The Car Market and Inflated Prices
The Nissan Z is a very exciting car. It is not the fastest or most dynamic in its class, but behind the wheel, it proves to be a playful partner. When the model first hit the market, dealers inflated prices to absurd levels, but after the initial frenzy, the situation has calmed down somewhat.
New Version, Old Problems
Now the new Heritage Edition from Nissan is once again giving greedy dealers a reason for markups. One specific case vividly demonstrates how detached from reality they are.
As noted by an observant Reddit user, it concerns a Z Performance with a manual transmission and the Heritage Edition package. It includes 19-inch bronze RAYS wheels, unique body graphics, a carbon fiber spoiler, floor mats, and illuminated sill plates with the Heritage Edition logo.
Perhaps the most special thing about this version is the Midnight Purple paint, so beloved by Nissan fans. The manufacturer allocated only 500 such cars for the USA.
What Does the Dealer Offer?
However, the Heritage Edition did not receive the powerful braking system from the Z NISMO, nor does it have additional power. Despite this, the Fontana Nissan dealer in California wants a whopping $71,755 for their specimen.
This is $13,970 more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, meaning it’s 24 percent more expensive than what Nissan considers a fair price for customers. Perhaps that’s why Fontana Nissan does not list this price on its website.
Amusingly, the dealer details “installed options,” including the Heritage Edition package, and the total for everything, including minor center caps with the Z logo, is only $3,570.
The Price Hide-and-Seek Game
Fortunately, the Reddit user noticed that the dealer uploaded a photo showing a price tag with a $10,000 markup. So where did the $13,970 come from? Let’s not forget about three additional packages, not listed online, totaling $3,970.
Although they are hard to make out in the photo, one seems to be some kind of three-year theft insurance, and the other two cover something for 10 and 3 years respectively. In many circles, such add-ons are considered simply extra dealer markup, not genuinely useful options.
Is It Worth Overpaying?
Undoubtedly, the Z is a special car, and the rarity of the Heritage Edition will preserve its uniqueness for years to come. However, for your money, it’s better to find a dealer willing to sell it at Nissan’s price. Or buy a regular Z version and wrap it in Midnight Purple film after purchase.
The practice of large markups on limited-edition cars is, unfortunately, not new, especially in the American market. It often turns buying a desired car into a game of endurance, where the buyer has to search for an honest dealer or wait for the hype to die down. Rare paint and special equipment certainly add value, but they should not become a pretext for unjustified dealer enrichment at the expense of enthusiasts. Consumer awareness and willingness to seek alternatives are the best ways to influence such market practices.