From Dreaming of the Z32 to Making the Purchase

Unfortunately, I ended up selling my Fairlady Z NISMO after just five months.

Delivered in early February 2025, this car was the realization of a long-held dream.

That dream dates back to the era of the Z32. As a child, I was captivated by its sleek silhouette and always hoped to own a Fairlady Z someday. By the time the Z33 came out, I was already working, but the price was out of reach for me. With the RZ34, this was finally my third time’s the charm.

Initially, I was considering the Version T. However, the dealer mentioned, “The NISMO is coming out—would you like to enter the lottery?” On a whim, I applied and surprisingly won. Seizing the opportunity, I chose the NISMO.

That said, the roughly two-year wait from order to delivery significantly changed the situation. During that time, a Cayman T arrived, then a Taycan Turbo GT, and even a Spider RS joined the family. The original plan had shifted dramatically.

The Dilemma of NISMO’s Performance vs. Ride Comfort

The Fairlady Z NISMO certainly boasts impressive athleticism. However, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the ride comfort left me with mixed feelings. While the tires roll smoothly and the suspension feels mild at first, there was a critical issue.

That issue was the damper’s damping force.

The suspension can’t fully absorb vibrations in one go, making it the opposite of what enthusiasts call a “well-articulated suspension.” For example, the Spider RS, despite its very high spring rates, allows the wheels to move up and down smoothly, absorbing shocks like magic on any rough road.

In contrast, the NISMO bounces noticeably, unable to fully soak up vibrations. This excessive vertical movement destabilizes weight transfer, causing pronounced shifts between unloading and loading during cornering. Compared to similarly priced cars like the Cayman, it falls short in feel and driving pleasure rather than outright performance.

That said, there’s a unique thrill in mastering this characteristic and pushing the car to its limits. On a touring trip in Shikoku, I experienced a joy completely different from Porsche’s. The low gear ratios combined with a powerful engine made 2nd and 3rd gears plenty fun on rural Japanese roads.

Spacious Cabin and Limited Practicality

The NISMO’s interior space is excellent for a sports car.

The seats are well-made, the climate control works effectively, and the infotainment system is comprehensive. In many ways, it clearly outshines Porsche in these areas.

Although the ride is bouncy and rough, the overall feel is still somewhat soft. This subtle balance likely explains why it can still be comfortable. If you have a family car and keep the Fairlady Z NISMO as a second car, this trait is quite acceptable.

However, if you plan to rely on it as your only vehicle, that’s a different story. For daily commuting or errands, it’s simply too harsh (not stiff, but bouncy). When viewed purely as transportation, the poor ride comfort becomes a major downside. If you need one car to do it all, a standard grade Z would be more suitable than the NISMO.

Garage Competition and the Final Decision

The biggest reason I decided to sell was the competition within my own garage.

Had I stuck with the Version T as planned, the Fairlady Z would have had a distinct personality separate from the Spider RS, 981, and Taycan Turbo GT, allowing for clear differentiation.

Choosing the high-performance NISMO, however, meant its character overlapped too much with my existing Porsches. With its high performance but poor ride comfort, I naturally gravitated toward the other cars. As a result, the NISMO saw less and less use.

There’s no denying its visual appeal. Wherever I went, older gentlemen would strike up conversations, and it attracted attention on the road. In terms of fulfilling ownership desires, the Fairlady Z was a fantastic car.

I believe the Fairlady Z itself is an excellent vehicle. However, the NISMO grade didn’t fit well with my lineup. The overlap was too great, and that was the main reason behind my decision to sell. If I ever consider buying a Fairlady Z again, I’d choose a version other than the NISMO.

I hope this experience offers useful insights for those thinking about buying a Fairlady Z.