Used 2016 Nissan Altima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 4.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,871 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

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.

Drivers consistently praise its great gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, modern features, and overall value for the price. That lines up with the Altima’s role as a comfortable, efficient midsize sedan with a modern feel and plenty of space.

The market also shows 27.5% of listings as good or great deals, which supports its value-focused appeal.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many drivers, with praise for the car’s value and everyday livability. The expert review also notes that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic aren’t harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance.

That said, transmission concerns are a recurring ownership worry, so used buyers should pay close attention to service history and how the car drives under load.

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

At 44.1% 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. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any transmission-related symptoms during the test drive.

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 base setup is more about value and efficiency, while higher trims add more equipment and the SR brings a sportier character.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with a CVT automatic, and the 3.5-liter V6 is the stronger option if you want more power. The 2.5-liter setup is the efficiency play, while the V6 trades some economy for stronger acceleration.
• 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 in the review carried this suite, so lower trims may not match that equipment level.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display, while NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps brings a 7-inch display. Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and mobile-app integration are part of the tech story, but the screen size is modest.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter model is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a combined 31 mpg figure noted in the review.

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 the most sense if you want the Altima’s core strengths — space, efficiency, and value — without paying for extras you may not need.
• 2.5 S: This is the most straightforward step up if you want a little more equipment while staying focused on affordability.
• 2.5 SR: This is the better pick if you want the sportier trim character mentioned in the review, along with a more expressive feel.
• 2.5 SV: This is a sensible middle ground if you want a more comfort- and convenience-oriented setup without jumping to the top end.
• 2.5 SL: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest blend of comfort, tech, and available safety equipment.
• 3.5 SR: Choose this if you want the V6 and the sportier trim character together.
• 3.5 SL: This is the top choice if you want the V6 plus the more upscale equipment mix.

The safety package is a highlight, especially on better-equipped trims that can include dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking.

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: 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,871 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.43% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 44.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,215, 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 $9,225 sits slightly below last year's $9,653.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima is already absorbing some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. Its value-oriented positioning and strong efficiency should keep it appealing to budget-minded shoppers.

At the same time, the model’s average resale profile means you should not expect standout retention compared with the strongest nameplates in the class. Condition, mileage, and maintenance history will matter a lot when it is time to sell.

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 review also notes 6 standard airbags and stable, predictable handling that helps the car avoid under- and oversteer.

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:

• 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 44.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its deep refresh, crisp styling, and added tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,046, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,225 average.
• It emphasizes 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 more budget-friendly route and still delivers a well-rounded ownership experience.

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 gives you stronger fuel economy, a lower average used price, and a better expert score. The Camry counters with slightly better deal availability and a much larger average used price gap to consider if you are shopping on a tighter budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.