Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearDetroit, MI

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 5.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,921 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

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 gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value for the price. That lines up with the Altima’s mission as a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan that emphasizes value and efficiency while still looking distinctive.

The market also shows 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you may find room to shop carefully.

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 owners find dependable, with praise for its overall value, comfort, and efficient everyday use. The expert evaluation also describes the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic as not harboring nasty surprises for long-term maintenance.

That said, used buyers should pay close attention to transmission history and overall service records, since long-term ownership risk is tied more to condition and maintenance than to the car’s basic design.

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

At 46.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report before you commit, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body repairs, alignment, and signs of poor maintenance. Because this model’s appeal depends heavily on comfort, value, and efficiency, condition matters a lot when you compare listings.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts with the 2.5, then moves through 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL. The base setup is simpler, while higher trims add more equipment and the SR brings a sportier character.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-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 brings a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and rear-view camera integration are part of the setup, and the larger system adds more functionality.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, for a combined 31 mpg. 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 core Altima formula of space, value, and efficiency without the extra equipment found higher up the range.
• 2.5 S: This is the first step up if you want a little more equipment while staying close to the value-focused heart of the lineup.
• 2.5 SR: This is the best-value choice if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the model refresh without jumping to the top trims.
• 2.5 SV: This is the sensible middle ground if you want a more well-equipped Altima without paying for the most premium versions.
• 2.5 SL: This is the trim that best matches the Altima’s comfort-and-tech mission, with the richer equipment set that makes the car feel more upscale.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the V6’s stronger performance and the sportier trim character together.
• 3.5 SL: This is the most upscale V6 choice for shoppers who want the strongest engine and the most premium-feeling Altima in the lineup.

The safety package available on higher trims is a notable advantage, especially if you want driver aids that were once reserved for more expensive cars.

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’re patient.

• Deal availability: 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,921 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 46.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,284, 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 $9,284 sits slightly below last year's $9,804.

That tells you the market has softened, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure resale if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that this model year is not currently showing strong price appreciation, so condition and mileage will matter a lot when you go to list it.

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 has been given the IIHS top rating of Good across all categories, including the tough new 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 evaluation says the passive safety is up to par and the handling is stable and predictable.

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:

• 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 46.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Prices have softened 5.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It brings a deep refresh with crisp styling, excellent economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,239, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,284 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed styling, stronger tech story, and a still-reasonable price, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one with strong maintenance history and clean condition.

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