Want a Sports Car? Don't Want a Porsche? You NEED To Consider the Nissan 370Z 

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Does anyone else always have Autotrader open when watching?

Bought a 350z about 10 years ago for my second car, I remember looking at BMWs and Audis for months then I drove past a 350z in a dealership. Test drove it and loved it, had it for 4 years and I still miss it today :(

I've owned a 350z for 17 years - love it. It's been a DD in a two car collection with a 911 (first a 930 and now a 997.1 GT3) for several years and it holds its own. I don't think I'll ever sell it.

The 350Z with a supercharger conversion is an absolute hoot to drive...Nissan South Africa offered it as an option on a new purchase back in the early 2000`s...

The biggest problem with the 370Z is that government don’t want you to own one… the road tax on them is ridiculous!

A few years ago we received some difficult family news, and in the spur of the moment decided to acquire a 370Z Nismo to do some adventures with while we could. Found a 23k mile car for about £23k, and it has been nothing short of astonishing in its capability as a GT car, being more comfortable to cruise to Provence in than the family Golf MkV, fuel economy is also surprisingly good. I don't do modern cars really and stick to classics, but the 370 is a car the type of which is essentially extinct now, a car with which you can star in your own stories and sagas, a car that is its own character. It is a curious thing, we don't drive it like a sports car and instead use it as a GT, but even then, it feels like a Japanese take on the Muscle car which, when you look at it and understand its conception, it kind of is. The 370 is alright, and its been the right car at the right time for us

All of what Jay said about the 370Z is spot-on. However, one thing he didn't talk about is chassis to seat-of-the-pants feel, which the 370Z sorely lacks. After owning one for about two years, and driving it year around in upstate New York, snow tires and all, the missing factor was feedback and feeling. You never really knew what the car was doing beneath you under load. My 987.2 Boxster may be less powerful, but it communicates what's going on so much better than the Z that it's worth forgoing a few ponies.

2017+ are around 20k, earlier ones are £710 a year tax which is a bit of a killer. Had a nismo, loved it, don't miss running it.

I had a 350z for about 6 years. It’s was a mid car with the 296bhp Rev up engine. GT spec. I loved it. I did fit a scorpion exhaust with sound amazing. I went through a tunnel once in front of a Lamborghini murcielago and floored it. He then pulled along beside me later and gave me the thumbs up. Maybe he had one in a previous life. Who knows but it made me feel good that it was recognised. Azure Blue and looked damn good. I didn’t care that it was a Nissan because they have a great sports car legacy. Funny enough my cousin got a 370z during the time which I saw once but never went in. I heard they softened things off a little in the 370 in regards to stability control etc. people should buy these. I’m in a 997.2 currently.

Seeing a bog standard 370Z is an absolute revelation! Admittedly, if I did own one I'd of course personalise and tune it just a tiny bit, but still, seeing one in the way it left the factory all those years ago is a proper joy.

Just think, for 25k you can get yourself a brand new Fiesta, and it's got drum brakes on the back.

As a 370Z owner, these cars are very reliable and fun stock. They also have a ton of aftermarket support for those who want to build a track or drift monster.

a great, affordable, rwd drive sports car.

I have a 370Z bought new in NZ 2017. Wanted to buy an analogue sports car as a 'keeper' given where things were going. Requirements, new, RWD, NA, manual, hydraulic steering, good power, proven reliability, and good parts availability (both long term, and aftermarket). For my budget, pretty much led to 370Z being only choice. I've fitted a better stereo, 3.9 Nismo final drive (gearing was a bit long for NZ's short straights and mountainous roads), tune, gentleman's exhaust (tasteful not fire breathing), lightened flywheel, torsen LSD, and lightweight 2 piece rotors. Thesis was to make it "factory" not spoil the refinement and "all of a piece". 7 years on, I'm still in love. These are hated or dismissed for some reason but for $80k all in for something that will likely do 400,000km trouble free km (keep in mind the engine is used in 2 tonne SUVs), and every Sunday morning I have an incredible drive. i had the cut out moved to 8200rpm and it pulls all the way there. The suspension is compliant for every day driving, and for NZ's bumpy mountain roads, you won't be bumped off the road - stiff suspension is wrong for NZ. Note, James is right, the steering is under remarked in reviews, it's pin sharp. Also you can get the dealership to switch off the piped sound. All in all, I love cars (other cars are a G35 and an Infiniti FX50S), I love Porsches etc etc but I can only afford 1 sports car and this is a brilliant car to own and drive. Really, the internet is wrong about these, buy one, you won't regret it.

