Nissan convertibles: a complete guide to models, prices and selection nuances

Convertibles Nissan is a rare combination of Japanese reliability and European style of open cars. The brand never specialized in mass production of roadsters, but each model released became iconic: from legendary Fairlady Z 1970s before sports 370Z Roadster 2010s These cars are valued for their dynamics, unique design and the atmosphere created by the wind in your hair at a speed of 120 km/h.

In Russia and the CIS convertibles Nissan They are rare - they were not officially supplied, and the secondary market offers mainly American or Japanese versions. This leaves an imprint on the choice: from searching for spare parts to the legal nuances of customs clearance. In this guide we will look at all Nissan convertible models, their technical features, current prices and we will give practical advice on how not to make a mistake with your purchase.

All Nissan convertible models: from retro to modern

Throughout history Nissan produced only 5 production convertibles (not counting concept cars and limited editions). Each model had its own audience: from affordable roadsters for young people to premium sports cars. Below is a chronological overview with key facts.

The series became the most popular Z (known in the US as Datsun/Nissan 240Z-370Z), where convertibles appeared in every generation except the first. But Silvia And 180SX received open versions only in Japan - they were exported in scanty quantities.

• 🚗 Datsun Fairlady Z (S30, 1970–1978) — the brand’s first convertible, hand-assembled, only ~500 copies.
• 🏁 Nissan 300ZX (Z32, 1993–1996) - the only convertible in the Z line with V6 3.0 and an automatic roof.
• 💨 Nissan Silvia (S14/S15, 1994–2002) — Japanese exclusive, convertible based on a coupe with a turbo engine SR20DET.
• 🔥 Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33, 2003–2009) — the first “serious” convertible for the global market, 3.5 V6 with 287–300 hp.
• 🏆 Nissan 370Z Roadster (Z34, 2009–2020) — the latest convertible of the brand, 3.7 V6, synchronized gearbox SynchroRev Match.

Technical characteristics: comparison of models

The main difference between convertibles Nissan from competitors (for example, Mazda MX-5 or BMW Z4) - emphasis on power rather than lightness. All models except Silvia, were equipped with naturally aspirated V6s, which made them heavier but more dynamic. Below is a comparison table of key parameters.

Model	Engine	Power (hp)	Acceleration 0–100 km/h	Roof type	Weight (kg)
Fairlady Z (S30)	2.4 L6 L24	150–160	9.0 s	Soft top	1,200
300ZX (Z32)	3.0 V6 Twin Turbo VG30DETT	300	5.9 s	Automatic hard	1,650
Silvia (S15)	2.0 Turbo SR20DET	250	6.2 s	Soft top (optional)	1,280
350Z Roadster	3.5 V6 VQ35DE	287–300	5.9 s	Automatic soft	1,550
370Z Roadster	3.7 V6 VQ37VHR	332	5.3 s	Automatic soft	1,580

An important nuance: Nissan convertibles are 15-20% heavier than their coupe versions due to the reinforced frame and roof mechanism. This affects handling - for example, the 370Z Roadster loses to the coupe in corners at high speeds.

⚠️ Attention: Models with soft roof (Fairlady Z, Silvia) require regular treatment of the fabric with water-repellent compounds - otherwise after 5-7 years the top will begin to leak. Hard roofs (300ZX) are less problematic, but their mechanism breaks down more often due to electronics.

Prices on the secondary market: what affects the cost

Convertible prices Nissan vary from 300 thousand rubles per “project” Fairlady Z up to 3–4 million per 370Z Roadster in perfect condition. The main factors that determine the price:

• 📜 Year of manufacture and mileage: Convertibles older than 2000 with mileage >100 thousand km lose 40–50% of their value due to the risk of frame corrosion.
• 🌍 Market of origin: American versions (350Z/370Z) are 15–20% cheaper than Japanese ones due to less strict maintenance standards.
• 🔧 Roof condition: Replacing the soft top mechanism costs 200–400 thousand rubles, and the hard top mechanism – up to 800 thousand.
• 📄 Documents: Cars with customs clearance in the Russian Federation are 30% more expensive than “gray” schemes (but the risks of confiscation are higher).

The most liquid models today:

1. 370Z Roadster (2015–2020) — 2.5–3.5 million rubles.
2. 350Z Roadster (2005–2009) — 1.8–2.5 million rubles.
3. 300ZX Twin Turbo (1993–1996) — 1.2–2 million rubles (rare!).

Problems and weaknesses: what to look for when buying

Convertibles Nissan do not differ in reliability at the level Toyota or Honda — they are bought for emotions, and not for reliability. Below are typical “diseases” of each model that are worth checking before making a deal.

Fairlady Z (S30) and 300ZX (Z32)

• 🔋 Electrical: Oxidation of contacts in the fuse box (typical for cars from a humid climate).
• 🛠️ Suspension: Wear of the silent blocks of the front levers - at a speed of >100 km/h, a “steering” appears.
• 💧 Body: The bottom of the doors and sills are rotting (check with a thickness gauge!).

350Z and 370Z Roadster

• 🔥 Engine: Oil burner after 150 thousand km (problem with oil scraper rings VQ35/VQ37).
• 🔊 Box: For automatic transmissions (5AT/7AT) the solenoids wear out - jerks appear when switching.
• ☔ Roof: The fabric on the soft tops is coming apart at the seams (repair ~150 thousand rubles).

How to check a convertible frame for hidden corrosion?

