Midsize sedans
Used Toyota Camry vs Nissan Altima: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The Camry is the stronger long-term bet — better resale and a cleaner reliability record. The Altima is usually cheaper to buy used, but its CVT history means transmission service records and a careful test drive are non-negotiable before you commit.
Model years
2007–2024
Mileage outlook
Camrys routinely exceed 250,000 miles. Watch for interiors that look more worn than the odometer suggests — a classic rideshare tell.
Model years
2013–2024
Mileage outlook
Engines are durable, but unserviced CVTs often fail between 60,000–120,000 miles. Fluid changes every 30,000–40,000 miles are the survival factor.
Toyota Camry
A used Toyota Camry is a strong buy with two caveats: 2007–2011 four-cylinder cars can burn oil from piston ring wear, and Camrys are heavily used as rideshare and fleet cars, so check the wear-versus-mileage story closely. 2018+ models have an excellent record.
Known issues to check
- 2007–2011 2.4L (2AZ-FE): oil consumption — check the dipstick and ask directly about oil top-offs
- 2007–2011: some automatic transmission hesitation complaints; confirm smooth shifts on the test drive
- 2012–2017: very reliable; main risks are accident history and deferred maintenance
- 2018+: strong record; verify no rideshare history and that recalls (fuel pump) were completed
What to verify
- Dipstick oil level and consumption history on 2007–2011
- Rideshare/fleet history: title, wear, and the seller's story
- Recall completion via the VIN at NHTSA.gov
- Smooth, hesitation-free shifts on the drive
Nissan Altima
Used Nissan Altimas are cheap for a reason: the 2013–2016 CVT transmissions fail often enough that a CVT service history is the single most important document the seller can show you. A discounted Altima with CVT records and a smooth, whine-free test drive can still be a sensible budget buy.
Known issues to check
- 2013–2016 CVT: shudder, whine, overheating and failure — the defining issue; warranty was extended on some years
- 2017+: improved but still service-dependent — fluid records matter
- Hood latch and passenger airbag sensor recalls on several years — check VIN
- Interior wear runs ahead of mileage on rental/fleet examples — Altimas were heavily fleeted
What to verify
- CVT fluid service records (non-negotiable)
- Extended test drive: no shudder at low speed, no whine at highway speed
- Rental/fleet history on the title and history report
- Recall completion via VIN
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Toyota Camry can be a smarter buy than a neglected Nissan Altima, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Camry or Altima listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingToyota Camry vs Nissan Altima: FAQ
Is the used Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Toyota Camry watch-items and the Nissan Altima watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Toyota Camry or the Nissan Altima?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima?
The Camry is the stronger long-term bet — better resale and a cleaner reliability record. The Altima is usually cheaper to buy used, but its CVT history means transmission service records and a careful test drive are non-negotiable before you commit.