Is the Nissan GT-R a good car?

Yes — the Nissan GT-R is a compelling used performance coupe if you want serious speed, strong handling, and a car that feels special every time you drive it. The all-generations owner rating is 4.84/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its thrilling acceleration, powerful engine, and confident handling. The GT-R also stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and its ability to deliver supercar-level performance in a distinctive, collectible package.

Expert reviews rate the 2021 model among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs are an irritating transmission, outdated technology, and poor value for money.

25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Nissan GT-R models reliable?

Owners consistently give the GT-R very strong marks for performance and driving excitement, and expert commentary reinforces its appeal as a serious enthusiast car with a focused, purpose-built character. The strongest ownership experience tends to come from buyers who value the car’s capability and are prepared for its specialized nature.

• Owners rate the Nissan GT-R between 3.67 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

Long-term ownership risk is highest when you buy a higher-mileage example without a careful history check, so a thorough inspection and service-record review matter a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used Nissan GT-R?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2014 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: driver and front-passenger airbags, seat-belt sensors, occupant-classification sensor, seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags, LATCH connectors, front and rear crumple zones, an energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases, knee bolsters, high-strength side-door guard beams, four-wheel anti-lock braking with Brembo six-piston monoblock calipers in front and four-piston in the rear, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, vehicle-dynamics control, hill-start assist, yaw rate feedback control, and Snow mode
• Infotainment: NissanConnect and NissanConnect services, Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming, text messaging assistant, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Nissan Navigation System with voice guidance, and a rearview camera

Which Nissan GT-R trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan GT-R offers...

• GT-R Premium: This is the best-value trim, with the hand-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rear-biased all-wheel drive, Bilstein DampTronic shocks, and a cabin that feels purpose-built with leather, carbon fiber, and real metal.
• GT-R NISMO: This trim adds the GT3-derived turbochargers, 600 hp, 481 lb-ft of torque, other go-fast features, and Recaro bucket seats for buyers who want the most track-focused version of the lineup.

What Nissan GT-R do most buyers choose?

The Nissan GT-R years with the most listings are 2015, 2014, and 2020.

Higher-volume years usually give you more shopping choices, more price spread, and a better chance of finding the color, mileage, and condition you want.

Is the Nissan GT-R safe?

• 2021: 6/10

For the safest used buy, the 2021 model posts the highest confirmed score of 6/10.

Should I buy a used Nissan GT-R now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Sweet-spot year: The 2015 model has the most listings. The Nissan GT-R offers a distinctive, purpose-built performance character that makes it feel special every time you drive it.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: the latest GT-R pairs a hand-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 with 565 horsepower, 467 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• Tech: the latest GT-R includes NissanConnect, Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming, text messaging assistant, Apple CarPlay, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
• Safety: the latest GT-R adds driver and front-passenger airbags, side-impact supplemental airbags, curtain airbags, Brembo anti-lock braking, traction control, vehicle-dynamics control, hill-start assist, and yaw rate feedback control.
• Starting price: the base price starts at $113,540.

If you're buying used today, the 2015 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2025 inventory to mature.

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