Nissan Buyer's Guide
Brand Overview
Nissan (formerly Datsun) combines Japanese reliability with performance heritage. The GT-R "Godzilla" dominated motorsport, the Z cars created affordable sports car culture, and the Leaf pioneered mainstream EVs. Strong UK presence with Sunderland factory (since 1986) - one of Europe's largest car plants.
What Makes Nissan Special
- GT-R Heritage: "Godzilla" racing dominance
- Z Car Legacy: Affordable sports cars since 1969
- Drift Culture: Silvia/200SX icons
- EV Pioneer: Leaf proved mainstream EVs work
- UK Manufacturing: Sunderland quality
The RB26DETT Legend
The engine that powered GT-R glory:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 2.6L inline-6 twin-turbo |
| Official power | 276hp (gentleman's agreement) |
| Actual power | 320-330hp+ |
| Tuning potential | 600-1,000hp+ proven |
GT-R Values 🏆
| Model | Built | Value |
|---|---|---|
| R34 Z-Tune | 19 | £1m+ |
| R33 400R | 44 | £300k+ |
| R34 M-Spec Nür | 250 | £300k+ |
| R34 V-Spec II Nür | 1,000 | £250k+ |
| R34 GT-R (base) | 11,500 | £100k+ |
| GT-R Nismo (R35) | Cont. | £125k+ |
| R32 GT-R | ~43,000 | £50k+ |
R34 Import Warning ⚠️
Many R34s on UK roads have questionable import status:
- Some legally imported pre-2015
- Some on SVA/IVA schemes
- Some may not be fully legal
Always verify: V5C, import paperwork, DVLA status, insurance validity.
Z Car Evolution
| Model | Years | Power | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240Z | 1969-73 | 151hp | £30k+ |
| 300ZX Z32 TT | 1989-00 | 300hp | £25k+ |
| 350Z | 2002-09 | 280-313hp | £8k+ |
| 370Z | 2009-20 | 328-350hp | £15k+ |
| 400Z | 2022+ | 400hp | £50k+ |
Drift Tax Models
| Model | Value |
|---|---|
| Silvia S15 Spec R | £30k+ |
| Pulsar GTI-R | £20k+ |
| Stagea 260RS | £30k+ |
| 200SX S14 | £12k+ |
Sunderland Factory 🇬🇧
Built at Sunderland (500,000+ annually at peak):
- Qashqai (all generations)
- Juke (all generations)
- Leaf (both generations)
- Note, Micra, Primera (various)
Leaf Battery Warning
Gen 1 Leaf has air-cooled battery:
- Check health bars on dash (12 = full)
- Degradation worse in hot climates
- Replacement £5k+
Gen 2 improved but still air-cooled. Ariya has liquid cooling.
Running Costs
| Model | Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| GT-R R32-R34 | £3,000-6,000 |
| GT-R R35 | £5,000-10,000 |
| 350Z/370Z | £1,500-3,000 |
| Silvia/200SX | £2,000-4,000 |
| Qashqai/Juke | £800-1,500 |
| Leaf | £500-1,000 |
Buying Recommendations
- Entry Performance: 350Z - affordable, reliable VQ
- JDM Legend: R32 GT-R - accessible "Godzilla"
- Investment: R34 GT-R - appreciating rapidly
- Drift Icon: Silvia S15 Spec R
- Family Practical: Qashqai - Sunderland quality
- Electric Pioneer: Leaf - cheap EV motoring