How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 9.39% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 899 listings available, which suggests you should have some room to compare prices and conditions.

If you find a listing below $7,931.43, 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 5/5 user rating and 8/10 expert rating point to a strong overall showing for this model year. The Sentra’s appeal is in its refreshed styling and interior updates, plus its practical compact-sedan packaging that still offers plenty of room for families. It is positioned as a value-minded commuter car rather than a performance standout, and the expert review highlights that balance clearly. The model scores 9/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

With 25.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you may find attractive pricing if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

The expert review describes the Sentra as a value-minded sedan with a strong emphasis on affordability, fuel economy, and everyday usability. It also notes a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, which adds some reassurance for used buyers. The powertrain is straightforward, with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive across the lineup, and the car’s commuter-friendly efficiency supports its dependability case.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the car has been maintained properly and that any wear or prior damage is documented before you commit.

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

At 50.1% 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 close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. Because this model year’s appeal is tied to refinement and value, condition matters a lot: a clean, well-kept example is much easier to recommend than one with questionable repair history. Pay extra attention to how the car presents inside and out, since the Sentra’s strengths are its practical packaging and updated cabin rather than standout mechanical drama.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim includes halogen headlights, dual power outside mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone service, cruise control, cloth seating, manually adjustable front seats, and 60/40 split rear seats. It does not have extras that appear as you move up the range.
• Powertrain: Every trim 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 of the lineup uses an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg city/38 highway/34 combined.
• Safety package: Airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks are standard. 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 and CD player with 4 speakers, a USB port, an Aux jack, MP3/WMA CD playback capability, and Bluetooth hands-free phone service. Higher trims add a 5-inch color monitor, a 5.8-inch color touchscreen, navigation, voice recognition, NissanConnect mobile apps, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Siri Eyes Free.
• Fuel efficiency: The lineup 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:

• Base trim: The S is the most stripped-down choice, with basic convenience and safety equipment but no extras, so it makes sense only if you want the lowest entry price.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the best value pick because it adds the 5-inch color monitor, rear-view camera, NissanConnect with mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a nicer cabin without jumping to the top of the range.
• Premium/top trim: The SL is the most fully equipped version, turning many SR options into standard features and adding dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and piano black interior accents.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, so there is no daily-driver caution to flag here.

Forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options and 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 can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 25.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 899 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.39% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 50.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,931.43, 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 $7,936 sits slightly below last year's $8,759.

That price movement suggests the market has softened, which can make the car easier to buy now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, that means condition, mileage, and documentation matter even more because buyers will likely compare your car against plenty of similarly priced alternatives. A clean history and strong maintenance record should help your listing stand out in a value-focused segment.

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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and earned an overall rating of four stars 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 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. The expert review also notes that the car feels substantial, handles well, brakes solidly, and offers good visibility, all of which support confidence behind the wheel.

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:

• 25.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 50.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.39% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It was refreshed with updated styling, interior enhancements, and new infotainment features.

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 explore. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also use the softened market and broad inventory to shop carefully and wait for a clean example with a strong history.

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