For shoppers looking for a great sedan that is also friendly on their budget, a used 2017 Nissan Sentra may seem like the top choice. It can offer drivers plenty of features and technology, a good view of the road, and a comfortable interior. In many ways, this sedan looks like the choice for more drivers, but when you dig into everything offered, is buying a used 2017 Nissan Sentra a wise investment?

A used model that lags behind the competition

The 2017 Nissan Sentra can seem like a top choice when shopping for a used sedan. Unfortunately, when this sedan was first released, the compact sedan segment was getting incredibly competitive. Even with the competition, this Nissan still offered some positives. 

During the 2017 Nissan Sentra review at the time of release, Consumer Reports noted that this sedan lagged behind the competition. Because of the cheap-feeling interior and underwhelming performance, there were better choices to consider.

When you take the time to dig into this used sedan, you will see that despite the friendly price, this sedan isn’t the best choice for you. Even with a price that, when new, significantly undercut the competition, choosing a 2017 Nissan Sentra was not always the best choice.

Underwhelming performance on most rides

One of the most important aspects of a compact sedan is its performance. If you choose a used 2017 Nissan Sentra, you can choose between two different engines. The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. This engine is unrefined and often seems to be less than needed. Despite the underwhelming performance, this engine is pretty efficient for most drivers. 

Aside from the basic engine, you can choose a used 2017 Nissan Sentra with an upgraded turbocharged engine. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is available on SR Turbo and NISMO models and can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. This engine is the choice for drivers who want a bit of extra performance. This extra power is welcome as the base engine is relatively lackluster.

Consider choosing a used model equipped with a turbocharged engine for an even more enjoyable ride. Not only does the extra power make it one of the fastest Nissan Sentra models, but the upgraded suspension, front brakes, and steering combine for a more enjoyable drive. 

A spacious interior with less than impressive features

One of the positives about the used 2017 Nissan Sentra is that the interior is quite spacious. When stacked against the competition, this interior can offer drivers and passengers an abundance of space. Few competitors can match what this sedan is ready to deliver regarding leg room. Furthermore, the trunk can match those of much larger sedans.

In many ways, this is where the positives end for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Regarding features and technology, this compact sedan leaves a bit to be desired. Many competitors made it easier for shoppers to get higher-quality features and materials. Quality is one of the most notable lapses with a used 2017 Nissan Sentra. Consumer Reports noted that the interior is cheap and drab. Furthermore, the standard seats are unsupportive, and the upgraded seats are only marginally more comfortable. 

Another critical aspect of used sedans is the features and technologies they offer. When you look at a used Nissan Sentra, you can enjoy some great features, but competitors offer many more features. A base model offers drivers few technologies besides four speakers and a USB port. If you want more features and technologies, you’ll have to check out higher trim used models. 

Take care to make shopping easier

When you are shopping for a used sedan, especially an older model, there is a lot you want to consider. First of all, you will want to make sure the mileage isn’t too high, and if it is higher, make sure the car is in good shape. Secondly, you will want to ensure that CVT is in good condition because the 2017 Nissan Sentra has notoriously had transmission problems. Finally, ensure the model you are interested in has a clean vehicle and maintenance history.

There are other tips to make shopping for a used 2017 Nissan Sentra easier.

Should you consider a used 2017 Nissan Sentra?

If you are looking for a used sedan that can offer you the modern features you would like, consider one of the competitors. The Nissan Sentra is an unimpressive and pedestrian compact sedan that doesn’t provide comparable features and a driving experience to the competition. But, if you are simply looking for a car that can get you around town and be perfectly content with putting around in traffic, a used 2017 Nissan Sentra can be a fine choice.

No matter what you decide on, make sure you take the time to ensure you purchase something that can easily last.