Used Nissan cars buying guide
Nissan is one of the world’s best-known car manufacturers. The Japanese firm makes a wide range of different cars, from the compact Micra hatchback to the Qashqai and X-Trail family SUVs and sports cars such as the GT-R and the 370Z. Nissan was one of the first car brands to make a big-selling electric car with the Leaf, which is still one of the most popular electric cars in the world.
Most Nissan cars give you excellent value for money and its recent models are available with lots of high-tech features including sophisticated driver-safety aids such as automatic emergency braking and useful tech such as a 360-degree-view parking camera that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the car and its surroundings.
Which used Nissan cars are for sale?
There’s lots of choice when it comes to used Nissan cars for sale. The Nissan Micra is a great option if you’re after a compact hatchback, while the Nissan Note is another small hatchback but with a more practical body style reminiscent of an MPV. The Nissan Pulsar and Nissan Leaf are mid-size hatchbacks that give you lots of space for your money.
Nissan’s SUV models are very popular and range from the compact Nissan Juke to the mid-size Nissan Qashqai and the larger Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan Ariya – a pure-electric mid-size SUV slightly larger than the Qashqai – was introduced in 2022.
Are there any hybrid or electric Nissan models?
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first big-selling electric cars. The first-generation car went on sale in the UK in 2011, while the second-generation model arrived in 2018. Both are practical family hatchbacks that are among the most cost-effective electric cars you can buy. The Nissan Ariya SUV – the brand’s second pure-electric model – has been on sale new since 2022.
Nissan doesn’t make as many hybrid models as some car brands. A full-hybrid version of the Nissan Juke was introduced in 2022, however, and the latest Nissan Qashqai is available with mild-hybrid petrol engines. There’s also the Qashqai e-Power model, essentially a pure-electric car that uses a petrol engine to charge its battery.
What are the most popular Nissan models?
Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai is a compact but practical family car that also comes very well-equipped with features. The current version has been sold new since 2021 and has distinctive styling and efficient mild-hybrid petrol engines, while the earlier model – sold new from 2014 to 2021 – is still an attractive car and represents great value.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an electric family car that represents superb value for money. It’s one of the best-selling electric cars and has been on sale in the UK since 2011 so there are loads to choose from within different budgets. While battery range isn’t as extensive as in some rivals, there are few other manufacturers that will give you a very decent electric car that’s this affordable.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a bold-looking compact SUV that has been hugely popular since the first version was introduced in 2010. An all-new version arrived in 2019, carrying on the themes of distinctive looks and excellent value for money. Style is the major selling point of this crossover SUV, but it’s reasonably practical, too.
Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra is a compact hatchback that’s as at home on the motorway as it is on city streets. The latest version, sold new since 2017, comes with either a petrol or diesel engine, while an automatic gearbox was added in 2019.
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is a large SUV that’s available with five or seven seats and a choice of petrol or diesel engines. You can also select a manual or automatic gearbox and front- or four-wheel drive – it’s a car that can fit into a lot of different requirements and budgets. The diesel version is particularly popular as a tow car.
Which Nissan models are SUVs?
Nissan makes several SUVs. The smallest is the Nissan Juke, while the slightly larger Nissan Qashqai has long been a favourite with British drivers. The all-electric Nissan Ariya is slightly bigger still, while the Nissan X-Trail is Nissan’s largest recent SUV, available with five or seven seats.