I've decided that I need a Nismo 350z in my life so I have been scouring the internet the past week. I can't find much... There are 3 listed on autotrader right now nationwide. I know only 1600 were made, but that seems super low. It seems only 4 have been listed on the forum in the past year.

Am I missing something or is this just how it is. I've never shopped for a limited production car before. It seems I might have better luck with the 370z Nismo. They're just not as cool though...

 

That's how it is. Z33Ns are getting pretty rare these days. The few that I've seen around are "high mileage" cars. IMO, anything over 75k on a Nismo is high. (I know, I know.... 12 years old and all that but I just think that that car should be a weekend warrior, a second or third vehicle). I sold my nine-year-old Z33N 3 years ago or so and it had <40k miles or so.

OK, so you bring up the Z34N as "not cool enough". Why do you say that? Can you validate that or is it an aesthetic thing?

Between my 33 and 34 Nismos, the 34 is - arguably - the better car (and it should be, being newer).I loved both cars but if I were looking around to get back into a Nismo, I'd go Z34, mainly due to the reason you cite.... easier to find a Z34N than a 33. There are myriad other reasons as well but I won't get into that right now. Too many people disagree with me. Suffice, lots to love about the 34.

But on the other hand, I was looking at post '15s for the past few years and so disappointed just how many of the resales are A/T equipped. ERRRRRRFFFFF.....

 

I would encourage you to understand what it is exactly that draws you to this moniker. Better performance, suspension, body-kit and looks? Is it a Unicorn? MB. I've had immense fun building my own Touring ZR33, turning my own wrenches (mostly) and I'm super-proud of my car. A few years back there was a ZR33 user- Deus Ex Maxima that decided to build the "1st" convertible "Nismo ZR33", spent $$$$ on it. He built it with amazing detail and literally bought and installed every piece a "Nismo" would have.

As always Mic, spot-on! We've just got to get you to embrace that paddle-shifting is faster than a floor-shifter!

 

I say the 370z Nismo isn't as cool mostly due to the fact that it isn't as unique as the 350z Nismo, especially the latest Nismos. Don't get me wrong, they are great looking cars but the styling starts to fall within the generic sports car look.

The Z33 Nismo doesn't look like anything else out on the road, especially with that rear bumper.

Also, what are your thoughts on the transmissions/general shifting experience for Z33s vs Z34s? I drive a 9th gen SI right now and it does not give the best shifting experience - horrendous rev hang. The only Z I had was an A/T.

 

I am really interested in the rarity; I've only seen one in person.

I understand that the Nismo isn't necessarily a bang for your buck when compared to modifying a normal Z33. I just like the idea of leaving A Nismo the way it is, and I know I wouldn't be able to stop myself from emptying my wallet for mods with a normal Z33. I figure a relatively stock Nismo will hold value a lot better than a Z with thousands put into it.

 

Fair enough. The only niggling point I had with my 33N is the clutch. Uggh, just like any other HR clutch though. Too light, bit high on engagement. My Z34N did NOT exhibit the same malady even though it is structurally the same as the previous design.

S'far as the trans itself, the JK40 (outgrowth of and shares parts with the much vaunted CD009/00A). There is no rev hanging. Very smooth transmission but still not as smooth as my EA trans in the 34N. And while I never used SynchroRev, it works well enough to make people think you're an ace.

That's exactly how I felt with both of my Nismos. Keep them stock and when I sold the 33 (and gave away the 34), they were both bone stock other than factory S-Tune exhaust on the 34. (I think the buyer of the 33 - who's on here) did a bunch of non-stock stuff to it and I say "more power to ya". Just not my thing.

Both handle extremely well out-of-the-box. The Z33 Nismo as stock, is easily on par with my 33 with 5k worth of suspension, tires, wheels, alignment. Only reason I say it's even "on par" is that the ride is better in the stock Nismo, whereas my 33's ride, while not horrendous, is less comfortable but I can point it where I want it and it does so.

Good luck finding yours.

 

I agree. Only way I'd ever get back in a Z would be if I found a mint, all stock '08 Nismo with under 30k miles.

 

I actually fully agree with you on that. I'd never take a Z34 over any Z33 unless it was a Z34n. That being said I still think that are overpriced and wouldn't get one for that reason.

 

To chime in here. I have number #1251, and while looking for Nismo Z33s I also wasn't finding a lot for sale. There is a facebook group that is Owner only, and they do a pretty awesome job of finding, sharing, and even contacting sellers, to make sure the price is at the current market value.
Search facebook for Nismo owners, and it should pop up.