Used 2016 Nissan Altima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 3.80% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,933 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

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 most often praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, and comfort, along with its modern features and overall value for the price. That lines up with the Altima’s mission as a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan with a practical, easy-to-live-with cabin. If you want a sedan that emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability, this year’s Altima fits that brief well. Good and great deals account for 25.4% of listings, so there is some 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 also points to the Altima as reliable, dependable, and a car many owners feel they can count on over time. The expert drive notes that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic are not harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance, and the car’s overall setup is described as useable and well balanced. 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 46.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and make sure any prior damage is fully documented. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you are comparing multiple listings with similar prices. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether the car drives smoothly under light and moderate throttle.

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 feel.
• 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: 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 setup 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 available, but the screen size is modest.
• 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, 3.5 SL.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Altima formula at the lowest price. It makes sense if you want the basics and plan to keep costs down.
• 2.5 S: This trim adds a step up from the base car without moving too far up the price ladder. It is the sensible choice if you want a little more equipment without overreaching.
• 2.5 SR: This is the sportier pick, and the content specifically calls out the SR trim’s upgraded suspension. Choose it if you want the most engaging feel in the lineup.
• 2.5 SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it sits in the middle of the range and should balance equipment and price well.
• 2.5 SL: This is the most appealing all-around choice if you want the richest feature set without moving to the V6. It pairs well with the available driver aids and upscale tech.
• 3.5 SR: Pick this if you want the stronger V6 and the sportier SR character together.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top comfort-and-power choice, combining the V6 with the most upscale trim level.

The safety-tech suite is especially notable on the SL trim, where the active driver aids are bundled together.

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

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,933 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.80% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 46.8% 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 $9,421 sits slightly below last year's $9,794.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima is not commanding a premium in the used market right now. For a future seller, that means resale may remain more dependent on condition, mileage, and equipment than on brand strength alone. Well-kept examples with strong records should still attract interest, but you should not expect standout retention compared with the strongest resale leaders.

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 6 standard airbags, plus dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. That gives the Altima a strong safety story for its class, especially on better-equipped trims. The main caveat is that the strongest driver-assistance setup is tied to higher trim content, so you should verify exactly which features are present on any used listing you consider.

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:

• 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 46.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.80% 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 $8,292, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,421 average.
• It stands out for handling, fuel economy, technology, and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed styling, stronger tech story, and current-year market pricing, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front and you still want a well-rounded family sedan, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.