800 a year, Jerry could cut your insurance costs for a used Nissan significantly in just 45 seconds
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