Is The 2023 Nissan Z Worth The Wait?
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- With the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo just getting released and the platform having just a general weird reception by the car scene, I thought i'd talk about my honest, NON SPONSORED thoughts on this car. Nissan didn't give me this car. A dealership didn't pay for this. This is MY thoughts on the 2023 Nissan Z over the first 1,000 miles. The good. The bad. And the ugly. This is your car; the communities. So tell me what you want to see and we'll get it done in the future episodes with this car.
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Timestamps
0:00 The History of The Nissan Z
1:10 The Tease, then Delay Of The Nissan Z
1:58 My Initial Feedback On The Engine
2:30 Did Nissan Fix The Infiniti Problem?
3:00 The Biggest Grief So Far With The Z
4:40 Why I Trust Nissan...ish
5:20 The Worst Part About Buying A Z
8:00 Should You Buy A Nissan Z?
9:00 Outro
All music licensed through Epidemic Sound.
All video owned or licensed by Alex Martinez - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Reminds me of the focus rs back in the day major hype and genuinely a great affordable car but was killed by the dealerships making it almost unobtainable
I still see them going for $40k with 50k miles on them around here. You got me fucked up if you think I'm gonna pay over MSRP for a now 6 year old car that has more overheating issues than it should.
Buy escape, same stuff
Currently have 2x Z's right now (one being a datsun), and I lost faith in the new Z solely because of the stupid markups. When my budget frees enough for another sports car, I'll probably end up going for the Supra for the same price. (Which is sad)
Ahem Veloster N
And Ford using the wrong head gaskets
As a current Subie guy, Nissan was my first love. Would love to see this platform really take off in hopes to see a new s chassis make a comeback.
Same man, same.
Not gonna happen lol but definitely wishful thinkn. This is also coming from a nissan fanboy and 350z owner
@@AlexMartini.already saw one for sale at my local lot
This platform DID take off. Considering this platform is the same one as the 350z….
First car was a 96 Nissan 240sx SE, loved that car. Now drive a Subaru in Toyota clothing.
I waited for the Z to come out and when it did the local dealers were asking over $20,000 over MSRP. I'm not paying the crazy markups. I bought a 2023 Mazda MX-5 and don't regret it for a minute.
I considered the Z only to find the dealership around me asking for $75k...which was apparently a drop from the $90k tag a few months back.....trippin'
Props to you Alex for calling out Nissan and their stealerships! I went through the exact same pain as I have always wanted to own a Z and have been tracking the development of this one since 2020 like yourself. I had my money ready to go and when I started to see them showing up on USA Shores, I started what became a ONE YEAR journey to buy it. I have a list of at least 25+ dealerships around the USA and NO dealership would not go less than $10k over MSRP with me. The saddest part like you pointed out that this entire time Nissan has said and done NOTHING at all. It’s so sad. They even pulled all the Nissan Z commercials and marketing eventually.
At the end of April 2023 I decided I had enough of Nissan’s BS and bought a 2023 BRZ Limited and I couldn’t be happier.
Also what's even worse, as time wore on, I kept track of Z Facebook and Reddit groups and it seems the Nissan Z online community has became more and more toxic and unsupportive as the Haves and Have-Nots start to clash.
Let’s just see how much the mark ups are gonna be with this new Nismo version
If you look hard enough you can find a dealership without markups, but you might have to drive hundreds of miles away.
@@fortheloveofnoise9298 Lmao why don't you make a video of how to find one without markups then if it's just sooooo easy?
@@Caffeinated-DaVinciliterally only takes google searches. Maybe move those fat fingers instead of using an insult from 05.
Absolute chad move on the brz. Did you got it msrp?
I agree with you 1000% on most of this. This car is on a 350z chassis 20+ years old. It's way too much money for a car that's missing a lot of modern features that would have arguably fixed a lot of the problems. For 52k+ for a Performance version - it should have magnetic ride, adjustable exhaust, and heads up display. This car should be 45k max for a loaded performance as it sits now.
