Dealer Or Private?

[taz2008]

hi, wanting to buy a skyline, a few questions.

1. what are the chances of a dealer selling a car with fake odometer readings?

2. when the dealer says 3 months warranty. does that mean they are not confident on the car to sell warranty for anylonger?

3. How much does a dyno tune cost? and how many hours would you need on a r33?

4. Does a NRMA check help much?

5. When a dealer says that 'you'll be the first buyer in australia!' what are the chances of him lying?

6. what would be possible reasons for a car not being sold for long time after being imported?

7. for a first time buying a performance car is it a safer option to buy from a dealer?

8. What are the market prices for stock r33 96 series 1 and series 2?

9. what is the market price for a stock r34gt-t?

10. what is a good place for dyno tune in the sydney west?

Thanks heaps!!!

[adam-__-]

1. Very high unless he's got log books to prove it.

2. Haha, yeah, probably, but once you start doing something to it, they'll tell you that you're no longer under the warranty anyway.

3. Not sure as I haven't done anything myself.

4. Not sure.

5. It's usually true if they say you're the first buyer because the cars sometimes aren't even complied when you check them out. They wait till a buyer comes then does the compliance and gets rego, etc.

6. Money issues. Compliance can cost quite a lot if you've got modifications done from Japan.

7. I'm gonna say no, but if you're going to do the full check up, I don't see why you would have a problem.

8. Not sure. I don't keep track of price.

9. As above.

10. No idea.

My opinion.

[HotPlates]

In general....

You'll pay more from a dealer as they have to mark up prices to cover their overheads. Cars coming from a dealer aren't any less prone to abuse or things going wrong. They will use the cheapest oils, parts etc they can to make more profit.

On the other hand, private sellers would be more likely to look after their cars as they invest in its drivability. This includes mechanical inspections, services, fixing any problems etc. If you are a little mechanically minded then you shouldn't have a problem. Skylines are fairly robust. Try to avoid heavily modified ones and buy one off an enthusiast that shows evidence of looking after.

1. Look at the steering wheel and gauge the condition of it. It will give you some indication of the mileage.

2. Pretty much. It's an import.

3. Dyno tune is only needed if you are modding it. Costs vary.

4. Not really. They will do a general inspection, but you could do this yourself. They make no guarantees on anything.

5. Take the rego down and see if it has had any previous owners by contacting the RTA.

6. Too pricey, has problems, lack of interest etc etc. Could be any host of reasons.

7. No safer at all. (read first two paragraphs)

8. Only series II was made in '96 to '98. Expect to pay $15,000 upwards for a good condition one. More for a sunroof.

9. 4 doors are cheaper. Coupes are around $22k+. The norm is $24-$25k.

10. No idea.

Good luck!

[Bonsai]

1 possible

2 yes and no, also its cheaper. you can buy more it you like.

3 first you need a after market computer and secondly $400-$600 for tune all depends.

4 get an import mechanic specialist to check the car.

5 High, sorry Very High. car sales rep and liars i mean lawyers are the same. they both screw you for your last $ lol

6 Nobody wants it. look back at Q4.

7 No and Yes. but more No.

8 look at www.carsales.com.au etc etc and ask some owners what they want.

9 what someone is willing to pay and seller prepare to let go.

10 depends how deep your pockets are. good place will charge more. you get what you pay for and that goes for everything.

dam man you ask alot of questions.

[taz2008]

thanks alot guys!! what do i exactly check on the steering wheel? wear and tear? most cars steering wheels look the same stock condition. is there any other way of confirming the odo readings? and is there any good place for getting the car inspected in sydney west?

[Kinks]

fake odometer - quite possible. A thorough inspection will tell you whether the car's condition is consistent with the odo reading.

3 month warranty - this is all the dealer is legally required to supply. sometimes they do an extended warranty, if they are confident the car is in great nick.

nrma check - definitely. i found a state roads inspection to be even better (5 page written report, very good).

dealer vs private - not a huge difference, dealer usually has more interest in keeping a good rep because they want to sell lots more cars. but i certainly wouldn't trust either, get an independent inspection as an absolute priority in either case.