Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 4.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 879 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Sentra options 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 in its refresh: you get updated styling, added interior enhancements, and new infotainment features that make it feel more polished than a simple carryover. It also fits well if you want a straightforward compact sedan with a roomy cabin and value-focused ownership. 27.2% of listings are marked as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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

The Sentra is described as a value-minded sedan with a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder is paired with a CVT in most trims, and the car is presented as a commuter-friendly model with strong fuel economy and a practical, roomy cabin. The expert evaluation also emphasizes solid braking, good handling, and a substantial feel behind the wheel.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the CVT and overall maintenance history have been well cared for.

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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible cosmetic wear. Focus on overall condition, since the Sentra is positioned as a budget-conscious sedan and some trims are much better equipped than others. Pay close attention to whether the features you want are standard on the trim you’re shopping.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S 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, while higher trims add features like a rear-view camera, NissanConnect, heated cloth seats, leather trim, and more upscale audio and interior touches.
• Powertrain: The lineup uses a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual in the base model and an Xtronic CVT in the rest of the lineup; front-wheel drive is standard and there is no all-wheel drive option.
• Safety package: The Sentra 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 for the top two trim levels.
• Infotainment: Base models get 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, 6 speakers, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 5.8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition.
• 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 extra convenience or tech.
• FE+S: This trim adds a rear spoiler, aero deflectors, 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 more modern, with a rear-view camera, NissanConnect with mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, a 6-speaker sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It’s the trim to target if you want the best balance of features and price.
• SR: This trim adds a sportier look with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated premium sport cloth seats, fog lights, LED taillights, and a sport rear fascia. It suits you if you want the most style and available comfort features before stepping up to the top trim.
• SL: This is the most upscale Sentra, turning many SR options into standard equipment and adding dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and piano black interior accents. Choose it if you want the most complete Sentra experience.

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 have room to shop carefully without rushing.

• Deal availability: 27.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 879 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 50.2% 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 $8,059 sits slightly below last year's $8,467.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra is currently more buyer-friendly than seller-friendly, which can make resale values feel a bit compressed in the near term. If you’re planning to sell later, the model’s value proposition will likely depend on how well you preserve condition, mileage, and service history. The good news is that its affordability and commuter appeal should continue to support steady demand.

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 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 adds extra protection, but it’s only available as an option and only on the top two trim levels. Blind-spot warning is also optional and limited to the top 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:

• 27.2% 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 4.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 Sentra’s refresh adds exterior updates and interior enhancements that make it feel more polished than a simple carryover.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest version of this Sentra generation with updated styling and added tech, the 2016 is the one to target. If your main goal is to minimize upfront cost, you can also shop nearby years, but the 2016’s refresh and strong value profile make it the better all-around pick for most used-car shoppers.

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 gives you a much lower average used price and a larger pool of listings, while the Civic brings more power and stronger fuel economy. If you want the cheaper buy with solid value and a roomy cabin, the Sentra makes sense; if you want the more refined performance and efficiency package, the Civic has the edge. Deal availability is also slightly better for the Sentra, but the Civic has a higher accident-free share.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.