I'm now in my mid-sixties and have raced, rallied, owned and driven many, many fast cars and the fact that every time I drive my 2013 370Z Sport Touring 6 spd it puts a massive smile on my face speaks volumes! It isn't about out and out speed, if you’re looking for that then go buy your 5.0 Mustang GT (and working in sales at a Ford store on Vancouver Island I've driven many) Sure the specials like the Shelby GT350 and GT500 I'd choose in a heartbeat, but all the others, Nah Mine is a very low mileage example in Grey and with 19" Rays its stunning. Sure, it needed a little help and some mature upgrades to get it to just how I wanted it, Mods like an Invidia Gemini Cat back exhaust (which sounds freekin amazing and absolutely no drone), 2.5' Z1 air intake (no cutting and no tuning required), combined giving a noticeable amount of additional pep. I've always disliked the stance of the stock 370Z so I added 20mm Z1 wheel spacers and an Eibach Pro Plus suspension upgrade kit which comes with 20mm lower uprated progressive rate springs and uprated adjustable sway bars, along with a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires the difference is night and day and my smile got much bigger! It's just a pure visceral driving pleasure!

The pic of the white 370 in the parking garage is frameable brilliant!!!

I’ve owned my 2020 370Z for a year and a half and it still gets me smiling ear to ear every time I drive it

Great review. I live in Germany now since 23 years. Was in Köln on the weekend, omg, how boring was it to see every other Sports car to be a boring Porsche, YYAAWNNNN. Id rather have this any day and enjoy my SW20 MR2 Turbo and 95 model NSX every day. Thanks, rant over lol

Wheels magazine ( Australia's best title in the field) if I remember it right, described the car as " A brawny, old-school, honest as the day is long sports car". Gets it in a nutshell.

Had my 350z HR for 9 years and still going strong. Stock, becoming rarer and love it. Puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it. Even like the tape deck! Offered it to @jayemm about a year back, maybe he wants a drive??

Car throttle just put out a 350Z video not gone five minutes ago. Love all the Nissan hype

10:15 here in rip off Ireland, the road tax for one of these is just over €1800 😳

I have owned a 350z and now a370z and i just love them! Mines a daily and driven sensibly get 32mpg. 😊

The most underrated sports car that journalists constantly shat on because of its dated interior. It's a rwd manual NA engine with plenty of usable power with pumped guards. With decent suspension tuning to firm up the front end and eliminate body roll , cat delete and exhaust plus an ecutec engine tune to wakeup the laggy throttle response a d add about 30kw extra, you have a recipe that leaves porches scratching their heads both in sound and handling. I have one and it's my pick over my e92 m3 for twisty club drives. Set of recaro sportster CS and it feels like a glove.

As someone that had a 350z and is a big fan of the Z cars I am so happy this video came out :D

I remember the original 350Z. When I worked for Nissan we had a pre production 350Z to test drive. We all took it out in pairs on a pre planned route that had the speed cameras positions marked and the areas normally patrolled by unmarked police cars. Some people came back claiming some ridiculous speeds attained on the route but it seemed everyone was doing it! It drove really nicely and in a few days went through quite a few sets of rear tyres!

These cars are so underrated. Here's all you need: 1. Clutch Slave Cylinder Relocation kit (Zspeed CMAK) 2. RJM Clutch Pedal mod 3. Short Throw Shifter with a weighted knob 4. Long Tube cold air intakes 5. Healthy Exhaust system

Lovely cars! And it's great to hear the name pronounced properly! 370 Zed. 🙂

This one, and the 350z are both on my list of cars to acquire! Love the body style.

This is why I bought a G37 Sedan, all the goodies of the Z but more livable. Gas mileage is absolutely horrendous though, but as expected for a N/A V6 putting out 330hp.

As a 370z owner I daily mine and I absolutely love the car nothing drives like a Z yes it’s a bit to run but it is so worth it! Aftermarket support is amazing, nothing is as pure as this car, I never understand how people can overlook Nissan with their history

What an excellent and unique premise to do a video with! Never have I ever seen anyone else compare a used Nissan Z to something like a Porsche or a BMW Z4, and I'm not even a badge snob to my knowledge! This kind of video really opens up your horizons, gives me new ideas for categories we all think are locked out to well known brands and models.

Had a 350z, now got a 2019 370z. Love them! Also got an elgrand and watched your recent video on it.

