Used 2023 Nissan Z for SaleNationwide

Is the 2023 Nissan Z a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Nissan Z earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.00/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

The 2023 Nissan Z is positioned as a performance value in the two-seat sports car market, and it’s meant for you if you want a stylish, driver-focused coupe that feels fresh and distinctive. The expert test drive notes say it drives like an all-new car, even though some old 370Z roots remain, which helps explain its mix of modern appeal and familiar sports-car character.

The trade-offs are clear: noise is a drawback, cargo space is limited, and the stereo is lacking. Even so, the Z’s combination of strong performance and standout design makes it compelling if you’re shopping in this niche.

36.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there’s still meaningful market availability for value-minded shoppers.

Is the 2023 Nissan Z reliable?

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

The 2023 Nissan Z is described as a thoroughly updated sports car that still feels familiar in its basic layout, which can be reassuring if you want a proven formula with modernized execution. The expert test drive also points to a refined and engaging powertrain, along with a smoother, more positive manual transmission than the old car had.

The Z’s fuel-economy results were better than expected in testing, and the automatic transmission is described as the better performer for efficiency. If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is that this is still a high-performance sports car, so condition and maintenance history matter more than they would on a mainstream commuter.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 91% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially because this is a performance-oriented coupe that may have been driven hard. Focus on wear items, signs of abuse, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim level you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim starts with a cleaner, simpler setup, while the Performance trim adds more aggressive visual and hardware upgrades, including larger wheels and a more refined cabin presentation. The base trim also misses some of the richer tech and audio equipment found higher up.
• Powertrain: The Z uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. The manual is standard, and the automatic is described as the better choice for fuel economy.
• 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. The automatic transmission adds full-stop capability for adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: Sport trim gets an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Performance trim upgrades to a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose system.
• 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 with the twin-turbo V6, manual transmission, and the standard safety and infotainment setup. It makes sense if you want the Z’s performance and style at the lowest price.
• Performance: This is the best-value trim if you want the Z to feel more complete. It adds the more advanced infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, a Bose audio system, launch control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, larger brakes, a sport suspension, forged wheels, and other performance-focused upgrades.

Every Z includes the full suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features, so you’re not giving up core safety equipment by choosing the base trim.

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

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

• Deal availability: 36.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 200 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 91% 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 to adaptive cruise control.

The safety package is comprehensive for the class, and the improved reversing camera plus clearer outward sightlines make the car easier to place in parking lots and lane changes. One caveat is that lane-departure warning can be irritating, according to the test drive notes.

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:

• 36.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 91% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s the year that brings the Z back with a thoroughly updated design and an all-new feel.

Consider the 2024 if:

• The lineup adds the Z NISMO, which brings more power and sharper performance.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, fresh design, and broad availability, the 2023 is the primary year to target. If you’re willing to spend more for extra performance, the 2024 is the better path.

How does the 2023 Nissan Z compare to the 2023 Toyota GR86?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Nissan Z:

• Pros: Stylish design, Powerful engine, Good value for money.
• Cons: Noisy, Not much cargo space, Stereo is lacking.

2023 Toyota GR86:

• Pros: Blissful handling dynamics, Sharp acceleration, Straightforward controls.
• Cons: Dated infotainment system, Small rear seat, Lots of cabin noise.

Our experts score the 2023 Nissan Z 7/10 and the 2023 Toyota GR86 7.7/10. The Z brings more power and a stronger value story, while the GR86 leans harder into handling feel and driver engagement. If you want the more muscular, more expensive-feeling sports car, the Z has the edge; if you want the sharper-handling bargain, the GR86 is the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.