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One perspective on buying a new Z35

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Back in 2000, I put down a deposit on the reintroduction of the Z to North America. The GM of the Nissan dealership I worked with was skeptical when I put down money on a model he hadn't even heard of. "Oh you will", was my reply and two years later (Oct 2002) I took delivery of my -03 Redline track model. Best street car I've ever owned, and what adventures we've had!

Fast forward to 2021 and an exciting new Z35 is nearing introduction in the near future. Will I put down another deposit on a new Z right away? I think not, and for a couple of reasons:

1) Paying MSRP plus- the first year production is bound to be immensely popular and many Nissan dealers will command MSRP at a minimum. Depending on the mix of Z35 models (and any limited production options), being the first to have a new Z may not be worth having to pay a premium or dealer perk.

2) Production at Nissan's Tochigi facility is almost guaranteed, The new Z35 will be subject to the best QC in the industry, but there's little doubt constant production improvements will be made along the way. Whether it's triple stamping body panels a certain way, or a slight change to an engine, body or electronic component, Nissan will seek to improve the Z as more roll off the production line.

3) Mid-model changes- if the new Z does end up being a 2022 intro, it's a good guess that the 2025-26 Z will get some mild styling and design upgrades to keep the model up to date. If it's anything like the Z33, there could be some major changes (like the VQ35HR) that slip into the mix to make the waiting worthwhile.

4) Technology marches on, and waiting even a few years mean there could be better ancillary options available. Conversely, there may be LESS technology offered on a Z35 model that might make it more attractive (ie. less weight, complexity and expense) for purchase. People who lease might wonder what all the fuss is, but for a person like me who still wants to OWN their car, all this makes a difference.

5) Negotiation will likely be easier in later years of Z35 production. Going back to the first point, the early adopters of the Z35 will have lowered demand on the model and the buying frenzy will slacken. There's only so many buyers for a powerful RWD sportscar with a manual tranny, so if I want to buy a new Z35, I'm confident in negotiating a lower price.

6) Alternatively, if I prefer an "older" Z35 model, perhaps a used '22 or '23 Z (equipped the way I want) might appear on the used market. As long as it passes a full mechanical assessment, it might make for a more attractive purchase with depreciation added in.

7) Finally, I might hit the lottery and have more money to buy whatever I want! Actually, this last one is doubtful as I don't waste my money on playing any lottery and besides, the new Z35 should be affordable anyway. No telling what the near future (5-6 years) holds for us economically, but I'm keeping my original 350Z no matter what!
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MCN1SMO
definitely a lot to think about and some good rationale for sure.

I have had some really crazy experiences wheeling and dealing with dealers over years and I was just like I straight up dont want to even think about the financial part but once. I hate how it interferes with the whole ordering delivery process. So I just came up with something I think was fair to both sides for their first car. the whole process is a big deal to me I remember a buddy of mine got the ship names our GTRs were on and we would track the whole journey. I love stuff like that.

and talking about sight unseen....I never really thought about it before but yeah think every new car ive ever owned was sight unseen besides the cars I had during high school. its bit of a leap of faith for sure but have never had buyers regret yet.

My 2003 Z when it came in it had the light gray interior even though I wanted black. It was a car the dealer ordered but I took it any way as they were hard to get right at first. Now I did technically see my 2007 NISMO before I bought it.. the dealer said they got it off the truck and I went just to look at it with no real intentions of buying it. then I saw it was serial #33 as in "Z33" so I as like man this is a sign and I traded my 03 in on the spot for it pure impulse buy. i remember getting home with it and being excited but sort of sick to my stomach at the same time because I woke up that morning with no thought of getting a new car.

