Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 5.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,902 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. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value for the price. That lines up with the Altima’s mission as a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan that puts efficiency and everyday livability first. If you want a practical family sedan with a friendly cabin and a strong value story, this year fits that brief well. Only 26.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than flooded with bargains.

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 found dependable, trouble-free, and easy to count on for everyday use, especially when it comes to comfort and efficiency. The expert evaluation also notes that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic aren’t harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance. The main ownership risk for used buyers is the transmission concern raised by some owners, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter.

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

At 45.8% 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 repair, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any transmission behavior that feels hesitant or inconsistent on the road. A clean maintenance trail matters here because you want the car’s condition to match its value story.

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 the most premium-feeling setup in the lineup.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, or a 270 hp 3.5-liter V6. The CVT automatic is the only transmission, and the car is front-wheel drive only.
• Safety package: The available active safety setup includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL trim carries this suite, so check whether a lower trim has the equipment you want.
• 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 mobile-app integration are part of the broader tech story.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, or 31 mpg combined. The V6 returns 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, and it makes sense if you want the Altima’s core space, efficiency, and value without paying for extras.
• 2.5 S: This is the first step up and a sensible choice if you want a little more equipment while staying budget-conscious.
• 2.5 SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel mentioned in the model updates, along with a more expressive personality.
• 2.5 SV: This is a good middle-ground pick if you want a more comfort-oriented setup without jumping all the way to the top trims.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of comfort, tech, and upscale features without moving to the V6.
• 3.5 SR: Pick this if you want the V6’s extra power and the sportier trim character together.
• 3.5 SL: This is the most upscale choice, best if you want the V6 plus the richest equipment mix.

The SL trim is the one tied to the available active safety technology, so check feature content carefully if that matters most to you.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to shop carefully but not so much that every listing is a bargain.

• Deal availability: 26.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,902 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,287, 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 $9,292 sits slightly below last year's $9,782.

That price movement suggests the Altima has softened, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that this model year is holding value in a steady, middle-of-the-pack way rather than commanding a premium. Its broad appeal, efficiency, and comfort should keep demand healthy, but it is not the kind of car that typically surges in resale strength.

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 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 thing to keep in mind is that the strongest safety setup is tied to higher equipment levels, so you should verify the exact feature content on any used listing 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:

• 26.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 brings a deep refresh with crisp styling, strong economy, and a lot of tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,177, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,292 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the fresher styling, stronger tech story, and updated feel, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one with a clean history and good maintenance records.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.