Best Datsun 280ZX Year to Buy
There is no single best Datsun 280ZX year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 130 verified sales, the 1982 is the most affordable at $17,355. The 1980 trades most often (40 verified sales).
Data: DriveIndex. 5 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Aug 12, 2026. Methodology
Datsun 280ZX Value by Model Year
| Year | Value | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 280ZX | $23,898No sale since Nov 2025 | — | 19 | — |
| 1982 280ZX | $17,355 | — | 23 | — |
| 1981 280ZX | $17,740No sale since Nov 2025 | — | 20 | — |
| 1980 280ZX | $25,350 | — | 40 | 5 |
| 1979 280ZX | $18,590No comparable sale since Jan 2026 | — | 28 | 5 |
Value is DriveIndex's market 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 280ZX year is appreciating?
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.
Or see the best months to buy with Collector ($39.99/month), or start with a free account.
Best Datsun 280ZX Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Datsun 280ZX year to buy?
There is no single best Datsun 280ZX year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 130 verified sales, the 1982 is the most affordable at $17,355. The 1980 trades most often (40 verified sales). The table on this page lists every model year with its market value, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Datsun 280ZX year is the cheapest?
The 1982 Datsun 280ZX is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $17,355. The most valuable is the 1980, at $25,350.
How much is a Datsun 280ZX worth?
Depending on the model year, a Datsun 280ZX is worth from $17,355 to $25,350 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 280ZX year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.