A used 2019 Nissan Sentra isn’t exciting or necessarily fun to drive, but not everyone needs that from a car. If you’re looking for reliable, safe, and comfortable transportation that won’t break the bank, the 2019 Sentra has a lot going for it.
Although labeled a compact, the Sentra is quite roomy, with a surprisingly large back seat. Models come nicely equipped, with upper trims offering more creature comforts like leather seats and Apple CarPlay.
However, the Sentra list of standard driver assists isn’t as robust as compacts from Toyota and Honda, although some features missing on the base car can be added to other trims.
There are two exceptions to the Sentra’s ho-hum image: the SR-Turbo and limited-edition Sentra Nismo models. Far from Honda Civic Si killers, the turbo engine in both models makes the Sentra a bit more playful and certainly the choice for those who appreciate rapid and acceleration and passing power.
2019 Nissan Sentra S
The most basic Sentra trim is the S, and we mean do mean basic. On a positive note, the S might be the perfect fit for those who hate overly complicated electronics and nagging driver aids.
Power comes from a rather anemic 124-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, the same engine in all but the performance Turbo and Nismo cars. A 6-speed manual is standard, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) optional.
A Sentra S will have 16-inch wheels with styled wheel covers, rear drum brakes, automatic on/off halogen headlights, power mirrors, variable windshield wipers, and chrome door handles. Intelligent automatic headlights turn on when lighting conditions require or when the wipers are activated.
Soft cloth covers the seats, and the driver’s seat is manually adjustable in six ways. Rear passengers sit on a 60/40 split-folding seat. For entertainment, Nissan equips the Sentra S with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD radio with streaming Bluetooth capability controlled via a 7-inch color display. The system includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, voice recognition, one auxiliary input jack, and one USB port with an iPod interface.
On the comfort and convenience front, the 2019 Sentra S includes power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down, power door locks, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry, manual single-zone air conditioning, and rearview monitor. Sentra’s sun visors include sliding extensions to help block sunlight coming in through the side windows.
Automatic emergency braking is standard on CVT-equipped S models.
An optional Appearance Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, and requires the CVT transmission.
When new, the 2019 Sentra sold for between $18,000 and $19,500, depending on transmission choice and a few options. In any other market, we’d expect to see depreciation after two years resulting in pricing in the $15,000 to $18,000 range, with private party numbers a bit lower.
However, due to the 2021 new-car shortage, used car prices are jumping. Regardless of what you may hear, don’t be fooled into thinking you have to pay a higher price. What one dealer in one market is asking isn’t going to be uniform across the country. For example, right now, we are seeing dealer pricing for a 2019 Nissan Sentra S with a CVT ranging from a low of $13,700 for a car with 25,000 miles to as much as $25,000 for a Sentra just barely over 7,000 miles.
To seek out the best deals, try using the Autotrader classifieds, where you can shop by area, mileage, price, color, trim, and many other options. Find 2019 Nissan Sentra S for sale near you
2019 Nissan Sentra S Includes:
- Cruise control – Allows you to set the desired speed and remove your foot from the accelerator. The car will remain at speed until you hit the brake or turn off the cruise.
- Bluetooth – Provides hands-free phone connectivity and also streaming capability from the phone to the audio system.
- Rearview monitor – Shows you what’s behind the vehicle when backing up.
- One-touch up/down driver’s window – Lower or raise the driver’s window without having to keep a finger on the button.
2019 Nissan Sentra SV
In the dollars-to-feature ratio, the SV offers more of what modern car buyers expect. Still, its price should only be a few hundred dollars more than a comparable used Sentra S. Sadly, the only transmission from this point forward is the CVT automatic.
The most significant improvement the SV makes over the S is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The SV also gains 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium cloth seats, 6-speaker audio system, and dual rear illuminated USB ports. Nissan’s Intelligent Key proximity key fob and pushbutton starter are also included, as are dual-zone automatic climate control and the Easy-Fill Alert system that chirps a horn when arriving at the proper tire pressure.
Optional for the SV is the All-Weather Package with heated front seats and side mirrors.
The Special Edition Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear disc brakes, power moonroof, and dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors.
Pricing for the SV should only be a few hundred dollars more than the S and a bit more if equipped with the optional equipment package.