GTRs were a whole different saga and all 3 sight unseen. had to back out of the 09 from a dealer as they tried to charge $15K over at the last minute. ended up getting it for sticker from another dealer but there was a lot of greed on that car back in 2008. Got the 2012 black edition for about $5k off MSRP plus good money on a trade in ( long story the original one I ordered got destroyed in Japan during the Tsunami)

and then the 15 NISMO it was just an crazy story all together. because technically it was my car and not the dealers allocated car I could take delivery of it anywhere I wanted so the actual dealership literally only made like a $500 document fee on the whole thing ( plus some money on the resale of my 2012) but I bought the car for pure cost below invoice below everything just cost. I could never pull something like that off ever gain lol
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S30R32
MCN1SMO said:
...
GTRs were a whole different saga and all 3 sight unseen. had to back out of the 09 from a dealer as they tried to charge $15K over at the last minute. ended up getting it for sticker from another dealer but there was a lot of greed on that car back in 2008.
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Good points and experiences from both above. I'd have to agree on the quoted point though on the new Z, it will be tough even at MSRP for initial orders. Remember that interest will come from all Z demographics especially original 240Z owners. From what we've seen with C8, Bronco, it's a crazy trend. I'm just hoping the manual models will be of less demand, but who knows.

I'll try my local dealer whom I have good relationship with, to approach with some kind of agreement.
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dkmura said:
Back in 2000, I put down a deposit on the reintroduction of the Z to North America. The GM of the Nissan dealership I worked with was skeptical when I put down money on a model he hadn't even heard of. "Oh you will", was my reply and two years later (Oct 2002) I took delivery of my -03 Redline track model. Best street car I've ever owned, and what adventures we've had!

Fast forward to 2021 and an exciting new Z35 is nearing introduction in the near future. Will I put down another deposit on a new Z right away? I think not, and for a couple of reasons:

1) Paying MSRP plus- the first year production is bound to be immensely popular and many Nissan dealers will command MSRP at a minimum. Depending on the mix of Z35 models (and any limited production options), being the first to have a new Z may not be worth having to pay a premium or dealer perk.

2) Production at Nissan's Tochigi facility is almost guaranteed, The new Z35 will be subject to the best QC in the industry, but there's little doubt constant production improvements will be made along the way. Whether it's triple stamping body panels a certain way, or a slight change to an engine, body or electronic component, Nissan will seek to improve the Z as more roll off the production line.

3) Mid-model changes- if the new Z does end up being a 2022 intro, it's a good guess that the 2025-26 Z will get some mild styling and design upgrades to keep the model up to date. If it's anything like the Z33, there could be some major changes (like the VQ35HR) that slip into the mix to make the waiting worthwhile.

4) Technology marches on, and waiting even a few years mean there could be better ancillary options available. Conversely, there may be LESS technology offered on a Z35 model that might make it more attractive (ie. less weight, complexity and expense) for purchase. People who lease might wonder what all the fuss is, but for a person like me who still wants to OWN their car, all this makes a difference.

5) Negotiation will likely be easier in later years of Z35 production. Going back to the first point, the early adopters of the Z35 will have lowered demand on the model and the buying frenzy will slacken. There's only so many buyers for a powerful RWD sportscar with a manual tranny, so if I want to buy a new Z35, I'm confident in negotiating a lower price.

6) Alternatively, if I prefer an "older" Z35 model, perhaps a used '22 or '23 Z (equipped the way I want) might appear on the used market. As long as it passes a full mechanical assessment, it might make for a more attractive purchase with depreciation added in.

7) Finally, I might hit the lottery and have more money to buy whatever I want! Actually, this last one is doubtful as I don't waste my money on playing any lottery and besides, the new Z35 should be affordable anyway. No telling what the near future (5-6 years) holds for us economically, but I'm keeping my original 350Z no matter what!
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1) I have been quoted some ridiculous ADM lately due to "pandemic" and "chip shortages". I too am concerned about pricing being MSRP+ADM. TBH, I may not mind paying MSRP, I usually am an invoice buyer (which is becoming very difficult in the 21st century) But I sense Nissan would be keen to get as many Z's out as possible...I HOPE. The freaking Civic Type R is still nearly impossible to get under MSRP years after it's release!

