How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 3.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,833 listings available, which suggests you should have some room to compare prices and condition.

If you find a listing below $9,421.48, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car?

Generally — 4.47/5 from owners and 8/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Altima for its great gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort. They also value its modern features and overall value for the price.

That lines up with the model’s mission as a practical midsize sedan: it emphasizes space, comfort, and efficiency while still giving you a stylish cabin and a useful daily-driving setup. If you want a commuter-friendly sedan that balances comfort with economy, this year fits that brief well.

Only 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market rewards patience if you want the best value.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.47/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that many drivers find reliable, dependable, and good for the long term, with plenty of praise for its everyday usability and value. The expert evaluation also describes the engine lineup as proven and the CVT as well-sorted, which supports the idea that the car is built to be counted on.

The cost-effectiveness review adds that the engine and CVT are not harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance. That said, used buyers should still pay close attention to transmission condition and service history, because that’s the area most likely to affect ownership risk over time.

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

At 48.3% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or incomplete service records. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and how the transmission behaves on a test drive. Because this model year has a meaningful accident history in the market, condition matters more than usual.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL. The base setup is light on luxury, while higher trims add features such as LED lighting, upgraded wheels, and more comfort and convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5-liter V6 brings 270 hp. The CVT is the only transmission, and the 4-cylinder is the efficiency play.
• Safety package: Available driver aids include dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The system is especially notable on higher trims, where more of the advanced safety tech appears.
• Infotainment: The standard setup uses a 5-inch color display, while a 7-inch display is paired with NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps. Wireless smartphone integration is not mentioned, and the system includes voice command plus an Advanced Drive-Assist Display.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter model is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while the V6 returns 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Which 2016 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Altima is offered in 7 trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, 3.5 SL.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5 gives you the core Altima formula, but it lacks the richer equipment and advanced safety content found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5 SV is the best value if you want a stronger mix of comfort, convenience, and everyday usability without jumping to the priciest versions.
• Premium/top trim: The 2.5 SL is the most appealing upscale choice, adding more luxury-oriented features and the advanced driver-assistance content highlighted in the test drive.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use.

The safety package stands out most on the higher trims, where the advanced driver aids are more fully featured.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,833 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.59% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,421.48, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Altima's resale value?

The current average of $9,482 sits slightly below last year's $9,835.

That softer pricing suggests the market is still giving buyers some leverage, which can work against future sellers if you buy at the wrong price. If you pay close to the current average, you may have less room to absorb depreciation later. On the other hand, a well-bought example with strong condition and service history should still be easier to move than a neglected one.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.47/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima safe?

The 2016 Altima earns Good ratings from the IIHS across all categories, including the small-overlap frontal crash test.

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

The available driver-assistance suite includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The safety equipment is especially compelling on higher trims, where more of the advanced features are included.

One caveat is that some owners have raised concerns about the CVT, so a careful test drive and service-history review are smart steps before you buy.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Altima 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:

• 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings revised styling, strong fuel economy, and top-tier safety ratings.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,388, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,482 average.
• It emphasizes handling, fuel economy, and comfort.

The bottom line: Buy the 2016 if you want the refreshed styling, strong safety credentials, and a well-rounded daily driver with good efficiency. If your priority is spending less upfront, the 2015 is the better value play, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.