New To Skylines

[Abruzzi]

Hi All,

I've been reading this site for a little while now, and I can see that the community here largely knows what they are on about. As I am new to Skylines, and am looking to purchase one at the end of this year when I finish my degree, I am after some information to help me make a decision.

I have been looking at getting an R33 GTS-T Series 2 as I like the look of this model, and most of the cars I have seen for sale look to be at a reasonable price. However, I would like to know from some experienced Skyline owners, just how much it costs to keep these cars in good condition, ie. what common failures occur, how much it costs to replace parts, and how difficult it is to locate replacement parts (considering these cars are imports).

My Dad has been on my back about just getting an Australian car, as it would be much easier to obtain parts, and hence not cost so much when things start to break down. However I have always liked Skylines, and would much rather own one of these than anything else.

Any information and experience that you guys can share would be greatly appreciated, and will help me make up my mind in buying one of these awesome vehicles.

Cheers,

Abruzzi.

[baron25]

They're pretty reliable cars, but just make sure you can afford to fix it when things do go wrong - most wreckers will charge a left testicle for even the smallest parts (try $320 for a power window motor and regulator). The only other things i'd advise to keep in mind are fuel and insurance, companies don't like turbo imports, and turbo imports don't like cheap 91 unleaded.

[Abruzzi]

$320 for a power window motor and regulator is pretty exy . But is this a common thing I would be looking at, or is it pretty rare that this might occur?

Would anyone be able to shed some more light on the cost of general maintenance with their Skyline? Like the average cost per year on repairs for however long you have had your car.

The reason I would like to buy a Skyline is of course for it to become a bit of a hobby for me. I intend to learn how to do most general servicing (and anything I can do) myself. Whilst customizing my car to the way I want it. And so because of this I also intend to keep the car for a good number of years if I get one.

As I said, any experience you guys can share is greatly appreciate

Abruzzi.

[Hulk1010]

i have a 94 series 1, iv had it a little over a year and haven't had to repair anything so far, except the money that went towards mods, i guess just get it checked well out before you buy it

[D-limo]

A late model R33 with low k's should be very reliable if servicing is kept up to date. The more common problems people have with these (and any RB engined car) is with 'coil pack' failures or dead turbo's. Both problems can be attributed to running higher than factory boost or overall km's they have seen.

If turbo failure is caused from running too much boost, the failure usually lies in the ceramic exhaust wheel falling off or shattering. In these cases it is possible for ceramic dust to find its way into the cylinders, this is when you really do have problems!

Good coil packs can be picked up 2nd hand for around $50 each. I believe they are around $200 each new from Nissan. Although people with multiple coilpack failures usually upgrade to a set (6) of 'Splitfire' brand coil packs for $550-$650 new.

2nd hand good condition turbos are around the $400 mark. Labor for replacing turbos I believe is expensive due to the time involved.

So to sum it up get the car you are interested in checked out properly. Try and get written evidence that the k's are correct. And the biggest expences you should be looking at in the coming years are fuel and insurance.

[r32line]

I've had my r32 for about a year and not a single issue (touch wood). I changed the exhaust cause the previous owner had put a really shit one on it and i put on a pod filter and did stereo work but all through choice. servicing is basic and noraml prices, only diff is oil between service, but its a turbo.. so that is a must. they are good cars and will serve well if looked after. better than a commodore

[Dingo]

dont waste your time with R33's and whatnot. If you want a car thats not gonna break then you need to get an R30

[nik33gtst]

hi i use to own a commonwhore a 96 V6 ecotec auto and it gave me a shit load of problems especially the power steering and windows and locking!!! there crap!!! i now drive a 93 model m spec r33 gtst and it has only gave me 1 problem ,the crank angle sensor stopped working. it cost me $200 to fix. but over all id rather drive a smooth SEXY33 over anything because i beleive this model is the perfect balance between looks and power!!! very nice to drive and they are very R-elia-B-le cars providing you look after them. good luck wit gettin 1.

[Yo-Yo]

As with any used car you should thoroughly check & make sure everything is on the level, The dealership that sold me my r33 'forgot' to tell me the stereo system was farked & I didn't use the radio when I test drove... so it pays to make sure everything works, power windows, stereo, electric sideview mirrors work etc.

In general, I've found R33's build quality very good.

The only things that I've had to spend on my car was the usual 10-15km service & mods

What I've found to be expensive is:

Insurance (I'm a P-plater + import car + Live in West Sydney )

Petrol (refer to my avatar)

Mods ( U can't stop with just one )

Good luck with the car hunt & be sure to post some pics when you do

[Abruzzi]

Hi all,

thanks very much for the reply's. LOL @ the "Commonwhore" comments. At one point I was thinking of getting a Commonwhore, but the first part of the name is one of the reasons why those thoughts didn't last too long... not to mention I'd much rather not put money into doing up a family sedan...

Its good to know that the car is reliable... so its now just the insurance and fuel prices that scare me... A Skyline is what I would love to get... but at the moment I'm also looking at an S15 Silvia, or a (Nov) 2000 onwards Celica... mostly due to bringing down my long term costs (I'd like to have money to do some cool modding). However if I do decide to get a Skyline at the end of the year (or whatever I get for that matter), I'll probably take it in to RACQ to get a full check done on it... I've been told a few times its a good idea.

Does anyone have any experience with Celica's or Silvia's (specifically the models I'm talking about)?

Thanks again,

Abruzzi.

Edited July 7, 2006 by Abruzzi

[33gus]

I am in exactly the same shoes you are in Abruzzi. I am planning on purchasing a line at the end of the year. And also, because of the same reasons, am a bit frightened off by the high fuel and insurance prices.

My mum used to own a 2000 model celica and I can say that they are a fun car to drive. I am yet to sit in the cockpit of a skyline, but can say that I don't think you can really compare them. I was also thinking of buying the celica of my mum, but didnt, purely because of the fact that they are still seen as a "hairdresser's car", plus the fact that i want a factory turbo car.

Let me know what you decide to purchase.

My 2c.

Gus.

[cogs]

I had my car checked out today before my mate bought it and the mechanic was saying how well built the car was, especially the suspension design and how superior it was to any of the commodores up to the latest model and even the SS models!

I don't think he'd looked under a skyline before and he was an old bloke so probably seen a lot of cars in his time and he was definately impressed with the quality of the skyline!