Which One Should I Buy?

[Torques]

Hello from London,

I'd like to buy a Skyline for not too much money, but of course I need something reliable.

I'm not a drift-kid or a racer, but enjoy driving a fast car or a race at the traffic light

So I'm thinking about a Skyline or Soarer ..

I have found 2 R33s, one is auto trans (red) and the other is manual (silver)

Both cars have the same mileage, but the red one is build 1994 vs. 1997 for the silver one.

The silver one come at around AUS$ 11,000.00

The red one costs around AUS$ 6,800.00

The silver skyline also comes with HIACS (is that good or bad?)

So here are the pictures:

http://www.strangelanding.com/sky/b/33_M.html

http://www.strangelanding.com/sky/a/R33A1.html

Both seems to be in good shape for their age.

The red Skyline needs a bit of a brush up on the corroded engine parts, otherwise it looks good to me.

(Maybe it has been imported from Sapporo ?)

Many thanks for the input ..

Cheers,

Andrew

[GTR-N1]

"A Race From The Traffic Lights?"

Over here in Australia, we drive in a 'spirited fashion' from the traffic lights at times ...

But we're all grown up here, and we haven't 'raced at the traffic lights' for years!!

Living in London, aren't you able to contact Andy Middlehurst's Nissan Dealership and have his mechanics or any other specialist Skyline mechanic steer you in the right direction?

IMHO, I would have thought that any savvy enthusiast would consider that silver manual FIRST if it's in really good cond!!!

i) For better spirited driving from the lights Lolz

ii) Much better re-sale value than an Auto or a Soarer (which is a very well made but very heavy car that ain't great at cornering)

iii) Better vehicle dynamics thru corners (assuming you'll be turning the occasion one)

iv) Less rust (Less rust = good: Bits of rust = not so good)

v) HICAS for improved steering for street use is very desirable - but under some circumstances, it may not be, and it can be disabled

(whereas HIACS = Hi I'm At Chip Shop well that's not needed at all!)

Hope this helps HEAPS!

Tez

P.S. BTW how many Kms on these two (nice looking) cars?

[Torques]

Hi Tez!

Thanks a lot for the information.

Very helpful!

By race from the traffic light I meant 'spirited acceleration' till the legal speed limit is reached...

The mileage for the red (1994) Skyline is 40,000km the mileage for 1997 Skyline is 50,000 km.

You're right about the resale value of a manual Skyline, those are usually 20%-25% more expensive compared to auto.

Judging from the pictures both cars seem to be in a good condition.

And I was primarily looking for an unmolested car.

The silver one has and aftermarket exhaust and a turbo-timer fitted, apart from this there are no modifications.

The red one seems to be 100% genuine, which is a good sign as well.

Just a few more questions:

Looking at the steering wheel of the red Skyline, does it have an airbag?

Can you tell from the pictures whether the mirrors are electrical?

Is rust an issue with Skylines (and where should I look for rust)?

When does HIACS become a problem?

Cheers from London,

Andrew

[GTR-N1]

Check for rust underneath re: chassis rails, exhaust flanges, boot hinges, door hinges, rear wheel well, engine bay.

Reason? Japan has 4 main islands (5 including Okinawa) and all big cities are near the sea. Their air is also smogged up with petrochemicals and acid. Spot rust can be rectified. Bubbly stuff should be avoided = cancer!

Check for damage by carefully looking at how the doors close neatly & straight, front panel bolts have not had the paint scraped off them by sockets, welds that shouldn't be there, chassis rails that haven't been cut and re-sectioned/re-welded, screw missing from interior panels, annoying rattles.

Check the logs and auction papers. Get a friend that can read Japanese and see if you can contact the mechanic in Japan or at least check the odometer reading on the auction paper with the entries in the logs. Although, not always reliable due to Japanese fudging, see if the quality rating on the auction paper is a '4' or '4.5' or '5'.

Take a mate with you who is a mechanic and another if possible that's done panelbeating. Take a list of check-points for yourself, lest you get too emotional to look for wear and tear on seats, carpet, steering wheel, oil seepage; anything that you can use to bargain with if you're going to follow thru with a purchase. The other 2 mates will do their thing without the emotion you have.

Mirrors should be electric. HICAS would be an asset to you I'm sure. Besides, you said you weren't going drifting eh?

Happy Hunting

Tez

Steering wheels should have an air bag. Late model silver one may have a passenger one too.

I stayed at the Marlborough Hotel in London near SOHO a couple of years ago - near the Museum I think!

[gts-4 dreamer]

The mileage for the red (1994) Skyline is 40,000km the mileage for 1997 Skyline is 50,000 km.

