2012 Nissan Sentra

The 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra is the B16 generation and grew significantly over its predecessor, moving from the compact class toward the size of a mid-size sedan of a decade earlier. The volume engine was the 2.0-liter MR20DE four-cylinder, with the 2.5-liter QR25DE fitted to the SE-R and SE-R Spec V. Transmissions were a six-speed manual on sporting trims and an Xtronic continuously variable transmission on most others, driving the front wheels. The body is a four-door sedan.

This generation prioritized interior space and fuel economy, with a notably tall roofline and a large rear seat for the class. It was among the first mainstream compacts to adopt a continuously variable transmission across most of the range. The B17 generation that followed in 2013 continued that approach with a smaller, more efficient engine.

As a used buy, the B16 Sentra offers a lot of interior space for very little money. The continuously variable transmission is the central concern on this generation, with a mixed durability record and repair costs that often exceed the value of an older car. Nissan extended warranty coverage on certain applications, and verifying service history and driving the car under sustained load are the checks that matter most. Manual-transmission SE-R Spec V examples avoid the issue entirely and are the enthusiast pick.