Buying a used car can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down thousands of listings and everyone has a different opinion. If you’re zeroing in on 2016 models, you’re in a good spot. That year produced some genuinely strong vehicles across almost every category, and many of them are still running well today.
This guide breaks down the best used car picks from 2016, what they cost now, how reliability has held up, and what you should watch for before handing over any money.
The Winners: Cars
The 2016 model year was a strong one for everyday sedans and coupes. Consumer Reports named their 10 Top Picks of 2016 based on road test scores, safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction, and a few names kept showing up at the top.
The 2016 Toyota Camry is a perennial favorite for good reason. It’s a midsize sedan that offers a smooth ride, low ownership costs, and a well-documented history of durability. Toyota’s reputation for building cars that last well past 200,000 miles isn’t hype. The Camry earns it. You can find a used one with reasonable mileage in the $12,000 to $17,000 range depending on trim and condition, though pricing shifts based on your market and the car’s history.
The 2016 Honda Civic was completely redesigned that year, and it showed. Honda knocked it out of the park with sharper handling, a more refined interior, and better fuel economy than the previous generation. The Civic earned serious praise from auto journalists and consumer groups alike. If you want a compact car that still feels modern even now, the 2016 Civic is a smart pick. Pricing typically lands between $10,000 and $15,000 for a solid example.
The 2016 Toyota Prius also got a full redesign that year, bringing a sportier look and improved efficiency. Reddit’s used car community frequently points to the Prius as one of the most cost-effective options from this era when you factor in fuel savings and low maintenance costs. Pricing for a used 2016 Prius generally runs $13,000 to $18,000.
If you want something a little more fun, the 2016 Mazda6 deserves a serious look. The 2016 refresh brought a quieter cabin and better interior materials, making it one of the best-kept secrets in used car shopping. It drives like a sports sedan but costs like a family car. Pricing often falls under $12,000 for higher-mileage examples, making it a strong used car value.
Before you commit to any of these, run a free VIN lookup to check the vehicle’s history. A clean title and consistent service records make a big difference on any used car purchase.
The Winners: SUVs and Minivans
The 2016 SUV market was crowded, but a few models stood out from the pack and have held up especially well as used vehicles.
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable used SUVs you can buy in this price range. Toyota’s reliability reputation carries over fully here, and the RAV4 offers practical cargo space, good fuel economy, and wide availability. Used pricing typically runs $14,000 to $20,000 depending on trim and mileage.
The 2016 Honda CR-V is another top contender. Honda built the CR-V to last, and owner satisfaction reports from this generation are consistently high. The CR-V’s interior is practical, visibility is great, and it’s genuinely easy to live with every day. Auto shoppers who prioritize value and dependability keep coming back to this one.
The 2016 Kia Sorento is worth your attention if you want three-row seating at a lower price point. Kia made real strides in quality around this time, and the Sorento earned solid consumer satisfaction marks. Pricing tends to be lower than comparable Honda and Toyota SUVs, which makes it attractive for buyers watching a budget.
If you’re hauling a family regularly, the 2016 Toyota Sienna minivan is arguably the most practical vehicle on this entire list. Minivans aren’t glamorous, but the Sienna is the only one from 2016 offered with all-wheel drive. Reliability is excellent, and used pricing is reasonable given how much utility you get. A good used Sienna from 2016 typically runs $15,000 to $22,000.
The Winners: Trucks
Truck buyers had solid options in 2016, and these vehicles have aged well.
The 2016 Ford F-150 continued its run as the best-selling vehicle in America for good reason. Ford’s aluminum body construction, introduced in 2015, reduced weight and improved fuel economy without killing durability. The F-150 offers a wide range of configurations and engine choices, so you can find one that fits exactly what you need. Used pricing varies widely based on cab style, bed length, and powertrain, but expect to pay $18,000 to $28,000 for a well-maintained example.
If you prefer a midsize truck, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma holds its value better than almost anything else on the used market. Be aware that strong resale values mean you’ll pay more than you might expect for a used Tacoma. Still, the reliability and off-road capability make it worth the premium for a lot of buyers.
Quality and Reliability Ratings
Reliability matters more on a used car than on a new one. When something breaks on a used vehicle, you’re paying for it out of pocket. That’s why looking at long-term reliability data before you buy is so important.
Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings consistently rank Toyota and Honda at or near the top of the car market. Their 2016 models reflect that. The Civic, Camry, RAV4, CR-V, and Tacoma all show up repeatedly in expert recommendations for used buyers. If reliability is your top priority, those nameplates are a safe starting point.
Consumer report data also highlights that some vehicles from this era have known issues worth knowing about. Always pull a reliability report for the specific model and trim you’re considering. A model-level report can reveal whether a particular engine or transmission configuration had problems, even if the nameplate generally scored well.
Third-party auto inspection reports from a trusted mechanic should be your last line of defense before buying. Budget around $100 to $200 for a pre-purchase inspection. It’s the best money you’ll spend in the whole process.
Performance Ratings
Not every used car buyer is just chasing fuel economy and reliability. If driving feel matters to you, a few 2016 models punch well above their weight class.
The 2016 Honda Civic received strong performance marks from auto publications for its sharp steering and responsive handling, especially in the Sport trim. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder is genuinely fun to drive and still efficient. For a compact car, it’s hard to beat the balance it strikes.
The 2016 Mazda6 goes even further in the driving feel department. Mazda built the 6 with a driver-first philosophy, and it shows. The suspension is tuned for engagement without being punishing on rough roads. Consumer reviewers who care about how a car drives consistently give the Mazda6 high marks.
The 2016 Toyota Camry V6 is underrated as a performance option. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 horsepower, which gives this family sedan more get-up-and-go than most buyers expect. If you want comfortable, confident power without stepping into sports car territory, the Camry V6 is worth a look.
Are 2016 Used Cars Worth Buying in 2025?
Short answer: yes, but it depends on the car and how it’s been cared for. A 2016 model is now roughly nine years old, which puts it past the point where depreciation has done most of its work. That’s actually good news for buyers. You’re not paying for newness. You’re paying for the car itself.
The vehicles that were reliable when new tend to still be reliable now, especially if they’ve had consistent maintenance. A 2016 Toyota or Honda with documented service records is often a better buy than a newer car from a brand with a shakier reliability track record.
Pricing on 2016 models has stabilized after the used car market chaos of the early 2020s. You can find genuinely good deals if you shop carefully, compare similar listings, and don’t rush. Use our car loan calculator to figure out what monthly payment works for your budget before you start negotiating. Knowing your numbers going in keeps you from getting talked into something that doesn’t fit.
See Other Years and Find the Right Model
A 2016 model might not be the exact right fit for every buyer. Maybe the mileage on a particular car is too high, or the pricing in your area has been pushed up by demand. Don’t limit yourself to one year if the fundamentals of the car are the same across model years.
Toyota, Honda, and Mazda carried their 2016 improvements forward into 2017 and 2018 with only minor changes, so those years often offer similar reliability at comparable pricing. If you’re flexible on the year, you have more options and more negotiating room.
You can browse used cars by make on our site to compare 2016 models side by side with surrounding years and see how pricing and reported issues stack up across the model range.
Used Car News and What the Experts Say
The broader used car market in 2025 is showing more inventory and more reasonable pricing compared to the past few years. That’s good news if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines. Expert auto observers are pointing to 2016 through 2019 models as a sweet spot for used buyers. Old enough to be affordable, new enough to have modern safety features and technology.
Consumer sentiment in auto report after auto report backs this up. Buyers who pick well-maintained examples from strong nameplates are generally happy with their purchases years later. The data on long-term ownership costs also favors Japanese brands from this era, particularly Toyota and Honda, which continue to show low rates of major repairs in owner satisfaction surveys.
Check the NHTSA recalls database for any car you’re seriously considering. Even great cars can have outstanding recalls, and a quick check takes about two minutes. You want to know before you buy, not after.
Before You Buy: A Few Last Things
Get the car inspected by an independent mechanic, not the seller’s shop. Pull a vehicle history report using the VIN. Compare at least three to five similar listings to understand what fair pricing looks like in your market. And make sure the car’s maintenance history matches what the odometer is telling you.
The best used car from 2016 isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest sticker price. It’s the one that’s been taken care of, has a clean history, and fits how you actually use a car every day. Start with the right model, verify the details, and you’ll be driving something dependable for years to come.
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