2) I disagree about production improvements/refinements. The Z35 is essentially a Z34. Unibody-wise, I HIGHLY doubt any changes to manufacturing technique would occur over it's lifespan. Maybe some parts will be improved, but not the basic assembly techniques. It's the same chassis as Z34.

3) For me, I am looking for a cloth interior, twin turbo V6 and 6MT. There's nothing Nissan could do, other than add AWD with the 6MT, that would sway me to a later version. The VR30 engine is incredibly flexible, so any running HP increases by Nissan can be matched with tuning. I want a basic Z35. I will be changing the wheels and adding a few personal touches myself that would likely negate any running changes. To me, the 1st year Z34 isn't wildly different than a 2019/2020.

4) Tech. Don't care. Just include Android Auto and I am good. None of the driving aids really add weight anyway, it's just a few plastic parts and software. Anyways, the 6MT I want may lack that crap because it's difficult to implement on MT's. I'd just turn it off or disable it via software. I highly doubt Nissan would offer a later car without that garbage, I believe they are basically bound to having it these days.

5) I basically agree, but these last few years have been nuts. Again, the Civic Type R has ALWAYS been difficult to get at MSRP, most of the time you get the honor of paying ADM. I recently went and tried to buy a Challenger Widebody ScatPack and every dealer in my area wanted a $10K ADM on them. How old is the Challenger now? The world is seriously effed!!

6) Up to you. Again, the world has been nuts the last several years, my wife used to prefer 3 y/o used cars, but we bought her a brand new 2020 because it was only $3K more than a 2 y/o used version of her car. And the used car dealers don't seem to negotiate like they used to 10 years ago. I'm buying new.

7) I agree. I have an AWD Q60, and I will just keep it and add the Z to the stable. Where I live, we can benefit from AWD, a 400+HP RWD Z would be better left in the garage on crappy days. As long as my ideal new Z is around $40K, it'll be no issue to have both cars.
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Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forum and am keen on the new Z. I've come from owning a R33 Gts-t, and was keen for a R34 GTR one day. That isn't an option anymore thanks to the huge price rise, however the Z has really captured my attention.

This thread is pretty interesting given the range of cars everyone has owned. One thing I'm interested in, from people who currently own a R35 GTR or Z34, would you be more or less keen on an AWD Nismo model?

I've driven a R35 GTR on the track, and the handling/grip was insane. But is it a less pure experience? I never tracked the R33, so if I did push the car it was only so often and on quiet roads, and it made me think that a lot of the joy in owning a sportscar is the raw feedback/enjoyment at lower speeds--features such as still having a MT etc. Anyway, I'd be keen to hear your thoughts having either owned a RWD Z or AWD GTR, thanks!
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If you're looking at it logically and trying to get the best deal and version of the car then all your points are valid and sensical.

If you want the car because you love it and don't want to delay gratification you should just buy it as an emotional purchase and enjoy it.

No right choice, just the one you make.
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S30R32
Barring any unrealistic MSRP+ADM initial pricing, I'm ready to order the top Sport or Nismo. The only other concern is initial quality of a first-year model. I'm sure this is in everyone's minds too.

Over the past I've had mixed experiences with first-year models. When the '00 Maxima came out I bought the SE 5-speed right away. Nothing major on issues except cheap paint. The Super Black had chips on the front end within 2 years. But that car was great, owned it for 8+ years, daughter even loved the easy-to-drive manual. Then was the 2nd gen G35S, again no major issues but I hated the touchy clutch even w adjustments, design issue, hard to modulate. Third was our family Odyssey, that was back in '05. That van had lots of frustrating issues - paint, interior parts, leather, etc etc - terrible quality in its first year.

So, overall it's still a gamble but I think I'm willing to take that chance. Hopefully Nissan won't do what Toyota did with the Supra, those unfortunate 1st year owners that missed out on the power bump just a year later. Would be sad if new Z owners have to face something like this.
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I sold the 1990 Z's when they first came out. Clean sheet of paper design was a chance to get everything right from the start. Over the next 3 years, they added airbags and switched interior fabric to suade. They still didn't fix the weak 2nd and 3rd gear syncros until '96, and then it was gone from the U.S.