I'm a Nissan guy. Owned a K10 March, with a B11 Sunny 1.5L engine. Sipped gas whole week driving, and as zippy. Bought a Nissan Datsun 280C. 1981 430 model. and a 99 Frontier. Never been disappointed. Nissan makes some really good vehicles, though lately like other companies, corporate decisions sucks. Drove a 350z. Mind blown away. Loved it. This looks even better and more agressive. Like the interior, and engine notes. One day I hope to own one. Thanks for the review.

Best type of content, thanks. Every other car is a Porsche or Audi in north Essex, image is everything. Don’t see these, such a shame but it enables a few people to be different. I like that, as a gt86 and Elise driver, being different is in my dna.

Absolutely spot on with your comments on Z cars......I've had mine 12 years and put 192,000 on it. Not as quick or desirable as some brands but I've had a lot of fun and it hasn't let me down.

I had a 350Z. At the time, I could have bought an S2000, the Crossfire and a Boxter and yet the 350Z was the best actual car. Never went wrong, really fast, great fun and decent on the motorway. Granted I wish I had the S2000 just so I could sell it for more, but no one I ever came across hated the 350Z. There was no badge snobbery. I was proud to have a Nissan.

Would love one, great fun to drive but, for me, I point blank refuse to pay the Government £710 a year in tax to have one! Great review as always, thank you.

Get a 370z from 2017, you only pay £180 a year tax.

I had a 05 350z I sold it 2 years ago. Loved it

Only started watching this channel and this guy is a legend. Very informative and entertaining. Subscribed!

I agree, the 370Z makes beautifully linear power delivery up to redline - thanks to the VVEL system (variable valve event and lift). It's a gorgeous car with the right amount of power and a seriously slippery design. A bit porky and nose-heavy, which makes spirited steering a bit of a wrestle. You really feel the weight when you start throwing it around. But it's actually surprisingly practical if you don't mind a two-seater.. and the amount of fuel it drinks. Just to add: yes it does need an exhaust but I found that the X-Force catback gave a serious improvement in low-mid torque while being one of the cheapest and quietest options on the market. I was suddenly pulling through second-gear corners in third, and third-gear corners in fourth. Couldn't believe the difference it made.

I took one for a test drive about five years ago. With the dark interior and what appeared to be a small windscreen, it was akin to driving a letter box. On a twisting back road I saw a sign flashing at me. It was flashing 50 and I thought there must be an error with the sign. I looked at the Speedo and we were doing 80! I went for a BRZ, cheaper insurance and more usable space.

I had a 350Z, I have a Z4, I just saw a 2007 Boxster and was thinking to myself not 1 hour ago "would I like one of those old rattley Porsches?" and I'm very likely going to buy a 3yr old MX-5 in a few years as my forever petrol car before they're all gone. I feel like this video was directly made for me :)

Great review! Tare weight is 1467kg which is very reasonable for what's in the package and a lot less than the over 1550kg suggested. You make me regret selling my 2018 auto but I did enjoy it for nearly 4 years, put another 30,000km on the original 7,300km and still sold it for a small profit which was rare and satifying. Fuel economy was just under 10L/100km over that time with long trips seeing mid 8'sL/100km but I do live in the country with small towns and minimal traffic. The sound you can hear is all fake through the Bose speakers and includes noise cancellation. It can easily be turned of at a Nissan dealer through the software and combined with a quality exhaust transforms the driving experience. The Nissan dealer that sold me mine fitted the Invidia Gemini that I supplied for AU$152 and that was the only mod the car had. It sounded wonderful, had better torque with a stronger top end and better fuel economy. I would love the same car with a manual gearbox box and the clutch slave cylinder conversion so it's outside of the bell housing. Prices are still strong here in Australia but i'll keep an eye open in case one turns up over here in WA.

Regarding rivals, you mentioned the BMW Z4, but instead of comparing with the E89, I'd say the slight older and rarer E86 coupe is the better comparison. It has the same old school recipe. The 370Z looks ace and I love the brawny ingredients. I really wanted to love it but the one I test drove was so aloof. I admire that Nissan stuck with it for so long for those that do enjoy it. Some years later I've ended up with an E86, and that's taken-up my gutsy 2 seat coupe garage space :)

I own a 370Z 68 plate with £190 tax, Cobra Exhaust so sounds like a sports car and BC Racing Coilovers which I couldn’t live without now. All the car I could ever want, I eye up Caymans and even M2 Comps but can never warrant the additional maintenance costs and Porsche/BMW tax.

