Nissan 370Z at a bargain price
gives an adrenalin rush all its own and the low slung driving position makes it feel like a more old-fashioned car.
But in fact, it has all the modern safety aids and advanced systems and it competes with the likes of the Porsche Cayman or Boxster – but at far more reasonable second-hand prices.
All 370s are powered by the same engine and have the kind of catapult acceleration that is the stuff of dreams.
A squeeze of the accelerator rockets you past other traffic as if it’s standing still.
The manual six-speed gearbox has a pretty heavy, notchy change, which is not helped by a fairly heavy clutch.
But there is an automatic available, even if it is rarer on the second-hand market from what I can see.
At cruising speeds they are quiet and refined but wind that delicious V6 up towards the heady red line and it comes alive. Road-holding and handling are brilliant, with tenacious grip and a beautifully nimble feel and if you avoid the range-topping Nismo, the ride is comfortable over long hauls, making it a true grand tourer.
Inside, it is a true two seater but has plenty of space for those two and excellent seat adjustment for the driver.
There isn’t a great deal of luggage space so you have to travel light, but even in the cheapest models, equipment is excellent.
Pay about £12,500 for an ’09 09-reg GT, or £21,800 for a ’13 13-reg GT Edition auto.