2013 Nissan Sentra vs 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability Side-by-Side
2013
Nissan Sentra
Grade C+
A budget-friendly compact car that demands serious scrutiny of its transmission.
2016
Volkswagen Tiguan
Grade C+
A fun-to-drive compact SUV with premium aspirations, but be prepared for specific engine-related maintenance and potential repair costs.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score 78/100 vs 68/100
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2013 Nissan Sentra
$400-600
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Amazon · tires
Compare tire prices for each vehicle
Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2013 Nissan Sentra | 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $400-600 | $500-800 (excluding major repairs) |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally | $600-1,500 occasionally (e.g., carbon cleaning, PCV valve, suspension components) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 30 / 39 | 21 / 26 |
| MSRP (New) | $15,990 | $26,000 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Printed Owner's Guidebooks · $29.99 each · free US shipping
2013 Nissan Sentra
Reliability report · logs · 13 chapters
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability report · logs · 13 chapters
KSP Hubcentric Wheel Spacers 15mm 5x4.5 For Nissan 350Z 370Z Altima Sentra
SBC Headers 1958+ for Chevy Small Block V8 283 350, 1 5/8" Stainless Steel Exhaust Manifold - KSP Performance
08-18 Nissan 370z Infiniti G37 Exhaust Downpipe Kits|2WD - KSP Performance
Biggest Risks on Each
2013 Nissan Sentra
CVT Transmission
60,000-120,000 mi
Suspension & Steering
50,000-90,000 mi
Electrical System
40,000-80,000 mi
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Engine Performance & Durability
40,000-100,000 mi
Turbocharger System
70,000-130,000 mi
Electrical System
50,000-90,000 mi
Get the Full Report on Each
7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair costs, and expert verdict for each vehicle.
Free · Instant delivery · No account required
Autojunket
Free
per report
Carfax
$44.99
per report
OSC
$9.99/mo
unlimited
Not sure yet? See a real, unblurred sample report →
Editorial Take
Comparing a 2013 Nissan Sentra and a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan might seem unusual given their different vehicle segments and model years. The Sentra is a compact sedan, while the Tiguan is a compact SUV. However, used car buyers often cross-shop vehicles within a similar budget range, where a slightly older, entry-level SUV might compete with a newer, economy-focused sedan. Buyers considering the Sentra are typically prioritizing fuel efficiency, a low initial purchase price, and basic, reliable transportation. The Tiguan appeals to those seeking more cargo versatility, a higher driving position, and a more engaging driving experience, even if it comes with a higher running cost. Key decision factors will be budget, space requirements, driving dynamics, and long-term cost of ownership. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2013 NISSAN SENTRA: 1. CVT Transmission Failure: This is the most widely reported and significant issue for the 2013 Sentra and other Nissan models from this era. Symptoms include shuddering, loss of power, hesitation, or complete failure, often occurring between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Replacements are costly. 2. Suspension Component Wear: Owners have reported premature wear of struts, shocks, and control arm bushings, leading to clunking noises over bumps, sometimes requiring replacement around 60,000-80,000 miles. 3. HVAC Blower Motor Failure: Some reports indicate the blower motor for the heating and air conditioning system can fail prematurely, leading to no airflow from the vents. 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: 1. Water Pump Failure: A common issue for VW's 2.0L TSI engine, the water pump assembly (often plastic-heavy) can fail, leading to coolant leaks and overheating. This typically occurs between 50,000 and 100,000 miles and is an expensive repair. 2. Ignition System Components: Ignition coils and spark plugs can require more frequent replacement than in some competing vehicles, sometimes leading to misfires or rough idling if not addressed. 3. Carbon Buildup: As a direct-injection engine, the 2.0L TSI is susceptible to carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can lead to reduced performance, misfires, and a check engine light. This typically requires a costly "walnut blasting" service, often after 70,000-100,000 miles.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the 2013 Nissan Sentra was significantly more affordable than the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, with starting MSRPs differing by roughly $10,000. On the used market today, this gap has likely narrowed. A 2013 Sentra in good condition might range from $6,000-$10,000, while a 2016 Tiguan could fetch anywhere from $10,000-$16,000, depending heavily on mileage, trim, and condition. Insurance costs for the Sentra will generally be lower due to its smaller engine, lower value, and less performance-oriented nature. The Tiguan, with its more powerful engine and higher new vehicle price, will likely have slightly higher insurance premiums. Maintenance costs are where a significant difference emerges. The Sentra generally benefits from lower parts costs and simpler engineering, leading to cheaper routine maintenance. However, the prevalence of CVT issues can lead to a very expensive repair (often $3,000-$5,000) if a replacement is needed. The Tiguan's maintenance can be more expensive due to higher costs for specialized parts and potentially higher labor rates at European specialty shops. Issues like water pump failure or carbon cleaning are significant expenses. Resale value for the Sentra is generally considered average to good for a compact sedan, holding its value reasonably well. The Tiguan has historically seen somewhat faster depreciation than some Japanese SUV competitors, but a well-maintained example can still hold decent value for a German vehicle. For sheer lowest cost of ownership over time, assuming no major CVT failure, the Sentra likely has the edge. However, the Tiguan offers more features and performance for its slightly higher running costs.
Editorial Verdict
BEST FOR FAMILIES: Volkswagen Tiguan. Its SUV body style provides significantly more cargo space (23.8 vs 15.1 cubic feet, expanding to 56.1 cubic feet), better rear passenger room, higher seating position, and often comes with more advanced safety and comfort features like standard rearview camera and optional AWD. BEST FOR COMMUTERS: Nissan Sentra. It offers superior fuel economy (30/39 MPG vs 21/26 MPG), a smaller footprint for easier parking in urban environments, and a lower initial purchase price. Its comfortable ride is well-suited for daily highway or city commutes where performance is not a primary concern. BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS: Volkswagen Tiguan. With 200 horsepower, a turbocharged engine, quicker acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds), and a more athletic, refined suspension tuned for European driving dynamics, the Tiguan is the clear choice for anyone seeking a more engaging and spirited driving experience. The Sentra offers little in the way of enthusiast appeal. BEST VALUE OVERALL: This depends on what "value" means to the buyer. If the absolute lowest initial purchase price and lowest potential running costs (excluding a catastrophic CVT failure) are paramount, the 2013 Nissan Sentra is the better value. However, if value is measured by the amount of features, performance, versatility, and interior quality received for the money on the used market, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a more premium and capable package, justifying its slightly higher price and maintenance considerations. For a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment, the Tiguan provides more overall "car" for the investment, provided maintenance is factored into the budget.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2013 Nissan Sentra
Products for 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.