The story of the Nissan Z begins in 1970 with the original Z-car, the Nissan Fairlady Z (or the Datsun 240Z in the North American market). Built to compete against European marques such as Porsche and MG, Japan’s 240Z was fast, fun, and affordable. The first-generation Z sports car formula was simple: a sleek two-seat coupe with a long hood and a powerful six-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels.
The Z-car evolved over the years, growing longer, larger, and heavier. The Datsun 260Z and 280Z were lengthened to fit rear seats. For the second-generation Datsun 280ZX of the early 1980s, targa tops were introduced to the Z-series. The later third-generation Nissan 300ZX of the 1980s got stylish popup headlights and a turbocharger. Finally, the redesigned 300ZX of the 1990s evolved into a sophisticated grand tourer complete with twin turbochargers, rear-wheel steering, and optional rear seats. The 300ZX was eventually discontinued in the mid-1990s as it had become too complicated and expensive for its target audience and sales were slow.
Nissan reintroduced the Z-car in 2003 as the Nissan 350Z for its fifth generation, returning to its two-seater sports car roots. Rounding out the package were a naturally aspirated V6 engine, two seats, and rear-wheel drive. Updated in 2008 as the Nissan 370Z, this sixth-generation Nissan Z-car had a great run until its discontinuation in 2020.
After a brief absence, the Z-car was brought back for the 2023 model year for a seventh generation of Z-car, this time simply as the Nissan Z. Known internally as the RZ34, this new-generation Z drew heavily on its history. The basic formula was the same: a powerful V6 engine up front driving the rear wheels, two seats, and sporty styling. From the aggressive front end to its sharp profile, it’s easy to see the lineage from the original 240Z.
Nissan Z Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan Z years are the best?
The 2024 and 2025 model years look to be the best for the current-generation Nissan Z. With the introduction of the NISMO trim, buyers have a variety of options and price points to choose from.
What are the worst Nissan Z years?
As the first model year of a new car, the 2023 Nissan Z looks to have a few more problems than later years. Models equipped with the nine-speed automatic transmission were subject to a recall for an issue with the parking pawl.
Is a used Nissan Z a good deal?
Yes, a used Nissan Z can be a great deal. Many Nissan dealers applied markups to the Z when it was first launched that tempered initial reception, and strong competition from the Toyota Supra overshadowed it. However, the resulting lower demand is a benefit on the used market, bringing prices down.
Nissan Z Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast
- Fun to drive
- Reliable
Cons:
- Aging Platform
- Soft suspension
- Disappointing stock tires
Nissan Z Generations
First Generation (2023 - Present)
Launched for the 2023 model year after a substantial redesign, the new Z is full of heritage. At launch, it was available in three trims: Sport, Performance, and a limited edition “Proto Spec.” No matter which trim you chose, the basic formula was the same: a powerful V6 engine up front driving the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic.
The Sport trim started with an MSRP of $46,498 before the $1,950 destination charge and other fees, while the Performance trim started at $58,498. The base Sport trim was a great blank canvas for the sports car enthusiast looking to modify and build their perfect Z-car. The Performance trim added an impressive amount of standard equipment including larger high-performance brakes, lightweight RAYS wheels, and a mechanical limited slip differential. The eye-popping, highlighter yellow Proto Spec started at $64,248 and was based on the Performance trim with exclusive interior and exterior finishes.
Under the hood, the only option was a double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. First used in the Infiniti Q50, this powerplant was a not-so-distant cousin of the twin-turbo V6 engine used in the flagship Nissan vehicle, the GT-R.
The platform was largely carried over from its predecessor, so the Nissan Z has a lot in common with the Nissan 370Z coupe. The wheelbase, overall width, and roof height are the same between both cars. The interior was also redesigned, but the space and layout were quite similar.
Interior tech is thoroughly modern with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all controlled through an eight-inch touchscreen display. But don’t pay too much attention to the HVAC controls, which also come from the 370Z. To continue the lineage of the Z, every Nissan Z was equipped with a three-gauge pod on the dash. Three interior colours were available: black, red, or blue. The Proto trim had yellow accents throughout the cabin.
Changes over the years have been relatively minor. The 2024 model year saw the introduction of the NISMO trim, the track-ready high-performance package. The most obvious changes from a standard Z were improved aerodynamic bodywork front and rear, including a three-piece spoiler providing real downforce. Under the skin was an updated suspension with stiffer springs, roll bars, and retuned dampers. The turbo V6 was tuned for more power, now producing 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. To better match this increased output, larger brake rotors and wider rear tires were fitted. Prices started at $75,998.
For 2025, the iconic Bayside Blue paint, made famous by the R34 Nissan GT-R, became available.
No major reliability problems have been reported on this latest Nissan Z. While initial reviews criticized the Z-car’s aging FM platform, this was a benefit for potential buyers. Issues around the platform have long been worked out, and there is a large knowledge base from the years of the 350Z and the 370Z. The engine, derived from the Infiniti Q50 and Q60, has proven reliable in those applications and is easy to modify.
Because there have been relatively few changes over the years, prices for the Nissan Z largely depend on trim and condition. The bare bones Sport trim can be found for around $40,000 for a 2023 or 2024 model year. The Performance trim carries a premium thanks to its better standard equipment, so expect to pay about $50,000 depending on odometer reading. The Z NISMO is hard to come by in Canada, but a used example should be priced in the low-$60,000s.
Finally, watch out for modifications. There is a long tradition of modifying the Z-car that continues with this latest RZ34 platform. This is fine if the mods have been done well but less so if they haven’t. And if you’re looking to modify a sports car to your taste, the Nissan Z is a great model to start with.
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