How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 3.35% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,819 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,418.17, 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 points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert score is 8/10. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Altima’s great gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value. The overview also frames it as a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan with a friendly cabin and modern appeal, which fits shoppers who want practical transportation that still feels polished.

That said, the same owner feedback also flags CVT transmission concerns, so the car’s appeal is strongest if you prioritize efficiency, comfort, and value over driving excitement. With 20.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you 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 repeatedly points to the car being dependable in everyday use, with praise for its trouble-free feel, strong gas mileage, and value over the long term.

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. It adds that the car’s value-oriented design and useable nature should quietly perform year after year.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is the transmission concern called out by owners, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter.

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 start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or incomplete service records. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any transmission-related behavior during the test drive.

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 and efficiency, 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 6 standard airbags, dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while the NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps system uses a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and rear-view camera integration are part of the setup.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 highway, with a combined 31 mpg 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:

• 2.5: This is the entry point if you want the Altima’s core strengths — space, value, and efficiency — without paying for extra equipment.
• 2.5 S: This is the most straightforward step up if you want a little more equipment while staying close to the value end of the lineup.
• 2.5 SR: This is the best-value choice if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the refresh without moving too far up the price ladder.
• 2.5 SV: This is the smart middle ground if you want a more well-rounded daily driver with more comfort and convenience.
• 2.5 SL: This is the trim that best matches the expert’s test car, and it’s the one to target if you want the strongest blend of comfort, tech, and value.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the V6’s extra power and the SR’s sportier character.
• 3.5 SL: Pick this if you want the V6 with the more upscale equipment mix.

The safety content highlights a strong overall protection story, including 6 standard airbags and available active safety equipment.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 20.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,819 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.35% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 46.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,418.17, 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 $9,511 sits slightly below last year's $9,841.

That softer pricing suggests the model is in a buyer-friendly phase, which can help you get more car for your money today. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale to be shaped more by condition, mileage, and trim than by broad market momentum.

The Altima’s value story is still supported by its efficiency, comfort, and broad appeal, but the current trend shows it is not commanding a premium. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

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 gives the 2016 Altima its top rating of Good across all categories, including the tough small-overlap frontal crash test.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

The available driver-assistance suite includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The safety content also notes 6 standard airbags, and the expert review describes the car as stable and predictable in handling, 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:

• 20.9% 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.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.35% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 update brings revised styling, strong efficiency, and a high-value tech-and-safety mix.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,408, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,511 average.
• It stands out for responsive handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger value story, and updated safety and tech content, the 2016 is the better primary choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 remains a sensible alternative with many of the same core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.