Buying your first car can be so exciting—and it’s great to hear you’re doing some research first. Overall, the best model years for the Nissan Altima
are 2011 and 2012 due to their high reliability scores and low number of complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although these model years are usually a safe bet, make sure you take the time to test drive the car and check out its vehicle history report before you buy. Keep in mind that cars that have been involved in multiple accidents have a much higher rate of mechanical failure and performance problems than accident-free vehicles.
Other good model years for the Nissan Altima include 2001, 2004, and 2007. These models also have relatively few complaints and will likely cost less than a 2011 or 2012 Altima—but because they are older cars, you might spend more on repairs compared to a newer vehicle.
On the other hand, if you have the budget to buy a newer used car, Altimas from 2020 or 2021 are your best bet in terms of resale value, and will command a higher price on the used car market if you plan to sell the vehicle in a few years.