Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 3.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,872 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Altimas 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. Owners repeatedly praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value, while the cabin is described as roomy and accommodating for everyday use. That makes it a strong fit if you want a midsize sedan that balances space, comfort, and efficiency without feeling stripped down. Good and great deals account for 26.5% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. User feedback also points to dependable everyday use, with many drivers describing the car as reliable, trouble-free, and a vehicle they could count on over time. The expert evaluation adds that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic aren’t harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance. Even so, used buyers should pay close attention to transmission condition and service history before committing.

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

At 45.6% 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 thorough 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 symptoms during the test drive. If the car feels hesitant, shudders, or behaves inconsistently under acceleration, that deserves extra scrutiny.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts with the 2.5, and the trim ladder includes 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 luxury-oriented equipment and the available active safety technology.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 182 hp and is paired with a CVT automatic. The 3.5-liter V6 is the stronger choice if you want more punch, while the 4-cylinder is the better fit if efficiency matters most.
• 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, so lower trims may not have the same level of driver assistance.
• 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, terrestrial and satellite radio, and mobile-app integration are part of the setup, but the screen size is modest by modern standards.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a combined 31 mpg estimate in mixed driving. The V6 returns 22/32.

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, and it makes sense if you want the Altima’s core strengths — space, comfort, and efficiency — at the lowest price.
• 2.5 S: This is the value-minded step up if you want a little more equipment without moving too far up the ladder.
• 2.5 SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the refresh; it’s the trim for buyers who care more about style and a firmer personality.
• 2.5 SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it sits in the middle of the range and should balance features and price well.
• 2.5 SL: This is the trim to target if you want the most upscale feel in the 4-cylinder lineup, plus the available active safety technology.
• 3.5 SR: Pick this if you want the V6’s stronger performance with a sportier trim character.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top choice if you want the V6 plus the more premium equipment and safety content.

The SL trim is the one tied to the available active safety technology, so it’s the safest bet if driver assistance matters most.

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 value.

• Deal availability: 26.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,872 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,212, 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 $9,266 sits slightly below last year's $9,630.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help if you buy now and plan to sell later. A lower entry price can also make it easier to keep your ownership costs in check over time. Still, the model’s resale outlook is shaped by its average market positioning, so condition and maintenance history will matter a lot when you eventually list it. 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 Nissan 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 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, so you may need to move up the lineup to get the full set of driver aids. The safety story is especially strong here, but you should still verify which features are present on the specific car 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:

• 26.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.78% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings revised styling, excellent economy, and a strong safety score.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,095, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,266 average.
• It stands out for responsive handling and well-rounded comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger safety story, and better current-market context, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still delivers many of the Altima’s core strengths.

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 brings the stronger expert score, better city and highway fuel economy, and a much lower average used price. The Camry counters with a higher share of good and great deals and a slightly better accident-free share. If you want the better value on paper, the Altima has the edge; if you want a broader pool of cleaner listings, the Camry is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.