The Used Car Buyer's Guide to purchasing a Used Nissan in Grand Rapids, MI
Known across the globe as a leader in quality, Nissan is a name you can trust when shopping for a used car. From the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer's very first DAT car in 1914 to today's popular models like the Nissan Rogue, Altima, and Maxima, Nissan has a long history of producing reliable vehicles that stand the test of time.
Grand Rapids, MI, is a great place to start your search if you're in the market for a used Nissan. With a wide selection of dealerships, you're sure to find the perfect Nissan for your needs and budget. In this used car buyer's guide, we'll give you some tips on what to look for when purchasing a used car, truck, or used SUV so you can buy a used Nissan with confidence, whether it's your first time buying a car or you're a seasoned pro.
Nissan history
Nissan has quite a complex history, as the company has been known by several names over the years. The DAT car mentioned earlier was actually produced by a predecessor company called Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works. The company was subsequently named Kaishinsha Motorcar Co., Ltd., and then DAT Jidosha & Co., Ltd. In 1926, they merged with Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd to become DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Shortly after, they came out with the Datsun Type 11 - the first car to bear the Datsun name, which was later changed to Datson.
In 1934, the company name was changed to Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., after another series of changes and mergers, and it began exporting vehicles to Australia in 1935. In 1937, the first Japanese mass-produced vehicle, the Datsun 15, was released. Throughout WWII, Nissan mainly focused on producing trucks and military vehicles.
With American engineer, William R. Gorham, at the helm, Nissan began to produce vehicles for the US market in 1958. The first model exported to America was the Nissan Bluebird. In the 50s, Nissan's relationship with Austin began when they signed a contract to assemble Austin’s for the Japanese market. In 1959, Nissan started building Austin A40s led to the development of the Nissan Cedric and Gloria - two models that were very popular in Japan.
The energy crisis in the 60s saw Nissan well-positioned to export vehicles to the US market, as their smaller cars were more fuel-efficient. The Nissan Sunny was particularly popular, as was the Nissan Stanza, which followed in the late 70s.
The 80s saw a shift in focus for Nissan as they began to produce more luxurious models like the Nissan Maxima and 300ZX. The Datson name was dropped in 1986, but it would be resurrected in 2013 as a line of low-cost cars. This decade cemented Nissan as the best-selling Japanese brand in Europe.
During the 90s, Nissan's North American operations were consolidated, and the company began to produce more SUVs and trucks. The Nissan Pathfinder was released in 1987, followed by the Nissan Quest in 1993. The Frontier pickup truck was also released in this decade. In 1999, Nissan famously entered into an alliance with Renault. This alliance allowed Nissan to share technology and engineering resources and helped the company avoid bankruptcy.
The new millennium saw Nissan focus on producing environmentally-friendly cars like the Nissan Leaf - the world's first mass-produced all-electric car. They've also released several new SUVs in recent years, such as the Nissan Kicks and the popular Nissan Rogue.
Looking to the future, Nissan is working on developing autonomous vehicles and has plans to release a new line of fully-electric cars. With a long and rich history, there's no doubt that Nissan is a reputable and reliable car company, producing high-quality vehicles that are good investments for used car buyers.
Nissan technology highlights
Having always been an innovative company, Nissan has been at the forefront of many new technologies over the years. Here are just a few of their most notable achievements:
- In 1973, Nissan released the world's first mass-produced vehicle with electronic fuel injection - the Nissan L24E engine.
- In 1983, Nissan released the world's first mass-produced V6 engine - the Nissan VG30E.
- In 1992, Nissan became the first Japanese car company to win the Deming Prize for quality control.
- In 1997, Nissan released the world's first mass-produced car with a continuously variable transmission - the Nissan Primera.
- In 2010, Nissan released the world's first mass-produced electric car - the Nissan Leaf.
Nissan's modern-day technology highlights include their ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system, which is available on several models including the Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Rogue. This technology uses sensors to assist the driver with steering, accelerating, and braking, making highway driving less stressful and more enjoyable.
Nissan's e-POWER system is another cutting-edge technology available on select models like the Nissan Note and the Serena. The hybrid system uses an electric motor to power the car, with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator for battery recharging. This unique setup gives drivers the instant torque and acceleration of an electric car without the need to plug in and recharge.
Nissan has also developed artificial ears, which improve noise levels inside their cars. This technology is said to have been used to develop the new Nissan Primera and has resulted in a 45% reduction in interior noise. The new Nissan Primera will also have its own On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system, allowing drivers to monitor their emissions in real time.
Nissan is also working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop the Virtual Backseat Driver technology, which uses sensors and cameras to read the road and identify potential hazards, going as far as predicting a dangerous maneuver and overriding the driver's control if necessary.
Why buy a used Nissan
Without being too reductive, we'd say affordability is the most important factor when considering a used Nissan. Used car prices are, on the whole, more reasonable than their brand-new counterparts. If you're looking for the safety and high-tech features that Nissan vehicles offer at an affordable rate, a used Nissan is your best way to go.
There are, of course, many other advantages to buying a used Nissan:
Nissan is a reputable and reliable car company with a long history of producing high-quality vehicles. As a Japanese automaker, it's no surprise they're known for their reliability. In fact, Nissan ranks highly on reliability indexes year after year. Their safety features include adaptive cruise control, predictive forward collision warning, automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring.
