Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearColumbus, OH

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 4.60% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,868 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Nissan Altima earns a 4.5/5 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, comfort, and overall value for the price. That lines up with the car’s role as a comfortable, efficient midsize sedan with a modern feel and plenty of space for everyday use.

You should also weigh the transmission concerns noted by owners, since they temper the otherwise strong value story. Even so, the market still shows 29.0% good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile examples to find if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

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

The owner feedback also points to a car that many people find dependable, trouble-free, and easy to count on for daily driving, especially when it comes to fuel economy, comfort, and value. The expert evaluation adds that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic aren’t harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance.

That said, the transmission concerns raised by owners are the main long-term ownership risk for used buyers, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter.

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

At 43.5% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or incomplete service records. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and how the transmission behaves during a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts with the 2.5, and the trim ladder includes the 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL. The SR trim adds a sportier character, while the SL brings more upscale equipment and is the best-value choice if you want the richest feature set without moving to the top of the range.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with a CVT automatic, and the 3.5-liter V6 is the stronger option if you want more power. The 2.5-liter setup is the efficiency play, with 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
• Safety package: The available active safety equipment includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL can be equipped with this suite, which was previously reserved for more expensive cars.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps brings a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and a rear-view camera display are part of the setup, and the system can include integrated Facebook through NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a combined 31 mpg in mixed driving.

Which 2016 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Altima is offered in 6 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 makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Altima’s roomy cabin, strong fuel economy, and core value proposition.
• 2.5 S: This is the simplest step up from the base car if you want a little more equipment without moving far up the price ladder.
• 2.5 SR: Choose this if you want the sportier trim character and the more aggressive look that comes with the SR treatment.
• 2.5 SV: This is the middle-ground choice for shoppers who want a more balanced mix of comfort and equipment.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the most upscale feel and the strongest mix of comfort, tech, and available driver aids.
• 3.5 SR: Pick this if you want the V6 and a sportier setup.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top comfort-and-power choice if you want the V6 with the more premium trim content.

The safety content notes that the 2016 Altima earned Good ratings across all IIHS categories, including the small-overlap frontal crash test.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,868 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.60% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 43.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,216, 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 $9,233 sits slightly below last year's $9,678.

That price movement suggests the Altima has softened a bit, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. The model’s value story is still supported by its strong efficiency, comfort, and broad appeal, but it does not command the strongest resale position in the class.

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 Nissan Altima safe?

The 2016 Altima earns Good ratings from 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 dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The car also includes 6 standard airbags, and the expert assessment says the handling is stable and predictable, which supports occupant protection.

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:

• 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 43.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.60% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a deep refresh with crisp new styling, more tech, and a strong value focus.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,043, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,233 average.
• It emphasizes handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

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

How does the 2016 Nissan Altima compare to the 2016 Toyota Camry?

Our experts score the 2016 Nissan Altima 8/10 and the 2016 Toyota Camry 7.2/10.

The Altima is the stronger value play here, with a lower average used price and better fuel economy. The Camry has a slightly higher good-and-great deal share and a slightly higher accident-free share, but the Altima’s combination of efficiency, comfort, and price gives it the edge for many used shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.