Will the 370z become a future classic?

[daemon]

C70R said:

Cars that appreciate in value typically have one or more of:
- Limited build number - not necessarily. I would say "sold in small numbers". Think of the z3m breadvan - not terribly popular at the time, worth a fortune now. Or the z4 coupe - not popular at the time, but going up in value now. So i would say "check" on that one
- Motorsport heritage/link - check. lineage can be traced right back to the Datsun Z cars.
- Cult manufacturer following - check. Datsun Z cars, and the Nissan GT-R. Plus various limited editions of other cars
- Contemporary journalist fawning - debatable. I dont think thats why cars go up in value
- Notable feature(s) - check. 3.7 litre v6 RWD bespoke 2 seater coupe.

Not saying it will go up in value, just not sure your criteria is right.

[Ug_lee]

daemon said:

MPSS?

Micheline Pilot Super Sport??

I agree the use of acronyms is getting a bit OTT ATM

J4CKO said:

Ug_lee said:

I reckon it will follow the same trend as old the old n/a 300ZX. So will be worth buttons even 25 years down the line.

The car that was never officially imported to the UK ?

The car that is 140 bhp down on a 370Z ?

The car that is usually auto and is dog slow and overshadowed by the turbo version ?

There was no massively more powerful 370Z, everything else has gone turbo, so perhaps maybe the last honest to goodness RWD coupe might actually do better than a crap, import only version of its granddad ?

Not saying its going to be worth a fortune but comparing it with not very special versions of the 300ZX doesnt seem fair, decent 300 ZX TT's command decent money nowadays.

I think you are comparing what the old 300ZX is to what a 350Z is now. A 350Z never had a more powerful version, but it also 'I think' sold in bigger numbers which will also knock residuals. The n/a ZX was considered decently powered at the time much like the 350Z is now.

They are a great looking car, but then I thought the 300ZX was too and look where that is.

Another thing I could add is the performance to mpg ratio is not that great either. All in my opinion of course.

[J4CKO]

NJH said:

J4CKO said:

Cant say I have heard of many 350Z engine issues, except for a bit of oil use on 2006 cars, mine used about half a litre in 8000 miles.

One of the guys on the old 944 email message thing back when these cars were new had 2 dead engines. The first Nissan replaced no quibbles the second he had a hard time getting them to cough up for. This always stuck in my mind but I agree its the only time I have heard or read anywhere about these engines failing BTA I am not into either the 350 or 370 so haven't being studying em much.

I saw one on the 350Z forum, it had the st kicked out of it on track despite being leggy, think it may have also been run on normal unleaded, but they are getting on a bit and the odd one will fail through neglect, misuse or old age but they seem to be tough old donkeys.

I cant see prices really getting much lower on 350Z's, they have found a level, I could have got more I think but I wanted a quick sale, anything M badged will go predictably mental so I think the 370Z may be there to offer a cheaper alternative, with a more pliant ride, that isnt really any slower.

[liner33]

daemon said:

MPSS?

Michelin Pilot super sports

[mikeyr]

boombastictiger said:

For the old Supras and Skylines the prices are going up as they become more rare, wondering if the Z will go down the same route...

Two things there - they are OLD cars. And the reason many Jap cars of approx 25 years old are also soaring is because they can then be imported to the States I believe. But as the 370 is sold there anyway that probably isn't a good long term indicator of value.

Having said all that residual values seem decent for the big Nissans.

[C70R]

daemon said:

C70R said:

Cars that appreciate in value typically have one or more of:
- Limited build number - not necessarily. I would say "sold in small numbers". Think of the z3m breadvan - not terribly popular at the time, worth a fortune now. Or the z4 coupe - not popular at the time, but going up in value now. So i would say "check" on that one I would suggest that the Z3M coupe was produced in smaller numbers (unless I'm wrong) than the 350/370Z, and ticks other boxes (including motorsport, cult manufacturer and press raving) to make it a 'classic'.

- Motorsport heritage/link - check. lineage can be traced right back to the Datsun Z cars. This car has no motorsport link. Tracing back 30 years, including a significant break, to an ostensibly unrelated car (name aside) doesn't really cut it.

- Cult manufacturer following - check. Datsun Z cars, and the Nissan GT-R. Plus various limited editions of other cars That's two models in 30 years. Nissan isn't even in the same league as Ford or VW for 'cult'.

- Contemporary journalist fawning - debatable. I dont think thats why cars go up in value Look at cars that do well at Evo COTY for future classics (Integra, Clio Trophy, Elise etc.).

- Notable feature(s) - check. 3.7 litre v6 RWD bespoke 2 seater coupe. Mass-produced, and only as 'bespoke' as it is an 'evolution' of the 350Z (another mass-produced car).

Not saying it will go up in value, just not sure your criteria is right.

No offence (because this is good debate), and I realise you probably have a little ownership bias, but so much of that is tremendously tenuous.