Will be absolute BS.

all 2 door R33's will have HICAS

get the manual, dont be a poof. ofcoarse thats only if it's for enjoying driving and not the straight line only or traffic whore.

toyo soarers were made out of galvanised parts and wont be rusting though their front suspension commonly requires replacement near the 100k mark according to their enthusiasts... and finding a manual soarer is rare as hen's teeth. As stated not the greatest handling vehicle without mucho $$$ but a comfy big GT it is. the "sporty" 2.5 TT is the same as the donk in the Gen 3 supras.

Personally identify what you want a car for, then purchase the one that is in your budget that best achieves these results OR the one that takes your fancy the most. When it comes to the actual buying that particular model of choice, then use your head and not your heart.

Good Luck buddy..

Searching is your friend.

[Torques]

Hi!

Well I think a car like a Skyline or Soarer you have to buy with your heart.

Buying an import which is around 14 years of age can not be a decision of the head

What I have learned is that you always get what you pay for .. and that's why I'm wary of low mileage cars that come cheap.

However I think those 2 Skylines come with a mileage certificate from Japan ..

You pointed out that the Soarer is made from galvanized metal, isn't that the case with the Skyline as well?

I'll keep you posted!

Cheers,

Andrew

[JI34GT]

Hi mate,

I have a skyline, my mate has just purchased a soarer. They're both different sort of cars, skyline is more sporty and will get off the line faster. Soarers would be more comfortable but are quite heavy cars. They come in V6/V8 and twin turbo too...so will be a more heavy drinker compared to the inline 6 of the R33. For some reason in Aus, soarers arent as popular..maybe it could be the fuel issue, but aftermarket wise, a skyline will be much easier to mod and have support for.

Also, having been to Sapporo, please dont buy a car from there. Cars there live a very harsh life. lol especially in winter so its very prone to rust.

cheers

[Torques]

Hello there ... and thanks a bunch for the interest in my quest

It's been a while since my last post and I had a look at the Skylines.

The red one (auto) was already gone.

However the manual (silver) was available, and I made a payment to secure the car.

I had a short testdrive and it seemed alright.

The car is from a large Toyota/Lexus dealership, and they were quite professional and trustworthy.

(they handed me the keys and let me have a look/drive as long as I wanted without pestering me or being pushy)

They even will check the car/brakes/fluids etc. before handing it over.

The year of the car is 11/97 and it comes with a sunroof (which I like)

The Odometer says 57.000km and according to the wear and tear it could be the right reading.

(It might not be as well, but all looked pretty new)

The only thing that I really didn't like about the car was the loud exhaust.

(APEX)

In addition I was under the impression that the wide open exhaust system caused the engine to run not nicely at lower revs.

Might be due to the missing back pressure?

So the exhaust is something I will definitely change.

Ok .. to make a long story short:

I have taken a few pictures and I'd like to have your opinion on what you see.

(Before I finally close the deal, or walk away)

The car comes with a turbo timer, and the seats are all in good condition.

Same applies to the mats, seatbelts etc.

Even the headlight glass looks as good as new.

(no chips whatsoever)

In addition all tires are at least 80%.

http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/r33/r33.html

Your input is highly appreciated

Cheers from London,

Andrew

Edited November 16, 2008 by Torques

[GTR-N1]

Inside and out, it looks really clean Andrew. Even newish! I couldn't see overspray or rust or seepage.

How does the engine and running gear tick?

If everything else that you or your mechanic have meticulously checked over is great and the odometer is correct, you have a sweet machine that'll take you through the countryside of England with a big grin on your face! Any logs or history?

Regards,

Tez

[Torques]

Hi Tez,

Yes, the paperwork seems to be in order.

The odometer looks genuine, but of course you never know.

As I said the seller is a huge Lexus/Toyota dealer, and I had a very good overall impression.

(It's not like some dodgy backyard import business)

The car comes with a warranty (though I don't know what exactly it covers)

The engine was sound, the gearbox as well.

The brake pads are 90%, the brake disks look almost 90% as well (no grooves/wear).

I hope I can get a decent exhaust system, since I want to drive the car on the street,

Cheers,

Andrew

[GTR-N1]

Congratulations then fellah!

Do you get free fuel for a year thrown in. That's big thing over here in Oz!

Either that or 5 years supply of Vegemite or...

2 years supply of Tim Tams (= Mars Bars to you) Lolz

And Andrew, we need pics of your wheels in front of Buckingham P. or MI6 at night when you get the chance.

Cheers,

Tez

[Torques]

Hi Tez,

I'm going to ask about the petrol

What's the price of fuel in Oz?

You have Vegemite?

LOL

As for the Skyline, I guess I just have to bite the bullet now.

I'm quite a good mechanic, but have no experience with Skylines.

What is the situation on the parts side?

How easy is it to get brake pads, a new thermostat, or suspension parts?

Does Nissan still supply spare parts for the R33?

Cheers,

Andrew

[CARSICK]

Hi Tez,

I'm going to ask about the petrol

What's the price of fuel in Oz?

You have Vegemite?

LOL

As for the Skyline, I guess I just have to bite the bullet now.

