2021 Nissan Altima — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2021 Nissan Altima

Owners praise the 2021 Altima's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission for smooth, quiet highway cruising at 70 mph with minimal cabin noise. The spacious back seat fits three adults without shoulder-bumping, and the standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay works without lag on first attempt. Fuel economy hovers around 28–32 mpg combined depending on driving habits, which beats comparable sedans from Honda and Toyota by a small margin.

Common complaints and known issues

The CVT transmission develops a hesitation or shudder between 40k and 80k miles on many examples, sometimes requiring recalibration or full replacement under warranty extension (Nissan extended CVT coverage to 10 years/120k miles in 2021). Dashboard rattle behind the steering wheel emerges around 50k miles and is difficult to locate without disassembly. Paint peeling on hood and roof has appeared on dark-colored units after 3–4 years of outdoor parking, particularly in sun-heavy regions.

Typical asking price

Under 60k miles: $18,500–$22,000. 60k–100k miles: $16,000–$19,500. Over 100k miles: $14,000–$17,000. Spread driven by CVT repair history, accident reports, and regional supply; mid-Atlantic and Midwest stock tends $1,000–$2,000 lower than West Coast.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.