The 2010 Nissan Sentra lasts around 250,000 miles with only some computer and battery cable issues. At $5,062 to $6,512, it’s a good value for a compact car that buyers can count on.
Is the 2010 Nissan Sentra a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2010 is a good year for the Sentra earning an overall rating of 8/10. Owner reviews praise the fun driving experience, comfortable cabin, and the efficient engines.
- Interior quality is decent at 7/10, with a lot of plastic and cheaper cloth used in the cabin, but the seats are comfortable, and the stereo system is basic.
- Reliability ratings are good at 7/10. Models from 2009-2010 are good choices, but there are a lot more problems with models from 2011–2015.
- Performance is average from the base engine, but the larger 4-cylinder offers good power for the size of the car.
- The Sentra is a safe compact car with a perfect 5-star rating overall in government crash tests, and a 4-star rating in the side impact passenger test.
- Fuel economy is good for a compact car at 29 MPG, which should get owners about 420 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $34/month cheaper than average at $169/month for a Sentra that drives 15,000 miles per year.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Sentra?
- Consumer Reports says the Sentra is a very good daily driver with a roomy cabin, but owner satisfaction scores have dropped as it’s aged.
- Edmunds gives the Sentra a 4.4/5, praising the comfortable seats, but doesn’t like the slow acceleration from the base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sentra 4.3/5 and enjoy the cargo space and practicality, but owners don’t like the poor performance compared to rivals.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Nissan Sentra Have?
The most common problems found on the 2010 Nissan Sentra include the engine failing to start, a bad battery cable, and inaccurate speedometer readings. Overall, these problems are similar to other budget-friendly compact cars from 2010, and repair costs are average as well.
The engine failing to start is the most common complaint from owners at around 45,000 miles. Some owners have found computer issues which prevent the vehicle from starting. Replacing the computer costs about $800, and permanently fixes the problem for most owners.
A corroded battery cable is another issue reported by owners at around 35,000 miles. The battery cables can cause the vehicle to stall while driving and have to be replaced. There was a recall for the issue and Nissan replaced the battery cable free of charge for owners.
An inaccurate speedometer is another complaint from owners at around 1,000 miles. The wheel speed sensor on some models was not accurately calibrated. Changing out the sensor solves the problem and costs about $250 if it develops problems as it ages.
There are 3 recalls, better than other compact cars from 2010. The most serious recalls are both for the battery cable, which can cause the vehicle to shut down and is replaced to fix the issue. The other recall is for a GPS unit and not a big concern.
How Long Will the 2010 Nissan Sentra Last?
A well-maintained 2010 Nissan Sentra will last around 250,000 miles, giving it a durability score of 8/10, which is similar to top rated competitors like the Honda Fit. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a compact car at around $471 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
Since most 2010 Sentra models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the oil pressure sensor for $275, A/C condenser fan costing $250, and the distributor assembly which costs around $600.
I have owned this car for 5 years with no problems having surfaced. The car does need to be realigned frequently and the brakes do have consistency issues.
Yes, it is very reliable. It does have a few problems now like my gas cap does not close anymore. Also, my heat makes a funny noise when it is on. But other than that, I have no major complaints about the car.
I mean it might just be because we didn't buy the car brand new but the speakers need some work. Other than that I love the car.
The sentra does not have any problems. The motor is very strong and since having a tune up the car runs like a champion.
Again, I have not had any major problems. The big thing is that the brakes will squeak from time to time, but it does not affect the performance of the vehicle itself, just makes noise.
Yes it’s reliable but I've had some problems with it recently that I haven't been able to fix due to money issues but I would get my Nissan over again if I had to
Yes! I think it is reliable and I have not had any problems or issues. I feel Nissan card in general for not have any major problems.
The 2010 Nissan Sentra is very reliable. I've only had two issues with it so far but it has been running great since having them fixed.
Is the 2010 Nissan Sentra a Good Value?
Yes, it’s a good value. Blue book prices range from $5,062 to $6,512, which makes the Sentra cheaper than similarly equipped compact cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. When new, the price range was $15,420 to $20,080. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Sentra?
There are six models of the Nissan Sentra offered for 2010. The sixth generation of the Sentra was introduced in 2007 and replaced by the seventh generation in 2013.
2.0 is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
2.0 S is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Driver’s Seat Adjustments
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
2.0 SR is next in the lineup and adds:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sporty Body Kit
- Unique Interior Trim
2.0 SL is a more luxurious model and has:
- Keyless Ignition
- 4.3-Inch Color Display Stereo System
- Bluetooth & USB Connectivity
- Optional Leather Seating
SE-R is a sportier version with:
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Larger Brakes
- Cloth-Sport Seats
- Aluminum Pedals
SE-R Spec-V is the highest performance model, adding:
- High-Performance Tires
- Lowered Suspension
- Rear Reinforcement Brace
- Larger Front Brakes
What Engines Come In the Nissan Sentra?
- The base engine is a weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 140 horsepower and gets up to 29 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 177 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the strongest 2.5L 4-cylinder which generates 200 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Sentra Come In?
How Big Is the Nissan Sentra?
The 2010 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan earning a 7/10 for passenger & cargo space and is similar in size to the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. Passenger space is better than average throughout the cabin, with plenty of legroom for adults in the back seats.
Cargo space is good for a compact car, with enough room in the trunk for 3-4 full size suitcases.
How Does the Nissan Sentra Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Sentra is a run of the mill compact car, and the last good year before the widespread transmission problems which showed up in 2011–2015.
The Hyundai Elantra is a popular competitor offered in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, but the Nissan Sentra is more fun to drive with stronger engines. We recommend the Nissan Sentra for 2010 since there are fewer mechanical problems as well.
The Nissan Altima is another compact car from Nissan which costs about $1,500 more. Passenger space is better in the Nissan Altima and the V6 is more powerful, but the Nissan Sentra stands out with a better steering feel. We recommend the Nissan Sentra since there are fewer transmission problems reported by owners.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Sentra?
Yes, the car is reliable, gas saving, and easy maintenance. The car seats 4 people with comfort but gets tight with 5. Excellent trunk space considering size of car.
Yes, it is. I have had this car for almost 10 years now, and I haven't experienced any major issues with my car. Only in year 8 and 9 have I had to take it to the dealership to get major work done on my car. But, I recommend this car to everyone who needs something reliable.
Yes so far it's been the most reliable car I've had. The car itself is very spacious and its good on gas.
Yes Nissan's are very reliable vehicles. I have not had to encounter any major repairs outside of basic maintenance on the vehicle. The sentra is great on gas and can be a good starter car for a child who is learning to drive.
I think it is a really good vehicle. It is super dependable and I have had minimal technical problems with the vehicle over the past few years. I love the way it feels to drive. The design is simple and sleek.
Yes it’s a good vehicle, very reliable and my very first car that I've had for 3 years so far and one more year to go
I think so! It has been good to me! It is my roommates but I use it often. I think it is reliable and a good city car
Yes, I have found mine to be very reliable and fun to drive. It gets fairly good gas mileage and has responsive handling.