Our Top Tips for Finding the Right Used Nissan Rogue

Shopping for a used car means taking some time to do your research. You want to ensure that the used vehicle you choose is going to work for your unique driving needs, as well as fit seamlessly into your budget. Whether you’re a city commuter or new parent, first-time buyer or experienced driver, you’ll quickly realize that certain vehicles are a better fit than others, especially when it comes to compact SUVs. The Nissan Rogue is one of our favorites, and when it comes to making your drive better, you’ll want to consider shopping used in order to get the features you want at a price you can afford.

Here at Illini Nissan, we have a phenomenal selection of used cars for sale near Urbana, and if you’re considering a compact SUV, we recommend the Rogue for a variety of travel needs. Let’s chat about some tips on shopping for a used Nissan Rogue so that you can ensure that you find the best model for your unique travel requirements.

Tip #1 – Evaluate Your Driving Needs

As you’re contemplating buying a vehicle for your treks through Urbana, consider what you require in your everyday travel companion. If you’re a daily commuter, you’ll want to take advantage of a Rogue that’s outstanding on fuel and offers you a ride quality that you can enjoy. In this case, we recommend used models from 2022 and later, as these models showcase a more exciting engine that doesn’t just improve the quality of the ride but also improves fuel efficiency.

Replacing the 2.5L four-cylinder that was found in older models with a 1.5L VC-Turbo turbocharged three-cylinder changed the game for the 2022 Rogue. This energetic engine saunters forward with 201 hp, as opposed to prior models, which only offered 181 hp or less. This makes the everyday commute a more satisfying experience, knowing that when you press down on the gas, you get to feel more intense power as you sail to all of your destinations.

This engine doesn’t just make the Rogue more fun to drive but more efficient as well, with the 2022 model achieving an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, compared to the 2020 model, which achieved 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. If you want to enjoy a better ride quality, as well as improved efficiency, a 2022 or newer Rogue is the one to choose.

Tip #2 – Determine Your Budget

Every driver’s budget is different, and whether you have a high-end Rogue trim on your mind to maximize your time shuttling the little one to daycare each day, or you need something ultra-affordable for the new driver in your family, there’s something available for you in our used Nissan Rogue lineup. The Rogue has been on the market since the 2008 model year, so it’s safe to say that you have plenty of options on the used lot to satisfy your budget requirements.

Vehicles tend to depreciate the most during their first years on the market, so if you want to save money, you’ll want to look closely at older Rogue models. If you want to enjoy more modern design elements and advanced tech while also taking advantage of an attractively low price, choosing a model that’s two or three years old is a great idea. The good news is that the Rogue is inherently on the affordable end of the spectrum, which makes buying used even more beneficial for those on a budget. We recommend sitting down and evaluating your budget, seeing what type of payment will work for you, and going from there.

Tip #3 – Figure Out What Features Are Important to You

Just like every Urbana driver has a different budget, every driver also has different features that they desire in their vehicles. You may want to take advantage of cutting-edge tech, which is a priority for many local travelers. Fortunately, even if you choose a model that’s a few years old, you still get to take advantage of advanced tech—just for a lower price than what’s available on the new car lot, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Models from 2019 and later feature a larger selection of standard driver assistance aids to help make the most of your time on the open road. Those who appreciate some assistance on the road will want to choose a model with ProPILOT Assist, which helps you steer, brake, and maneuver through traffic while you remain focused on the journey ahead.

You’ll also find that models from 2024 and later showcase even more tech available in a broader selection of trims to improve the quality of the ride, including Google built-in capabilities, larger touchscreen displays, and voice assistance features to enhance convenience on board. Carefully consider which features are non-negotiable for you, as well as those that would be nice to have, and then figure out which used models offer them—you may be surprised by just how many used Rogues have cutting-edge features to make your ride better.

Tip #4 – Decide How Much Space You Need

Did you know that the Rogue was once available with a third row of seating? It’s not anymore, but that makes finding a Rogue with the space and configuration you need possible on the used lot. The third row was officially discontinued after the 2017 model year, so if you would like to take advantage of additional seating and space, you’ll want to choose a model from before 2018.

The optional third row made the Rogue stand out from other models in its class, as you won’t find many three-row compact SUVs available. If you need more space in your Rogue to accommodate more passengers or even more gear, you’ll want to consider shopping for a model from this time period.

Tip #5 – Consider Your Style Demands

Driving through Urbana, you’ll see many different types of vehicles with various styling elements that make them stand out in a crowd. If you want to take advantage of more modern styling and higher-quality appointments, you’ll find this in newer vehicles, but this doesn’t mean you have to spring for a brand-new Rogue. Even models that are a couple of years old offer contemporary design elements that wrap you in comfort as you make your way around town.

Take models from 2021, for example; they offer features like genuine leather upholstery, quilted seats, and other elegant materials to add style and comfort to your ride. The Rogue entered a new generation in 2021, offering a slew of styling updates to elevate the quality of the ride. From truck-inspired styling to a bi-level dashboard design, newer Rogue models are supremely stylish and ready to exceed your expectations.

Finding the Right Rogue for You

When it comes to shopping for a used Nissan Rogue, you’ll need an inventory that will impress you, which is exactly what you can expect here with us. With models from various years, showcasing a multitude of features, trims, and powertrains, you’ll surely find the Rogue model to suit your needs on the Urbana streets. Whether you’re seeking out a nearly-new model or a model that’s a few years old, you’ll be able to enjoy unbeatable performance, showstopping style, and features designed to elevate your ride, making buying used the way to shop for those who want options without compromise.