Nissan Z (RZ34): A Buyer’s Short Course

Four hundred horsepower, a proper manual option, and a price philosophy that goes back to 1969. What to weigh before buying the current Z.

The current Nissan Z, in production since 2022^[1], is the simplest kind of sports-car purchase: one engine, one clear mission, and a decision tree that mostly comes down to transmission and condition. That simplicity is the point — the Z line has been about attainable performance since October 1969^[1].

What you get

Every RZ34 carries a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre VR30DDTT V6 producing 400 hp (406 PS) and 350 lb-ft of torque^[1], in a front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout^[1]. The one meaningful fork in the road is the gearbox: a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic^[1]. The manual is the enthusiast’s default and likely the better long-term hold; the automatic suits daily use. Decide which car you are actually buying before you start looking.

Shopping the market

• It is a young market. With production starting in 2022^[1], most cars are recent, low-mileage, and may still carry factory warranty. Confirm warranty status and transferability in writing.
• Service history still matters. Even on a nearly new car, insist on complete dealer records and evidence the first services were done on schedule.
• Check for modifications. Affordable performance cars attract tuning early. A stock, documented car is the cleaner buy; modified cars need a specialist’s eyes.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Cheap insurance on any performance car, new or old — a lift, a scan, and an hour of a good technician’s time.

Why it holds its place

The Z badge carries real weight. The original Datsun 240Z sold over 45,000 units through 1971 and built the line’s reputation for looks, reliability, performance, and value^[1]. The current car — notable as the first Z sold without a number in its name^[1] — continues that role as a cornerstone of Nissan’s accessible-performance identity^[1]. That heritage supports demand, which is good news for anyone buying carefully.

Review the complete specification on the full Nissan Z database page, then see what is available now in our live Z inventory. In a market this young, patience and paperwork are your two best tools.