Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 9.23% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 884 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Nissan Sentra earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

The Sentra’s appeal is rooted in its refreshed styling, updated cabin, and added infotainment features, which help it feel more current without changing its basic mission. It is still a compact sedan focused on affordability, roomy packaging, and everyday usability, so it makes the most sense if you want practical transportation rather than a flashy car.

26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Sentra’s value case is reinforced by its practical design, strong fuel economy, and straightforward mechanical setup. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder is shared across the lineup, and the car’s overall mission is clearly centered on dependable, low-cost commuting rather than complexity.

The performance notes point to a car that is easy to live with in city driving, while the cost-effectiveness content highlights affordable pricing, a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that you should still verify maintenance history and overall condition carefully, especially on higher-mileage examples.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Nissan Sentra?

At 50% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, interior wear, and how the car drives, since the Sentra’s value depends heavily on getting a well-kept example. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, because the lower trims are much more basic than the upper versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, with halogen headlights, dual power outside mirrors, Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seating, and manually adjustable front seats. As you move up, the SV adds a rear-view camera, NissanConnect, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, a 6-speaker sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the SR brings larger wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated premium sport cloth seats, fog lights, and a sportier appearance. The SL turns most of the SR’s optional features into standard equipment and adds dual-zone automatic temperature control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses the same 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The base model gets a 6-speed manual, while the rest of the lineup uses an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is a strong point, with an overall rating of 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined.
• Safety package: The Sentra is a Top Safety Pick+ with Good scores in every IIHS category. Standard safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks. Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options, and only on the top two trim levels.
• Infotainment: The base setup includes an AM/FM radio and CD player with 4 speakers, a USB port, an Aux jack, MP3/WMA CD playback, and Bluetooth hands-free phone service. Higher trims add a 5-inch color monitor, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, NissanConnect mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, and, on the top trim, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra is rated at 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined, and the FE+S is rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway.

Which 2016 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Sentra is offered in 5 trim levels: S, FE+S, SV, SR, SL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the Sentra, and it gives you the core basics: Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seats, and a manual transmission if you want it. It makes sense if your priority is keeping the purchase price low and you do not need much equipment.
• FE+S: This trim is the best-value pick if fuel economy matters most, because it adds aero-focused hardware and low-rolling-resistance tires and is rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway. It is a smart choice if you want the most commuter-friendly version of the Sentra.
• SV: This is the trim to target if you want the biggest step up in everyday convenience. It adds the rear-view camera, NissanConnect, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, a 6-speaker audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio, making it the sweet spot for most shoppers.
• SR: Choose this one if you want a more distinctive look and more available comfort and tech. It adds 17-inch wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated premium sport cloth seats, fog lights, and a sportier exterior treatment.
• SL: This is the most fully equipped Sentra, with most of the SR’s optional features made standard plus dual-zone automatic temperature control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It suits you if you want the most content and are willing to pay for it.

Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options, and only on the top two trim levels.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Nissan Sentra?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 884 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.23% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 50.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,871, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $7,932 sits slightly below last year's $8,738.

That price movement suggests the Sentra has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it easier to sell if you price it competitively. For you as a future seller, the key is that the model’s value proposition is still anchored by low running costs, practical packaging, and broad commuter appeal.

Because the market is already showing softer pricing, a clean, well-maintained example should stand out more than a neglected one. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2016 Nissan Sentra is a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in side crash tests and four-star ratings in frontal and rollover tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks. Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available, but only as options and only on the top two trim levels.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Sentra or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 50% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.23% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a refresh with updated exterior styling and interior enhancements that make the cabin feel more current.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, efficiency, and updated features, the 2016 Sentra is the year to focus on. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still find strong value here, but you should be selective and prioritize clean history and the right trim rather than chasing the cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.