How much does the 2016 Toyota Corolla cost?

Prices are up 1.96% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 1,842 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment. If you find a listing below $11,985.66, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Toyota Corolla earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and value for money. They also describe it as comfortable and more luxurious-feeling than its price suggests. The overview frames it as a practical daily driver that centers on value, which fits the way shoppers tend to use this kind of small car.

With 29.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviews also describe it as reliable and dependable, with many drivers saying it feels like sensible transportation they can count on. The expert evaluation reinforces that theme by calling it a spacious, cost-effective, and fuel-efficient car that should provide reliable daily driving for years, if not decades to come.

The ownership tradeoff is that some shoppers have concerns about the CVT transmission, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter on the used market. If you want lower long-term risk, prioritize well-documented cars and pay close attention to transmission behavior.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Corolla?

At 45.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report before you get too far into the process, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection on any car that looks promising. Focus on condition, prior repairs, and whether the car’s equipment matches what you expect for the trim and price. Because this model is positioned around value, the best used examples are the ones that still feel clean, complete, and well maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car is intentionally simple, while the S adds a sportier look with a unique grille, alloy wheels, red badging, and a rear spoiler. The Special Edition builds on the S Plus with unique 17-inch alloy wheels, special stitching, red interior accents, and Special Edition floor mats.
• Powertrain: The car uses a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder. Most versions make 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, while the LE Eco uses Valvematic technology and other tweaks for 140 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The lineup includes manual and CVT choices, with front-wheel drive across the board.
• Safety package: Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, which includes eight airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes. Models with the touchscreen also add an integrated backup camera. The car does not offer forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The base car uses a conventional touchscreen and controls layout. The LE gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and the system includes Entune apps, voice control, and Siri Eyes Free when paired with a Bluetooth-connected iPhone. Toyota does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The most common CVT setup returns 29 mpg city/38 highway/32 combined. The base L with the 4-speed automatic gets 27/36/31, 6-speed versions return 28/37/31, and the LE Eco delivers 30 mpg city/42 highway/36 combined.

Which 2016 Toyota Corolla trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is offered in 4 trim levels: L, LE, LE Eco, and S.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The L is the value play, but it keeps things basic. You give up the touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats that appear higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LE is the best balance for most shoppers because it adds the 6.1-inch touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats over the base car.
• Premium/top trim: The S is the most style-forward choice, with a unique grille, integrated fog lights, available 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, and a rear spoiler.
• Off-road trim: The LE Eco is the efficiency-focused choice, and its mpg advantage makes it appealing if you drive a lot.

Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, and touchscreen-equipped models also get an integrated backup camera.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Corolla?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,842 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.96% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 45.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,985.66, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Toyota Corolla's resale value?

The current average of $12,777 sits slightly above last year's $12,531.

That modest increase suggests the Corolla has held demand well enough to support pricing. For a future seller, that’s a useful sign: a model year with steady buyer interest is usually easier to move without heavy discounting. The fact that this car is still viewed as a value-focused, fuel-efficient daily driver helps keep it relevant in the used market.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, which includes eight standard airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes. Models equipped with the touchscreen also have an integrated backup camera. The upright driving position also helps rearward visibility and sightlines.

The main safety limitation is that the Corolla does not offer forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control. If safety tech is a priority for you, that gap is worth weighing carefully when you compare used listings.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Corolla 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:

• 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.96% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It emphasizes fuel economy and cost-effectiveness while packaging the features buyers really need.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,955, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,777 average.
• It focuses on reliable, sensible transportation with a slightly more engaging feel.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,875, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,777 average.
• It adds standard Safety Sense P and a reversing camera for more safety tech.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, efficiency, and everyday usefulness, the 2016 is the strongest all-around pick. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2015 can save you money, while the 2017 makes sense if you want the added standard safety equipment and can stretch your budget.

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