Buying a Used Nissan

A Japanese car manufacturer founded in 1911, Nissan is one of the world’s leading manufacturers today. The first car they produced was called the DAT, and it wasn’t until the 1930s that the Nissan name would be used for the first time. Some of the earliest cars made by the company were the Datsun range which were produced from 1931 but the brand was phased out in the UK by 1984 while the Nissan brand was being introduced. Despite some handling issues, the Datsun range remains an iconic part of Nissan’s history. Today, used Nissan cars are known to be extremely reliable and cost effective to run.

With the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, Nissan, the Japanese number two, is now one of the largest automobile companies in the world.  While they specialise in smaller city cars, they have successfully branched out into the SUV, pickup and MPV markets. 

Used Nissan cars can be classified into several categories: city cars, hatchbacks, SUVs, station wagons, minivans, coupé-cabriolets and pick-ups. To help you make the right choice, here are SPOTiCAR’s picks of the best used Nissan models on the market. 

USED NISSAN CITY CARS 

The used Nissan city car category includes top models such as: 

• Nissan Micra 

Often featured on second-hand sites, the used Nissan Micra is Nissan's most well-known and best-loved city car. Depending on the edition and condition of the vehicle, the price can range between £10,000 to £13,000. This versatile city car draws strength from its efficient and economical engine, and quality standard equipment. 

• Nissan Note 

A compact second-hand Nissan Note will impress with its charming exterior dimensions, flexibility, interior space and the ease with which it handles urban traffic conditions. 

USED NISSAN HATCHBACKS 

• Nissan Pulsar 

This compact hatchback easily competes with its main rivals, the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308 and Ford Focus. For around £12,000, you could be the proud owner of a car with excellent handling, perfectly mastered soundproofing and generous space. 

• Nissan Leaf 

If you’d like to go electric, the used Nissan Leaf and Leaf 2 were made for you! Admittedly, the first generation Nissan Leaf has a rather weak battery run time when compared to a Renault Zoé (250km against 400km), but it makes up for this with the ability to connect to high speed terminals (up to 50kW) and achieve an 80% charge in just 30 minutes – something which is not possible with a Renault Zoé. 

The range between 151 and 226 miles using the battery alone, makes the Nissan Leaf highly versatile as city cars. There are a good range of trims available for the Leaf, making it a popular Nissan approved used car. Its 5 door hatchback configuration means it is practical for family use, and it has plenty of interior space. The trim levels include S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, and the SL Plus.

USED NISSAN SUVS 

• Nissan Juke 

A well-known model from the brand, the Nissan Juke is an effortlessly trendy SUV, with a youthful and fun design. This urban crossover offers many customisation options, both for the exterior and interior, giving it appeal for both male and female customers. Trendy, compact, agile and comfortable, a used Nissan Juke is the ideal second-hand SUV for those looking to stand out. 

• Nissan Qashqai 

One of the first crossover offerings from Nissan, the 130hp Energy 1.6 dCi engine of the Nissan Qashqai offers great power on paved roads as well as on dirt roads. All used Nissan Qashqai models have a large boot, generous interior space and ultra-comfortable suspension. A 7-seater version is also available. 

• Nissan X-Trail 

Another key SUV model from the brand, the Nissan X-Trail can have 5 or 7 seats, making it an excellent family vehicle. The 2 and 4-wheel drive options let you enjoy your used Nissan X-Trail on all kinds of terrain. 

There are other SUVs available in our used Nissan range, such as the Nissan Murano and Nissan Pathfinder. 

USED NISSAN FAMILY CARS 

• Nissan Evalia 

If you’re looking for a reliable station wagon with good value for money, consider a second-hand Nissan Evalia. 

Nissan offers one of the most complete second-hand family car ranges, from the multipurpose vehicle to the van. Discover the SPOTiCAR range of used Nissan NV200, NV300 and NV400 vehicles, as well as our used Nissan Primastar models. 

USED NISSAN PICK-UPS 

• Nissan Navara 

A serious contender for the king of pick-ups, up there with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200, a used Nissan Navara offers spacious interiors and excellent handling. The 2.3TD 190 hp engine and 6-speed manual gearbox offer the driver impressive responsiveness. When purchased as a second-hand commercial vehicle, a Nissan Navara comes with significant tax advantages. 

USED NISSAN COUPES AND CONVERTIBLES 

Both the Nissan 370Z and Nissan GT-R are well-known to be capable of competing with the best sports cars.