Is the NISMO worth it?

Isamu

I picked up a nismo for about 38 with 12 miles on it... i live in north dakota, and can't drive it during winter, but it is a thrill to drive. I have a blazer for the winter and 2 300zx tts... and the nimso is so much fun to drive. Personally it sounds like you made up your mind.. go get that nismo son!

retiredmd

Permit me to answer your query. Understand that I held NHRA (National Competition/Super Street) and SCCA (National Competition) licenses before most on the Board were born. In years past, I attended nine Racing/Driving schools, joined several Racing Clubs, was fortunate to drive on tracks from Long Beach to "The Ring", organized formal driving tours throughout Germany and Switzerland and served as Instructor during a number of driving events sponsored by PCA and BMWCCA. And, oh yes, I was a maniac before retirement, owning six 911 Turbos, three 911s, three NSXs, a ZR-1 Vette, Viper RT/10, Lotus Espirit S4S and a Callaway TT Vette. And those were just my sports cars. My "family cars" included two M5s, two E-55 AMGs, a C-63 AMG, a C-32 AMG, an M6, a MB 2.3-16 Cosworth, etc.
The point of all this is that I have some experience to intelligently discuss the matter.
Now, from a general performance and handling standpoint, a new Nismo's additional cost above a base/sport model is NOT justified. For one thing, when stock, the Nismo is fractionally slower in acceleration runs because the stiff rear suspension will not permit the car to squat and hook-up off the line. Hence, the addition of after-market goodies to a base model will produce a noticeably faster car than a stock Nismo and still cost less.
As to handling, there ARE differences between a Nismo and base/sport models-some good, others not. The Nismo demonstrates slightly better on-center steering feel, feedback and response (wheel/tire package the likely reason), better turn-in and far better rotation and superior in inducing very easily controlled drifts. I found the base/sport model superior in the ability to steer with the throttle, take a line without having to correct, tolerance of trail-braking and decreasing-radius turns. All-in-all, a novice would find a base/sport model more forgiving and faster around most race and road courses.

DeLRo

What dealership can you test drive a Nismo at? All the ones I've seen are showroom models. I've been curious to see feel the differences in handling.

Out here in Cali I've only seen two on the road and that was after leaving a car show. Other than that the only other one I've seen was at the dealership.

It's funny I get a lot of random looks and questions on the Z. It's funnier when I get people familiar with the "Fairlady" and ask questions about my "350z".

I would have held out for a white Nismo if I didn't get such a great deal on my touring sport. But to be fair to my baby, I ended up with the exact package and color combo that I first saw and fell in love with back in '09 when I made the decision to get a Z. It wasn't until last May that I saw a Nismo and that wasn't even in person.

ludeakris7

My plan is to get the NISMO next summer...I wanna pay off a couple credit cards so I can have the higher car payment at 38-40k..my assumption is that they won't make any major changes to the car as a 2012 model but will maybe correct some issues. So why is such a solid car for the money not seen that much..as I've been researching whats out there it seems to me that the choices are slim in this price range. When you guys were making your decision what other cars did you consider? Any? BTW I saw a new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Starting MSRP $33,995 – $37,345 and it actually looked a lot better than the inconspicuous recent versions....I've never seen a NISMO on the road to compare "WoW" factor but the STi did catch my eye..

daleks

I cross shopped a 135i, Evo X MR, and a Sport model 370Z. The 1-series felt like a chick car and optioned out it would've been close to the price of a CTS-V or even bare bones E90. It's ridiculous. In the end I went with the NISMO due to the looks and I got a leftover 2009 for a steal. My DD is a SUV so I had no need for the 4 doors of the Evo.

fuct

ooook, so what are you doing on these boards then? shouldnt you be bragging on some ferrari forum?

daleks

I see you're new to the Internet.

ludeakris7

yea daleks..I am shopping those exact models too and yes I agree the BMW looks a little soft and is way over priced..however they are coming out with a 1-series "M" which could be pretty sweet but I know its going to be at 50k considering that a fully loaded 135 as you say is steeep. At that point I'll get a corvette! and why do they make the EVO X and STi sedans or the hatch style? Wouldn't it be way better as a coupe? that would cut weight and make it a true sports car...thats really the only thing that turns me off about those options. Really, there is no comparable car at 38-42k with the NISMO. Anyone? And I've driven all those cars on my PS3

Cell

I have considered the BMW 1 series, Lexus IS300, Camaro SS, EVO X and STi.

I didn't like the fact that the lexus and BMW had so little power for the money compared to everything else in it's price range. I sure as hell didn't care for the luxury. So they ended up being booted from my options. As for the EVO and STi, I didn't like the 4 door sedan look. You mind as well get a real sedan and not a sport-sedan. The Camaro is a nice car but the interior just drove me nuts. I just didn't feel the interior looked good enough. It just didn't feel like a sports car.

I wanted something that was a 2 seater and I wish that they still made the S2000 with a bigger motor and more power. I couldn't resist the looks of the Nismo so I ended up buying it after a few months of research.

daleks

The 1M is going to be such a joke. If it's within $10k of the M3, then why not just buy the M3? I'd rather have the N/A V8 and an interior that is built for adults. I remember when a basic 3-series started in the low $30k's. Now we have an extremely weak dollar and European goods cost more; BMW's cost more and people think it's a more upscale car. It's ridiculous.

I'd look into the $36-37k + TTL range for the NISMO's. If you're waiting awhile, then I'd say hold off until late Winter/early Spring of next year and find a dealer that is looking to ditch a 2010 with a lot full of 2011's. Just be flexible on the color.

An updated S2000 would be cool. I looked at those when I bought my 350Z awhile back. I loved the high redline, but couldn't stand not having any torque for puttering around town. It would've been my DD and I needed that.

Flyboy

I test drove a NISMO to the Mits dealership at which point I test drove an EVO. the Evo sits like a civic or other 4 door cars on the inside. Not "cockpit" sporty feel.

then I test drove the NISMO back to the Nissan dealorship and bought it.

Sorry, but the EVO looks like a Civic next to the 370... All the Mits guys were checking out the NISMO while I was looking at the EVO.

NISMO is a head turner EVERYWHERE I go.. People are always asking what kind of car it is...

F1loco

135 is fast and fun, twin turbo power, you can't mess with that, but overall styling and drivability, Nismo wins. Almost went back to my Lotus roots, but Im aging and as a DD, glad I went Nismo. Also like the fact production is only 500 a year....

fuct

How do I have nismo 517 if they are only making 500??????

Jose Aliling

bang for the buck

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retiredmd

It was not my intention to "brag" as you suggest. I merely attempted to describe my 46 years of motoring experience to qualify my comments. I have driven many of the so-called competitors to the Z and was prepared to offer in-depth analyses and comparisons from my perspective. If I offended anyone, this was clearly not my purpose and I offer apologies.