For 20 years, the Nissan 370Z has been considered a sleek sports car with blazing speed and solid performance. The best part about this car, especially when buying it used, is that you get to enjoy all that speed and performance for a fraction of the price of high end, luxury sports cars.
If you’ve been pining for a new sports car, the Nissan 370Z could be the perfect choice.
The Big Picture: Speed and Style You’ll Love at a Price You’ll Like
There’s a lot to like about the Nissan 370Z. Braking and handling are impressive. The ride is remarkably smooth, and of course, the price is right. Whereas you’d pay quite a bit more for a luxury sports car, the Nissan 370Z delivers all the speed, options, and comfort you want for a fraction of the price.
Price: What Makes a Used Nissan 370Z a Great Value
Let’s be honest. A Nissan 370Z just looks fun to drive. Eye-catching with sleek, curved lines, the 370Z looks like it costs more than it does. It offers a stunningly responsive engine and is easy to handle for a price tag that rings in lower than its competition.
A new, 2020 370Z base model starts at $30,900. A used 370Z with around 100,000 miles costs only $10,000. Any trim line or model year since 2009 will net an amazing value when bought used.
While the 370Z may not offer all of the performance metrics that more expensive sports cars can, it delivers a good value for the price. Besides, unless your passengers are racing enthusiasts, they won’t be able to tell the difference.
Trim Lines: 370Z Delivers Options for Drivers
Nissan realizes people don’t always want to give up the back seat to have a sports car. So, they produce the 370Z in two models: coupe and roadster. Whichever model you choose, you’ll love the way it looks. Both options are sleek and sporty.
Here’s what makes each stand out.
- Nissan 370Z Coupe – Three trim lines comfortably seat two people in the 370Z coupe. Sport, Sport Tech, Touring, NISMO, and NISMO Tech trim lines are available in this model.
- Nissan 370Z Roadster – The Roadster’s big differentiator is that it is a convertible with a soft top. You sacrifice some cabin space here, but get the fun of feeling the breeze through your hair as you fly down the highway. Base, Touring, and Sport trim lines are available in this model.
New 370Z coupe models come in four trim lines: Base, Sport, Sport Touring, and NISMO. The best value may be right in the middle of that lineup as it offers add-ons like a limited-slip rear differential, better brakes, and bigger wheels for just about $4,000 more. Touring models include heated, leather power seats.
Size & Seating Capacity: Room for You and Your Friends
What the 370Z lacks in race track style performance, it makes up for in daily comfort. While it may not fly around the track as fast as competitors like the Toyota Supra, Mazda Miata, or Subaru BRZ, it is fun and comfortable enough for daily driving.
You and a passenger will enjoy sitting in the well-supported, comfortable coupe, while Roadster will be a little tighter on space. Beyond people, three carry-on bags or a large suitcase will fit in the 6.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seat.
Fun Features of the Nissan 370Z
Anyone shopping for a new sports car cares about engine features. Here, the Nissan 370Z won’t disappoint. Highlights include:
- 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332 horsepower
- Variable valve timing
- 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds (with a six-speed manual transmission)
- Rev-matching transmission (called Synchro Rev Control by Nissan)
- Optional 7-speed automatic transmission
This review would be remiss without a glance at some common features missing from the 370Z. Those are:
- No telescoping steering wheel
- Some models lack a modern infotainment system
- Optional 7-inch touchscreen requires purchasing the higher end, Sport Touring, trim line
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability
All models do include a CD player, USB port, AM/FM radio, and aux port, which could be used to play music from a smartphone through the car’s speakers.
Fuel Economy: Surprising Range for In-Town and Long Road Trips
Unlike gas guzzling SUVs or larger passenger cars, the 370Z offers speed without sacrificing too much fuel economy. You can expect 26 or 27 miles on highway rides and near 20 on in-town jaunts.
370Z Safety and Reliability Ratings
The Nissan 370Z has built a reputation among drivers as a tough, reliable, and fun sports car. Regular maintenance and oil changes should keep a used 370Z speeding along for years.
Where mainstream passenger vehicles and SUVs offer an array of safety features such as auto emergency braking, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control, the 370Z doesn’t. Instead, it is designed for drivers who are fully engaged in the driving experience. Still, side air bags, traction control, and antilock brakes are standard. If a rear-view camera is critical for you, look for Coup Sport Tech, NISMO Tech, and Touring trim lines.
Wrapping it Up – Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Nissan 370Z
Buying a used Nissan 370Z is actually better than buying one new. This is in large part because Nissan hasn’t made any major style changes to the 370Z since 2009. This makes it possible to get the same car used, for less money.