I’ve got one, and I absolutely love mine. The driving position isn’t the best but it’s great fun to drive. And has been (touch wood) totally reliable and is my daily driver. I bought the car for my 30th last year on 49k miles and now has 65k with many being spiritedly driven (Though NEVER abused or thrashed). I bought mine, purely because I’ve always wanted one. They’re not “Fast”, but they certainly aren’t slow and have more than enough poke to enjoy on the road. Honestly, James is right, just try one. You may be very pleasantly surprised!

My favorite JayEmm video to-date, doing justice to this legendary car

Had a 350z HR for 9 years and still going strong. Stock, becoming rarer and love it. Puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it. Even like the tape deck…offered it to @jayemm about a year back, maybe he wants a drive??

When I was young sports cars were open top roadster/spyders. Like Triumph TR6, Alfa Spyder, Mazda MX5 etc. That’s a coupe’ to me

I'm seriously tempted by these, the value in incredible. Its just a shame so many have been ruined with poor modifications.

I saw mine (convertible) about two minutes ago. Yes the tax is crippling, yes it only uses super unleaded, yes the tyres are not cheap. I keep thinking of selling it and then I drive it. It sort of goes under the radar. Totally standard (I think I also had the only unmodified 200SX in the country) but I love it, it likes my credit card.

The detuned 350Z engine in the E51 is a thing of beauty, especially with a retune and straight pipes!

Ha well done, you got that spot on. Had my z 4 years and love it. I’m glad nobody else has one!

‘We’re idiots and we’re snobs’ OMG James you’re so right and I for one would plead guilty to that charge. But is it really our fault, or is the power of global marketing just too strong for us?!

I have a HR model 350Z (which I love and keep very stock and very clean) and I totally agree with your point on the buyer needs, Jay. The very first reason I chose a Z was because I wanted a purpose built sports car and not a sports coupe/saloon, like an M3 or TT.

My mate had a 370Z with just 5K on the clock. Sold it and got an Audi TTRS Mk 2 Quattro

I like the balance of design with these. Purpose made 2 seater.

Ive got one, very low mileage 2nd hand, very good car, very reliable, low cost maintenance, yes poor on gas, exhaust sound is poor, and wide tyres means noisy tires, rear visibility is poor, but some how I love the look, ample power on public roads, very very stable at speed and can carve up corners quite easily yet is very comfortable. Its like a reliable made in Japan agile mustang. I have an MX5 miata, more fun to drive in some ways being light as a feather, but if I had to choose one to keep, its this 370Z. For the money it is very very good, may not mod it. Another great video from Jay.very fair assessments.

Timeless beautiful design, had one few years back, considering getting one again this time for my son.

Like you said, since 350/370z's have always been extremely popular in the US we couldn't ignore them here if we tried. Haha that being said, I have always wanted a Z car.

Good luck trying to find a tidy one!

These still look brilliant. Always loved those V6 VQ motors. They sound superb.

love that you describe the whole descision process, which cars are alternatives, and why they get ruled out!! 🤣

My problem with the 370Z is it just sounds too muted, its a sports car with a nice big dirty V6, its got to be heard, that's probably the only thing I would do with one of these, put a decent exhaust on nothing stupidly loud and that's it.

I had a 2017 Black 370 Nismo with fixed wing. Previously belonged to a Mercedes engineer who had added Stillen cold air intakes, Armytrix switchable exhaust, stage 1 tune, updated fairing and all Z badging and a GTR ignition button. Totally awesome car, but made me really motion sick. Proper head turner. I bought for 21k with 30k on the clock three years ago from a FOrd main dealer near Farnham. Seen on Auto trader a year ago for 24k. Do miss it.

Loved this vid! I’ve got a Le Mans blue manual convertible version and I absolutely adore it. Had it for almost 5 years now. Love the Z community and the rarity of the car. I’d say if you’re thinking of getting a relatively cheap sports car in today’s day and age, then a Z should be on your list. 😁

I own a 350z for a second car and I can confirm these are lively in the wet. In the future I would love a 370z but I can't bring myself to give the government over £700 a year to do a few thousand miles in one so i will have to wait for the 2017+ cars to come down in price. I love my 350, but the 370 for me is a much better looker.

I'm fairly sure these are available with an auto box James? Quite a good one at that apparently. Great car and video 👍

My wife had a 370Z as a daily. I had a 987.2 Cayman at the same time. The automatic gearbox on the her 370Z definitely ruined a lot of the fun. Still a great car though.

"SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT"👽

Owned one of these for years before getting an F-Type R and Boxster which I’m Fortunate to have both of. That said, I still regret selling it… while not as bolted together as the Boxster nor as thrilling as the F-Type, it was a special backroad car and just a lot of fun. Nicely reviewed as always.

