If it is your first time looking for a vehicle, you’ve probably heard of Nissan. Since 1931, the brand has been responsible for making the most reliable and affordable cars in the industry. While there is consumer skepticism about the quality of the newer models, it’s still a vehicle worth buying.
While Nissan may have a reputation as a great auto manufacturer worldwide, do they make good first cars?
The vast majority of Nissan’s vehicles are easy for first-time drivers to get used to because of their responsiveness and smooth ride. While Nissan also has a range of performance vehicles like their GT-R, it’s extremely unlikely that a first-time driver would pick up such an expensive and fast vehicle.
Throughout this article, we’ll give you information on what makes Nissan cars so great. We’ll even show what features to avoid to ensure better car longevity. By the end, you’ll have enough insight to make a conscious buying decision.
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So Why Do Some Nissans Make Good First Cars?
Nissans make good first good cars because they are designed to meet the highest engineering standards. Most Nissan and Tesla models come with features such as pedestrian detection and forward-collision warning. These features allow first-time drivers to drive safely when they’re on the road.
In addition, modern vehicles such as the Nissan Rogue, Altima, and Sentra have done well to meet today’s standards. On average, a Nissan Rogue costs around $26,700, making them a good choice if you’re a driver on a budget.
Based on finder.com, the Nissan Rogue costs around $178 monthly. This totals up to $2,136 annually. The Rogue is $1,136 more expensive than the national average, making it a good car if you have the right budget for it.
Plus, the Nissan Altima will cost around $183 monthly and $2196 annually. Because of this, Nissan cars have high insurance costs most of the time. While they are costly in insurance, you don’t have to pay too much for Nissan vehicles as a downpayment.
While Nissan, Dodge, and Porsche vehicles can have high insurance rates, the cars are still reliable. Nissan cars have earned high ratings in crash tests operated by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NIHS (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). If you come up with a reasonable budget, a Nissan is a great first car to purchase.
Now that you know why Nissan is a reputable brand. We’re going to show a few models that might be of interest. Here are the best Nissan models you can choose from when seeking your first car.
Which Nissan Models Make Great First Cars?
Here are some Nissan models that are suitable for first-time buyers.
Nissan Rogue
As we’ve previously stated, the Nissan Rogue is a great car for first-time drivers. For instance, it includes a 3 cylinder VC turbo, which has a mechanical way of changing the engine’s compression ratio.
While this might appear seamless to a driver, it improves fuel economy and increases power. This car has a cargo area of 36.5 cubic feet near the second row.
Once the seats are folded, the cargo area is increased to 74.1 cubic feet. Most drivers won’t notice any issues with their fuel economy when driving, giving you enough power to drive for extended road trips.
You should consider getting the Nissan Rogue if you want an SUV with substance. It has powertrain updates and has a better gear coverage through the help of its transmission. Thus, making it a good choice if you want a simple yet effective SUV for your family.
Nissan Maxima
If you’re trying to buy a Nissan Maxima, expect to pay around $32,610. From an insurance perspective, it costs around $173 monthly. That adds up to $2,076 annually, meaning that it’s more expensive than average.
When driving, the Nissan Maxima’s brakes take 113 feet to stop from 60 mph. While it may not be as large as competing brands, the Nissan Maxima is suited for those who like German sedan vehicle attributes.
Get the Nissan Maxima if you want a car that has high-quality performance. It has a 20/30 (city/highway) fuel economy, which is good for light to medium levels of commute. Since the car is front-wheel drive, it decreases production costs and reduces weight while driving.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra costs approximately $16,990. It’s one of the more expensive vehicles in terms of insurance. Expect to pay around $220 monthly or $2640 annually. While this car has a low down payment, just make sure you have enough saved for your insurance fees.
In addition, the Nissan Sentra has 14.3 feet of cargo space. While this is less than previous models, this car can sit up to 4 people. You’ll like a vehicle if you need something that provides a quiet and smooth ride.
Modern Sentra models come with an infotainment system and keyless entry. These are great features because they allow you to enter your car faster and allow your passengers to watch their favorite shows. So get the Nissan Sentra if you want an inexpensive yet entertaining vehicle.
What Nissan Cars to Avoid
Faulty Internal Parts
When getting your first Nissan or Toyota, always check the quality of the parts before making a purchase. Some drivers complained that Nissan has sensor malfunctions, push-button ignitions, and Constantly Variable Transmission issues. Knowing these issues beforehand can help you establish a budget based on repairs.
Newer Models Owned by Renault
Nissan has been a Japanese car brand for over 90 years. After Renault has acquired them, experienced drivers have noticed a drop in quality. While you can still buy a newer model, just know that you’re better off buying some of Nissan’s original vehicles.
Ride Quality
Some of Nissan’s cars, such as the Nissan Murano, can be difficult to ride for beginners. For instance, this car has limited rear visibility, which makes parallel parking a nightmare. So make sure you give your Nissan or Mazda vehicle a test drive before purchasing.
Conclusion
To conclude, Nissan is a great car if you know what you’re getting. Because of this, it is important to check the insurance fees, ride quality, and reliability of the vehicle before buying. That way, you can leave the dealership with a Nissan that’s suited to your preferences and have a car that works best for you.
