Used 2016 Toyota Corolla for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2016 Toyota Corolla Trims in San Diego, CA

The 2016 Toyota Corolla offers a range of trims that balance affordability and efficiency, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Starting at $9,942
• Best MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 38 hwy
• Most Popular: LE

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

L — "Who It's For"

The L is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without paying for extra features.

• Avg. market price: $9,942 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 31 listings
• View L listings

LE — "Who It's For"

The LE is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded compact car with popular features without going for the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $11,250 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 94 listings
• View LE listings

LE Plus — "Who It's For"

The LE Plus is the pick for shoppers who want additional features without a significant price jump, though availability is limited.

• Avg. market price: $11,500 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 11 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View LE Plus listings

S — "Who It's For"

The S is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier look and feel without sacrificing practicality.

• Avg. market price: $10,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View S listings

S Plus — "Who It's For"

The S Plus is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish compact with added comfort features at a reasonable price.

• Avg. market price: $10,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 44 listings
• View S Plus listings

S Premium — "Who It's For"

The S Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded compact car with all the bells and whistles.

• Avg. market price: $10,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 5 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View S Premium listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LE

With 94 active listings, the LE is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LE listings

Best Budget Option — L

At $9,942 avg market price — below the lineup median of $10,897 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse L listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LE

The LE offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 29/38 MPG.

Browse LE listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Toyota Corolla cost?

Prices are up 2.32% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 1,864 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment.

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. The Corolla is also described as comfortable and dependable, with a polished feel for the price. In practical terms, that makes it a strong fit if you want an economy car that emphasizes everyday usability, affordability, and a more upscale impression than you might expect in this segment.

The market also shows 28.5% good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to the Corolla as reliable and dependable, with language that emphasizes trouble-free daily use and confidence over time. The expert evaluation reinforces that theme by describing it as a car that can provide reliable daily driving for years, if not decades to come. It also notes that the Corolla is built around value and practicality rather than flash, which usually aligns well with long-term ownership.

The main ownership risk for used buyers is making sure the CVT and overall maintenance history have been kept in check.

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

At 46.7% 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 are considering a higher-mileage example or one with a lower asking price. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the car’s equipment matches what you expect for the trim. Because some owners mention missing features and CVT concerns, it is worth paying close attention to how the car drives and whether everything operates as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L is the most basic version, while the LE adds a touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats. The S adds a unique grille with integrated fog lights, available 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, and a rear spoiler.
• Powertrain: The Corolla 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 and other mechanical tweaks to make 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. Most trims use a CVT, while the L can also be had with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
• Safety package: Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, which includes eight standard airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes. Models with the touchscreen also get an integrated backup camera. The Corolla does not offer forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The base car has a conventional touchscreen and controls layout. The LE gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen, 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 CVT with FWD earns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/38 highway/32 combined. The base L with the 4-speed automatic returns 27/36/31, 6-speed versions return 28/37/31, and the LE Eco gets 30/42/36.

Which 2016 Toyota Corolla trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price and the simplest Corolla experience. It gives you Bluetooth, USB input, LED headlights, and eight airbags, and it can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.
• LE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 6.1-inch touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats without pushing the car into a much higher price bracket.
• LE Eco: Choose this if fuel economy is your top priority. It uses the efficiency-focused engine tune and delivers the best mpg figures in the lineup.
• S: This is the style-focused choice, with the unique grille, fog lights, available 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, and rear spoiler.

The touchscreen-equipped trims also get an integrated backup camera, while the Corolla still lacks several advanced driver-assistance features found in some rivals.

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

Act selectively, because this is still a seller’s market and the best listings can move quickly.

• Deal availability: 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,864 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.32% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 46.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,984, 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 $12,798 sits slightly above last year's $12,508.

That upward move suggests the Corolla is holding demand well enough to support used prices. For a future seller, that means you may not see dramatic depreciation if the car stays clean and well maintained. The model’s value-focused reputation and broad appeal should continue to help it attract shoppers who want dependable transportation without overspending.

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?

The 2016 Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla does not offer several advanced driver-assistance features that are available on multiple rivals, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

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:

• 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 46.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.32% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It emphasizes fuel economy, cost-effectiveness, and a strong value proposition in a highly competitive small-car segment.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $12,016, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,798 average.
• It focuses on reliable, sensible transportation with a bit of style.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,757, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,798 average.
• It adds standard Safety Sense P and a reversing camera.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, efficiency, and everyday usability, the 2016 is the right starting point. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2015 can save you money, while the 2017 is worth a look if you want the added standard safety content and can stretch your budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.