The '95 I bought a couple of years ago drives as new. Immediately after I bought it, it underwent a complete mechanical restoration, save cracking the engine open as compression was within specs and replacing the grinding tranny with a '98 JDM from Z1. Well, I replaced the rear main seal and valve cover gaskets. Paint and interior is original, too. I'm only the second owner..

So, I'm looking at the new one but will not pull the trigger until they're plentiful, if at all. I LOVE that I rarely see another Z32.
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MCN1SMO
S30R32 said:
So, overall it's still a gamble but I think I'm willing to take that chance. Hopefully Nissan won't do what Toyota did with the Supra, those unfortunate 1st year owners that missed out on the power bump just a year later. Would be sad if new Z owners have to face something like this.
Click to expand...

my biggest fear related to that is they move to like a 9 speed auto for 2023 or something
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S30R32
MCN1SMO said:
my biggest fear related to that is they move to like a 9 speed auto for 2023 or something
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We need enthusiasts like most of us here to settle for nothing less than 6 (or 7?) speed manual in the new Z, let's get that demand up. As far as future, I don't mind hybridized for even more power and range, but keep the Z a simple RWD driver's car, i.e. no AWD, leave that to big brother GT-R.
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Janky07
Something to remember though is that most, if not all, manufacturers are moving into electrification. Some states, and hell even Japan, will ban gas powered cars by the 2030s. So what we're seeing is probably the last generation of a gas powered Z. So is it worth it waiting for something "better" that might never come? Who knows, but i for sure won't wait til the late 2020s when i can have hella fun with the first iteration of the Z35.
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I have absolutely zero concern over "1st year issues" for the Z35.
It is a reused chassis, and mostly parts-bin gear for the new stuff. The 9AT shifter, LCD cluster, infotainment are all likely from existing models. The door panels are nearly the same, the dash is new. The VR30 has been out for long enough that it is a well known powerplant now. Heck, the Z35 even has a manual parking brake!

Additionally, now that Ghosn is gone I can see Nissan returning to it's more typical "Japanese" directives. When Ghosn came on board the cars became ugly, cheap and saddled with CVTs. Now Ghosn is gone, the cars are getting better looking, higher quality feel and Nissan has begun the CVT purge.

I just don't see enough unique, new parts on the car to justify concern. I'm totally OK with buying year one.
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S30R32
takemorepills said:
I have absolutely zero concern over "1st year issues" for the Z35.
It is a reused chassis, and mostly parts-bin gear for the new stuff. The 9AT shifter, LCD cluster, infotainment are all likely from existing models. The door panels are nearly the same, the dash is new. The VR30 has been out for long enough that it is a well known powerplant now. Heck, the Z35 even has a manual parking brake!

Additionally, now that Ghosn is gone I can see Nissan returning to it's more typical "Japanese" directives. When Ghosn came on board the cars became ugly, cheap and saddled with CVTs. Now Ghosn is gone, the cars are getting better looking, higher quality feel and Nissan has begun the CVT purge.

I just don't see enough unique, new parts on the car to justify concern. I'm totally OK with buying year one.
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Yep, good points and comforting to know most of the components and parts-bin are already proven. That VR30 is a great match for the Z34 chassis! Waiting for the reviews to see how the whole package works out, a complete Nissan-bred sports car.

I know my RB26DETT, even the stock Garrett turbos, are still running strong at track days. Waiting for big brother to show up.
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280driver
I’ve read positive things about the 9sp auto relative to the 7sp in the 370. It’s. It perfect but a step up at least. No?
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takemorepills said:
I have absolutely zero concern over "1st year issues" for the Z35.
It is a reused chassis, and mostly parts-bin gear for the new stuff. The 9AT shifter, LCD cluster, infotainment are all likely from existing models. The door panels are nearly the same, the dash is new. The VR30 has been out for long enough that it is a well known powerplant now. Heck, the Z35 even has a manual parking brake!

