Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 3.36% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,887 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,414.27, 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 — the 2016 Nissan Altima earns 4.47/5 from owners and 8/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort, and they also like its modern features and overall value for the price. That lines up with the car’s role as a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan with a friendly cabin and a strong economy story.

For you, that means the Altima makes the most sense if you want a practical daily driver that feels more polished than basic. The market also shows 24.4% good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

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

The owner feedback also points to the Altima being reliable, dependable, and a car many drivers feel they can count on over time. On the expert side, the 2.5-liter engine is described as proven, and the CVT automatic is presented as well-sorted rather than troublesome.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that the proven engine lineup and CVT aren’t expected to bring nasty surprises for long-term maintenance. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is the transmission concern raised by some owners, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter.

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

At 45.5% 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 overall condition, signs of prior body repair, and how the transmission behaves on a test drive.

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 more basic, while higher trims add more comfort, tech, and safety equipment.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5-liter V6 makes 270 hp. The CVT automatic is the only transmission, and the car is front-wheel drive only.
• Safety package: The available active safety equipment includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL trim carries this kind of advanced driver aid content.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps uses a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, navigation, voice command, and rear-view camera display capability are part of the setup.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a 31 mpg combined figure. The V6 is rated at 22/32.

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:

• 2.5: This is the entry point if you want the Altima’s core space, comfort, and efficiency without paying for extras.
• 2.5 S: This is the first step up if you want a little more equipment while staying close to the value end of the lineup.
• 2.5 SR: This is the better pick if you want the sportier setup mentioned in the styling updates and a more engaging feel.
• 2.5 SV: This is a smart middle-ground choice if you want more comfort and convenience without jumping to the top trims.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of comfort, tech, and available driver aids.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the V6’s extra power and the sportier trim character.
• 3.5 SL: Pick this if you want the V6 plus the more upscale equipment and comfort focus.

The safety content notes that the Altima’s available active safety equipment includes 6 standard airbags, and the SL trim is the one highlighted with the advanced driver-assistance suite.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop, compare, and negotiate.

• Deal availability: 24.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,887 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.36% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,414.27, 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 $9,492 sits slightly below last year's $9,822.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima is still a value-oriented buy, but it also means you should not expect it to behave like a top-tier resale standout. If you plan to sell later, condition and maintenance history will matter a lot more than simply owning the badge.

The good news is that the car’s broad appeal, strong fuel economy, and comfort help keep it relevant with used shoppers. Well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

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 IIHS gives the 2016 Altima its top rating of Good across all categories, including the small-overlap frontal crash test.

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

The available active safety equipment includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The car also includes 6 standard airbags.

That said, owner feedback raises concerns about the CVT transmission, so safety-minded used buyers should pay close attention to how the car drives and whether it has a clean service history.

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:

• 24.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.36% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It brings a deep refresh with sharper styling, strong economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,350, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,492 average.
• It stands out for responsive handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger tech story, and still-solid value, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly route and still delivers a well-rounded sedan experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.