Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 4.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,866 listings available, which suggests you have 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.

You get a strong mix of great gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort, along with a cabin that feels roomy and accommodating. It also fits well if you want a midsize sedan that balances space, value, and fuel economy without giving up a polished look.

The market also looks reasonably accessible, with 24.9% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly points to the car being reliable, dependable, and a model many drivers feel good about keeping over time, especially because of its strong mileage and comfortable everyday use. The expert evaluation also describes the engine lineup and CVT automatic as proven and well sorted, with no 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 depends heavily on how the car was maintained.

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

At 45.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on body condition, panel alignment, and signs of uneven wear or poor repairs. Because owner feedback raises concerns about transmission problems, it’s smart to prioritize service records and a thorough road test.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts with the 2.5, then moves through 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 the most premium feel.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with a CVT automatic and is tuned for smooth, efficient everyday driving. The V6 models offer more power if you want stronger acceleration.
• 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.
• Infotainment: The standard setup uses a 5-inch display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps brings a 7-inch screen. The system can include navigation, voice command, Bluetooth, and radio functions.
• 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 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 if you want the Altima’s core strengths at the lowest price. It gives you the basic formula of space, efficiency, and value without moving up the ladder.
• 2.5 S: This is the first step up if you want a little more equipment while staying close to the affordable end of the range.
• 2.5 SR: This is the best-value choice if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the refresh, plus a more engaging setup than the base trims.
• 2.5 SV: This is the trim to consider if you want a more comfort-focused balance of features and everyday usability.
• 2.5 SL: This is the most appealing pick for many shoppers because it layers in the richer equipment and the more premium feel without moving to the V6.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the stronger V6 and a sportier personality.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top-end choice if you want the V6 with the most upscale trim experience.

The safety package is especially noteworthy on the higher trims, where the available driver aids add meaningful everyday confidence.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,866 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,215, 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 $9,245 sits slightly below last year's $9,652.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. It also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance history rather than on market momentum alone.

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 6 standard airbags, along with dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The safety package is strongest on higher trims, where more advanced driver aids are included.

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:

• 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.22% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings revised styling, strong economy, and a broad tech upgrade.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,185, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,245 average.
• It stands out for responsive handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

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

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 gives you the lower average used price, better city and highway fuel economy, and a stronger expert score. The Camry costs more on the used market, but it has a slightly higher share of good and great deals and a slightly higher accident-free share. If you want the better value proposition, the Altima is the stronger buy; if you want to compare against a pricier rival with a similar market footprint, the Camry is the main alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.