Nissan Z Price Changes: A New Era for Sports Car Enthusiasts
For those who have been waiting to buy a Nissan Z due to high dealer markups, the time has finally arrived. After facing many years of inflated prices, car buyers in the U.S. can now purchase the Nissan Z coupe, known for its impressive 400 horsepower, at prices significantly below its list price.
The Rise and Fall of Dealer Markups
When the newest Nissan Z model first hit the market in 2022, it created quite a buzz. Featuring a stunning twin-turbocharged V6 engine and the option for a manual transmission, many fans were eager to get their hands on this performance car. Unfortunately, excitement quickly faded as many dealerships added excessive markups, with some reaching over $50,000. This situation transformed what should have been a reasonably priced sports car into an unaffordable luxury for many potential buyers.
However, the market has changed dramatically. An analysis by Autoblog revealed that of about 650 Nissan Zs listed on Cars.com, only a tiny fraction—less than 1%—were still carrying markups, a stark contrast from the previous years. In fact, around 82% of these listings had prices slashed below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). With prices dropping, there is hope that more drivers will be interested in this iconic sports car.
Reasons Behind the Price Drop
Several factors contribute to the shift in prices for the Nissan Z:
Decreased Market Hype: The initial excitement around the launch has faded, leading to a less desperate demand for the car.
- Nissan’s Struggles: The brand has faced declining sales, prompting dealers to prioritize sales volume over high-profit markups.
This shift seems to be beneficial for Nissan. After selling just under 1,800 Zs in 2023, price cuts helped dealerships sell about 3,164 Zs in 2024—a remarkable 80% increase. In a surprising turn of events, the Nissan Z even outperformed the Toyota GR Supra in sales for the year.
Fighting Against Excessive Markups
An important player in the fight against high dealer markups is Nick Scherr, a dedicated Nissan salesman from Avondale, Arizona. Known as "Nismo Nick," he took it upon himself to track down Z inventory from multiple dealerships across the country. He focuses on selling these cars at actual sticker price or lower, with no additional dealer fees or add-ons.
Scherr has successfully purchased Zs from over 20 dealerships, promoting fair pricing. As a result, he has gained recognition as a top seller of the Nissan Z, attracting a diverse clientele that ranges from first-time sports car buyers to long-time Z enthusiasts.
Current Landscape for the Nissan Z
To grasp the current market conditions for the Nissan Z, data was collected from 652 listings available on Cars.com. Here are some key findings:
- Only six cars were marked up, less than 1% of the listings.
- The average markup among these few cars was about $7,000.
- Approximately 17% of the cars were listed at MSRP, averaging around $57,856.
- An overwhelming majority, 535 cars, came in below MSRP, showing an average markdown of $6,100.
For those on the lookout for bargains, there are significant discounts available, including two 2024 Nissan Z Sports listed for $34,900, each priced about $10,000 below MSRP.
Is This the Best Time to Buy?
For potential buyers considering a Nissan Z, now is shaping up to be an excellent time to make a purchase. With discounts becoming the norm, car enthusiasts can acquire this sports car at much more affordable prices. Both the 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic versions are available with these price cuts, offering flexibility for buyers.
For instance, one listing for a 2024 Nissan Z Sport with a manual transmission is priced at $37,777, which is $7,123 below MSRP. This accessibility marks a significant change from the earlier days when buyers struggled to find reasonably priced options.
However, the current strategy of pushing for higher sales volume raises questions about the long-term future of the Z, especially in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and electric vehicles. If Nissan continues to sell the Z at a loss, tough decisions may need to be made regarding its future.
Conclusion
The excessive markups on the Nissan Z are finally a thing of the past, making it an excellent time to consider purchasing this iconic sports car. With most dealers offering below-MSRP pricing, enthusiasts can finally enjoy the thrill of driving a twin-turbo, rear-wheel-drive coupe without breaking the bank.
Nonetheless, the substantial discounts highlight the challenges Nissan faces in keeping the Z relevant in an evolving automotive market. Whether this pricing shift can rejuvenate interest in the model or if it signifies a last attempt at relevance remains to be seen. For now, buyers can rejoice, as their patience has indeed paid off.