Use an endoscope (flexible camera) to inspect the inside of the side members. Pay special attention to the places where the roof mechanism is attached - moisture accumulates there. If you hear a crunch when you press the threshold, the frame is already rotten.

⚠️ Attention: U 370Z Roadster 2009-2012 model years had a defect in the glass seals - when it rains, water gets into the interior through the joints. Check the floor mats under the driver's feet for dampness.

Legal nuances: customs clearance and registration in the Russian Federation

Most convertibles Nissan in the secondary market of the CIS - these are used cars from the USA or Japan. Their legalization in Russia has its pitfalls:

1. Customs duties: For cars older than 7 years - 2.5 euros per 1 cm³ of engine volume (for 370Z this is ~130 thousand rubles).
2. Certification: Convertibles have not passed crash tests for the Russian Federation - registration will be required OTTS (vehicle type approval) through accredited laboratories (cost ~200 thousand rubles).
3. Ecological class: Cars older than 2010 often do not comply Euro 5 — the exhaust system will have to be modified.

The “gray” registration scheme through Kazakhstan or Belarus is cheaper, but is fraught with problems during sales or accidents. For example, insurance companies may refuse to pay if the car is not listed in the traffic police register.

PTS or registration certificate from the country of origin|Purchase and sale agreement (with translation into Russian)|Certificate of Conformity (OTTS)|Receipt for payment of the recycling fee|MTPL insurance (can be issued after customs clearance)-->

Tuning and modifications: how to improve a convertible

Convertibles Nissan - a popular base for tuning, especially models Z-series. The main directions of modifications:

• 🏎️ Engine: For 350Z/370Z Chip tuning (increase of 20–30 hp), installation of a cold intake (Injen or K&N) and exhaust system Borla or HKS Hi-Power.
• 🛡️ Suspension: Replacing springs with Tein or KW (lowering by 30–40 mm) improves handling, but worsens comfort on bad roads.
• 🎨 Exterior: Popular replica body kits Nismo (for 370Z) and retro style Fairlady Z with round headlights.
• 🔊 Audio: Convertibles have poor sound insulation - speakers are needed for high-quality sound Focal or Morel with bass boost.

The most common mistake when tuning - ignoring frame reinforcement. Removing a hardtop (for example, to install a “web” on 350Z) leads to body twisting on bumps. The solution is welding work to strengthen the side members (cost ~300 thousand rubles).

Alternatives: which convertibles to consider instead of Nissan

If you like the style Nissan, but you want something more reliable or affordable, pay attention to these models:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (resale)
Mazda MX-5 (NC/ND)	Light weight, reliable 2.0 Skyactiv, low consumption	Low power (150–184 hp), cramped interior	1.2–2.5 million
BMW Z4 (E89)	Premium interior, retractable hardtop	Expensive maintenance, weak 4-cylinder option	1.8–3.5 million
Toyota MR2 (W30)	Unique mid-engine layout, reliability	Difficult to find in good condition, small trunk	800 thousand–1.5 million
Honda S2000	Atmospheric 2.0 240 hp, legendary handling	Stiff suspension, high oil consumption	2–3.5 million

If you care engine power and sound, then the closest competitors 370Z Roadster - this is Ford Mustang Convertible (5.0 V8) or Chevrolet Camaro SS. But their maintenance will cost 1.5–2 times more.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive a Nissan convertible in winter?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

• The soft roof hardens in the cold - it is not recommended to open/close it at temperatures below –10°C.
• U 350Z/370Z In winter, handling deteriorates due to wide tires (the solution is “Velcro” Michelin Pilot Alpin).
• The automatic transmission solenoids may jam in the cold - warm up the engine for 5–7 minutes.

Which Nissan convertible is the most reliable?

According to repair statistics (data RepairPal), the most reliable - 350Z Roadster (2005–2009). It has a simpler roof structure (less electronics) and an engine VQ35DE runs 300+ thousand km without capital. 370Z more reliable in terms of the body, but it VQ37VHR sensitive to oil quality.

How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan convertible per year?

Calculations for 370Z Roadster (2015, mileage 50 thousand km):

• Insurance (CASCO) - 80–120 thousand rubles.
• Maintenance (oil, filters, brakes) - 50–70 thousand rubles.
• Tires (summer + winter tires) - 100–150 thousand rubles.
• Unforeseen repairs (electrical, suspension) - 30–50 thousand rubles.

Total: 260–390 thousand rubles per year. For comparison, Mazda MX-5 costs 1.5–2 times cheaper.

Can you get a hardtop on the 350Z/370Z Roadster?

Yes, but this is an unoriginal solution. Companies like Revhard or ZSpeed They offer carbon roofs for 500–800 thousand rubles. Pros:

• Body rigidity improves by 20–25%.
• Weight is reduced by 30–40 kg (compared to the soft top).

Cons: practicality is lost (the roof cannot be folded), and installation requires welding.

Where is it better to buy a Nissan convertible: in Russia, Japan or the USA?

Depends on model:

• Japan: Best choice for Fairlady Z or Silvia — they are 30–40% cheaper there, but customs clearance is more difficult.
• USA: Optimal for 350Z/370Z — prices are lower than European ones, and cars often come with full service.
• Russia/CIS: Only if you find a car with already completed documents (saving on customs clearance).

Beware of cars from Florida or California - there is high humidity, and the frame may be rotten, even if the body looks good.