And why are these things so hard to find? The only ones I've seen have been way overpriced (25k+ dealer markup).
Has anyone compared the ride to a 2003 (stock) 350z track model? I bet the 350z would feel 20x more sports car than this one.
I may be wrong on this but im 90% sure its on a 370z chassis. Still very old. I'm a big Z guy ive owned my 2009 370z for about a year. I'm just disapointed that basic bolt-ons on a naturally aspirated 370 will make the same power as the twin turbo power-train in the new Z. Makes no sense that they decided to go for forced induction
This car is built directly on the 370z, which was a different chassis than the 350z. Mechanically the "new" Z has more in common with the 370z than the 370z did with the 350z. Yes, it's still quite old, but not 20 years old.
@@hartsickdisciplethe 370z was a “new chassis” but even when it came out NISSAN said they carried the older generation chassis, but it was stiffened and shortened. The 370z is a tweaked 350z. 350z has a longer wheelbase but they’re nearly identical.
@@VZBudgetBuildz That's really not true, and here's why. The 350z used the 1st generation FM platform, while the 370z used the 2nd generation FM. There are almost no shared parts between a 350 and 370z. The manual transmission is one of the only shared parts between the 2 models. They use the same basic design language, but so did almost every Nissan designed during that era. The 2 cars have different bones and about 98% different parts.
350 and 370z have completely different greenhouses. That's the roofline and glass. That's the biggest giveaway as to whether or not a car is truly "all new." The "new" Z has the same greenhouse as the 370. The car literally is a 370z with a body kit, engine swap, a couple suspension tweaks, and some new interior tech shoehorned in. All the bones of the chassis and interior are straight carry-over from the 370. It's a Z34.5
That was not the case with the 350 and 370. The Z34 was a new car with almost no carry-over parts from the Z33.
370z chassis not 350z
I despise dealerships. I've yet to have an interaction with a dealership where I didn't feel like I was being ripped off. One of the worst was when I already had a loan approved, I had some cash in my pocket, drove an hour and a half to a dealership only to have them refuse to sell me a car unless I financed through them. And this was long before the pandemic. That's why I've bought my last two cars through carvana. No BS or haggling. Bought a car in like 30 minutes and it showed up to my house in a couple of days.
Private party. This is the way.
dealerships are gonna kill enthusiast cars fr.
Nissan dealers killed this car. The stop sales didn't help.
I completely feel you on calling out the dealerships. I too am from WI and had a "chance" at proto spec Z, only to find out they were asking $92k. Ended up randomly finding a dealership in Dubuque, IA with a performance spec at MSRP but the experience was extremely tiring. But glad to see there's another yellow Z here in WI other than myself!
Yasssss, you're the man!!! We'll finally get to see one now at the car shows, thanks to you 😅😅😂.
I grew up in Appleton and I'm watching this racking my brain to remember where some good driving roads are within 25-30 miles or so. A dealer near me had one in silver/grey but had a 15k markup on it. Talked to really good sales guy about it for a while and basically did everything but drive it (kind of asking for a deposit first) What I would LOVE for Nissan to do is a sub-base model with everything EXCEPT the turbos - something that would run on regular gas. Kind of like the 5.0 Mustangs where the owner can do whateverthehell they want with it.
really enjoyed the video love hearing the WI matter of fact no BS
My dad and I were so excited to get our hands on a Z when we saw the preview. He had a 280z back in the day ive had a 350z. I can’t imagine paying dealer markup on one considering its the same z platform as everything before it. People in their mid 20s 30s could’ve gotten this en masse at 40k. I think Nissan could’ve built a new GTR or Z and opted for a z. The business strategy should’ve been to sell as many as these as possible and not make it some mythic rare car. If they came out with a new GTR then fine make it a 250k world beater. But this is a z its supposed to be an every man’s sports. I loved the way these 400z look especially compared to the type r or wrx or brz. This car had some maturity to it. It’s a shame more of these wont be out there anytime soon because of dealerships. In the mean time I’ve got a s2000 and SL55 AMG to wrench on.
