Nissan Fairlady Z Z33
Import a Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2002–2008
- Engine
- VQ35DE / VQ35HR 3.5 L V6, rear-wheel drive
About the Z33
The Z33 went on sale in Japan in July 2002, two years after the Z32 ended (motor-fan.jp). Carsensor lists production as July 2002 to November 2008, and Japanese Wikipedia dates the end of sales to November 2008. Japanese catalogue sites list the Roadster from October 2003.
The VQ35DE started at 280 PS. A minor change on 8 September 2005 raised manual cars to 294 PS (motor-fan.jp). On 11 January 2007 the VQ35HR arrived at 313 PS, and the Version NISMO, developed by NISMO and Autech, went on sale (webCG). The Version NISMO Type 380RS went on sale in June 2007. Its 3,798 cc engine made 350 PS, and 300 were built (webCG; Kurumaerabi).
The Z33 range spread widely in price. At launch in July 2002, Carsensor lists the grades at ¥3.0–3.4 million before tax. By 2007 the Version ST cost up to ¥4.043 million, the Version NISMO ¥4.40–4.494 million and the 3.8 L Version NISMO Type 380RS ¥5.397 million. Late VQ35HR cars now average far more than early ones in Japan.
- Engine
- VQ35DE 3,498 cc V6 (2002)
- Power
- 280 PS
- Torque
- 363 Nm at 4,800 rpm
- Weight
- 1,450 kg (2002 Version ST)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
Can a Z33 come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a Z33
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Oil consumption
US reports link heavy oil use to some 2005–06 manual cars with the higher-output engine. Check the oil level and ask for records.
Gearbox synchros
Worn second- or third-gear synchros cause crunchy shifts. Grassroots Motorsports calls this the most common fault it sees.
Window motors
Weak power window motors are a known fault, especially on 2003–04 cars. Run both windows fully up and down.
Front tyre wear
Early cars, especially 2003–04, are known for heavy front tyre wear. Check the tyres and alignment.
Service history
Best Car advises choosing on maintenance records rather than mileage or grade, and paying more for a well-kept car.
What we check on every Z33
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a Z33 costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Japan used-car average asking price, whole Jul 2002–Nov 2008 generation Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.39 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| Z33 used-market range in Japan; Best Car suggests about ¥1 million total as a guide Best Car, Sep 2025 | about ¥0.5–6.0 million | Best Car , Sep 2025 |
| 2002 3.5 Version ST, 164,000 km, Japanese dealer listing Kurumaerabi, Oct 2026 | ¥1.45 million vehicle price (¥1.63 million total) | Kurumaerabi , Oct 2026 |
| Z33 built Jan 2007–Nov 2008 (VQ35HR), Japan used-car average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥2.45 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| Z33 built Jul 2002–Sep 2003, Japan used-car average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.51 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
Z33 buyer questions
Can I import a Z33 now?
To Canada, yes: every Z33 was built by November 2008, so all are past the 15-year rule. For the US, the first July 2002 builds qualify in July 2027, and later cars follow month by month. Check the build plate.
Early or late Z33?
Cars from January 2007 have the 313 PS VQ35HR. Carsensor's average for 2007–2008 cars was about ¥2.45 million, against about ¥1.51 million for 2002–2003 cars. The Version NISMO and 380RS are Japan-only grades and cost more.
How much more did the NISMO versions cost?
In 2007 the Version ST cost ¥3.948–4.043 million before tax new. The Version NISMO cost ¥4.40–4.494 million and the 3.8 L Type 380RS ¥5.397 million. Ask for documents before paying a NISMO premium.
Want a Z33?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.