NB: I should caveat this by saying that I've owned sporty Nissans, and am a massive fan of the 350Z.

Edited by C70R on Friday 15th January 15:14

Edited by C70R on Friday 15th January 15:15

[KarlMac]

Old cars are iconic because of association with Motorsport (such as JGTC etc...). Some cars are popular as they are great bases for modifications (Silvia/180/200sx for example)

350/370 does neither, was also made in massive quantities.

[daemon]

C70R said:

No offence (because this is good debate), and I realise you probably have a little ownership bias, but so much of that is tremendously tenuous.

NB: I should caveat this by saying that I've owned sporty Nissans, and am a massive fan of the 350Z.

Yes, quite possibly.

And it not as if i've plans to put the 370Z into long term storage when we've finished with it as a day to day - it'll go "down the road" like all the others before it and be replaced my something shinier, newer, faster, etc.

But i just cant but feel that at some point in the future, when we're all driving 1.2 and 1.4 litre high pressure turbo petrol "sports" cars and hybrids, that someone will go - hey do you remember the 370z, now that car had an engine....

[TameRacingDriver]

daemon said:

But i just cant but feel that at some point in the future, when we're all driving 1.2 and 1.4 litre high pressure turbo petrol "sports" cars and hybrids, that someone will go - hey do you remember the 370z, now that car had an engine....

I've got a feeling that all large engined NA sports cars (I also include the S2000 as its the last of its kind) will become something of a classic in years to come. They are slowly being wiped off the face of the earth in pursuit of ever more eco-friendly and efficient vehicles, at the expense of the noise and emotion that only cars like this can offer. Before long, big NA engines will only be available in high-end cars that few can afford. The 350Z already seems to have bottomed out at around £5k minimum now and shows no signs of going any lower. Because of the relatively lower numbers sold, and the fact fewer cars will be offered with such an engine, I think the 370Z will do OK, but not for quite a long time - it has to be out of production, first. I can't really see the 370Z being replaced either, or if it is, it'll likely be a blown 4-pot or hybrid just like everything else these days.

Edited - typo

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Friday 15th January 17:02

[daemon]

TameRacingDriver said:

I've got a feeling that all large engined NA sports cars (I also include the S2000 as its the last of its kind) will become something of a classic in years to come. They are slowly being wiped off the face of the earth in pursuit of ever more eco-friendly and efficient vehicles, at the expense of the noise and emotion that only cars like this can offer. Before long, big NA engines will only be available in high-end cars that few can afford. The 350Z already seems to have bottomed out at around £5k minimum now and shows no signs of going any higher. Because of the relatively lower numbers sold, and the fact fewer cars will be offered with such an engine, I think the 370Z will do OK, but not for quite a long time - it has to be out of production, first. I can't really see the 370Z being replaced either, or if it is, it'll likely be a blown 4-pot or hybrid just like everything else these days.

Yeah, thats probably how it will go.

[C70R]

I have a lot of time for owner enthusiasm, but there doesn't seem to be much love coming from the impartial parties...

[MDMetal]

Seems unlikely, but it depends what Nissan bring out in the next 5 years, currently there's no successor, the 370 arriving is what caused the 350 to drop. When/If Nissan bring out a successor you can watch the 370's plummet in value. Otherwise they'll just potter along slowly dropping value. I can't see them gaining value until the 350 picks up a little from it's floor, the 370 has yet to find it's floor though.

I'm a 350 owner and apart from a nicer interior and some gadgets I didn't find driving a 370 to be different enough to consider the not inconsiderable extra cash people are asking. Other more desirable things If I had that amount of cash in my hands.

[daemon]

C70R said:

I have a lot of time for owner enthusiasm, but there doesn't seem to be much love coming from the impartial parties...

Everyones view is subjective. I cant see how a 3.7 litre RWD Coupe wont be a classic in years to come - given where engine sizes and number of cylinders is currently going. Will be a highly sought after valuable one? Probably not, no.

Several things of interest relative to values :-

Its the first car of that sort of price that we've - on paper at least - seen "zero" depreciation over the first year of ownership. We certainly didnt get that with the Z4 Coupe 3.0Si we had, nor the Scooby. Granted we bought well in the first place, but still, its pleasing.

I just read an observation from another site there that as 350Z values have settled around the £5,000 -> £6,000 mark and ranging up to around £10K, the depreciation on a 370Z has slowed above it, because by default its being viewed as worth more. That seems to be being bourne out with 2009 circa 100,000 mile cars starting at around £12K.

I would certainly be happy to drive ours another 4 years and return around £12K for it.

So whilst it may not tick your boxes as a "classic", it certainly seems to be a good way to avoid the depreciation normally associated with running a heavy duty performance coupe.

