Buying A 1993 Skyline Gts-t

[lee81]

Hi,

I think I've already arrived at an answer for this one, but I thought I'd double check that I'm not being too harsh on this car . In the market for a skyline, had an RACQ inspection on a 1993 GTS-T, 102'000 km (offered for $13'000). I guess I'm interested to see if the condition report is out of the ordinary or not for a skyline of this age, I'm inclined to believe it's no good (advice from friends) - I'll ring the inspector to verify my decision, and check if a compression test had been done while I'm at it. Just painful thinking ahead to how many such checks I may need to go through before I get a clean bill of health, as they're reasonably expensive . Anyway report was as follows (in summary car was rated to be in reasonable condition, with some items requiring attention). Main concern is seepage from differential.

Defects requiring attention

- Oil seepage differential centre, rear of gearbox

- No evidence of rear steer operating

- Plug missing spare tyre well (and spare tyre not present)

Other items noted

- Fluid seepage rear of clutch master cylinder

- Oil seepage lower engine

- Oil seepage air conditioning compressor

- Surface rust left sill panel seam

- Left door lock surround loose

- Scuff marks lower section from bumper bar

- Bottom of left rear guard damaged, surface rust on same

- Surface rust noted under boot areas, heavy rust left rear inner sill panel

- Sill panels / floor frames dented

- Pads worn, monitor

- Sections of exhaust system corroding, front shields, muffler in particular

- Outer tie rod ends dust boots leaking grease

- Front struts dust boots broken/loose

Any feedback would be appreciated!

On a side note, can anyone recommend a Jap performance workshop that carries out pre-sale inspections?

Thanks,

Jade.

Edited March 15, 2007 by lee81

[r32line]

Is it an R32 or R33?

[lee81]

Is it an R32 or R33?

Sorry should have included that, it's an R33

[r32line]

Sorry should have included that, it's an R33

Then thats easy, dont buy it

In all honesty it seems high price for a car that has some issues and it is the oldest of the r33's, i mean its the same age as my 32 ( I know which I'd have, haha ... you will never find a car that is perfect but its how many little issues you are prepared to accept. For that kind of money my mate got a mint R32 GTS-T but he did very well. I got my car a bit cheaper but its was stock as which i wanted and the paint was stone chipped etc cause the owner lived in the country, but i got a respray for $2k and got an exhaust, soon to get rims and suspension and with that I will have a car that I am very happy with. My main focus was a mechanically sound car.

To me it sounds like you need to see a few more and bring a friend, second opinions are always good. Best of luck

Edited March 15, 2007 by r32line

[lee81]

Thanks for the advice, that's 5/5 recommendations against (having asked friends).. damnit! . So I'll have to look at some others, I might consider it if there's a significant drop in price, but otherwise I'll keep looking. Unforunately I'm keen on getting dark blue paintwork, and there's not nearly as many of those around as white/red/black models. I rang the inspector, he said while there is seepage he doesn't consider it a major issue to fix (causing long term drama), should just be a case of replacing the seals. Compression test had been done ('power balance' check as they list it), and results came out normal. His primary concern was rust, mostly surface rust, and one particular area around boot where it was getting a bit deep. I'm more concerned about engine condition, which he considers ok, seems it's more cosmetic issues with rust, suspects it has not been garaged (and that resale value will suffer if rust continues), as has more rust than a usual import.

[r32line]

Yeah like you said if it drops in price then you can consider it, but at $13,000 for a 93 model it would want to be better than it is.

The rust is a concern to me, on imports some of the cars in japan are driven in areas where it snows and they put salt on the road, this is bad news for the car as rust is a likely result. If it has already got rust arrears its not a good sign and a year later you could find it to be a lot worse.

So put all that to the seller and say at its current price it is not in your consideration, but you may consider it if its cheaper and u can spend money on it getting it all sweet.. Has it got any mods, or rims/kit/stereo? if not for $13k its quite pricey for what it is..... with the rust that is "getting a bit deep" and has your mechanic concerned then you really need to think if its worth considering at all. If so come up with a price that you would pay and be happy and then negotiate but do NOT go above that price.