Used 2023 Nissan Z for SaleNationwide

Is the 2023 Nissan Z a good car?

Yes — you rate it 5/5, and the expert rating is 7.00/10. 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 impression says it drives like it’s all-new. That lines up with the overview’s focus on a stylish design, a powerful engine, and good value for money, especially if you want a distinctive two-seat sports car rather than a more expensive badge.

The trade-offs are the ones you’d expect from this kind of car: it is noisy, it does not offer much cargo space, and the stereo is lacking.

With 34.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you 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 test-drive data also frames the Z as a thoroughly updated sports car that drives like a new model, which supports the idea that Nissan did more than just refresh the old car.

The performance notes point to a strong twin-turbo V6, a reworked manual transmission, and an automatic that can deliver strong results, all of which suggest a well-developed powertrain. The cost-effectiveness notes also reinforce that Nissan positioned the Z as a value play against pricier rivals.

If you buy used, your main long-term risk is the usual sports-car tradeoff: you should expect a harder life than a commuter car if the previous owner drove it aggressively.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been driven hard or modified. Focus on tire wear, brake condition, and signs of abuse, since this is a rear-wheel-drive sports car with serious power. It also makes sense to pay close attention to cabin condition and audio-system performance, because the car’s road noise and stereo quality are already noted weak points.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim starts at $39,990 and is the simpler setup, while the Performance trim adds the more upscale look and feel, including 19-inch staggered-width wheels and two-tone paint with a black roof. The base trim also misses some of the richer cabin and exterior hardware that make the car feel more special.
• 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.
• 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 with wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, NissanConnect Services, and an eight-speaker Bose system; Android Auto still needs a cable.
• Fuel efficiency: Nissan predicts 20 mpg in combined driving with the manual transmission and 22 mpg 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:

• Sport: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Z experience at the lowest price. You still get the twin-turbo V6, the standard manual transmission, the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the full suite of driver-assistance features. If you want the best-value way into the Z, this is the trim to start with.
• Performance: This is the better-equipped choice if you want the Z to feel more complete. It adds the 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, NissanConnect Services, the Bose audio system, launch control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, larger brakes, a sport suspension, forged aluminum wheels, and stickier tires. It is the trim that best matches the car’s performance-first personality.

Every Z includes the same core safety package, 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.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer and willing to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 212 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 92.9% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2023 Nissan Z safe?

The 2023 Nissan Z earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan equips every new Z 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.

The safety content also notes that the improved reversing camera and clearer outward sightlines make the car easier to maneuver and help with lane changes. One caveat is that lane-departure warning can be irritating, especially if you prefer a quieter driver-assistance setup.

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:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s a mostly new seventh-generation Z that drives like an all-new sports car.

Consider the 2024 if:

• It adds more performance, including the Z NISMO with greater track capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, freshness, and everyday availability, the 2023 is the smart starting point. If you’re willing to spend more for extra performance, the 2024 is the better path. For price-sensitive buyers, the 2023 still looks like the more approachable way into the Z.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.