Blog

Summary

• The cheapest V6-powered car in 2024 is the Nissan Z Sport, with a base MSRP of $42,970.
• It is also equipped with numerous advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
• While it’s not the most luxurious model, it’s still a very capable and fun-to-drive sports car that offers a good balance between performance and handling.

In an age of increasingly stringent emissions regulations, large-displacement internal combustion engines (ICE) are being replaced by smaller ones equipped with turbochargers, electrification, or both. One of the casualties of this downsizing and electrification trend is the V-6, and this engine is perhaps the one that affects the most buyers, because a good number of the best-selling cars in America have a V-6, or are at least available with a V-6.

These days, however, that number is dwindling. Cars like the Toyota Highlander and even the Camry used to have V-6 engines (though there are still a few 2024 model year examples on some dealer lots), but unsurprisingly, both vehicles have switched to turbochargers and electric power thanks to tighter emissions regulations and average fuel economy standards.

So what options do you have if you’re looking for the cheapest car (not an SUV or crossover, but strictly limited to cars) with a V6 engine? Well, in 2024, we’re saying goodbye to the V6-powered Camry and the Chevrolet Camaro, as production of this muscle car ended in December 2023. Officially, there are still a good number of 2024 model year Camaros on dealer lots (but good luck with the Camry), and technically they’re the cheapest V6-powered car in 2024. However, we won’t be considering these two cars in this article, as they’re no longer in production and their affordability depends heavily on the available inventory where you live.

The cheapest car with a V6 engine in 2024 is not cheap

Perhaps to no one’s surprise, with the discontinuation of production of the Camaro and the V6 version of the Camry, the cheapest way to own a new V6-powered car that you can also configure to your liking rather than simply looking for what’s available on a dealer lot has become much more expensive. On the plus side, it’s still a bit less than the average new car transaction price of $47,433, and the cheapest V6 car now comes from Nissan.

It is an iconic two-seater sports car

The cheapest V-6-powered car in 2024 is from Nissan. No, it’s not a sedan, as the Maxima has also been discontinued, so that leaves you with just the Z. Introduced in 2021, the Nissan Z is the successor to the 370Z, using a heavily redesigned version of that model’s platform and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a more powerful Nismo version of the Z, but in this case, we’re focusing on the base Z Sport model, which retails for $42,970.

It is cheaper and yet faster than the base model GR Supra

The 2024 Nissan Z Sport’s arch-rival is the Toyota GR Supra 2.0, which has a higher base price of $46,440. This will make for an interesting comparison because although the GR Supra is more expensive, the Z is significantly more powerful of the two and, unsurprisingly, the fastest without even considering potential modifications.

The GR Supra’s price is partly explained by its BMW-based spec, which is more modern and refined and offers a sharper driving experience. The Z’s platform is not new and is largely borrowed from the 370Z, which in turn was based on the 350Z. So you are indeed dealing with a 20-year-old architecture, albeit one that has been heavily reworked for the 21st century. The question now is: do you want the faster sports car or the sports car with sharper handling? The choice is yours.

What you get for $42,970

Since this is the most affordable V-6 car on the market right now, you probably aren’t expecting a lot of features or amenities, but if you keep your expectations in check, you’ll be surprised by the features you get, which will likely be enough to meet your needs and wants.

A surprisingly sporty exterior

Perhaps to no one’s surprise, it’s difficult to find press photos of a base model of a vehicle, and that’s still pretty much the case with the 2024 Nissan Z. Luckily, our sister site CarBuzz was able to get its hands on a base-trim Nissan Z Sport, and so has more detailed photos of that Z trim. Still, the base Z Sport doesn’t look too bad in our opinion. In fact, the 18-inch wheels still fill the Z’s wheel arches nicely, as do the 19-inch RAYS forged wheels on the higher variants.

This variant also lacks the option of the black contrast roof, and that’s pretty much it. The base Z trim is still equipped with the typical modern touches you’d expect from a car these days, such as full LED exterior lighting with automatic high beam and even Smart Entry.

What makes a visual sacrifice are the brakes. The brake calipers are smaller on the Z Sport, as this variant loses the four-piston front and two-piston rear Akebono calipers of the higher-end variants. Instead, there are two-piston front and one-piston rear calipers. In terms of suspension, the Z Sport is still the same as the rest of the range, although this model also does not come with a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) at the rear.

An interior that gives you the basics

Unsurprisingly, the Z Sport’s interior isn’t the most luxurious, especially with the cloth seats, but it’s still largely equipped in terms of modern comforts. The 12.3-inch fully digital display for the driver is also fitted in this variant, but the NissanConnect infotainment system in this variant is the smaller 8-inch version with the larger bezels.

The software also has fewer options and smartphone integration is done exclusively through wired connections. You also have to settle for the six-speaker sound system instead of the eight-speaker Bose sound system. So yes, while it’s not the most luxurious interior, it’s still very modern and gives you all the connectivity and convenience features you’d expect from a 2024 car.

Even the number of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) you get in the base Z Sport model is generous. Whether you opt for the six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, you still get automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, among other ADAS features. You even get tire pressure monitoring and front and rear parking sensors. This is clearly not a Z that’s considered spartan.

What is it like to live with the Z?

So, if you’ve gotten to this point in the article, you’re probably convinced to get a Z. Before you make the purchase, you’re probably curious to see what life with the Z is like. Luckily, we at TopSpeed ​​have experience with the Z, so you can attest to our experience of living with the Z.

A livable sports car

The Nissan Z has always tried to make usability a high priority, and this new model is no exception. The double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension have been tuned to provide a comfortable ride despite its sporty bias. The steering is precise, although we wish it had a bit more feel, while the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 has a surprisingly smooth power delivery, as the turbos were intentionally tuned not to deliver all the boost at once. However, this V6 doesn’t come close to the sound of the previous naturally aspirated engine in the 370Z.

You have to remember, though, that most of us have only ever driven a higher-spec Z with LSD, Akebono brakes, and 19-inch RAYS forged wheels. So without those features in the base Z Sport, this version is a little less capable, but not exactly fun. The chassis may be 20 years old, and while the GR Supra is the more precise and agile machine, there’s still a lot to like about the Z Sport, especially when it comes to outright performance and fun.

In addition, aftermarket support is strong

Finally, as is common with many Japanese sports cars, there’s strong aftermarket support to let you customize your Z to your heart’s content. If you opt for the base Z Sport model, you’ll have enough money left over to buy all the modifications and parts you need to make it your own. Perhaps opting for the Z Sport isn’t such a bad idea if you want to swap out the 18-inch wheels for aftermarket ones that are probably even nicer than the 19-inch RAYS forged wheels on the higher variants. Additionally, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is strong and reliable, meaning you can tune it with fewer concerns about reliability and durability.