Would like to see you try the 350z as well for comparison, to see how much they differ. I test drove a few 350z's and didnt really like them. I Wrote off considering the 370z ever since as I assumed it's very similar to the 350, but maybe that isn't the case.

Great review James! I’ve an 86 and have thought about one of these!👍🏼👍🏼🚗

I wanted a sports cat but didn't want a Porsche. Considered all those others mentioned including 370z. And then i found my dream car Alpine A110. Ticked every box and I have never looked back 😊. Yes I accept it's not in the same budget as a used 370z.

Absolutely love my 2010 40th Anniversary “Black Edition” awesome cars…

Never seen a more factual, less clickbait title. Good job.

About 10 years ago looked at a convertible 350z ended up Z4 then a few years later the convertible 370z, ended up going Z4 on both occasions why I can't honestly say but I still love the looks of the Nissan Zs

I went through exactly this buying experience not too long ago. Wanted a sports car, looked at mx5/Z4/987/S2000 and many many more cars. Completely ignored this beauty because I didn't like the 350z. After watching this I think it's a bit of a shame. Though I'm still very happy with the Audi TT Mk3 I ended up getting, so no regrets😁

Vauxhall Monaro (which i own) in the UK can be had for similar money. I do REALLY like the look of that 370 Z though!🙂

Zs are such amazing cars. Really reliable, cheaper than a Porsche msrp and maintenance. Also any aftermarket parts are way cheaper and yet can get you a lot of thrills.

12:04 who's arm is that😂...great video. I don't know if they are available in GB, but the Infiniti Q60 red sport is a 2+2 400z. Infiniti put the VR30DDTT in it years before the new Z came out. I have one it's a blast

Just a no nonsense video ... perfection 👍🏻

Great looking thing on the outside. I never considered it because the interior felt like it hadn't been updated in 15-20 years.

My first time in one of these was in a friends car over 20yrs ago , as a passenger it felt like a ‘hold onto your dear life’ feeling sort of way😅, fast forward a couple of decades it may not now feel like that since if had cars during this time with close to 1,000hp lol!😊

Finding a white one for £8k is very hard , all Silver and grey and stupid soft tops. £715 road tax per annum is also the highest around

Fun fact Jay, you said the car was discontinued with no replacement, the Nissan Z is the replacement and based on the same chassis and V6 engine as the 370 so it was replaced and on sale in the UK. I'm guessing you just forgot

Great video, had a 350z back in the day.

All the years these have been out and I’ve never looked at one and desired one Always found them looks wise to be a bit dull unlike a lot of older Japanese cars

I had a 1987 Nissan Sunny ZX hatchback which at the time with it's 1.8 16v twin cam was more powerful than the Golf GTI of the time as well as the XR3, Astra GTE etc had a LSD and better suspension but new no body bought one one because it was a Nissan Sunny so people missed out on a cracking car.

Excellent review James and agree it is Euro snobbery that makes great cars like these not appealing to the European market. In Australia where I live they are very popular and expensive but deeply undervalued in your market. The only other comparison I would introduce for UK is the Audi TT which may not be sports car for some purists given it is effectively front wheel drive. I think they are comparable and both very cheap in your market but not eleswhere.

In my opinion, the 370z is also a rare example of the convertible being as good looking if not even better looking than the coupe. Especially in the lovely blue colour they came in 😍

Previously owned a 350z HR which i loved and i'd have one of these in the morning only for the fact here in ROI it costs 2400 euros a year for motor tax on these, makes me sad as now i have to buy a hot hatch of some sort which isn't so bad but i'd much prefer a nice late one of these or maybe a Nismo, i love the old school hairy chested feel of the controls and the honesty of the drivetrain and even it's ungainly weight from it's pig iron Nissan infinity chassis

I owned a 2014 TRD with the TRD body kit wheels and quad exhaust lovely car

Had one about 2 years ago, great value for money and a pretty car. It should be stated, however, this is not a sports car and more of a GT. when pushed the handling fell to pieces and the engine was very wheezy at the top end.

Being more of a convertible person, I went with a Z4, but those 350 and 370Z owners are offering a good service to us all - they're always up for some sport

In Australia you can buy these new for 54,700 - Nismo 44,000 Coupe (Uk Pounds) + extras

25k for a nice example, that also gets you into a mint 240i, or an m3 if you dont mind getting it from bradford. oh and you can also enjoy saving £400 a year in VED, thanks gov, clearly nissan didnt want to give any backhanders :D