280zx is what they should bring back. Bulletproof.
My dealer in Salt Lake told me to expect no less than 15k markup when I called to order mine. FUCK THAT. almost 70k for a Z that performs worse than every competing car on the market. I don't give af about the whole "oh but it's all Japanese, not a BMW" croud of mouth breathers who will never buy this car. If I'm spending 70k on a car, I want it to perform likle a 70k car.
I'm with you man, I worked at a Nissan dealership and Ford and no young buyers even bought new cars, because they're so dam expensive and even for the older people who would purchase these trucks and expensive altimas a $800+ monthly payment is sad.
@@rxklastz1770 I remember trying to buy a Focus RS in 2018 and the dude tried selling it to me for 60k. I looked at him and im like "why tf would I pay 60k for a focus when I can get that gt350 on the show room for the same price" and he had no answer to it. Then had the audacity to call me a week later and asked if i was still interested in it, like f off LMAO
@@mylesG23😂He trippin
Exactly
Shoutout Wisconsin! Thanks for the honesty.
I’m proud to say I was subbed to martiniworks before 1k
Thanks for being an OG supporter ❤️❤️
A super informative and entertaining video. I owned a 300Z for over 10 years and loved it. I agree with you completely on the markups. However forgiving a sports car for its poor handling on the premise that you have to commit to replacing the suspension components in order to 'fix' it seems like letting Nissan off too easy. They had an opportunity to go back to the drawing board and do it right (and take the time to do so), so it's hard for me to get excited about a sports car that doesn't handle well or feels soft / mushy.
I think it’s the fact that dealerships in general are just really scummy right now. I was lucky to get my civic si for only a $1000 dollar markup.
Wish all the luck for those trying to get these though!
I got my performance Blue AT for MSRP in Indiana, I found a great Dealership who was transparent in pricing, and once we shook hands the deal was done, so I’m feeling blessed.
Glad you got your hands on it. I’ve personally seen more lambos on the road than have Nissan Zs. Only seen 2 since it was announced. They’re definitely a nice sight when they do pop up.
Dealerships are ruining the potential for a jdm revival. Dealer markups and "market adjustments" are pricing them out of reach of the younger guys who would traditionally buy an entry level sports car like this. They're pricing them along with cars like BMW and Porsche. Obvious choice if you have the money.
They're digging their own graves with the greed.
It's interesting seeing so much of the discourse revolve around the pricing of the car after mark-ups, which looks like mainly a USA issue, is overshadowing the qualities of the car itself.
The car itself is undoubtedly better than the previous generations, and considering inflation over time and how much previous generation Z prices were at launch, its probably where it should be with its MSRP.
The car isnt practical, it isnt affordable to most people, but we cant just reminisce like its 2003 all over again and that everything was more affordable.
I love my RZ34. I’ll be making some noise this year with it 😉
I filmed a video shoot with a 280Z, a 300Z (right side drive) a 350Z, and a 2023 Z. I was so excited to have them all together.
Alex preaching 👏🏼🔥
Man this video hits hard, got really interested mid 2022. There were none in my range that weren’t marked up or for sale. Of course they sold the cars anyway again, prob at large markup. Couldn’t bother waiting and ordered something different.
I like novelty connection with older models which is good for all brands not just Nissan. Not a big fan of Nissan due to interior quality and lay outs. But looks great from outside. I think i saw one on streets. But in Australia we don't have such a problem with dealers as you facing.
Don't widebody it! Just make it the perfect OEM+ build.
