You Can Now Purchase a 400 HP Nissan Z for a Lower Price Than a Mazda MX-5 RF | Carscoops

      Dealers are currently offering significant discounts on the Nissan Z, and new tariffs suggest that these offers won't be available for long.

      Several Nissan Z models are now available with price reductions of $10,000 or more.

      With 400 hp and a manual transmission, the base model Z can be purchased for under $37,000.

      A new 25 percent tariff on all auto imports could soon increase the price of the Z.

      While sports cars may not sell as many units as they used to, there are still solid choices for enthusiasts focused on rear-wheel drive and genuine power, if you know where to find them.

      The Nissan Z features a retro design, impressive power, and a fantastic chassis. However, Nissan sells significantly fewer Zs (3,164 in 2024) compared to Ford's Mustang, which boasts sales of 44,003 in the same year. Some of this disparity is due to availability, but much is related to pricing. The Mustang starts at just below $32,000, while the Z begins at around $42,970 before delivery—approximately $11,000 more. Currently, dealers are offering deals, and it would be wise to check them out before they disappear.

      The Z is experiencing strong sales at the moment; it had an incredible first quarter, outselling the Toyota Supra by a ratio of five to one. In investigating that performance, one reason for its success appears to be that dealers are actively negotiating.

      For example, consider this impressive Nissan Z Nismo listed in New Rochelle, New York, which is discounted by $10,265 off MSRP. This discount is clearly stated by the dealer, bringing the pre-tax and fee price down to $58,395. While this is not exactly a budget car, it offers a remarkable level of performance and enjoyment for the price.

      Having driven the Z Nismo last year and again recently, I can confirm it's among the most enjoyable sports cars for everyday driving. While competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette might appear superior on a theoretical level, even the cheapest Corvettes start at $67,995 or more. Although the Z may not compete with the Corvette in terms of exclusivity, some examples are available for as low as $36,990.

      Indeed, you can acquire a 400 horsepower (298 kW) vehicle with a manual transmission and classic aesthetics for the same price as a higher-end Mazda MX-5, or even less than the RF hardtop, which starts at $37,550 before destination charges. The unfortunate reality is that even if dealers continue to negotiate and Nissan manages to produce enough vehicles to meet demand, tariffs are now officially in place.

      Act Quickly

      The Z is manufactured in Japan, and as a result of Donald Trump's implementation of a 25% flat tariff on all automobile imports, U.S. dealers—not Japan—will absorb this additional cost. Essentially, it acts as a secondary sales tax on buyers and will likely affect future pricing. In summary, if you're considering purchasing a new Z, this may be your best opportunity to do so before prices rise.