My situation is I own a 2008 Enthusiast Coupe. There are a few things that I want to change on it, I wanted to install the NISMO V3 body kit, brembo brakes and new wheels. Then I had a thought that it might just pay to trade the car in for a real limited edition NISMO Z with all the bells and whistles. I'm not sure if I would do that because I've already had my Z for half a year and have grown attached to it. There's also the slight depreciation which could result from selling it because I was in a fender bender (body shop did an excellent job on the rear bumper and fender though).

What would you do if you were in my shoes? Thanks.

 

No brainer, get a real nismo.

 

I don't think it is. There isn't that much different between the two that can't be changed. I read about hand welds on the body, that's all I can think of. And the authenticity plaque which I wouldn't try to fake in the first place.

 

If no salvage title was issued and the bumper repair isn't noticeable, I don't see why there would be depreciation; unless you're just a super honest seller.
Anyhow, do you have any equity in the Z you have now?

 

Yes it is. You'll need roughly 10k to replicate (provided you do it right) a nismo's LOOKS. As for the welds, they make a much bigger difference then you think. Also, it's a special model and is recognized as such. Your car will just be a 350z with a bodykit (not that there is anything wrong with that). Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

No I bought it from a dealer with cash.

@AroundMyHorn, Thank you for the luck.

 

I see it as a no brainer just get a nismo if you want a nismo.

Nismo = higher resale value
Aftermarket 350Z = lower resale if not equal to stock 350z

Not that resale value is all that matters.

 

Drive a real nismo and you'll feel the difference. It's not just welds either, there is extra bracing built into the rear unibody/strut brace as well. As well as an extra front brace, the whole suspension, body dampeners etc. Also, like morphiusrt said, a car that will hold its value longer.

 

It depends on how authentic you want it, like other have stated with the hand welds and extra bracing etc... Which offer a much different feel than the other model 350z's.....

One other thing, I don't know about the normal 350z models, but all the body panels on the Nismo's have the vin attached to validate authenticity and to help future buyers tell if used ones have ever been in an accident and repaired with replica parts etc.....

I'd say it depends what you're after, either a 350z that looks like a Nismo, or a real Nismo edition. I'd say sell and get real one, there were only 1608 made (i believe could be off a few #'s on that) so they are somewhat fairly rare and IMO, just IMO, the best special edition Z that has ever been made to date.

K