I owned a 350Z for 10 years. It was my favorite car of all time and I was really looking forward to getting this new Z. But with all the crap the dealers have been doing with it, I'm not going to bother. Screw Nissan and their BS. I'll stick to German cars till I can get my hands on a Skyline.
excited to see what you do to it
Supra vs Z video needs to happen
Honest talk🤝
The Z has a huge potential. I'm sure you will have tons of fun with it💪
I wanna see you do a comparison between this and a Supra haha. Bias or unbiased idec. 😂
Supra clears
Next
I'd buy the Z over the supra but the supra is heads and tails better then the Z
@@mapko15 No you wouldn't, I promise you that. If you were in the position to and sat in and drove both, the Supra is on a entirely different level than the Z. In terms of engine, transmission, suspension, build quality. And you can get Supras for MSRP. I was so excited for the Z and so astronomically disapointed when it finally got here. Such a shame.
@@mylesG23 I get that but my first sports car was a 350z that I had for 6 years and I miss to this day so for me its nostalgia and a personal connection otherwise yeah supra is much better car
@@mylesG23drove both and I went with the z
I seen one of these in the wild the other day. It looks soooo much better in person!
It's a RWD coupe with a manual gearbox and a turbocharged 6 cylinder. It's a miracle it exists at all in 2023.
That's EXACTLY right! I'm an owner of a Datsun 280Z and have been waiting for the dealer shenanigans to stop... Sadly, I've been looking for alternatives at this point. Sad....
Honestly I'm considering the Supra or Z but I'm probably gonna go with the Supra. The B58 is such a beast and also the infotainment system is better. That's all. Both cars have amazing Manuel and auto.
Lol, 350z or 370z never had transmission issues, they are not CVT, i had 350z nismo to a regular 370z never had an transmission issue.
id recommend a serious look at the Z.
the supra is BMW and once it breaks that first time it will be a show queen and you will rarely get to actually drive it, and since it is BMW hope you have a good paying job b/c the parts will cost you
@@0Heeroyuy01😂 2 year ownership with 45k miles with zero issues. I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. Toyota stripped down the B58 and told BMW to update parts on it. BMW did and it’s now the most reliable I-6 Turbo engine in the world. I have zero issues with electronics too.
@@touayaaj84 exactly ppl think just cuz the Supra has B58 its unreliable. The new Supra is super reliable.
The supra sucks to live with. The cabin experience is terrible.
I've been waiting for the new Z just as long as you if not more.. I thought I was getting it for sure until I had the "Nissan dealership experience." more and more delays, outrageous price hikes, lack of performance/manual availability and finally not so great reviews. I got the CT4 Blackwing at msrp and could not be happier with my decision.
Drifting looks like the perfect use for those stock tires. 😁 (And the perfect excuse to upgrade to some sticky tires once you burn through them.)
Brakes, suspension and tires and a full send at the track. I wanna see the lap times after all that sim racing
Would be cool to see it have a big single turbo, larger injectors, and track suspension
As a dad who also likes sports cars, I would love it if Nissan did a new Stagea and released it internationally
I loved what I saw of this car - but all the things you mentioned - the delays, the stop sales, the stupid dealership antics - made it just impossible to find. I ended up with a Supra. I don't regret that, but I would have at least liked to *see* a Z before I made the jump. I still haven't seen one, and I live in the suburbs of Northern VA.
Short answer, no not for $40-$50K. It's a re-skinned 370Z with a Merc transmission and Q50 engine. Hell, if you look at the bottom of the chassis, a damn Subaru Crosstrek is more flatter and aerodynamic. For $35K though, it can be killer after you do a bunch of mods. (Edit: Speaking as a former 350Z owner in 2003 and overall GT-R fan)
I think the price really is the biggest issue. Like you said, the excuse of "It's a Nissan, it's meant to be modified and completed to your liking" holds much more water when the car isn't $50k to start.
@@Ace331FTW Exactly, I remember the launch video reviews and it boiled down to really needing suspension mods, and better tires to even get it to perform closer to a sports car. And then the weird gap from $40K base to the $50K performance model doesn't help.
My old 350Z (wherever it is now) I remember deciding between Base, Touring, Enthusiast, and Track. Ultimately ended with touring. I know it's ancient times now, but it was nice to have in between model options.
