Advice on buying a Z

[NocturnalEmber]

I am a 77 year old guy looking more for a grand tourer as I have been a road tripper, having crisscrossed the USA over the past 8 years, driven all lower 48 states in an Infiniti q60, Kia Stinger, Corvette C6 etc. I am no longer an aggressive driver, don’t race or track, just looking for comfort. I like coupes.

so now, with a limited budget of about $35-$37k, I wonder if I should settle for a new Sports trim or a used low mileage Performance trim? Chat GPT suggests that at my age and needs a Sports trim is more comfortable and the higher performance is not needed.

Also, in looking at the 2025 Nissan Z at local dealers, several are in red/black exteriors and a couple in Black. I prefer the one that is all black. Now the question. A dealer has one that is slightly damaged by hail. You cannot see it from a far but up close, there seem to be tiny hail dents on the roof, hood and one flank. Counted about 12 on the roof, about 3 on the hood and one on one of its flank. Dealer has offered to take off $1500 off the price if I bought it or he would fix them and I would have to pay the higher price. Basically, $35,500 or $34k. Cars are new. Comments?

Honestly I wouldn't look at the sport trim. Though it does offer the same engine and power as a performance model, the LSD and better brakes are major drawing points to the performance. The factory wheels imho look nicer, and although the S007 tires are hot garbage on a track, I'd still take them over a sport model, they would fit a GT mindset just fine.

Others have mentioned this, so I'll echo it, but the interior of the Performance is a step up in critical ways that I think you would likely want based on your post. The Infotainment is 1" larger, the heated seats are standard (unavailable on sport), and the seats are nicer overall. Having auto rev matching on the manual transmission is also another plus.

 

[kevinbonds]

If It were me, I would not rush the purchase. I understand your needs, but I have learned that better to wait and even save a little more to get what you want. The sport is a great car, and I don't begrudge anyone for getting it, however I think ultimately you will be happier with the performance trim, and don't buy the hail car, I would need 10-15k off to buy that.

 

[RedAustinIX]

Search on sites like cars.com for a Performance Z that's within 500 miles or so of where you are. You'll likely find many options that work for you, and then you can use Costco auto program to get a great price locked in. Fly out (tickets would only be $200-300 for a short trip like that), buy it, and enjoy a 1-2 day road trip home. This would be also great way to start breaking in your car before the longer trip (it takes forever to get to those 1,200 miles)

 

[MattJ2020]

I’m very tall. I’ve got the Z.

My advice, buy the Z and don’t care about the depreciation.

Don’t ask chatGPT or AI about what you should buy.

 

[Howdog70]

Thing is, I cannot wait. I leave for a 3+ week road trip of 4k miles fromSt. Louis to Montere, Ca then a week there, up t
o Oregon before I head back. I leave on September 1st.

Talk to Todd Eversgerd. He is a leader of Nissan Z sales. Google his name. He's in MO. In Arizona, where I got my Z, there's Nick Scherr, aka Nismo Nick. These are two GOATS of Z car sales, best prices anywhere. Hope that helps.

 

[RobotAZ]

The Z is a GT that they try to force into being a sports car. The Sport is very soft. I have one. On wavy up down highways it is highly possible to scrape the front it’s so soft. The higher models are just GTs that are progressively stiffer.

 

[Zahmed1094]

Only $1,500 discount for hail damage is laughable. I would pass. ’26 will be here soon. so ‘25 prices will be dropping.

take trade-in to carmax - you will get more for it. or sell it yourself.

you will like the perf’s powered seats. Makes it easy to tweak the setup on the fly.

the 2023 performanc trim does not have powered seats.

 

[ZillaZ]

the 2023 performanc trim does not have powered seats.

I am not sure this is correct.
At least in the US the 2023 perf's have powered seats.

 

[Zhoop44]

I’m older and have the Heritage performance. It’s is a very comfortable GT car. Seats are a bit narrow for my 6’4” frame but plenty of headroom.

It’s far superior than my previous GR86. There are great deals to be had and I would avoid a car with hail damage. I bought mine for $42.5k OTD with 1,800 miles on the odometer. I’m still pissed because I know I left $ on the table.

The Z depreciates like the SS Titanic so if you are worried about that just walk away. Trade in on mine is $35k and I just took it home a month ago. $62k sticker and just one year old.

 

[Zahmed1094]

I am not sure this is correct.
At least in the US the 2023 perf's have powered seats.

Scroll to the pictures on this..
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/3523a355-102e-4ecd-84be-12ffc73a4bf1/

 

[bpeckham]

At least in the US the 2023 perf's have powered seats.

Yep. My 2023 Perf 6MT has heated and power seats as well.

 

[Zhoop44]

Performance has a bigger entertainment screen and a better sound system too which includes a subwoofer. Need decent sound in a GT. People trash it but I find it decent as long as you don’t push the sub too much.

 

[ZillaZ]

Scroll to the pictures on this..
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/3523a355-102e-4ecd-84be-12ffc73a4bf1/

Yes I see powered seats in those pix.

 

[wsuZ]

Scroll to the pictures on this..
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/3523a355-102e-4ecd-84be-12ffc73a4bf1/

The power seat switches for forward/back and tilt are inboard near the center console facing up (similar to the original G35), the two round knobs you see on the outboard side are for other seat adjustments.

I'm a new Performance owner but first drive was a 1,000 mile road trip to bring it home after buying. I deliberately sought out two lane roads and avoided interstate where I could, and am preparing for another 2k+ road trip early next month.

As a touring car I'd describe the suspension as firm but not harsh.

If Nissan is still offering customer cash and you want to buy new you can do a nationwide inventory search on Nissan's website to get more info on what's out there in your preferred trim/color combo, and what dealers are charging for it. In my case I even found some deeply discounted 2024s that were still considered new as the original Z halo car for some of the dealerships.

It might add unnecessary complexity but maybe you can find your ideal Z somewhere on the road trip and pick it up along the way! Good luck with your search.

 

[geosar]

Talk to Todd Eversgerd. He is a leader of Nissan Z sales. Google his name. He's in MO. In Arizona, where I got my Z, there's Nick Scherr, aka Nismo Nick. These are two GOATS of Z car sales, best prices anywhere. Hope that helps.

I second the recommendation of Nick Scherr at Avondale. Nick made the buying experience very pleasant. Very knowledgeable and energetic. I'm 78 and 6'2''. The performance is perfect for me.