Is the Nissan GT-R a good car?

Yes — the Nissan GT-R is a compelling used performance car if you want thrilling acceleration, sharp handling, and a strong enthusiast following. The all-generations owner rating is 4.84/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the GT-R for its powerful engine, fun-to-drive character, and standard all-wheel drive. Reviewers also highlight its confident styling and the way the cabin feels purpose-built for driving.

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

The main trade-offs are the irritating transmission, outdated technology, and poor value for money.

25.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Nissan GT-R models reliable?

Owners consistently rate the GT-R very highly, and the expert review data reinforces its appeal as a serious driver’s car with strong performance hardware and a focused build. Across the years in the data, the GT-R’s reputation centers on power, driving enjoyment, and a durable enthusiast identity.

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

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied more to maintenance intensity and running costs than to the car’s core appeal.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 82.5% — 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: The 2021 GT-R includes 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: The 2021 GT-R includes NissanConnect, NissanConnect services, Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming, text messaging assistant, an 11-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, Apple CarPlay, Nissan Navigation System with voice guidance, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen interface.

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, 565 horsepower, 467 pound-feet of torque, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rear-biased AWD, Bilstein DampTronic suspension, and a titanium exhaust. It suits you if you want the core GT-R experience with the strongest balance of performance and price.
• GT-R NISMO: This trim adds the GT3-derived turbochargers, 600 hp, 481 lb-ft of torque, and Recaro bucket seats. It suits you if you want the most track-focused version in 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 tend to be the easiest place to shop because you get more inventory to compare and more chances to find a deal that fits your budget. They also tend to attract buyers who want a proven sweet spot between availability and value.

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 confident stance and a cabin that feels purpose-built for driving.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest GT-R pairs a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 with 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque.
• Tech: The latest GT-R includes NissanConnect services, an 11-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, Apple CarPlay, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen interface.
• Safety: The latest GT-R adds driver and front-passenger airbags, seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags, front and rear crumple zones, and four-wheel anti-lock braking with Brembo calipers.
• Starting price: The latest GT-R Premium 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 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.