@@Ace331FTW Ah and man not to bombard you with too many comments. But damn I just looked on autotrader and some of these things dealers asking for $65-$80K lol. Insane.
The 370z touring was 35k when it came out in 2009. A v6 camry goes for 35k in today's market. The new brz is pretty much 35k with options too. No way in hell nissan was gonna sell their mid range sports car for 35k in 2023.
So what's wrong with having a great 9-speed Mercedes transmission beautiful twin turbo V6 from Infinity new styling the is pretty much new it has a new interior also for example the new Mustang is much less new than what this new Z is so I wish people would actually think about what they're saying
If the mark up's are bad now, i don't even wanna think about nismo Z dealer price tag.
More content please❤❤❤ and love the Ferrari
I think it would be cool to see one of these turned into basically the modern equivalent of the Devil Z from Wangan Midnight
Well the dealerships really screwed us over on this car with dealer markups.
💯 nailed it.
As someone with a 370 Nismo in my history, the only reason I am not driving one is the dealer mark up. I will not pay the ridiculous mark up request and will just keep on with my Porsche instead.
I mean if its like a GT then I'm all for it, because I would love to have a "sporty" car thats also "comfortable" when I'm not driving it hard. Also to be honest they should have electronic damping to cater both suspension character (sporty and comfort), though I'm very sure that the regular coil suspension is better for long term maintenance.
I wish it would come to UK. I really loved the 370Z
All I know is you gotta ball out with some really good coilovers. For performance more than looks
I used to have a 2016 m235 and the sports car/gt car 50/50 is exactly what I got from that car . The steering was awful and numb but it was fast in a straight line and somewhat luxurious. I understand what you mean by the gt/ sports car argument I have been there .I have type r now .
Dude, you're hilarious!😂 You need to be on camera!
Thank you for speaking facts! Been trying to buy this car for awhile now but dealers are just being stupid…. Some of these markups are used C8 money 😅
You know what the gatekeeping did for my choice? I went out and got a Series 1 240z. Been loving it since, the however is that I still feel the connection with the new Z. Its very alluring.
Been lusting over this car, no joke for YEARS.
i want that performance z but i told myself my new car has to have paddles....
I've let 2 manuals slip through my hands at dealership within 100 miles.
Hoping i get mine before the end of the year....
NVM bought a hyundai elantra N
got tired of waiting.
it has been worth every penny lmao
Visually it's spot on
Knowing you're from the midwest, it really threw me off when the dealership you showed was one up the road from me here in Texas.
Man you hit the nail on the head with markup. I had been following this car since they announced it and put aside about $25k to quickly get ahead of the negative equity. Then I saw the markups… totally made me look more seriously at a Supra. Think I may go that route instead, it’s ostensibly a better car for the money.
I don't think you know what ostensibly means
@@neo-filthyfrank1347 the word means something appears to be true but not necessarily. So depending on who you talk to, the Supra is better. Good clarification for you cupcake?
@@tslay7928 more like appears to be true but not actually, like saying "the ordered an arrest warrant, ostensibly for failing to pay taxes", aka it's just an excuse and not the actual reason. So no, it means the opposite of what you're intending.
really hoping prices come down soon. was going to get one, saved my money since they were teased a few years ago but now that it is doubled what it was originally advertised as because of the dealers, i decided to build my 350z
I've owned 4 Z-cars, including a 370z. I'm a huge fan. I would pay $40k for the "new" Z with an LSD. I won't pay $50k+ for it. This car is a 370z with an engine swap, body kit, and some interior tech upgrades. It shouldn't cost $50k+. The absurd, predatory dealer mark-ups are just icing on the cake.
I can tell you what i would do with it, id go for an OEM+ look with FBO. That's what I'm doing with my 23 Civic Si. I just love the clean style of OEM+.
I totally agree with you
so many cars not coming to the UK which is weird because the 350 is so poplar here!
Also the way you talk about it it seems like a competitor to the lotus Emira where is more luxary leaning but still sporty
Not even subbed, 18 min ago posted? Algorithm brought me to a good channel.