I'm quite a good mechanic, but have no experience with Skylines.

What is the situation on the parts side?

How easy is it to get brake pads, a new thermostat, or suspension parts?

Does Nissan still supply spare parts for the R33?

Cheers,

Andrew

Hiya Andrew,

Parts here in Australia aren't too bad with SAUers, aftermarket suppliers, Japanese, Thai Indonesian sources etc.

Enjoy your new posssession eh?

Congrats,

Tom

Edited November 17, 2008 by CARSICK

[GTR-N1]

^^^ True.

The fuel price has just dropped as it will have in England. But your fuel prices have been way over ours for quite some time.

I do hope you enjoy your car heaps. Would you find it wothwhile to drive it on the Isle Of Man?

Vegemite? Unless you've gown up with it, forget it! hehe

Whilst you're mechanically minded, you shouldn't have any problems with the running of your car if you don't play around with turbos, stuff up your AFMs or 02 sensors. There's no oil leak from the crank is there?

Remember to send us pics. And take care on the roads!

Tez

PS Andy Middlehurst Nissan over there and others should be able to supply spares and after-market gear.

[Torques]

Hi guys,

Thanks again fro the moral support

I have to admit that my decision was a shaky one, since for a few $$ more I could have bought a boring but reliable BMW 330i.

I have a few more pictures of the Skyline:

http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/gtst/r33.html

Unfortunately it was a rainy day, but I guess you get the 'picture'

As you can see, the glass in front of the headlights is crystal clear.

As for the engine, all belts looked neither torn or worn.

The car comes with ABS which I like as well.

Of course I will send you pictures from MI6

Cheers,

Andrew

Edited November 17, 2008 by Torques

[GTR-N1]

Hi Andrew,

The pics show the car/engine as being clean with no seepage.

Maybe we have similar tastes. Prior to my R34, I had a 328Ci. I thought it was a great car, even though I babied it and didn't chuck it around lol. The 330i of course superceded the 328i and I can understand the conflict you had since that engine was only one step below M3 level at the time. The 330Ci would have made the choice even harder. Although repairs can be megabucks in Oz. At least your R33 can be quite chuckable. What car did you have before this acquisition?

Depending on what price you've paid for the R33, can I assume that its depreciation over say, the next 3 years would be on par with the 330i or even quite a deal less? Over here in Oz, the depreciation of my last 5 cars is as follows,

Alfa Romeo 164Q (lost $5,500 in 2.5 yrs)

R33 GT-R (lost $4,500 in 2 yrs)

Honda Prelude 5th gen VTiR (lost $3,000 in 1.5 yrs)

BMW 328Ci (lost $15,000 in 2.5 yrs)

R34 GT-R (estimated loss of $5,000 in 2 yrs) + Honda Prelude 4th gen VTiR as a daily,(estimated loss of $1500 in 2yrs) if both sold now.

Cheers,

Tez

[Torques]

Good morning to Oz!

I had a BMW 328 before that, but I sold it a year ago since I was abroad working (Singapore)

The Skyline I am buying is around AUD 8500. (GBP 3700)

For the condition the Skyline is in, it's a good price.

(Though prices are coming down thanks to the bad economic situation)

I was looking at a Soarer TT as well, but it was in a bad condition.

But I still think the Soarer is a great luxury car with a brilliant engine.

The thing is that I wanted a quick car apart from the ordinary.

A BMW you'll find at every corner ... however they offer a superior build quality.

I'd like to keep the Skyline as genuine/understated as possible.

The GTR was too expensive for me, and I thought I might get the GTS-T up to 280-300HP

without too much investment.

I guess I can't go much wrong with the buy, since it's the best example I've seen so far.

In addition I have the $$$ to keep the car in a good condition

Right now I'm checking out insurances for a quote.

Unfortunately the premium doesn't come that cheap and insurers are reluctant insuring imports.

It's not easy being different it seems

Cheers,

Andreas

[Torques]

And here is (if you're interested) the Soarer I had a look at.

It was a third of the price of the Skyline, but a rust bucket underneath.

The engine seemed to be sound and pulled like a train.

However the interior was a bit worn and smelly due to humidity.

In addition there was peeling of paint on various parts of the car.

It would have been a lot of work to fix the car, and I wanted a sound and solid bases.

http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/soor/soarer.html

Cheers,

Andrew

[Excess]

And here is (if you're interested) the Soarer I had a look at.

It was a third of the price of the Skyline, but a rust bucket underneath.

The engine seemed to be sound and pulled like a train.

However the interior was a bit worn and smelly due to humidity.

In addition there was peeling of paint on various parts of the car.

It would have been a lot of work to fix the car, and I wanted a sound and solid bases.

http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/soor/soarer.html

Cheers,

Andrew

id stay away from that soarer, the r33 is clean as

[Torques]

Good morning,

yep ... I stayed away and am about to drive the R33 home soon

Cheers and good night from London,

Andrew