[daemon]

MDMetal said:

Seems unlikely, but it depends what Nissan bring out in the next 5 years, currently there's no successor, the 370 arriving is what caused the 350 to drop. When/If Nissan bring out a successor you can watch the 370's plummet in value. Otherwise they'll just potter along slowly dropping value. I can't see them gaining value until the 350 picks up a little from it's floor, the 370 has yet to find it's floor though.

I'm a 350 owner and apart from a nicer interior and some gadgets I didn't find driving a 370 to be different enough to consider the not inconsiderable extra cash people are asking. Other more desirable things If I had that amount of cash in my hands.

I've just commented but 370Z values seem to be remaining strong, because 350Z values have found bouyancy.

Also, the latest talk is that the next Z car will be some weird hybrid crossover thing, so i cant see that hitting 370Z values.

[NJH]

I think its been touched on already but there are two big factors which together will help the 370z cause: Firstly there aren't that many cars that sound nice any more, but I don't believe this is an important enough factor except for a hardcore of petrolheads who care enough about this stuff. The second point is the limited sales of the newer z, this for me may well balance nicely with the number petrolheads that will want one for the experience it can provide. Its that rather perverse thing that if the car had been more attractive to purchase new it would have sold in much bigger numbers and thus less likely to become a classic downstream.

Its got me thinking about them again after my recent return to turbo fwd, need to get some comedy induction boosty sounds for entertainment as the exhaust sound is so pants, making em louder only makes it worse. However the other car I have my eye on is the Cayman 987 2.9 with the much more robust engine than earlier Porsches, those are a bit over £20k though so mid teens 370z is a nice price point for them I think.

[PhillipM]

TameRacingDriver said:

like this can offer. Before long, big NA engines will only be available in high-end cars that few can afford. The 350Z already seems to have bottomed out at around £5k minimum now and shows no signs of going any lower.

Because they'll part out for spares around that all day long, most bits of which people will nick for other models.

[A10]

C70R said:

daemon said:

C70R said:

Cars that appreciate in value typically have one or more of:
- Limited build number - not necessarily. I would say "sold in small numbers". Think of the z3m breadvan - not terribly popular at the time, worth a fortune now. Or the z4 coupe - not popular at the time, but going up in value now. So i would say "check" on that one I would suggest that the Z3M coupe was produced in smaller numbers (unless I'm wrong) than the 350/370Z, and ticks other boxes (including motorsport, cult manufacturer and press raving) to make it a 'classic'.

- Motorsport heritage/link - check. lineage can be traced right back to the Datsun Z cars. This car has no motorsport link. Tracing back 30 years, including a significant break, to an ostensibly unrelated car (name aside) doesn't really cut it.

- Cult manufacturer following - check. Datsun Z cars, and the Nissan GT-R. Plus various limited editions of other cars That's two models in 30 years. Nissan isn't even in the same league as Ford or VW for 'cult'.

- Contemporary journalist fawning - debatable. I dont think thats why cars go up in value Look at cars that do well at Evo COTY for future classics (Integra, Clio Trophy, Elise etc.).

- Notable feature(s) - check. 3.7 litre v6 RWD bespoke 2 seater coupe. Mass-produced, and only as 'bespoke' as it is an 'evolution' of the 350Z (another mass-produced car).

Not saying it will go up in value, just not sure your criteria is right.

No offence (because this is good debate), and I realise you probably have a little ownership bias, but so much of that is tremendously tenuous.

NB: I should caveat this by saying that I've owned sporty Nissans, and am a massive fan of the 350Z.

Edited by C70R on Friday 15th January 15:14

Edited by C70R on Friday 15th January 15:15

Bespoke means made to order/hand made. You cannot apply it to either the 350Z or 370Z.

[daemon]

A10 said:

Bespoke means made to order/hand made. You cannot apply it to either the 350Z or 370Z.

Bespoke as in not shared with a saloon variant, which is one of the issues with say, a 3 series coupe in comparison.

Maybe i used the wrong word. Dont care really

[Ecosseven]

Great looking cars in my opinion. Perhaps not technically as good as a Cayman or M3 but I love the relative simplicity, the unashamedly Japanese styling and the fact it is something different to a typical German performance saloon.

Edited by Ecosseven on Friday 15th January 20:05

Edited by Ecosseven on Tuesday 19th January 16:32

[liner33]

I really didnt think about depreciation when I bought my 370z and still dont, I dont really car about economy either but I average 24-26mpg and I'm pretty happy with that. I spend many times more in modifications than I ever lose in depreciation and that was the main attraction for me to Japanese cars in the first place.

I am thinking of changing it though and have driven quite a few £40-£60k cars recently with a view to find a replacement but as yet haven't had the feeling that I'm moving up, despite driving faster and more powerful stuff.

It still makes me smile when I walk back to it in a car park and not many cars do that for me, I guess they are clearly more of an enthusiasts car than most of the stuff they are compared to, perhaps even cult since they seem to illicit both love and hate from people.

The Triumph Stag was always like that and that's become a classic