Used Nissan cars are full of cutting-edge features and technologies, making them some of the most advanced on the road. Nissan vehicles are packed with the latest tech features, like the NissanConnect infotainment system with a touchscreen display, voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity. You'll also find features like Bose premium audio systems, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Nissan's Around View Monitor multi-camera system gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering a breeze. Nissan's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also available on used Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs, along with a host of advanced tech features such as Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Backup Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and Navigation-cooperative Distance Control Assist, which helps you maintain a safe speed according to the curve you're driving.
Nissan models boast high resale value, even third-hand, meaning you can get more for your money when you sell or trade in your used vehicle. Models like the Nissan Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder have high resale value thanks to their desirability, reliability, and leading-edge features.
Nissan offers a wide range of vehicles to suit all budgets and needs, from small cars to SUVs. The used Nissan Micra is a great option for city driving, while the used Nissan Juke is perfect for those who want a stylish and sporty ride.
Purchasing a used Nissan in Grand Rapids, MI
Purchasing a used car can be a great way to save money, and Nissan models are known for their affordability, reliability, and resale value. When you're ready to start your search for a used Nissan in Grand Rapids, MI, the following tips will help you find the perfect used Nissan vehicle for your needs.
If you just need a used car in Grand Rapids, consider checking the rest of our inventory.
Start by narrowing your search to a specific model that interests you. Questions you should ask include :
- What is my budget?
- What size vehicle do I need?
- What features and technologies are important to me?
Once you've decided on the models you're interested in, it's time to start your search. Test driving is an vital part of the process, so take each vehicle you're considering for a spin. Things you should be looking out for when test driving a new car include:
- How does the car feel on the road?
- Does it accelerate smoothly?
- Do the brakes work well?
- Are the controls user-friendly and easy to use?
When you've found a used Nissan that interests you, ensure you get a full history report to get an idea of the car's maintenance history and any previous accidents or damage. Red flags include:
- A car that's been in multiple accidents
- A car with a patchy maintenance history
- A car with significant body damage
Your used Nissan should give you years of trouble-free driving, but it's always a good idea to purchase extended warranty coverage, if available, to give you peace of mind. Purchasing a used car is a big decision, but with careful research and due diligence, finding the perfect used Nissan for your requirements is sure to be a quick and efficient process.
Most popular Nissan cars
Used Nissan cars have long been popular among drivers for their affordability, reliability, and stylish design. Some of the best-loved Nissan models include the Nissan Leaf, which is the world's best-selling electric car, the Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, and Nissan Sentra. Used Nissan cars have topped the list of best-sellers in the United States for many years, and with good reason. Nissan cars are known for their excellent fuel economy, and many models come equipped with cutting-edge features and technologies. With a used Nissan car, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a Nissan vehicle without the high price tag.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the world's best-selling electric car, and for good reason. The Nissan Leaf offers an impressive range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, making it a great option for city driving. The Leaf also comes equipped with a host of advanced features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. With a used Nissan Leaf, you can enjoy all the benefits of electric motoring without range anxiety.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan known for its affordability, fuel economy, and modern design. The Altima offers advanced features, including Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. A used Nissan Altima is a great option for families or individuals looking for a reliable and stylish sedan.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its luxurious interior and sporty handling. The Nissan Maxima offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for five passengers and a wide range of advanced features, including Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Blind Spot Warning. A used Nissan Maxima is a great option for drivers looking for luxury and functionality in a reliable Nissan sedan.
Nissan Sentra
First released in 1982 as a replacement for the Datsun 210, the Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan with excellent fuel economy and a spacious interior. A used Nissan Sentra is a great option for drivers looking for an affordable and efficient Nissan car. The Sentra comes standard with features like Bluetooth connectivity and a rear-view camera, and is available with advanced features like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Most popular Nissan trucks and SUVs
Used Nissan trucks and used Nissan SUVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as drivers appreciate these vehicles' versatility and functionality. With a history of producing military trucks in the 1930s, Nissan has long been a leading manufacturer of tough and reliable trucks. Of course, their focus on luxury and comfort has only increased over the years, making Nissan trucks and SUVs some of the most desirable used cars on the market. The most popular Nissan trucks and SUVs include the
Nissan Murano
First entering the market in 2002, the Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV known for its stylish design and luxurious interior. The Nissan Murano offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for five passengers and a wide range of advanced features. A used Nissan Murano is a great option for drivers looking for a reliable and stylish SUV that's not too big to maneuver, and has all of the tech and safety features you could ask for.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capability and spacious interior. The Armada offers seating for eight passengers and all the added extras in terms of features. A used Nissan Armada will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of owning a full-size SUV without going over your budget, seeing you enjoying road trips and family holidays for many years to come.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV best known for its excellent fuel economy and spacious interior. The Rogue offers room for five passengers, a premium cabin, and a wide range of advanced features. A used Nissan Rogue is a great option for drivers looking for a reliable and efficient SUV with an emphasis on safety features and comfortability.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck known for its affordability and off-road capability. The Nissan Frontier offers ample space for cargo and can seat up to five passengers. With a towing capacity of over 6,000 lbs, the Frontier is a great option for drivers who need a used Nissan truck that can handle tough jobs. A used Nissan Frontier is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful truck that won't break the bank.
Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. A used Nissan Titan is a great option for drivers who need a powerful and reliable truck that can handle the toughest jobs. The Nissan Titan offers more than enough space for cargo and can seat up to six passengers. With a towing capacity of over 9,000 lbs, the used NissanTitan is one of the most capable used trucks on the market.
As a non-traditional used car dealership in Grand Rapids, we sell other makes such as Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota and many others.
