Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 2.56% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 1,913 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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, value-focused midsize sedan.

The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise its gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and modern features, and they also see strong value for the price. The Altima’s use case is straightforward: it aims to give you plenty of space, comfort, and efficiency in a practical family sedan that still looks distinctive.

Only 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective even if the car itself has broad appeal.

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 the kind of ownership experience they feel good about over time. 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.

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 46.4% 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 is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings with similar prices. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and any signs that the car has been used hard or repaired poorly.

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 trim brings more upscale equipment and is the best-value choice if you want the richest feature set without jumping to the top of the range.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5-liter V6 makes 270 hp. The CVT automatic is the only transmission, and the car is front-wheel drive only.
• Safety package: 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 uses a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and a rear-view camera display are part of the setup, and the system can also include terrestrial and satellite radio.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 highway, with a combined 31 mpg rating. 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, 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 trim is the first step up from the base car and is the one to consider if you want a little more equipment while staying focused on value.
• 2.5 SR: This is the sportier choice in the four-cylinder lineup, and it’s the trim to look at if you want the more aggressive personality mentioned in the refresh.
• 2.5 SV: This trim is a sensible middle ground if you want more comfort and convenience without moving all the way to the top.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the richest mix of comfort, technology, and available driver aids without paying for the V6.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the stronger V6 and a sportier setup.
• 3.5 SL: This is the most upscale V6 version and makes sense if you want the strongest combination of power and equipment.

The safety content notes that the Altima includes 6 standard airbags and a strong overall protection profile.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,913 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.56% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 46.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,413, 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 $9,522 sits slightly below last year's $9,772.

That softer pricing suggests the model is not commanding a premium right now, which can be a plus if you’re buying but a headwind if you’re planning to sell soon. For a future seller, that means you should expect resale to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance history rather than on market momentum alone. Well-kept examples should still attract interest because the Altima’s value, comfort, and efficiency remain appealing to used-car shoppers.

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 earns Good ratings from the IIHS across all categories, including the small-overlap frontal crash test.

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

The Altima’s safety package includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. Those features help explain why the car scores so well for protection and why it feels unusually well equipped for its price point.

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 46.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.56% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 brings a deep refresh with crisp styling, excellent economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,317, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,522 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger tech story, and better overall value balance, the 2016 is the better pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still delivers a well-rounded ownership experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.