Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 5.97% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,884 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Nissan Altima earns a 4.47/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating, which points to broad appeal for shoppers who want a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan with strong value. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value for the price. In practical terms, that lines up with the Altima’s mission as a spacious, accommodating sedan that balances comfort and fuel economy while still looking good. The market also shows 25.7% of listings as good or great deals, so you have room to shop selectively.

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 drivers find dependable and trouble-free in everyday use, with strong praise for its gas mileage, comfort, and value. 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. Nissan’s maintenance-friendly ownership picture is helped by the car’s straightforward mechanical setup, and the available safety tech adds confidence for daily driving.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is the CVT-related concern raised by some owners, so you should pay close attention to transmission behavior on any test drive.

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

At 46.3% 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 overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and how the transmission behaves during a cold start, stop-and-go driving, and highway cruising. Because owner feedback raises concerns about CVT problems, that system deserves extra scrutiny.

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 is the best-value choice if you want a richer feature set without chasing the top of the range.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-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 SL trim carries this suite, while lower trims may not.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps uses a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and rear-view camera display capability are part of the setup, and the system can include integrated apps.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a 31 mpg combined figure. 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 space, comfort, and efficiency at the lowest starting point, but it’s the most basic way into the lineup.
• 2.5 S: This is the sensible step-up if you want a little more equipment without moving far up the price ladder.
• 2.5 SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel; it’s the trim that adds the more athletic character mentioned in the styling and driving notes.
• 2.5 SV: This is the middle-ground choice for shoppers who want a more balanced mix of features and value.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the richest everyday experience, including the more upscale equipment and available driver-assistance tech.
• 3.5 SR: Pick this if you want the stronger V6 and a sportier setup.
• 3.5 SL: This is the most upscale V6 choice for shoppers who want more power and a fuller feature set.

The safety content highlights strong crash protection and available active safety equipment, so even lower trims benefit from the Altima’s solid safety foundation.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,884 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.97% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 46.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,205, 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 $9,205 sits slightly below last year's $9,789.

That softer pricing suggests the model is currently more buyer-friendly than seller-friendly, which can make it easier for you to buy well now but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. The Altima’s value proposition is still supported by its roomy cabin, strong fuel economy, and broad appeal, but the market appears to price it as a practical choice rather than a standout collector or premium sedan. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in good condition, you should be able to preserve a reasonable share of its value.

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 Nissan 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 comes with 6 standard airbags. One caveat is that the safety discussion is strongest on crash performance and available driver aids, so you should verify which assistance features are present on the specific trim you’re considering.

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:

• 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 46.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.97% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It brings a deep refresh with crisp styling, strong economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,127, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,205 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: if you want the fresher styling, stronger tech story, and better current-market availability, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the smarter value play and still delivers the Altima’s core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.