If you’re shopping for a fuel-efficient used Nissan under $9,000, there are several great options that offer surprisingly good gas mileage without sacrificing reliability or comfort.
Nissan has quietly built some of the most efficient and affordable vehicles on the market, especially for city drivers, commuters, and budget-conscious car buyers. Whether you’re looking for a compact commuter, a hatchback with solid cargo space, or even a small sedan for rideshare work, there’s probably a Nissan that checks the right boxes — and sips fuel while doing it.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best used Nissans under $9k that deliver excellent MPG, along with what to watch for when buying, ownership tips, and a handy comparison table to help you make the right pick.
1. 2012–2015 Nissan Versa (Sedan or Hatch)
- City/Highway MPG: 30 / 38
- Typical Price: $4,500 – $7,000
- Why It’s Worth It: The Versa is one of the cheapest-to-own cars in America, period.
Versas from this era are ultra-affordable and can be found in decent condition for under $7,000. They get solid city and highway mileage, and maintenance costs are low. Go for the base trims if you’re okay with fewer features — they’re less likely to have transmission issues. Watch out for the CVT automatic though; if possible, aim for a manual transmission or get one with documented service history.
2. 2013–2016 Nissan Sentra
- City/Highway MPG: 30 / 39
- Typical Price: $6,000 – $8,500
- Why It’s Worth It: Bigger and more comfortable than the Versa, but still extremely efficient.
The Sentra gives you a bit more interior room and better comfort on longer drives while keeping MPG high. The 1.8L engine is simple and reliable if maintained. Some trims like the SV and SL came with better infotainment features and Bluetooth. Just like with the Versa, pay attention to how the CVT shifts during a test drive.
3. 2011–2013 Nissan Altima (2.5L)
- City/Highway MPG: 27 / 38
- Typical Price: $5,500 – $8,500
- Why It’s Worth It: Midsize comfort with compact fuel economy.
The 2.5L Altima is underrated for gas mileage considering its size. You can find clean examples under $9k with reasonable mileage. It feels more like a “grown-up” car than the Versa or Sentra and makes a better option if you regularly carry passengers. Avoid the V6 versions if fuel economy is your main goal.
4. 2012–2015 Nissan Cube
- City/Highway MPG: 27 / 31
- Typical Price: $6,000 – $8,500
- Why It’s Worth It: Quirky, boxy, and surprisingly useful for urban driving and light hauling.
While not the highest MPG on this list, the Cube is practical for short city trips and fits tall cargo easily. It’s also one of the easiest cars to park. Look for one-owner vehicles and make sure the CVT shifts smoothly — some early models had transmission recalls, but most have been addressed.
5. 2013–2015 Nissan Sentra FE+ S
- City/Highway MPG: 30 / 40
- Typical Price: $7,000 – $9,000
- Why It’s Worth It: Sentra’s most fuel-efficient trim with aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance tires.
This is the trim to get if MPG is your only priority. The FE+ S version of the Sentra was designed specifically for efficiency, and it delivers. It comes with all the typical Sentra comfort but squeezes out a few more miles per gallon. These models are harder to find, but they’re out there.
6. 2011–2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback (1.6L)
- City/Highway MPG: 28 / 34
- Typical Price: $4,000 – $6,000
- Why It’s Worth It: One of the cheapest hatchbacks with decent MPG and excellent city maneuverability.
While not as modern as newer models, these older Versas are super cheap and surprisingly roomy inside. They’re easy to work on, parts are dirt cheap, and the 1.6L engine has fewer issues than the CVT-equipped variants. Just don’t expect much in the way of luxury — these are pure function.
What to Watch Out for When Buying
- Transmission Issues: Older Nissan CVTs (especially pre-2016) can fail early if not maintained. Always ask for service records.
- Rust: Check underbody and wheel wells, especially if the car came from snowy regions.
- Accident History: Use tools like Carfax or AutoCheck and avoid rebuilt or salvage titles.
- Battery & Tire Condition: Since many of these are small city cars, batteries and tires might have been neglected — budget for replacements if needed.
Nissan MPG Comparison Chart (Under $9,000)
| Model | City MPG | Hwy MPG | Best Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Versa (Sedan) | 30 | 38 | 2012–2015 | Cheapest option, basic but reliable |
| Nissan Sentra | 30 | 39 | 2013–2016 | Great MPG + comfort |
| Nissan Altima 2.5L | 27 | 38 | 2011–2013 | Midsize feel with compact economy |
| Nissan Cube | 27 | 31 | 2012–2015 | Unique shape, great for city use |
| Sentra FE+ S | 30 | 40 | 2013–2015 | Best fuel economy trim |
| Versa Hatch (1.6L) | 28 | 34 | 2011–2012 | Cheap, reliable, basic |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a used Nissan under $9,000 that doesn’t suck down gas, you’ve got more options than you might think. While Toyota and Honda tend to get all the attention, Nissan quietly delivers solid fuel economy with low ownership costs — especially if you’re willing to look past fancy interiors and focus on reliability and efficiency.
Whether you go with a Versa for barebones city driving, a Sentra FE+ for that extra MPG boost, or an Altima for more comfort without the fuel penalty, you’re getting good value for the money.