A Nissan Z Still Holds a Premium Price, and It's Not the NISMO | Carscoops

      A $71,000 sports car with only $3,000 in genuine extras highlights how far dealer greed can extend.

      Dealers continue to enforce steep markups on limited Nissan Z models.

      The Midnight Purple Heritage Edition is uncommon, but it’s not worth an additional $14,000.

      Consumers have better alternatives than overpaying greedy dealerships.

      The Nissan Z is an incredibly enjoyable vehicle. Although it may not be the fastest or most agile in its category, it offers a playful experience from the driver's seat. When it was first released, dealer markups soared to ridiculous heights, but once the initial excitement subsided, prices stabilized.

      Currently, with the introduction of Nissan’s new Heritage Edition, opportunistic dealers see another chance to increase prices, and a particular case illustrates just how disconnected these dealers can be.

      According to an observant Reddit user, the car in question is a Z Performance equipped with a manual transmission and the Heritage Edition package. This package includes 19-inch RAYS bronze wheels, distinctive exterior graphics, a carbon fiber spoiler, Heritage Edition floor mats, and illuminated kick plates.

      Perhaps the most notable feature is the coveted Midnight Purple paint, which is highly valued by Nissan enthusiasts. The automaker has limited production to just 500 units for the U.S. market.

      However, the Heritage Edition does not include the large brake kit from the Z NISMO, nor does it provide an increase in power. Despite these factors, Fontana Nissan in California is asking an astonishing $71,755 for this model.

      This price represents a staggering $13,970 above the MSRP, amounting to a 24 percent markup over what Nissan recommends customers pay. It's likely for this reason that Fontana Nissan does not list this price on their website.

      In a comical twist, they do break down the “Installed Options,” detailing the Heritage Edition package, and the total for all the included extras, including some minor Z center caps, amounts to only $3,570.

      Fortunately, the Reddit user noticed that the dealership had shared a photo featuring their window sticker, which included a markup of $10,000. You might wonder how this totals $13,970. Well, there are three additional packages not listed online that together amount to $3,970.

      While the specifics of these packages aren’t entirely clear from the image, one seems to pertain to a three-year alarm service, while the others are associated with ten and three-year terms, respectively. In many circles, these are viewed as extra dealer charges rather than true value additions.

      There’s no doubt that the Z is a remarkable car, and the Heritage Edition’s scarcity will make it distinctive for years. However, for our money, we would seek a dealer willing to sell at the price Nissan suggests or opt for a non-Heritage Edition and have it wrapped in Midnight Purple later.