Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.34% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 865 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare on price and condition.

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.

The refresh gives you updated styling and interior enhancements, so the car feels more current than the outgoing version. It also stays true to its compact-sedan mission: affordable pricing, roomy packaging, and a practical cabin that works well for everyday commuting and family use.

27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests you can still find attractive value if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

The Sentra’s value case is reinforced by its efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder setup, straightforward front-wheel-drive layout, and a cabin that’s built around everyday usability rather than complexity. The expert review also points to strong fuel economy and a well-equipped, budget-minded design, which are the kinds of traits that usually help a used car stay easy to live with.

Nissan’s 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty also support the ownership picture, though used buyers should still pay close attention to transmission behavior, maintenance records, and overall wear.

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

At 49.5% 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 had body repairs or shows uneven panel gaps, paint mismatch, or tire wear. Focus on the condition of the cabin, infotainment, brakes, and transmission behavior, since those are the areas most likely to affect day-to-day satisfaction.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, with halogen headlights, dual power outside mirrors, Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seating, and manually adjustable front seats. As you move up, the SV adds a nicer cabin, a rear-view camera, NissanConnect features, hands-free text messaging, and Siri Eyes Free, while the SR brings larger wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated sport cloth seats, fog lights, and a sportier appearance. The SL turns many SR options into standard equipment and adds dual-zone automatic temperature control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
• 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 an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined, and the car is tuned more for commuting efficiency than quick acceleration.
• 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 only as options, and only on the top two trim levels.
• Infotainment: The base setup includes an AM/FM radio, CD player, 4 speakers, USB port, Aux jack, MP3/WMA CD playback, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. SV models add a 5-inch color monitor, 6 speakers, hands-free text messaging, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with an optional package that brings a 5.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and voice recognition. The screen is small, so it’s not as easy to use for navigation as larger systems.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra is rated at 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined, and the FE+S trim 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 gives you the essentials at the lowest price. You get Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seats, and the basic audio setup, so it makes sense if your priority is keeping costs down and you don’t need extra convenience features.
• FE+S: This is the best-value pick if fuel economy matters most. It adds aero pieces and low-rolling-resistance tires, and it’s rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway, which makes it especially appealing if you want the most commuter-friendly version of the lineup.
• SV: This is the smart step-up if you want the biggest jump in everyday comfort and tech. It adds a rear-view camera, NissanConnect features, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM, and a nicer cabin, making it the trim that best balances price and equipment.
• SR: Choose this if you want a more distinctive look and more available comfort and tech. It adds 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, sport cloth seats, and a rear spoiler, with options like leather seating, a Bose audio system, and forward emergency braking.
• SL: This is the most fully equipped version, with most SR options made standard plus dual-zone automatic temperature control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It’s the right choice if you want the most features and don’t mind paying more for them.

Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only on the top two trim levels.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop, but the best listings can still move quickly.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 865 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.34% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 49.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,868, 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 $8,025 sits slightly below last year's $8,568.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a better entry point today. If you plan to sell later, the same trend means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than broad market appreciation.

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 2016 Nissan Sentra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and earns a four-star overall 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 includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks as standard equipment. Forward emergency braking helped boost its safety performance, and blind-spot warning is available on the top two trims.

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:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.34% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s a refreshed Sentra with updated styling, interior enhancements, and added infotainment features that make it feel more current.

The bottom line: The 2016 Sentra makes the most sense if you want a value-focused compact sedan with strong fuel economy, a roomy cabin, and a refreshed look. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can shop confidently because the market has softened and there are still plenty of listings to compare, but you should be selective about condition and history before buying.

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