What is Nissan Cima and why are they looking for her in Drome?

Japanese premium sedan Nissan Cima (known in some countries as Infiniti Q45) is a car that combines luxury, reliability and unique design. Produced from 1988 to 2010, the model became a cult thanks to its powerful engines (including the legendary VH45DE), all-wheel drive and rich equipment. On the Russian market Cima especially in demand among lovers of JDM cars, connoisseurs of comfort and those looking for an alternative to German premium sedans at a more affordable price.

On Drome - the largest advertising platform - Nissan Cima presented in a wide range of prices: from budget copies with a mileage of under 300 thousand km to rare versions in perfect condition. However, purchasing such a car requires care: many cars were imported from Japan with a history that is not always clear, and repairs of premium components can cost a hefty sum. In this article we will look at how choose correctly Cima on the Drome, what to look for during inspection and what pitfalls await the buyer.

Current prices for Nissan Cima on the Drome in 2026

Cost Cima in the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage, condition and configuration. Below is the average price range according to data Droma (as of June 2026):

Year of manufacture Mileage (thousand km) Average price (₽) Notes
1996–2000 150–250 350 000 – 600 000 Most often with engine VH45DE, require investment
2001–2004 100–200 600 000 – 900 000 Restyled versions, better preservation
2005–2010 50–150 900 000 – 1 500 000 Latest generation, rare copies in top-end configuration

Prices may vary depending on the region: in Moscow and St. Petersburg Cima 15–20% more expensive compared to the regions. The cost is also affected by the availability all-wheel drive (ATTESA E-TS), which is valued higher than rear-wheel drive versions. It is important to consider that many sellers underestimate mileage - check the history through CarVertical or Autocode.

📊 What engine Nissan Cima do you think is the most reliable?
  • VH45DE (4.5 V8)
  • VK45DE (4.5 V8)
  • VQ35DE (3.5 V6)
  • Other

What engines were installed on Nissan Cima and which one to choose?

Cima was equipped with several types of engines, each of which has its own characteristics. Here are the key options:

  • 🔥 VH45DE (4.5 V8, 280–300 hp) - a legendary engine with an aluminum block, known for its reliability and tuning potential. The main disadvantage is high fuel consumption (15–18 l/100 km).
  • ⚡ VK45DE (4.5 V8, 340 hp) - a more modern version with a variable valve timing system, installed on models after 2001. Sensitive to oil quality.
  • ⚙️ VQ35DE (3.5 V6, 280 hp) - more economical than V8, but less dynamic. Often found on export versions.

When choosing an engine, pay attention to the following nuances:

  • 🛢️ Maslozhor: at motors VH45DE And VK45DE after 200 thousand km, increased oil consumption may appear (up to 1 liter per 1000 km).
  • 🔧 Timing belt or chain: on VQ35DE there is a chain (lifetime ~250 thousand km), on a V8 there is a belt (replacement every 100 thousand km).
  • 💰 Repair cost: a major overhaul of a V8 will cost 300–500 thousand rubles, so it is better to look for copies with a confirmed service history.
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Before purchasing Cima with engine VH45DE check the compression in all cylinders - it should be at least 10 bar. A difference of more than 1 bar between cylinders indicates wear of the piston group.

Typical problems Nissan Cima: what to look for during inspection

Cima — a reliable car, but it has weaknesses, especially if the car was operated in difficult conditions or without proper care. Here are the key points to check:

⚠️ Attention: Most Nissan Cima on Drome - these are cars from Japanese auctions. Check if the car is listed as stolen in the database traffic police or FSSP. Even if the seller presents a title, the risk of buying a “problem” car remains.
  • 🔋 Electronics: frequent problems with the climate control unit, dashboard lighting and electric seats. Check the operation of all buttons and sensors.
  • 🛞 Suspension: silent blocks, stabilizer struts and shock absorbers wear out. When test driving, listen for knocking noises on bumps.
  • 🔥 Exhaust system: V8 versions often burn out corrugations and catalysts. Replacing the original catalyst will cost 50–80 thousand rubles.
  • 💺 Salon: check the condition of the leather upholstery (often cracking on the seats), the operation of heating and ventilation.