A look at the Autotrader classified shows a low-mileage 2019 Nissan Sentra SV in good condition with the All-Weather Package ranging from a low around $14,800 to as much as $25,000 for one with the Special Edition package and less than 25,000 miles. Find 2019 Nissan Sentra SV for sale near you
2019 Nissan Sentra SV Includes:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Integrates an Apple or Android smartphone into the car’s infotainment system, granting access to voice commands, messages, apps, and music.
- Intelligent Key – Unlock the doors and start the vehicle while keeping the key fob in a pocket or purse.
- Automatic emergency braking – Monitors traffic in front of the vehicle and will alert the driver if a collision is about to occur. If the driver fails to act, the system can automatically slow or stop the car in certain low-speed situations.
- Dual-zone climate control – Allows the driver and passenger to decide the perfect temperature for each zone.
2019 Nissan Sentra SR
The SR adds more standard features to make the Sentra more comfortable but sees no increase in horsepower, driver assists, or high-tech gadgets. However, buyers can opt for a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine good for 188 horsepower within the SR family.
Above the SV’s standard equipment, the SR gains 17-inch alloy wheels, LED low-beam headlights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, side sill extensions, and rear spoiler.
Also making the list are premium sport cloth seats, piano black and sport interior trim, and adaptive cruise control.
The SR Premium Package is a worthwhile upgrade. It includes leather seats, 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, 8-speaker Bose audio upgrade, power moonroof, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink remote.
The SV Turbo adds a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, enhancements to the steering and suspension, and a power moonroof. The SR Turbo Premium Package includes the contents of the SR’s package, minus the moonroof that already comes standard.
When new, the SR was only about $1,500 more than the SV, and with the optional Premium Package, another $3,000 over that.
We think this is an excellent trim for most buyer’s budgets, remaining comfortably in the $17,000 to $18,000 range without options and around $21,000 with the Premium Package’s content.
In the Autotrader classifieds, we’ve seen prices as high as $25,000 for an SR with the Premium Package and less than 10,000 miles. However, due to the big jump in used car prices brought on by a shortage of new 2021 cars, a 2019 Sentra SR’s price range may vary greatly depending on region and supply.
If you’re OK with these elevated prices, you may want to look into buying a Certified Pre-Owned Sentra. It will include a thorough inspection and additional time and mileage added to the factory warranty. The way we look at it, if you’re going to have to buy a used Sentra at a premium price, you might as well get something for your money. Find 2019 Nissan Sentra SR for sale near you
2019 Nissan Sentra SR Includes:
- LED headlights – Provide superior illumination and range over the standard halogen bulbs.
- Heated side mirrors – Activate with the defroster to keep snow and ice from accumulating on the mirror’s surface.
- Adaptive cruise control – When engaged, this system can maintain a set distance between the Sentra and traffic ahead, slowing and speeding up as necessary.
- Available Bose audio – This 8-speaker audio system is leaps and bounds above the stock 6-speaker system and a must-have for music lovers.
2019 Nissan Sentra SL
At the top of the Sentra ladder is the luxurious SL. Only about $5,000 above the price of a base Sentra S with an automatic transmission, some might see the SL as a bargain, especially with a few miles on the clock to help with depreciation.
The SL adds to the SV’s standard feature set with a power moonroof, leather seats, 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, 8-speaker Bose audio, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Conspicuously missing from the list is satellite navigation, auto high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning, something to consider when looking at rivals like the 2019 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.
When new, a fully-loaded SL sold for about $1,000 over the SR Turbo. You can expect to see dealer prices ranging from a low of $18,000 for an SL with less than 20,000 miles to a high of $24,000 for a Certified Pre-Owned car. Expect private party values to be a grand or two lower. Find 2019 Nissan Sentra SL for sale near you
2019 Nissan Sentra SL includes:
- Blind-spot monitor – Monitors the Sentra’s sides and alerts the driver to vehicles that may be riding in or about to enter the vehicle’s blind spots.
- 6-way power driver’s seat – Allows the driver to find the perfect driving position and includes power lumbar support.
- Leather seats – Add a touch of elegance to the interior, and they’re easier to keep clean than cloth.
- Rear cross-traffic alert – When backing up, this system watches for traffic approaching from the sides and warns the driver with an audible tone.