Hey what’s up! Thanks for the support man! Hope you enjoy the new channel 😊
Where in Wisconsin are you based? I know of one in stock right now?
I've only been under one of these new Zs for an oil change but i didn't see a delrend bushing under the car. Just rubber. Hell, delrend bushings are standard now even on mid market SUV's for their toe and camber arms. I'm always gonna bat for Bridgestone Tires. Re-71R are a darn autocross cheat code. Whatever direction you go with the car Z1motorsports got you.
It bothers me in 2023 you can't get a type r you can't get a corolla gr you can't get a Nissan Z the supra is 80k and the only car you can seemingly get your hands on for not a mark up is the mustang gt. It's like thanks imports for giving us these great cars. But literally.... Where are they?
The fails the "public road test". In that, on a public road, you can't reach the car's limits. So you are better off buying a much cheaper sports car like GR86. (Which you can totally throttle on public roads. And you save about $10k).
Know what’s crazy? Look at what the 350z started at. I was watching some old episodes of Chapelle’s Show and they were making fun of the old 350z commercials…….it started from $18,500
90's Nissans describes my childhood when it comes to cars! I'ma Nissan guy for sure! But with that being said this should of been a 35k car! The ppl that want this car could give a fck about fancy modern amenities offered in higher end vehicles, if we cared about that stuff we wouldn't of fell for the 90's cars that lack most of it (beside the 300z) all Nissan had to do was make a fast pure sports car, pretty much the same way Mitsubishi did the Evo how they kept it simple, and the New Z would destroy the Supra in sales (if there was no mark up) all I need is Bluetooth for music, 3 peddles, and the ability to get her sideways and im good 😎
I feel like if you're going to modify it, you might as well get an older 350 or 370 and just mod that. You could buy some really nice suspension, tires, and other accessories plus the car for well under the MSRP of a new Z. 🤷🏻♀️
I have a 370Z and a great relationship with my local Nissan dealer and a particular sales guy there I'm buddies with (multiple cars bought including Z's) They had a new white Z, manual. I went and checked it out but decided to pass because the markup (though I guess 5k isn't bad compared to what I've heard). Anyway, my buddy who works there said it sold shortly after to a guy in Chicago who flew out, paid for it and drove it back. This dealer has only gotten that one so far. It's kinda dumb how rare they are.
Jesus. How is it even legal to charge $40k markups? That's obscene.
Today I learned there’s a new Z that I better see at the next cars and coffee… please and thank you.
We learn new things everyday let’s goo 🎉
Notif gaaang
Ayeeee let’s gooo
How I am all over the Bay Area everyday and STILL havent seen one on the road but Rivians are everywhere
I agreed with you until the end. Saying that this car is meant to be modified is a cop-out for Nissan, especially when the price is 52,000. The price should've been 44000 with a limited-slip diff if that was the case. None of the tech is new, its just like the mustang mach-1 just whatever was lying around. I was excited but the supra is just a better deal and car in all areas.
When I got my Nissan new non-Z with Bridgestones it was loud on the road, switch to Yokohama and the car become quite and handle better.
Never heard of a supper club before I spent last week in Wisconsin. Certainly would have given that reference a 🤨 before that.
My cousins 350Z was what got me into cars, I’m desperately hoping the aftermarket truly shows what the 400z can do. But right now because of weight and interior, I’m leaning towards supra MT
It’s not a 400z. It has a 3.0 not a 4.0. It’d technically be a 300Z
@@jacknissen6080 yes I know, but I say 400z to refer to this new z when comparing the z to previous gens. Online unofficial name being used for practicality
Nissan has not done the dynamic suspension as much as other cars for one reason .....reliability.
Every single factory "dynamic" suspension adjustment do not often last past 100,000kms... (and many well before that...cough Alfa...)