Pay special attention gearbox: on Cima 5-speed automatic transmission was installed RE5R05A, which, if used incorrectly (jerking, overheating), may require repair. Signs of problems: shocks when switching, delays during acceleration, oil leaks. The cost of an automatic transmission overhaul starts from 200 thousand rubles.

☑️ Inspection checklist Nissan Cima

Done: 0 / 5

How to check history Nissan Cima before buying on Drome

Buying a car from Japanese auctions always involves risks. To avoid problems, follow these steps:

  1. VIN code check: Request the VIN from the seller and check it through the services CarVertical, Autocode or JDM Export. Please note:
    • 📝 Date of first commissioning (if the car is older than 20 years, there may be problems with registration with the traffic police).
    • 🚗 Number of owners (the less the better).
    • 💥 Fact of an accident (even minor accidents can affect the geometry of the body).
  • Auction sheet: If the car was brought from Japan, ask for a scan of the auction sheet. Please note the condition rating (from A to R) and notes (for example, "repair record" means that the car has been repaired).
  • Documents: check the originality of the title, the presence of customs documents (if the car was imported after 2010) and the service book.

    • If the seller refuses to provide the VIN or documents, this is a reason to be wary. You should also avoid transactions where:

    • 🔄 The car is resold less than 3 months after purchase (possible “repurchase”).
    • 📉 The price is significantly lower than the market price (may hide serious problems).
    • 📋 There is no service history (especially critical for V8 versions).
    How to recognize a twisted run?

    On Nissan Cima Mileage is often adjusted by reflashing the dashboard. Signs of fraud:

    - Inconsistency between the condition of the interior and the declared mileage (for example, worn pedals at 100 thousand km).

    - Lack of entries in the service book about oil/filter changes.

    - Uneven wear of tires or brake discs.

    Where is the best place to buy Nissan Cima: Drom, car dealerships or private advertisements?

    Each purchasing option has its pros and cons. Let's look at them in detail:

    Purchase method Pros Cons
    Drome (private advertisements) ✅ Wide selection
    ✅ Possibility of bargaining
    ✅ Lower prices than in salons    		 ❌ Risk of running into scammers
    ❌ No guarantee
    ❌ You need to check the car yourself
    Car showrooms (official dealers) ✅ Warranty 1–2 years
    ✅ Verified history
    ✅ Possibility of trade-in    		 ❌ Price is 20–30% higher than the market
    ❌ Limited selection (most often only top versions)
    Japanese auctions (through intermediaries) ✅ Lowest prices
    ✅ Possibility to choose a rare configuration
    ✅ Transparent history (auction sheets)    		 ❌ Additional costs for customs clearance and delivery
    ❌ Risk of hidden defects
    ❌ Long waiting period (1–3 months)

    If you are new to buying Japanese cars, it is better to contact a trusted car dealership with a good reputation. Savvy shoppers can save money by purchasing Cima on Drome, but in this case it is necessary:

    • 🔍 Spend full diagnostics at the service station before purchasing.
    • 📄 Conclude a purchase and sale agreement indicating all defects.
    • 💳 Use safe payment methods (for example, a safe deposit box).
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    The most reliable way to buy is through Japanese auctions with a trusted intermediary, but only if you are willing to wait and pay for customs clearance. For a quick transaction, it is better to choose a car dealership with a guarantee.

    Tuning and modernization Nissan Cima: is it worth investing?

