Best Datsun 280Z Year to Buy
There is no single best Datsun 280Z year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 167 verified sales, the 1975 is the most affordable at $17,600. The 1978 trades most often (70 verified sales). The 1977 has held its value best, now worth 4.2 times its original MSRP.
Data: DriveIndex. 4 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 15, 2026. Methodology
Datsun 280Z Value by Model Year
| Year | Value today | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 280Z | $30,255 | 3.4× | 70 | — |
| 1977 280Z | $31,775 | 4.2× | 54 | 1 |
| 1976 280Z | $19,553 | 2.8× | 22 | — |
| 1975 280Z | $17,600 | 2.8× | 21 | 1 |
Value today is DriveIndex's current value for each year, from verified sales. “Vs. original MSRP” compares it with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation: 100% means it is worth exactly what it cost. Years with fewer than 10 verified sales are listed but not ranked.
Which 280Z year is appreciating right now?
The table shows what each year is worth. Pro adds the direction: the live Value Signal for every year, how confident it is, a 1–5 year projection, and every sold price behind it. Collector adds the best months to buy and an estimated market-bottom date.
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Best Datsun 280Z Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Datsun 280Z year to buy?
There is no single best Datsun 280Z year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 167 verified sales, the 1975 is the most affordable at $17,600. The 1978 trades most often (70 verified sales). The 1977 has held its value best, now worth 4.2 times its original MSRP. The table on this page lists every model year with its value today, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Datsun 280Z year is the cheapest?
The 1975 Datsun 280Z is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $17,600. The most valuable is the 1977, at $31,775.
Which Datsun 280Z year holds its value best?
The 1977 Datsun 280Z is now worth 4.2 times its original MSRP of $7,585, the best of the years with enough verified sales to compare. That compares today's value with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation.
How much is a Datsun 280Z worth?
Depending on the model year, a Datsun 280Z is worth from $17,600 to $31,775 today, based on verified sales. Mileage, condition and options move any single car's price; each year's page shows its recent sales.
Which Datsun 280Z year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth today and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating right now is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.