Used 2021 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearNew York, NY

How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 8.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 446 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, design, and features, and they also highlight the smooth ride and luxurious interior. The model’s modern touches and overall satisfaction level reinforce its appeal if you want a big sedan with a more upscale feel.

The trade-offs are clear: the Maxima is not especially efficient, and its back seat is cramped. It also lacks all-wheel drive, so it fits you best if you value style, comfort, and a strong V6 more than winter traction or maximum practicality.

With 27.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for its comfort, features, and overall satisfaction over time. The expert review also describes the Maxima as a solid choice for buyers who want a big sedan with upscale character and strong safety credentials.

Nissan’s warranty coverage includes a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which helps reduce early ownership risk. For a used buyer, the main long-term concern is making sure the car has been maintained well, since a V6 sedan with lower fuel economy can be more expensive to live with over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

At 59.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had prior bodywork or inconsistent service records. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin, and whether the car feels tight and well maintained on the road.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV gives you the core Maxima formula, while the SR adds a more upscale and sport-oriented presentation. The Platinum sits at the top, and the 40th Anniversary Edition package adds two-tone exterior treatment, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats.
• Powertrain: You get a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. It feels quick and the V6 sounds good, but the front-drive layout can bring torque steer under hard throttle.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system are optional, and ProPilot Assist is not offered.
• Infotainment: The Maxima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and USB-A and USB-C ports. An 11-speaker Bose audio system is available.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA ratings are 24 mpg combined, 20 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima is offered in 3 trim levels: SV, SR, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• SV: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Maxima’s V6 power, standard safety tech, and core infotainment features without the extra appearance and comfort upgrades. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model.
• SR: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds a more athletic and upscale feel while staying below the top trim. If you want the strongest mix of equipment and price, this is the one to focus on.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the most premium Maxima experience, especially if you value the richer interior presentation and the available 40th Anniversary Edition package.

The standard Safety Shield 360 suite is a strong plus across the lineup, but ProPilot Assist is not included.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 446 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,449, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $19,772 sits slightly below last year's $21,625.

That decline suggests the Maxima has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a softer pricing environment than they would have a year ago. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you can help protect your exit value later.

The model’s broad appeal comes from its comfort, style, and safety reputation, which can support demand when you eventually sell. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.

One caveat is that the IIHS headlights were rated only “Average,” even though the rest of the crash performance was excellent.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Maxima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a 40th Anniversary Edition package and strong safety ratings.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $17,359, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,772 average.
• It blends space, comfort, and an engaging driving character without feeling overwhelming.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped and more current shopping target, the 2021 is the stronger pick. If your priority is saving money and you still want the Maxima’s core comfort-and-V6 appeal, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.