Is the 2023 Nissan Z a good car?

Yes — 5/5 from users and 7.00/10 from CarGurus experts. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

The 2023 Nissan Z is presented as a mostly new seventh-generation sports car that was reskinned and thoroughly updated from the previous Z, and the test-drive summary says it drives like it’s all-new. That lines up with the overview’s framing of the car as a performance value in an otherwise unpopulated segment, especially if you want a two-seat sports car that feels special without being positioned as a luxury purchase.

The trade-offs are real: the cabin is noisy, cargo space is limited, and the stereo is lacking. Even so, the Z’s stylish design, powerful engine, and good value for money make it a compelling choice if your priorities lean toward driving enjoyment over everyday practicality.

31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Nissan Z reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The expert review also points to a car that feels substantially updated rather than hastily reworked, and it describes the powertrain as delightful. That matters for used-car shoppers because a well-executed redesign can reduce the sense that you’re buying into an aging platform.

The performance notes also suggest the Z’s drivetrain is tuned for responsiveness, with the twin-turbo V6 and manual transmission described favorably. If you’re considering one used, the main long-term ownership risk is that the car’s sports-car focus may make noise, wear, and maintenance sensitivity more noticeable than in a calmer daily driver.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Nissan Z?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a car with a performance focus. Pay close attention to tire wear, brake condition, and signs that the car has been driven hard, since the Z’s power and rear-drive layout can make those areas more important than on an ordinary commuter car.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim starts with a simpler cabin and fewer amenities, while the Performance trim adds a more upscale and better-equipped feel. The base car also misses some of the upgraded hardware and convenience features that make the higher trim easier to live with.
• Powertrain: The Z uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, and a nine-speed automatic is available at no extra charge. The automatic is the efficiency leader, while the manual is the enthusiast choice.
• Safety package: Every Z includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors at each end of the car. The automatic transmission adds full-stop capability for adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: Sport trim gets an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Performance trim upgrades to a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, NissanConnect Services, and an eight-speaker Bose system.
• Fuel efficiency: Nissan predicts 20 mpg combined with the manual and 22 mpg combined with the automatic. In testing, the manual returned 22.5 mpg and the automatic returned 27.5 mpg.

Which 2023 Nissan Z trim should I buy?

The 2023 Nissan Z is offered in 2 trim levels: Sport and Performance.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Sport trim is the value play, but it starts with the smaller 8-inch touchscreen and a simpler audio setup, so it feels less complete than the higher trim.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Performance trim is the one most buyers should target because it adds the 9-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, Bose audio, and the more desirable performance hardware.
• Premium/top trim: The Performance trim also brings the mechanical limited-slip differential, larger brakes, sport suspension, forged wheels, and launch control, making it the best-rounded choice for enthusiasts.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors standard on every Z.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Nissan Z?

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 217 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 92.2% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2023 Nissan Z safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Z comes with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors at each end of the car. The automatic transmission adds full-stop capability for adaptive cruise control, and the improved reversing camera and better outward visibility help make the car easier to place in tight spaces.

One caveat is that lane-departure warning can be irritating, so you may want to test how the driver-assistance alerts feel in real use before you buy.

Should I buy a 2023 Nissan Z or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers a mostly new redesign with a fresh look and an all-new driving feel.

Consider the 2024 if:

• It adds more performance and brings back the Z NISMO with greater track capability.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest take on the modern Z at a market that still has decent deal availability, the 2023 is the smart starting point. If you care most about extra performance and track-focused hardware, the 2024 is the better path, while price-sensitive buyers should focus on the best-equipped 2023 listings with clean histories and the right trim.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.