    Nissan Cima — an excellent base for tuning, especially versions with an engine VH45DE. However, before upgrading, it is worth assessing the feasibility of the investment: many parts have to be ordered from Japan or the USA, which is expensive and time-consuming. Let's consider popular tuning areas:

    • 🏁 Engine:
      • Installation of a turbocharger (for example, kit from Stillen) can increase power to 400+ hp, but will require strengthening the transmission.
      • Replacing the exhaust system with a direct flow one (for example, HKS Hi-Power) will improve sound and performance at high speeds.
    • 🎨 Exterior:
      • Installation of body kits from Infiniti Q45 (for example, front bumper Y34) will give a more aggressive look.
      • Window tinting and installation of LED optics (but take into account the requirements of the traffic police).
    • 🛋️ Interior:
      • Replacing leather upholstery with a higher quality one (for example, from Recaro).
      • Installation of a modern multimedia system with support Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

    Is it worth investing in tuning? It depends on your goals:

    • 💰 If you buy Cima how investment, it is better to leave it in stock condition - rare copies in the original configuration become more expensive over time.
    • 🚀 If you want unique car for yourself, tuning is justified, but be prepared for high costs (for example, a complete flashing of the ECU will cost 100–150 thousand rubles).
    ⚠️ Attention: When tuning the engine VH45DE or VK45DE be sure to strengthen the transmission - standard automatic transmission RE5R05A not designed for power above 350 hp. and may fail.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about purchasing Nissan Cima on the Drome

    🔹 How to distinguish Nissan Cima from Infiniti Q45?

    Nissan Cima And Infiniti Q45 built on the same platform, but have differences:

    • 🆔 Emblems: y Cima icon Nissan, y Q45 — Infiniti.
    • 🎨 Design: Q45 has a more aggressive front bumper and different taillights.
    • 📜 Documents: in PTS Cima listed as Nissan, and Q45 - how Infiniti.

    In Japan Cima was positioned as a luxury version for the domestic market, and Q45 - as an export option for the USA and Europe.

    🔹 How much does it cost to maintain Nissan Cima per year?

    Maintenance costs depend on driving style and the condition of the car, but on average, owners spend:

    • 🛢️ Fuel: 15–20 l/100 km (V8) → ~150,000 ₽/year with a mileage of 15 thousand km.
    • 🔧 Service: oil change (10 liters of synthetics) - 8-10 thousand ₽, filters - 5 thousand ₽, diagnostics - 3-5 thousand ₽.
    • 🚗 Insurance: CASCO - from 50 thousand ₽/year, OSAGO - ~10 thousand ₽.
    • 🛞 Tires/wheels: set of winter/summer tires - 60–100 thousand ₽.

    Total: 250–400 thousand ₽/year (excluding unforeseen repairs).

    🔹 Is it possible to bet on Cima gas equipment?

    Technically yes, but this inappropriate for several reasons:

    • 🔥 V8 engines (VH45DE, VK45DE) have high fuel consumption, but their design is not optimized for gas.
    • 💥 Risk detonation and valve overheating due to higher gas combustion temperatures.
    • 📉 Power drop by 10–15% and accelerated engine wear.

    If it is critical for you to reduce fuel costs, it is better to consider Cima with engine VQ35DE (V6) - it is more adapted for HBO, but even in this case professional tuning is required.

    🔹 What spare parts are available? Nissan Cima the most expensive?

    Cost of spare parts for Cima varies, but the most expensive units are:

    Detail Cost (₽) Notes
    Turbine (for tuned versions) 150 000 – 300 000 Original parts from Garrett or HKS
    Automatic transmission RE5R05A (contract) 120 000 – 200 000 Price depends on mileage and condition
    Cylinder block (V8) 200 000 – 400 000 Including replacement labor
    Electronic control unit (ECU) 50 000 – 100 000 Often fails due to unstable voltage

    Many of the parts can be found at the salvage yards in Japan (via Buyee or JDM Parts), but delivery takes 1–2 months.

    🔹 Is it worth buying Nissan Cima today?

    Nissan Cima — a car for true connoisseurs, and not for pragmatists. It will suit you if:

    • ✅ You love unique japanese cars with character.
    • ✅ Are you ready to spend time and money on maintenance and repair.
    • ✅ More important to you comfort and imagethan efficiency.

    If you need a reliable and budget car for daily trips, it is better to consider more modern models (for example, Nissan Teana or Toyota Crown).

    Conclusion: Cima - This is not transport, but a lifestyle. Buy it with your eyes open, knowing all the risks and features.