Additionally, now that Ghosn is gone I can see Nissan returning to it's more typical "Japanese" directives. When Ghosn came on board the cars became ugly, cheap and saddled with CVTs. Now Ghosn is gone, the cars are getting better looking, higher quality feel and Nissan has begun the CVT purge.

I just don't see enough unique, new parts on the car to justify concern. I'm totally OK with buying year one.
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I think it's a bit naive to say just because the Z35 borrows a lot from the previous gen, it's not going to have some first year issues. I had a 350z about 15 years ago, had CSC problems and I was shocked that the same issue existed on the 370Z. They had a long time to iron those issues with the clutch but didn't.

However, I do believe that there is a lot of truth to what you said. Nissan isn't developing anything new here. I think that in itself will give me more confidence in the new Z. I won't go as far as to say I would have zero concerns. Sure all the components may have existed prior to the Z, but the question still remain: How does everything work together? I don't think anyone can give a definitive answer to that question.
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MCN1SMO
280driver said:
I’ve read positive things about the 9sp auto relative to the 7sp in the 370. It’s. It perfect but a step up at least. No?
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yes. what I meant was I didnt want the 2022 to get the carry over old transmission then the 23 get something new and screw over first year owners.
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JonnyG
I'm the opposite the following are 1st model year cars I owned:

2006 E60 M5 - 135,000 miles SOLD
2008 Challenger SRT8 - 175,000 Miles - TRADED
2015 Challenger HellCat M6 - 145,000 Miles currently - KEEPING

Now all your points are valid - I look at it - drive the shit out of them - get the best extended warranty offered by manufacturer and enjoy them. if you like it keep it and buy another car - just like I'm doing - love my Cat and keeping it and adding the Z, since it is a throwback as was the 2008 Chally. In my younger years loved the MOPAR's and NISSAN's and these (2) cars are to me the best retro examples made by any manufacturers.
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JonnyG said:
I'm the opposite the following are 1st model year cars I owned:

2006 E60 M5 - 135,000 miles SOLD
2008 Challenger SRT8 - 175,000 Miles - TRADED
2015 Challenger HellCat M6 - 145,000 Miles currently - KEEPING

Now all your points are valid - I look at it - drive the shit out of them - get the best extended warranty offered by manufacturer and enjoy them. if you like it keep it and buy another car - just like I'm doing - love my Cat and keeping it and adding the Z, since it is a throwback as was the 2008 Chally. In my younger years loved the MOPAR's and NISSAN's and these (2) cars are to me the best retro examples made by any manufacturers.
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I tried buying a ScatPack Widebody 6MT recently, but every dealer in my area wanted a $10K ADM.

I agree, these 2 vehicles are great examples of "retro". I know the Camaro and Mustang are too, but I'm not interested in either, for whatever reason.
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LAZee_706
Fast forward to 2021 and an exciting new Z35 is nearing introduction in the near future. Will I put down another deposit on a new Z right away? I think not, and for a couple of reasons:

Nissan and dealers have to be careful not to over charge too much. The Z has always been a great sports car for a lower price then competitors. If the first year premium over invoice puts the price near r over $60k then buyers will cross shop with Corvettes and German sports cars. I know I would.
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zenki
LAZee_706 said:
Fast forward to 2021 and an exciting new Z35 is nearing introduction in the near future. Will I put down another deposit on a new Z right away? I think not, and for a couple of reasons:

Nissan and dealers have to be careful not to over charge too much. The Z has always been a great sports car for a lower price then competitors. If the first year premium over invoice puts the price near r over $60k then buyers will cross shop with Corvettes and German sports cars. I know I would.
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Welcome @LAZee_706

I suggest reaching out to Nissan to see what they have to say. Who knows, maybe they'll be like Ford and other automakers, and direct you to dealers that won't add a markup.

What are you driving at the moment? Considering any other vehicles?
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