1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo 5-speed, last-year Z32 with 56k miles

Why we picked it

Gateway Classic Cars of Kansas City lists this 1996 Nissan 300ZX in black over black with T-tops, a 5-speed manual and 56,613 miles on the odometer. The dealer describes it as a Twin Turbo with the 3.0-liter V6, power seats, air conditioning, cruise control and a CD stereo. The listing does not mention service history, title status or condition beyond the equipment list.

Why we picked it: 1996 was the last year of the 300ZX in the US, and twin turbo manual cars with similar miles have recently sold for about $24,000 to $30,000. At $19,000 this one is about 30% under that range, which leaves room for the deferred maintenance these cars almost always need.

The value check

The seller is asking $19,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $24,000–$30,000, so the middle of the market is about $27,000. That put this car 30% under.

Twin turbo 5-speed Z32s with 50-85k miles have sold for about $24k-$29k recently (Hagerty Marketplace: 52k-mile 1993 at $27,581 in June 2026; classic.com shows a 84k-mile 1996 at $28,500 in July 2025), with tired cars near $20k. At $19,000 it sits about 30% under the $27k midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• Hagerty Marketplace: 52k-mile 1993 300ZX TT 5-speed, sold $27,581 (Jun 2026)
• Hagerty Marketplace: 66.9k-mile 1990 300ZX TT 5-speed with known leaks, sold $19,795 (Jul 2026)
• classic.com 300ZX Twin Turbo market page (1996 manual 84k sold $28,500; 1995 manual 109k sold $27,000)
• PCARMARKET: 110k-mile 1996 300ZX TT 5-speed, sold $26,500

What to check

• Confirm it is really a Twin Turbo: look for the boost gauge in the cluster, the twin intercooler setup and the VG30DETT engine code; the dealer's description is the only source
• The listing does not state title status; ask for the title and a CARFAX before paying anything
• Z32 TT engine bays are cramped: ask about turbo seals, plastic intake plenum and vacuum lines, fuel injectors and the timing belt service date
• Check the T-top seals for leaks, the climate control display, and the HICAS rear steering (many are removed or leaking)
• Consignment dealer listing sold as-is; get a pre-purchase inspection by a Z32 specialist

Making it drive like new

A good Z32 Twin Turbo restomod plan starts with a full refresh of hoses, injectors and the timing belt, then an upgraded intercooler and fuel system, a modern standalone or piggyback ECU, coilovers with HICAS delete or rebuild, larger brakes and LED lighting, keeping the stock look while adding modern reliability.