Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 8.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 903 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices while you shop.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra a good car?

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

The 2016 Sentra is a refreshed compact sedan with updated styling and interior enhancements, so it feels more current than the outgoing version without changing its basic mission. It is aimed at buyers who want an affordable, roomy commuter with a polished cabin and added infotainment features.

There are 26.9% of listings 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 value case is reinforced by its efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder setup and its commuter-friendly fuel economy. The expert notes also point to a car that is practical, well-equipped for the price, and backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty plus a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Its long-term ownership risk is more about keeping up with routine maintenance and watching for wear on a budget-minded compact than worrying about a complicated ownership experience.

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

At 49.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven panel gaps, tire wear, or interior wear that does not match the mileage. Focus on overall condition, because this is a value-oriented sedan where a clean, well-kept example matters more than cosmetic extras.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, while higher trims add more comfort, convenience, and tech. The SV is the first trim where the cabin and infotainment feel meaningfully upgraded, and the SL turns many of the upper-trim features into standard equipment.
• 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: The Sentra earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a top score of Good in every category. Standard safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks, while forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are available only as options and only on the top two trims.
• Infotainment: The base setup includes AM/FM radio, CD playback, Bluetooth, USB, and an Aux jack. Higher trims add a 5-inch color monitor, a 5.8-inch touchscreen on an available package, NissanConnect mobile apps, voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free, and available Bose audio.
• 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. You get halogen headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seats, and a manual transmission, so it makes sense if you want the cheapest way into the Sentra lineup.
• FE+S: This is the best-value choice if fuel economy matters most. It adds aero-focused touches and low-rolling-resistance tires, and it is rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway, which makes it the commuter-friendly pick.
• SV: This is the trim where the Sentra starts to feel more modern. You get a rear-view camera, NissanConnect mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, a 6-speaker audio system, and available blind-spot warning, so it is the sweet spot for shoppers who want more tech without jumping to the top of the range.
• SR: This trim adds a sportier look and more equipment, including 17-inch wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated premium sport cloth seats, and a rear spoiler. It also opens the door to features like a power driver’s seat, leather seating, Bose audio, and forward emergency braking, so it suits you if you want the most style and the most available equipment before the top trim.
• SL: This is the most fully equipped version, with many SR options made standard along with dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and piano black interior accents. Choose it if you want the most comfort and convenience in the lineup.

The safety package is strongest on the upper trims, since forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning are only available as options 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 patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 903 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 49.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,871, 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 $7,970 sits slightly below last year's $8,665.

That price decline suggests the Sentra has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it harder for a future seller to command a premium unless the car is especially clean and well maintained. On the other hand, the model’s value-oriented reputation and efficient commuter appeal can help keep demand steady among shoppers looking for low-cost transportation.

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 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’s standard safety equipment includes airbags, vehicle dynamic control, front seatbelt pretensioners, and child safety locks. Forward emergency braking adds extra protection, but it is only available as an option 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:

• 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s a refreshed year with updated styling, interior enhancements, and added infotainment features that make it feel more current.

The bottom line: The 2016 Sentra is the better pick if you want the refreshed styling and updated cabin at a lower price than last year’s average. If you are especially price-sensitive, a clean, well-documented example is the path to take; if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and everyday usability, the 2016 remains the more compelling choice.

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