2002 Nissan Altima Price: Historical MSRP, Depreciation, and Current Used Market Value

Key Takeaways

• The 2002 Nissan Altima launched as a fully redesigned third-generation model, introducing a V6 option and significantly larger dimensions than its predecessor.
• Original MSRP ranged from roughly $16,500 for the base 2.5 to about $26,000 for well-equipped 3.5 SL models, depending on options and destination charges.
• After more than two decades, used-market pricing is driven less by original trim and more by mileage, rust, transmission health, and maintenance history.
• Typical private-party values in today's market generally fall between $1,200 and $4,500, with exceptional low-mileage examples occasionally exceeding that range.
• The 3.5-liter V6 models usually command a modest premium but carry higher fuel and maintenance costs, while four-cylinder models remain the value-focused choice.

Historical Pricing Context at Launch

The 2002 model year was pivotal for the Altima. Nissan repositioned the sedan from a compact, economy-leaning offering into a midsize competitor aimed at the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. That repositioning affected pricing: the 2002 Altima was larger, more powerful, and more feature-rich than the 2001 model, and its MSRP reflected that shift.

Original MSRP by Trim (2002 Model Year)

Trim	Engine	Original MSRP (Approx.)	Key Positioning
2.5	2.5L I4	$16,499 - $17,500	Entry-level, manual transmission focus
2.5 S	2.5L I4	$18,000 - $19,500	Popular volume trim with added comfort features
2.5 SL	2.5L I4	$21,000 - $22,500	Upscale four-cylinder with luxury-oriented equipment
3.5 SE	3.5L V6	$22,500 - $24,000	Sport-oriented V6 with performance emphasis
3.5 SL	3.5L V6	$24,500 - $26,000	Top-tier trim combining V6 power with premium features

These figures are approximate and exclude regional incentives, taxes, destination fees, and dealer markups common in the early 2000s. In practice, transaction prices often varied by several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on inventory and geography.

Depreciation Curve and Long-Term Value

Like most mass-market sedans of its era, the 2002 Altima experienced steep depreciation in its first decade. By the 2010s, values had fallen into the low single-digit thousands. Today, depreciation is effectively complete: the vehicle trades as a functional used car rather than a depreciating asset. Remaining value is tied to usability, parts availability, and regional demand for inexpensive transportation.

Current Used Market Analysis

In today's market, a 2002 Altima is valued primarily as a budget commuter or secondary vehicle. Because the car is more than 20 years old, condition outweighs trim level in most pricing decisions. A well-maintained four-cylinder with lower mileage can outprice a neglected V6 model.

Typical Current Price Ranges

Condition Profile	Approximate Value Range	Notes
Poor / High Mileage / Needs Work	$500 - $1,200	Often sold as-is; may require transmission, suspension, or rust repair
Fair / Average Mileage	$1,200 - $2,500	Functional daily driver with visible wear and deferred maintenance risk
Good / Lower Mileage	$2,500 - $4,000	Cleaner examples with documented service history
Excellent / Exceptional Condition	$4,000 - $6,500+	Unusually low mileage, rust-free, well-preserved examples

Key Price Drivers

• Mileage: Lower-mileage cars retain disproportionate value because engine and transmission replacements are costly relative to vehicle worth.
• Rust: In salt-belt regions, underbody and strut-tower corrosion can reduce value dramatically or render a car uneconomical to repair.
• Transmission Health: Automatic transmission issues are a known concern on some Altima models of this era; a smooth-shifting unit adds meaningful value.
• Engine Condition: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is generally durable but may exhibit oil consumption; the 3.5-liter V6 offers stronger performance but higher upkeep.
• Maintenance Records: Documented timing, fluid, and suspension service reduces buyer risk and