Agree with you. So, 9 yrs ago I had a Miata. Loved it, but want something more GT. The Q60 I had was so behind technology. Then when Supra & Z announced I was pumped. But the subra is a bmw. It’s over styled and has no android auto. Then came the Z. Much of what comes in the Performance model I don’t need. The Sport if it had the Comfort plus package I would buy it. But it doesn’t. Plus, its August 2023 & I have yet to see on a lot or street any Z. What the hell! So time to move on. I wont be in the market to buy until early 2024. My 2 choices were the Stinger & the RC (Lexus) both seem to history. Thx a bunch to SUV’s and EV’s. My now first choice is a Genesis G70. Hope to G-D those will be in dealer lots in 2024. I miss the 70’s & 80’s!
Im curios how the 370z nismo V1 wheels look on the new Z
Love and want this Z, but the dealerships have killed it.
They are rad looking cars, but the mark ups and everything are wild for what is just an updated 370z
Crazy enough I think these have gone 9’s already. Engines insanely impressive.
For $20K worth of mods on that AMS car, it better run 9's
@@soapa4279 yes true, but it’s about that to run 9’s in a Mustang which does it easier than the Z.
@@169abrCan do it for less with the Supra
Mark ups are untouchable for normal folks .
Is not Nissan exclusively mark up proces, even ford dealership doing the same with Mustang GT. Toyota is doing the same with Corolla and the Zupra. Manufacturers should sell without dealerships
I'm just remebering the interview with the Nissan VP where he said it was going to be "significantly cheaper than 35k" and the base is 40k lol
Undoubtedly, even after all the press and reviews, the Z continues to be the car I want next. I said that a year ago when I had a Miata and switched to a GTI due to the dealership markups on the Z and I continue to say it now after switching again to a 350Z. The formula is right. The aesthetics are beyond a perfect match for me. I don't even need aftermarket bodykit, just suspension. But like you said, if Nissan Corporate can't scold their dealers then no one is going to be able to get one. People who can afford these prices will get a proper German sports car and people who love this car can't walk into a dealer and be taken seriously. It's the same with other cars in this range, the Integra Type S, CTR, Supra...dealers think we're willing to shell out 80k on a 40-50k car, but the handful of customers they get are actually exiling the rest of us who would buy if it were available.
Got a call from my local dealer having one and by the time I called back, gone. And that's the only one they ever got. GRR
I still like the idea these jdm brands are trying and coming out with these icon sports cars today.
I managed to find a red one a city away, in manual (which I wanted) and thankfully the dealer only put a 7K markup on it. Not ideal, but not enough to move it completely out of my price range. Not knowing if I would see one in my area anytime again soon, let alone find a better deal, I went ahead and just bought it.
I absolutely love the car, it really is just a fun experience to drive it, and I don't think anybody who was looking forward to the new Z will be disappointed. However, my last car was a 2014 BRZ, so the difference in how the car feels connected to the road is MASSIVE. With the BRZ, I swear I could feel every little shift in weight, and could practically sense what the car wanted to do. The Z by comparison feels more mushy, and the feedback is there but it's more muted for lack of a better term. This makes it much harder to drive the car at its limit, especially when combined with the massive amount of power that it makes compared to my old BRZ.
That being said, the BRZ rode REALLY rough. You'd feel every single crack in the road. The road noise was also very loud, so the Z being more tame in both regards is actually welcome on longer trips.
I hate to break it to you, but you're part of the problem. As long as people keep agreeing to ridiculous markups, dealers have no incentive to sell for reasonable prices.
I live in North Dallas Texas and have yet to see one.
I put my deposit down and was on a list for months before I finally gave up. I have seen 1 on the road in the whole time the car has been out. The dealership never gave me a straight answer on markup either. Got tired of waiting and got my deposit back and took my name off the list. Would probably still be waiting 2 years later.
this is the biggest problem with new cars in general, 60k+ for a civic type r is the reason I have no desire to get one.
Swaybars, stiffer springs, pretty much better suspension.
Tune. Exhaust. That's it.