Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearLos Angeles, CA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.07% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 914 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

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 Sentra’s appeal is its refreshed styling, updated infotainment, and straightforward compact-sedan packaging. It’s aimed at you if you want a practical commuter with a roomy cabin, good fuel economy, and a value-focused setup rather than a sporty personality.

26.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

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 commuter-friendly efficiency, affordable pricing, and standard warranty coverage. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder and CVT setup are tuned more for everyday use than excitement, and the car’s strengths center on easy ownership and sensible running costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the transmission and overall condition have been well maintained, since you want a clean example that still feels tight and consistent.

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

At 50.2% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, alignment, and interior condition. Because this model is positioned as a value-focused commuter, you’ll want to focus on whether the car still feels well-kept rather than just whether it has the right equipment.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, with halogen headlights, dual power outside mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone service, cruise control, cloth seating, and manually adjustable front seats. Higher trims add features like a rear-view camera, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights, fog lights, and more upscale interior touches.
• Powertrain: The lineup uses a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The base model gets a 6-speed manual, while the rest use an Xtronic CVT, and front-wheel drive is standard across the range.
• Safety package: The Sentra is a Top Safety Pick+ with Good scores in every IIHS category. Standard safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks. Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options and only on the top two trim levels.
• Infotainment: Base models get an AM/FM radio and CD player with 4 speakers, plus a USB port, Aux jack, MP3/WMA CD playback, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. Higher trims add a 5-inch color monitor, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, NissanConnect mobile apps, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Siri Eyes Free.
• 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 gives you the essentials at the lowest price. It’s the right pick if you want the most affordable Sentra and don’t need much beyond basic comfort and connectivity.
• FE+S: This trim adds aero-focused touches and low-rolling-resistance tires, and it delivers the best fuel-efficiency ratings in the lineup. It’s the best-value choice if your priority is commuting and running costs.
• SV: This is where the Sentra starts to feel meaningfully better equipped, with a rear-view camera, NissanConnect mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and available upgrades like a larger touchscreen and navigation. It’s the sweet spot for most shoppers.
• 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 Bose audio. Choose it if you want the most style and available equipment.
• SL: This is the top trim, and it turns many of the SR’s options into standard equipment while adding dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and piano black interior accents. It’s the pick if you want the most comfort and convenience.

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

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 26.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 914 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.07% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 50.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,873, 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 $7,991 sits slightly below last year's $8,508.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can make future resale more competitive if you buy carefully. For a seller, the upside is that the car’s value proposition is still anchored by efficiency, affordability, and practical everyday use.

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 four-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover, and five-star ratings in all other NHTSA tests.

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

The Sentra’s safety package includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks as standard equipment. Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available, but only as options and only on the top two trim levels.

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:

• 26.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 50.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.07% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s a refreshed year with updated styling and new infotainment features that make it feel more polished than a simple carryover.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest version of this generation with strong value, the 2016 is the one to target. If you’re mainly chasing the lowest possible purchase price, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but you should still prioritize condition, history, and equipment over the badge year alone.

How does the 2016 Nissan Sentra compare to the 2016 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2016 Nissan Sentra 8/10 and the 2016 Honda Civic 8/10.

The Sentra is the cheaper buy by a wide margin, while the Civic brings more power and stronger fuel economy. You’ll also find more Sentra listings at a lower average price, which makes it the more budget-friendly choice if value matters most. The Civic has the edge if you want a stronger engine and better mpg, but the Sentra remains compelling if you want lower upfront cost and a solid deal pool.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.