Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for Sale near Arizona

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 11.04% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 896 listings available, you have a decent amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $7,832.03, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Nissan Sentra earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

For you, that means this compact sedan is strongest as a practical, value-focused choice rather than a flashy one. The refreshed styling and interior updates make it feel more current, while the roomy cabin and commuter-friendly efficiency support everyday use.

25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

The Sentra’s appeal here is rooted in its practical design, solid fuel economy, and straightforward mechanical setup. The expert evaluation also points to a value-minded sedan with modern safety features and technology, which supports confidence for everyday ownership.

Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder and CVT setup are tuned more for efficiency than excitement, so used buyers should focus on how smoothly the car drives and whether maintenance has been kept up over time. For a used example, long-term ownership risk is most likely to come from wear, upkeep history, and condition rather than from the car’s basic mission.

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

At 49.7% 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 is priced near the low end of the market. Pay close attention to body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the cabin and electronics still feel consistent with the mileage and asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, with halogen headlights, cloth seating, manually adjustable front seats, and no extras beyond the essentials. As you move up, the SV adds a nicer cabin and more convenience features, while the SR and SL bring more equipment and a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The base model gets a 6-speed manual, while the rest of the lineup uses a CVT, and front-wheel drive is standard across the board.
• Safety package: The Sentra includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks on every trim. Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available, but only as options and only for the top two trim levels.
• Infotainment: The base setup is a simple AM/FM/CD system with 4 speakers, USB, Aux, and Bluetooth. Higher trims add a 5-inch color monitor, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, NissanConnect mobile apps, SiriusXM, and, on the top trim, navigation and traffic services.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra is rated at 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined, and the FE+S is rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway.

Which 2016 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Sentra is offered in 5 trim levels: S, FE+S, SV, SR, SL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, and it keeps things basic with cloth seats, manual front seat adjustment, Bluetooth, cruise control, and the standard audio setup. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Sentra, but it is clearly the least equipped version.
• FE+S: This trim adds aero-focused touches and low-rolling-resistance tires, and it stands out for the best fuel-efficiency ratings in the lineup. If your priority is commuting and value, this is the best-value trim to consider.
• SV: This is where the Sentra starts to feel more modern, with a better infotainment setup, a rear-view camera, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM, and available NissanConnect upgrades. It’s the sweet spot if you want a more complete daily driver without moving all the way to the top.
• SR: This trim adds a sportier look with 17-inch wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, fog lights, and a rear spoiler, plus available upgrades like leather seating, a power driver’s seat, and a premium Bose audio system. Choose it if you want the most style and the richest option list short of the top trim.
• SL: This is the most fully equipped version, turning many SR options into standard equipment and adding dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and upgraded interior accents. It’s the right pick if you want the most comfort and convenience features.

Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options on the top two trims.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 896 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.04% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 49.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,832.03, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $7,822 sits slightly below last year's $8,793.

That price movement suggests the Sentra has softened in the used market, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and trim than on broad market momentum.

If you keep the car clean, well maintained, and documented, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell. Strong value-oriented models can still hold buyer interest when they remain affordable and efficient.

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 Sentra safe?

The Nissan Sentra is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ this year, and it also earned an overall four-star rating from NHTSA, with five-star side crash ratings and four-star frontal and rollover ratings.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Sentra’s safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks on every trim. Forward emergency braking adds extra protection, and blind-spot warning is also available, though both are limited to the top two trims as options.

That means the Sentra gives you a strong safety foundation, but if safety tech matters most, you should pay close attention to trim level and whether the car has the optional driver-assistance features you want.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Sentra 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:

• 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.04% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s a refreshed Sentra with updated styling and interior enhancements that make it feel more current.

The bottom line: If you want a used compact sedan that emphasizes value, efficiency, and a fresher look, the 2016 Sentra is the right direction to start. If you’re especially price-sensitive, shop carefully for the best-condition example you can find, because the market has softened and there are enough listings to compare before you commit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.