- 1. The Nissan 350Z can be found for cheap nowadays
- 2. The 350Z is old, but it has a timeless design
- 3. The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood is quite the performer
- 4. Although it’s more of a touring car, the Nissan 350Z handles well
- The Nissan 350Z is a good sports car to start with
If you’re looking for a starter sports car and don’t know what to choose, we recommend checking out a Nissan 350Z. Yes, it’s also a great starter car for drifting too. But if you’re not into driving sideways and just want a quick car at a reasonable price, the 350Z is a good option. Here are four reasons that could convince you to look one up.
1. The Nissan 350Z can be found for cheap nowadays
2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition | Nissan
When it was new, the Nissan 350Z had a starting MSRP of $36,500. Nowadays, you can find used examples for much cheaper. How cheap? According to a recent nationwide search on CarGurus, we found 350Z examples selling for around $5,000 to $28,000, depending on the car’s mileage, condition, and location. Keep in mind that the higher-priced examples are in pristine condition, so if you aim a little lower, you can still find a low-mileage one in good condition.
2. The 350Z is old, but it has a timeless design
2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition | Nissan
Although the Nissan 350Z was produced in the early 2000s, it still has a timeless design. Hot Cars notes, “The 350Z had everything a recipe of a sports coupe from the early 2000s demanded – a curvaceous bodyline with sharp lines and a hint of aggression. It also had a cue of inspiration from the 240Z in its long hood and 300ZX in its rear hatch.”
We have to agree. The 350Z may look a little porky compared to sports cars in today’s market, but its design has aged well over the past 15 years.
3. The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood is quite the performer
Nissan 350Z | Nissan
The Nissan 350Z was powered by the venerable VQ35DE V6 engine, which could be found in a number of other Nissan models. In the Z, it made 287 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, which was a stout figure at the time and is not bad by today’s standards. With its optional six-speed manual shifter, the 350Z could get up to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds.
In 2007, Nissan revamped the engine to make 305 hp and raised the redline to 7,500 rpm. So if you want your 350Z to be a little more lively, we suggest looking for that model year or later.
4. Although it’s more of a touring car, the Nissan 350Z handles well
Nissan 350Z | Nissan
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Weighing in at around 3,200 pounds, the Nissan 350Z was more of a twinkle-toed touring car than a razor-sharp canyon carver. However, its responsive steering and excellent weight distribution – thanks to a mid-mounted front engine – allowed for good handling characteristics. That said, the 350Z does its job when it comes to providing a sporty experience, but it’s also great for cruising.
The Nissan 350Z is a good sports car to start with
If you’re looking for a sports car but have a tight budget, the Nissan 350Z is a good choice. Its powerful engine, cheap price point, and spritely handling make it an excellent value proposition. Maybe you should check one out.
Keyword: 4 Reasons the Nissan 350Z Is a Great Starter Sports Car