Nissan Z cars have a storied past and a cult-like following. They have long been known as the affordable sports car, and the sixth-generation Nissan 370Z is no exception. As the Nissan version of the Infiniti G37, it has sleek, sporty lines, a tight cockpit, and an available six-speed manual transmission with rev matching, and it’s a blast to drive. Plus, for most of its life, it was offered as both a coupe and as a roadster.
The Nissan 370Z also has some collectability built in. The Nissan 370Z Nismo models, produced from 2015, are sought after due to their blend of performance and comfort. If you’re trying to decide between the coupe and the Nissan 370Z Roadster and future collector status is a consideration, the Nissan 370Z Coupe has higher potential collectability. And the 50th Anniversary Edition, sold in 2019 and 2020 with limited availability and special badging, has the potential to be a future classic.
Though the 370Z had a long run, it’s known for its reliability, its timeless exterior styling, and its ease of modification (turbo conversions are popular). However, even though the last 370Z model year was in 2020, technology was not its strong suit. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and if you want external music, you’ll be more apt to find an audio input jack or an in-dash CD player than a USB port to connect your phone. In short, it’s a driver’s car, and you buy it for the styling or the joy of driving.
It wasn’t as quick as the all-powerful Nissan GT-R, but it was a much more affordable and accessible performance car—and a heck of a lot more interesting than your average Nissan vehicle (think Versa, Altima, Murano, or Sentra).
Nissan 370Z: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan 370Z years are the best?
The Nissan 370Z spanned 12 years, and the later models are generally better bets. Specifically, 2012 to 2020 models show far fewer complaints on CarComplaints.com. Looking a little further afield, CoPilotSearch.com calls out 2015 and 2017 as the years to buy due to positive consumer reviews and high reliability ratings. Those two years also log single digit complaints from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What are the worst Nissan 370Z years?
There are just two model years with recalls—2011 and 2018—but that alone doesn’t make them years to avoid. However, the 2011 model logs 40 consumer complaints from NHTSA, which is a lot, but it’s drastically lower than the 152 complaints logged in 2009 and 110 complaints for 2010. After 2011, complaints dropped to the teens and single digits. From 2009 to 2011, the largest number of complaints was due to a steering wheel lock unit failure, so we consider those years the worst.
Is a used Nissan 370Z a good deal?
Used Nissan 370Zs can be good deals, especially those built before 2016, the average prices of which can be 50% off the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The best deals will be had if you go for the pricier upper trims.
Nissan 370Z Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful V6
- Good reliability
- Attractive, timeless styling
Cons:
- Lack of modern technology
- Huge blind spots
- Excessive road and engine noise
Nissan 370Z Generations
Nissan 370Z First Generation (2009–2020)
There was only one generation of Nissan 370Z, but it represented the sixth generation of the Z-Car, which first appeared as the Fairlady Z in 1969. Later, it fell under the Datsun brand before returning to the Nissan brand in its third generation in 1983.
When the Nissan 370Z emerged on the scene in 2009, it was all-new. Its wheelbase was 10 centimetres shorter, and the overall length was nearly seven centimetres shorter, than that of the outgoing
Nissan 350Z. It used an aluminium front subframe, an aluminium-alloy engine cradle, aluminium door panels, and an aluminium hood and hatch. The smaller dimensions and lightweight materials helped to reduce weight.
The two-seat Nissan 370Z had a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and initially all versions were equipped with a 3.7-litre V6 engine with 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. The more potent Nismo model, which arrived in Canada for 2011, produced 350 hp and 276 lb-ft and was only available with the manual transmission. At launch, the 370Z only offered a two-door coupe body style, but a roadster joined the lineup a year later.
In Canada, the Touring trim acted as the base model until 2016. It was equipped with steering wheel audio controls, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control, automatic climate controls, power adjustable heated seats with leather and synthetic suede upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, aluminium sport pedals, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Sport Package added features such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, sport brakes, SynchroRev Match on the six-speed manual, and a viscous limited-slip differential. The Navigation Package added a hard-drive-based navigation system, a 9.3 GB hard drive for music storage, and a USB port for iPod connectivity.
The 370Z got a refresh in 2013 with a new front fascia, LED daytime running lights, new wheel designs, suspension tuning updates, and an updated Sport Package with red brake callipers. In 2015, the Nismo model received a new aerodynamic body kit including a rear spoiler, Recaro seats, new wheels, and a Nismo-tuned suspension. The Sport package was broken out into its own trim level named Sport Touring. In 2016, a new stripped-down base trim was added that brought the 370Z’s starting MSRP to just under $30,000 before fees.
There was yet another refresh for the 2018 model year, with darker headlights and taillights, fresh wheel designs, a better throttle response, and a high-performance clutch for the manual transmission. The 370Z saw out the rest of its life with minor tech updates. The roadster ended production after the 2019 model year, and the 370Z sailed into the sunset after 2020.
Used Nissan 370Zs aren’t exactly prolific in Canada, but you shouldn’t need to travel far from Canada’s major cities to find one. Prices range from roughly $20,000 for older units or newer base trim examples up to $50,000 for low-kilometre Nismos. Very few used 370Zs have more than 100,000 kilometres on the odometer regardless of age, which tells us that most of the cars you’ll find in Canada have been driven only in summer, so should be in good condition.
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