How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 4.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,869 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing condition and trim.

If you find a listing below $9,421.80, 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 4.47/5 user rating and 8/10 expert rating both point to a well-liked used sedan. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners repeatedly praise the Altima for its gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort. They also like its modern features and overall value for the price, which fits a midsize sedan aimed at practical commuting and everyday use.

That said, the model’s appeal is strongest if you want a comfortable, efficient, and well-equipped sedan rather than a sporty one. The overall package lines up well with buyers who prioritize value, space, and easy daily driving.

24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.47/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. Review feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many drivers, with praise for the car’s long-term value and everyday usability.

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, owner feedback also raises repeated concerns about the CVT, so used buyers should pay close attention to transmission behavior and service history.

For a used purchase, the main long-term risk is whether the CVT has been cared for properly and is still operating smoothly.

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

At 47.1% 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. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, with special attention to the transmission, brakes, and signs of uneven wear. Condition matters a lot here, especially if you’re comparing similarly priced cars.

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 base setup is more about value than luxury, while higher trims add features and a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5-liter V6 brings 270 hp. The CVT is smooth and helps keep highway cruising quiet and efficient.
• Safety package: Nissan’s active safety suite includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL trim carries this kind of equipment, which was previously more common in pricier cars.
• Infotainment: The standard setup uses a 5-inch color display, while the navigation system uses a 7-inch display. NissanConnect with Mobile Apps adds extra functionality, and the system can include navigation, voice command, terrestrial and satellite radio, and Bluetooth.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder returns 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a combined 31 mpg rating in mixed driving. 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:

• Base trim: The 2.5 is the value play, but it starts with the smaller standard display and fewer upscale features than the higher trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5 SV is the best middle-ground choice if you want a stronger feature set without moving all the way to the luxury-leaning trims.
• Premium/top trim: The 2.5 SL is the most appealing upscale pick because it layers in more comfort, tech, and available driver aids.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, so there’s no real daily-driver caution to flag here.

The safety package is especially worth seeking out if you want the available driver-assistance features that make the Altima feel more modern.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,869 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 47.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,421.80, 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 $9,515 sits slightly below last year's $9,918.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima is not holding value as strongly as some rivals, which can be good news if you’re buying now. For a future seller, it means you should expect resale to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance history rather than brand strength alone.

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 has given the 2016 Altima its 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 comes with 6 standard airbags, and the overall safety package is a major strength for this model year.

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:

• 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 47.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It combines a refreshed design with strong safety and efficiency.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,397, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,515 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the better-rounded choice, the 2016 is the stronger pick thanks to its refreshed styling, strong safety, and efficient everyday driving manners. If your priority is saving money, the 2015 is the better value path, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.