Used 2016 Lexus ES for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2016 Lexus ES cost?

Prices are up 3.27% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 623 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Lexus ES earns a 4.5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its sleek design, smooth ride, and reliability, along with the luxurious interior and features that make driving easier. The trade-offs are its deliberately sedate character and the lack of more modern tech, especially in safety and connectivity.

For you, that means this ES makes the most sense if you want a quiet, comfort-first luxury sedan rather than something tuned for excitement. It also looks appealing in a market where 36.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owners also describe it as reliable, and the model is repeatedly associated with bulletproof dependability and a trouble-free ownership experience. The expert review reinforces that reputation by calling out Lexus’s long-standing reliability and noting that the ES doesn’t give much reason to doubt it.

Lexus also includes an opt-in service notification feature that can help you stay ahead of scheduled maintenance. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about inherent durability and more about finding a well-kept example with complete service history.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Lexus ES?

At 45.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of bodywork, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. Because this model is bought for comfort and refinement, condition matters a lot: pay close attention to the cabin, electronics, and how quietly the car drives.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The ES 350 comes in only one trim, with packages doing most of the differentiation. The Ultra Luxury Package adds wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade, while the base setup is more straightforward.
• Powertrain: It uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic. It is tuned for cruising rather than quick acceleration, and the review notes that it is not in a hurry to get anywhere.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety Suite includes lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control is also available. The optional Pre-Collision System adds front crash prevention capability.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes a 7-inch customizable display with HD radio, Bluetooth streaming, and traffic information. Navigation adds Enform features, and the system can include concierge-style functions such as movie times, weather, and Internet radio.
• Fuel efficiency: Lexus rates it at 21 mpg city, 31 highway, and 24 combined. In testing, it returned roughly 22 mpg in mixed driving.

Which 2016 Lexus ES trim should I buy?

The 2016 Lexus ES is offered in 1 trim level: ES 350.

Here's the short version:

The ES 350: This is the only trim, so your decision is really about whether you want the ES’s comfort-first formula and which packages matter to you. The Ultra Luxury Package is the standout upgrade if you want the most upscale experience, while the navigation and Mark Levinson audio package adds more convenience and premium sound. If you want the best-value path, the standard ES 350 already gives you the core quiet ride, luxury feel, and easy-to-live-with character that define the car.

Lexus’s Safety Suite can be added, and that package is worth prioritizing if you want lane-departure and blind-spot warnings.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Lexus ES?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 36.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 623 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 3.27% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 45.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,307, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Lexus ES's resale value?

The current average of $19,850 sits slightly above last year's $19,221.

That upward move suggests the market still sees value in this model year, especially because it sits in a comfort-and-reliability niche that continues to attract shoppers. The relatively modest year-over-year increase also points to steady demand rather than a sharp spike, which is usually a healthy sign for future resale stability.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES safe?

The 2016 Lexus ES earns the IIHS’s highest rating across its crash tests, and the related model year received a five-star rating from NHTSA, including five stars for front and side collisions.

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

Lexus offers a safety suite with lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, and the optional Pre-Collision System adds front crash prevention. One caveat is that the car does not yet have the more advanced semi-autonomous features some rivals offer.

Should I buy a 2016 Lexus ES 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:

• 36.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 3.27% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a freshened grille and bumpers while keeping the comfort-first, quiet-luxury formula.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $16,699, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $19,850 average.
• It emphasizes plush comfort, upscale appointments, and the brand’s bulletproof reliability.

The bottom line: If you want the newer year with a refreshed look and still-strong market demand, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front and you’re happy with the same comfort-first personality, the 2015 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.