Used 2016 Nissan Maxima for Sale near North Carolina

How much does the 2016 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 4.61% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 602 listings available, which suggests a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Nissan Maxima earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

User feedback repeatedly points to the Maxima’s stylish design, comfort, handling, and spacious interior, with solid performance also coming through as a recurring theme. That lines up with the overview: this is a car that tends to appeal most if you already like its look, and it is especially well suited to you if you want a family-friendly sedan with a more expressive design and a stronger driving feel than the average commuter car.

Only 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards shoppers who move carefully and compare examples.

Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?

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

User feedback also points to the Maxima as reliable and dependable overall, with owners describing it as a car they can count on. The expert notes reinforce that impression by saying Maxima buyers can likely rely on dependability, and the cost-effectiveness commentary adds that the model’s quality and reliability have impressed owners for the past decade.

That said, some user experiences mention reliability problems, so you should treat maintenance history and prior ownership care as important parts of your decision. For a used buyer, the main long-term risk is not the basic formula of the car so much as how well a specific example has been maintained.

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

At 47.8% 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 explained before you get too far into the process. After that, prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage car or one with incomplete service records. Focus on overall condition, signs of repair quality, and whether the car’s equipment and driver-assistance features are functioning as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Maxima S starts the lineup with the core design and mechanical package, while the SV adds leather, heated front seats and side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and an 8-way power driver’s seat with thigh support extension. The SL adds predictive forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a dual-panel sunroof, premium audio, active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement, ambient cabin lighting, and a heated steering wheel. The SR is the sportier choice, with paddle shifters, a sport suspension, a front performance chassis damper, 19-inch wheels, and an Integrated Dynamics Module with Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control, and Active Engine Brake. The Platinum sits above that, and the SL is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of comfort and safety equipment.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The setup is tuned for strong power and smooth everyday driving, with Sport mode sharpening throttle response and shift behavior.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes a reversing camera, NissanConnect Services safety functions, and an Easy Fill Tire Alert system. The SL adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree monitoring system, and predictive forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are not offered, and drowsy-driver detection is reserved for the Platinum.
• Infotainment: NissanConnect is standard on all versions and includes navigation, NissanConnect Services, remote engine start, remote access to locks, lights, and horn, automatic collision notification, emergency calling, a stolen-vehicle locator, connected and assisted search, destination download capability, Google Send to Car, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA estimates are 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. In testing, the car returned 21.8 mpg.

Which 2016 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Maxima is offered in 5 trim levels: Maxima S, Maxima SV, Maxima SL, Maxima SR, Maxima Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• Maxima S: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the Maxima’s styling and V6 power at the lowest starting price and do not need the extra comfort or safety equipment found higher up.
• Maxima SV: This trim adds a more upscale everyday experience with leather, heated front seats and side mirrors, parking sensors, and a power driver’s seat with thigh support extension. It is the better pick if you want a nicer cabin without jumping all the way to the more expensive trims.
• Maxima SL: This is the best-value trim. It adds the most important safety upgrades, including predictive forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, plus a dual-panel sunroof, premium audio, ambient lighting, and a heated steering wheel.
• Maxima SR: Choose this one if you want the sportiest setup in the lineup. It keeps the SL’s equipment but adds paddle shifters, a sport suspension, a front performance chassis damper, 19-inch wheels, and the Integrated Dynamics Module with Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control, and Active Engine Brake.
• Maxima Platinum: This is the top trim for shoppers who want the most equipment, including the drowsy-driver detection system that is reserved for this version.

The safety package is strongest on the SL and above, while the lower trims are more about getting into the Maxima experience at a lower price.

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

The market looks moderate for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing movement to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 602 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.61% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 47.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,989, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $12,232 sits slightly below last year's $12,824.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can be helpful if you are buying now but less favorable if you are thinking about future resale. For a seller, it means you should expect pricing pressure unless your car stands out with strong condition, clean history, and desirable equipment. The good news is that the current market still shows active demand, so a well-kept example should remain sellable even if it does not command top-dollar pricing.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2016 Nissan Maxima earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes a reversing camera, NissanConnect Services safety functions, and an Easy Fill Tire Alert system. Higher trims add more advanced driver assistance: the SL brings blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree monitoring system, and predictive forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Maxima does not offer lane-departure warning or lane-keeping assist, and drowsy-driver detection is limited to the Platinum trim.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Maxima 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:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 47.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.61% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The expert summary says that if you like the way this car looks, you’re probably going to like everything else about it.

The bottom line: The 2016 Maxima makes the most sense if you want its styling, strong V6 performance, and high-tech cabin, and you are willing to shop carefully for the right example. If you are more price-sensitive, the softened market and decent inventory make this a good year to compare multiple listings before deciding, especially if you can find a clean, well-equipped SL.

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