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How to finance a Nissan

Plus, explore its cashback programs for college grads and military servicemembers.

With solid midrange prices and a variety of models that fit daily life, Nissan is a popular Japanese car brand for a reason. If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of a new or new-to-you Nissan, you’ve got plenty of financing options — from a car loan through a bank or online lender to financing directly through the dealer.

How can I finance a Nissan?

If you don’t have the cash to drop on a car straight off the dealership lot, you may want to consider a loan. One option is to take out a car loan from a bank, credit union or online lender.

By comparing lenders, you can often secure a lower interest rate and better terms than you’d get by negotiating at the dealership itself. Another option is to take out a personal loan, though this is usually more expensive since the car you’re buying doesn’t secure your loan.

However, if speed is your main concern, then you may want to consider getting your loan directly through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC). It’s usually faster than going through a bank or online lender, but it may not get you the lowest rates. Here are your two options:

  • Financing through NMAC. NMAC handles vehicle financing through its licensed Nissan dealers. While the special rates offered vary by location, some past deals included 0% APR for five years and $4,000 cash back.*
  • Leasing through NMAC. Leasing a Nissan is similar to renting it. You pay to drive the car for a specific time period or mileage limit, and when that period is over, you can return it or buy it outright. The exact deal you’ll qualify for depends on the model you’re interested in and where you live. In the past, we saw leasing offers like the 2019 Nissan Altima available for $239 per month for three years and $3,399 due at signing.*

Your local dealership may also have its own special deals, like cash back or low down payment options. The specific rates and terms you qualify for will depend on your credit history and personal financial situation.

*Rates as of November 26, 2018.

How to apply with Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation

NMAC’s online application is an easy way to see if you’ll qualify before heading to the dealership:

  1. Go to the NMAC website and choose All shopping tools under the Shopping Tools dropdown menu.
  2. Select Get Pre-Approved under the Finance category.
  3. Confirm you meet the requirements and hit Get Started.
  4. Enter your full name, address, email, phone number, date of birth and Social Security number. Then select an authorized dealership.
  5. Enter information about your employer and income.
  6. Select the vehicle you want to buy or lease and your preferred financing terms.
  7. Submit your application and wait for a response.

NMAC should respond to your request for financing within 48 hours.

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation pros and cons

Pros:

  • Discounts for recent college grads and military service members
  • Option to change repayment due date or defer one payment
  • Live online chat available on its website

Cons:

  • No online application for borrowers with a coapplicant
  • No discounts for first responders or repeat customers

Compare car loan options for your new Nissan

Use our comparison table for a side-by-side view of available lenders to help you get behind the wheel of a new Nissan. Select up to four loan providers at once.

1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Filter Values Minimum credit score APR Loan term Requirements
PenFed Auto Loans
Varies
Starting at 5.19%
3 to 7 years
Active membership with PenFed
One of the largest national credit unions in the U.S., it offers new and used auto financing with transparent low rates.
CarGurus
CarGurus
Varies
Varies depending on the lender
3 to 6 years
Varies depending on the lender
Caribou
650
5.69% (as low as)
1 to 6 years
18+ years old, US citizen or permanent resident
A car loan connection service for borrowers looking to refinance.
Carvana
No minimum credit score
3.9% to 27.9%
1 to 6 years
18+ years old, annual income of $4,000+, no active bankruptcies
Get pre-qualified for used car financing and receive competitive, personalized rates.
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What special discounts or programs does Nissan offer?

Nissan offers two cashback programs for military members and college graduates.

  • Grad cash program. College students who’ve graduated in the past two years or plan on graduating in the next six months could qualify for up to $1,000 cash back on leasing or financing a new Nissan.
  • Military cash program. If you’re an active-duty or reserve servicemember or are retired with at least 20 years of service under your belt, you could qualify for up to $1,000 cash back on leasing or financing a new Nissan.

What will a new Nissan cost me?

The cost of a new Nissan depends on where you live and any special promotions going on. The base MSRP ranges from slightly under $12,500 for a 2019 Versa and nearly $50,000 for the most basic trim of the 2019 Armada.

Choose a type

Cars

Versa

  • Starting MSRP: $12,460
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 31/39

Sentra

  • Starting MSRP: $17,890
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 29/37

Altima

  • Starting MSRP: $24,000
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 25/34

370z

  • Starting MSRP: $30,090
  • Build: Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 19/26

Maxima

  • Starting MSRP: $34,050
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 21/30

GTR

  • Starting MSRP: $99,900
  • Build: Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 16/22

SUVs

Kicks

  • Starting MSRP: $18,640
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 31/36

Rogue

  • Starting MSRP: $22,340
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 25/32

Murano

  • Starting MSRP: $31,370
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 21/28

Pathfinder

  • Starting MSRP: $31,530
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 17/23

Armada

    • Starting MSRP: $47,100
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: Not Available

Trucks

Frontier

  • Starting MSRP: $19,090
  • Build: Truck
  • City/highway MPG: 19/23

Titan

  • Starting MSRP: $30,690
  • Build: Truck
  • City/highway MPG: 15/21

Hybrid/Electric

Rogue

  • Starting MSRP: $27,700
  • Build: Hybrid SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 26/33

Leaf

  • Starting MSRP: $29,990
  • Build: Electric Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 99/124

Car insurance costs that come with driving a Nissan

What is Nissan’s warranty for new vehicles?

Every Nissan is backed by both a basic coverage warranty that’s good for three years or 36,000 miles, as well as a five-year, 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Nissan’s Security+Plus Extended Protection Plan, which covers out-of-pocket component repairs as well as roadside assistance, rental and towing can be a wise addition.

Bottom line

Before investing in a Nissan, consider your budget and the type of loan that best suits your financial needs. Going through NMAC might be quicker, but you may be able to get a lower rate or better term with a bank, credit union or online lender.

Check out our car loans guide to learn more about how borrowing works and compare your loan options.

Frequently asked questions

What is an extended warranty?

An extended warranty covers regular maintenance and repairs for your new Nissan for longer than the standard warranty. This can be especially useful if you think you won’t be able to cover these costs on your own.

How much should I put down on a new Nissan?

The amount you put down depends entirely on the dealer and your financial situation. However, a good rule of thumb is to have anywhere from 10% to 20% of the car’s cost as a down payment.

How good is a used Nissan?

While you’ll have to do your research and make sure your seller is legit, used cars are equally functional as new cars. In fact, many authorized Nissan dealers sell certified preowned cars that come with a 167-point inspection to ensure you’re getting a quality vehicle.

Image source: shutterstock and Nissan’s official page

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