R34 What To Look Out For

[Polah]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying an R34 GTt and I was wondering what are some of the main concerns/problems I should be wary of with these cars and what should I make sure I check out when looking it over?? Thanks in advance... Hope this is posted in right place.

[vidospace]

1. do a compression test

2. do a compression test

[RusH_]

rust around the bootlid brake light, sometimes the seal around it can be broken allowing water/moisture in causing rust

[iseekool]

rust around the bootlid brake light, sometimes the seal around it can be broken allowing water/moisture in causing rust

On a side note - I have this issue - but not too bad at this stage - can you point me in the right direction for a fix - prefer to do it myself.

[DECIM8]

Lets be honest mate, not much is a "problem" with skylines apart from age.

Check the exhaust system for cracks.

Check the cooling system does not have oil in it

the oil does not smell like fuel when you look at its colour smell it.

seal for the light on the boot.

Drive it listen for any noises note the position, if they are anywhere near any of the wheels dont buy it (wheel hubs - when you speed up the sound will increase with speed).

Car shudders under hard braking, will require a quick fix which is cheap.

Ive had my R34 for 3 years now and all that has gone wrong is a cooling channel broke down and split. However when I went to buy a car from a dealer on parra road I had it checked first and the car came back faulty in so many ways it was not funny so I must tell you to get an inspection once you found the ride you like.

Oh watch out for those Nismo wings, they are f**ken ugly and people laugh at you with them!

Edited May 24, 2009 by DECIM8

[GTR-N1]

...and where are you from Kris?

If buying from a dealer, we can tell you where to go (in a kind way) and where not to go.

If buying privately, or from a dealer,

you really shouldn't find much wrong at all from a low km, well-looked-after (with history) specimen! You really shouldn't!

However, being a Jap import, you check for rust &/or damage in the rails, engine bay (and look for worn edges on panel bolts), logs

However, being a turbo car, you check compression on cylinders

And simply being a car, before you even turn the key, you check oil, water, warning lights, electrics, seepage, cracked boots, wheel bearings.

And after you turn the key, do tight 360s left and right (for CVs) + the messages coming thru your steering wheel and seat...but that's with any car!

Welcome to SAU

[RusH_]

On a side note - I have this issue - but not too bad at this stage - can you point me in the right direction for a fix - prefer to do it myself.

unless you have the facilities/tools to re-spray your bootlid youll need to take it to a workshop that can sand it back and also remove the rust and then re-spray it, also get a new seal and depending on the damage possibly a new centre brake light, mine is rusting in there and i plan on removing the light all together and having the hole smoothed over and painted

[Polah]

Thanks for all the good replies guys... I will be wary of Nismo wings (thanks DECIM8). Oh I'm from Queensland but I'm down in Melbourne at the moment for about a year so ye... Living in a colourful neighbourhood.. *cough. I will be a lot more confident now when checking out some cars...

[eeiko321]

On a side note - I have this issue - but not too bad at this stage - can you point me in the right direction for a fix - prefer to do it myself.

yeah unless you are able to do it in the backyard...

a proper job would be to re-spray the whole boot...

otherwise you could see imperfections.

if you are not confident, id recommend you to take the boot off yourself.......remove all the trims, spoilers etc. and hand it to them...when its sprayed put it back yourself.

this would save a little bit of labour time & money. And saves you leaving your car there for days and days.

(im not sure if you realise what a car looks like when its left at a panel beaters workshop. it looks neglected as if it was dead and gone...dust everywhere)

Edited May 26, 2009 by eeiko321

[Yo-Yo]

don't forget to check the suspension too,

if getting an inspection get them to specifically see if any wear and tear items like ball joints/tie rod ends need replacing bit hard to see these things unless you get the car on a hoist or on a ramp

[GUN_METAL_GTR32]

if ur in melbourne u can come buy my r34 pm me if u want any details

cheers

julz