The 2018 Nissan Sentra lasts around 200,000 miles with minor brake switch and air conditioning system issues. At $13,225 to $17,750, it’s a good value for a small sedan with more room than the competition.
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Nissan Sentra, although it’s mediocre compared to other compact cars on the market, giving it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, efficient engines, as well as low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than other small cars, the seats have thin cushions, yet cargo space is good in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are not any major problems on the 2018 Nissan Sentra. Avoid models from 2011–2016, which all have widespread transmission failures. 2017–2021 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 6/10 – The base engine in the Nissan Sentra is slow, while the turbocharged SR model is a bit quicker, yet still not fast.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Sentra is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control are all optional.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 32 MPG, giving 422 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $51 cheaper than average, at $161 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2017 Nissan Sentra is cheaper than other compact cars, although it’s also weaker & feels old, making it just an okay value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Sentra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Nissan Sentra is outdated, and in need of a redesign, with lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sentra at 3.4/5, praising the user-friendly stereo system, but doesn’t like the thin cushions on the seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sentra a 3.7/5, enjoying the spacious interior for its size, but owners don’t like the slow driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Nissan Sentra Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Nissan Sentra include issues turning on or off, hot air coming from the A/C system, as well as some rare transmission failures. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact cars, with lower repair costs as well as they age.
Issues turning on or off happen on some 2018 Nissan Sentra models at around 20,000 miles. There’s a problem with the brake switch, which prevents the car from being able to be started or shut down. Replacing the brake switch costs around $200, depending on local labor rates.
Hot air coming from the A/C system is another issue reported by some owners at around 30,000 miles. Usually, when the A/C system doesn’t cool down the car there’s an issue with the compressor or condenser. Changing out either of the units costs around $750.
Transmission failures are also still mentioned on the 2018 Nissan Sentra, although they’re less common than in earlier years. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a known weak spot in some Nissan cars. They have been improved over the years, yet if one does fail it still costs around $3,000 to replace.
There are 2 recalls on the 2018 Nissan Sentra, which is close to other compact cars from the same year. The first recall covers the brake lights while the second covers the backup camera. Nissan will replace the light switch and update the backup camera software on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Nissan Sentra Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Nissan Sentra can last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles shorter than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $368 per year.
As a 2018 Nissan Sentra reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor for $350, a voltage regulator costing $400, as well as the camshaft position sensor, which costs $200.
Yes, the vehicle is very reliable as it beeps when the car gets close to another vehicle and has a rearview camera to certify safety. The vehicle does not have any problems.
I haven't had a problem. Everything seems to be working out great! It is the car I wanted since I was 16 and now I am grateful I was able to get it.
It is reliable. Again, the two main complaints I have are that I do not think the brakes are that great and it has a blind spot. I also find I sometimes open the trunk when I do not mean to because there is a release in the steering wheel that I inadvertently touch.
No problems at all. As long as I keep up with the oil changes and it is maintenance. The car has giving zero problems.
It has no problems at all I love the way it drives very good camera to back up with I also love the way it looks and the interior.
I had my car for over a year now and I have not had any problems with it so far. I get in it everyday and don't have to worry about a thing. It has automatic feature to let you know if something is going wrong.
So far it has been a very reliable car for me and my family. We have not had any problems with this car so far
Yes, the vehicle is very reliable for the most part. Have not had any issues and only had the scheduled maintenance done so far.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is decent for a compact car, offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth while a larger 5.8-inch touchscreen is optional.
Standard safety technology is good, offering a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, as well as automatic emergency braking.
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Nissan Sentra is a good value, although it’s a bit outdated compared to some other compact cars. Blue book fair market prices range from $13,225 to $17,750, making it less expensive than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,990 to $25,790. Depreciation is similar to average, 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 in 2018, from the base S all the way up to the well-equipped SL.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Air Conditioning
- Cloth Upholstery
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- Cruise Control
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Rearview Camera
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
SV is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SR is next in the lineup with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Unique Cloth Seating
- Rear Disc Brakes
- LED Headlights
- Foglights
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Front Seats
SR Turbo has upgrades including:
- Sport Tuned Suspension
- Upgraded Front Brakes
- Sunroof
- Improved Steering
Nismo is a sportier model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Exhaust
- Unique Interior Trim
- 8-Inch Touchscreen With Navigation
- Eight-Speaker Bose Stereo System
SL is the flagship model and adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Driver Seat
- Blind Spot Monitoring
What Engines Come In the Nissan Sentra?
- The base engine is a weak 1.8L 4-cylinder which makes 124 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Found on the SR Turbo model is a stronger 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which generated 188 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. It also comes with a six-speed manual transmission or re-tuned CVT. Performance is good, taking 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Sentra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Sentra?
The 2018 Nissan Sentra is not as comfortable as other compact cars on the market, and offers seating for up to five passengers. Seating is okay, although the cushions are thinner than many competitors, which makes them firm for longer drives.
Passenger room is surprisingly good for a car of its size, offering enough legroom in the rear seats for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Sentra Have?
Cargo room is larger than other small sedans since there’s enough space for 3-4 full size suitcases in the 15.1-cubic foot trunk.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the Nissan Sentra was released in 2013, and replaced by the eighth generation in 2020.
2015: Standard Bluetooth & USB connectivity on all models.
2016: Minor exterior styling changes to front and rear bumpers, new driver information screen.
2017: New SR Turbo model and a larger center console.
2018: Standard automatic emergency braking on all models.
2019: Standard NissanConnect infotainment system on SR, SL and Nismo models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the eighth generation with new engine, exterior, and safety tech.
2021: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models, Wi-Fi hotspot added.
How Does the Nissan Sentra Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Sentra is an average compact car, there are fewer problems than in earlier years, yet it’s still clearly built to be a budget-friendly choice which misses out on the fun factor found on other cars.
The Chevy Cruze is a competitor available in the same price-range. Where the Chevy Cruze stands out is with a more comfortable interior, while the Nissan Sentra offers better reliability ratings. We recommend the Nissan Sentra since there are fewer mechanical problems reported by owners.
The Hyundai Elantra is another compact car which costs about $800 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Nissan Sentra offers a sportier driving experience. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra since you get more features for your money, although both are decent choices for shoppers on a budget.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Sentra?
Yes, the 2018 Nissan sentra sv is a good vehicle as it has different characteristics such as: 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, intelligent auto headlights, 7' touch-screen display, rearview monitor, and Bluetooth streaming audio.
Yes, it is! It is really great to drive to work the nephews to school or just hangout with friends. I can either have my nephews in the back and when I am driving with my friends the trunk is big enough for the car seats to on in the back! I even helped my friend move with that car!
Yes, it is good (but not great). My main complaints are that I think it has a rather sizable blind spot and a lot of Give in the brake pedal. I feel I have to push down quite a bit before the brakes begin to take hold.
Yes, it is a great gas saver, especially when traveling. Very roomie in the inside and everything is very easy to control and use.
Yes very reliable very smooth ride good radio and good air conditioning starts every time very quiet engine.
Yes it good on the gas mileage. It drives great. My Nissan midnight edition. It also has backup camera.
I Absolutely love this car. It drives smooth. It has a good amount of trunk space. I love the push to start button
Not really. It does not have any special bells and whistles. It is a basic car and is good for a teenage driver. Not for an adult.