Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 6.04% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,899 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Nissan Altima earns a 4.47/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort, and many also value the modern features and overall value for the price. That lines up with the Altima’s role as a roomy midsize sedan that aims to balance space, comfort, and fuel economy while still looking good. The market also shows 27.9% of listings as good or great deals, which supports the case for shoppers who want value.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

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

User feedback points to dependable ownership traits such as great gas mileage, comfort, and strong value, while also describing the car as a modern, appealing choice that many drivers feel good about living with. The expert evaluation also notes that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic are not harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance. If you buy used, the main long-term 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 45.4% 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 any collision history or incomplete service records. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and how the transmission behaves on a test drive, since owner feedback raises concerns there. A clean-looking car is not enough; you want evidence that it has been maintained consistently and repaired properly.

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 2.5 SL adds a more upscale feel, while the SR trim brings a sportier character; the base 2.5 is the entry point, but the higher trims add more equipment and polish.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5-liter V6 delivers 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 system is described as a suite of driver aids that was previously found only on higher-end cars.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps uses a 7-inch display. The setup can include navigation, voice command, terrestrial and satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Mobile Apps functionality.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder is estimated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a 31 mpg combined rating. 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, and 3.5 SL.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Altima’s core strengths without moving up the ladder. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the model and do not need extra equipment.
• 2.5 S: This trim is the first step up from the base car and is a sensible choice if you want a little more content without chasing luxury features.
• 2.5 SR: This is the best-value pick if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the refresh. It suits you if you want a more distinctive Altima without going all the way to the upper trims.
• 2.5 SV: This trim is a good middle-ground choice if you want a more well-equipped sedan for daily use.
• 2.5 SL: This is the most upscale 4-cylinder choice and the one that best matches the Altima’s comfort-and-value mission. It’s the trim to target if you want the strongest blend of equipment, comfort, and efficiency.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the stronger 270 hp V6 and a sportier setup.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top-end V6 choice for buyers who want the most power along with a more premium feel.

The safety package is a strong point, with available driver aids including dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking.

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 and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 27.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,899 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.04% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,260, 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 $9,260 sits slightly below last year's $9,855.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number. Because the market is currently below last year’s level, your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and service history. A clean, well-kept Altima should be easier to move than one with accident history or transmission concerns.

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 active safety equipment includes 6 standard airbags, and the car also offers dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The safety package is especially notable because it brings advanced driver aids to a mainstream midsize sedan. The main caveat is that the expert writeup frames the NHTSA result as an expectation rather than a confirmed rating.

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:

• 27.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.04% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings revised styling, excellent economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,171, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,260 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger tech story, and current-market inventory depth, the 2016 is the better all-around target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers a well-rounded ownership experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.