Considering An R34 25gt Skyline

[Solid Snake]

I'm up for buying my first car in roughly 3 months, and I've taken an interest in some 1998 onwards R34 GT Skylines, the naturally aspirated ones of course ^{(Victorian P plates)}. I've read the "I'm buying a skyline" thread located Here (click me). I'd like some more information on R34s though, what else on top of those should I look out for? Also, how fast would a stock R34 GT skyline go at the drags? The real drags, none of this traffic light grand prix stuff, like at Calder. Also, how do these things handle? I'm specifically after a 4 door as I think that they look quite nice, and its practical, not that I can actually take more than 1 mate with me anyway due to the new laws.

Just while I'm onto Skylines, I've considered other jap cars like:

Z32 Nissan 300ZX

JZA80 Toyota Supra

S15 Nissan Silvia Autech

R34 Nissan Skyline GT

I found that the 300ZX has way too many problems, is a real bastard to get serviced, people charge lots of money to do anything to them, barely any of them are in a reliable condition, finding an Australian delivered one is rare, some people want too much money for them in crappy condition, finding one that is stock is like chasing rainbows, and the list goes on.

The JZA80 Toyota Supra looks nice, finding one that is stock is again same as the 300ZX, haven't really researched into this one though.

S15 Nissan Silvia Autech is very hard to find, and when you do, they're all very expensive ($20K+ which is too much for me).

R34 Nissan Skyline, thats why I'm here.

Thanks much in advance.

Edited June 20, 2009 by Solid Snake

[KamikazeNinja34]

All fairly worthy choices - however, some things to consider.

While i did my probationary licence under the old power to weight ratio and arent as clear cut on the new laws - do they have a cutoff an kWs still?

Even NA you may still have trouble with authorities with a JZA80. They really look no different to the TT (just my opinion, others may notice differences, I'm not really one for Toyotas) and so theres always the risk that you may run into trouble. And, as youve said - finding one without power mods is rare.

S15s, regardless of being type S or Type R are all currently above 20k in the private market (or around this figure) due to their newer status - ie. early 2000 model cars. Unsure of Autechs, havent seen one. Type S'es are non turbo however (i believe) if you were wanting an S15 badly. or maybe look at an S14 if the price is too steep?

300ZXes generally sell for around 11k and are one of the cheapest cars in terms of purchase price that you have listed. Not a bad first car - but ive never owned one, so all i can suggest is test driving one and see if you like it. If you like the car enough repair costs dont matter so much, ive found.

Now...the R34. Around 15 grand still for a GT.

Power specs can be found HERE:

http://www.japanesesportcars.com/skyline/specs/r34_ggt.php

Personally i wouldnt expect much in terms of quarter times from the 25DE - but i may be wrong. From what ive seen they look like a comfortable car and definitely worthy of being a first car. Other than that - the thread youve mentioned covers pretty much everything.

[Solid Snake]

All fairly worthy choices - however, some things to consider.

While i did my probationary licence under the old power to weight ratio and arent as clear cut on the new laws - do they have a cutoff an kWs still?

Even NA you may still have trouble with authorities with a JZA80. They really look no different to the TT (just my opinion, others may notice differences, I'm not really one for Toyotas) and so theres always the risk that you may run into trouble. And, as youve said - finding one without power mods is rare.

S15s, regardless of being type S or Type R are all currently above 20k in the private market (or around this figure) due to their newer status - ie. early 2000 model cars. Unsure of Autechs, havent seen one. Type S'es are non turbo however (i believe) if you were wanting an S15 badly. or maybe look at an S14 if the price is too steep?

300ZXes generally sell for around 11k and are one of the cheapest cars in terms of purchase price that you have listed. Not a bad first car - but ive never owned one, so all i can suggest is test driving one and see if you like it. If you like the car enough repair costs dont matter so much, ive found.

Now...the R34. Around 15 grand still for a GT.

Power specs can be found HERE:

http://www.japanesesportcars.com/skyline/specs/r34_ggt.php

Personally i wouldnt expect much in terms of quarter times from the 25DE - but i may be wrong. From what ive seen they look like a comfortable car and definitely worthy of being a first car. Other than that - the thread youve mentioned covers pretty much everything.

From top to bottom:

We've got the 125Kw:Tonne power to weight ratio, no certain cut off.

S15 Autech is NA, it makes the exact same power as the Aussie Delivered turbo S15, they're all mostly $20K+ as you said.

I was looking at a 1996 25th Anniversary 300ZX which is Australian delivered, the owner wanted $17,500 for it, then he dropped to $15,000, I said $13,000 but he wouldn't accept it. Fair enough I suppose, but the car still hasn't sold and this was around the start of the year and it had been listed before then too.

Found some R34s from a dealer in Fawkner for around $12,000 drive away.

Thanks for the help mate, I'm open to any more advice/opinions.

[KamikazeNinja34]

You'd be looking at Dennis and the boys at JapCars then?

Bought my GT-R from there.

All i can really advise is that you google the shit out of any and everything you can find - while this is more of a must with the turbo cars...can't hurt to be careful.

[Solid Snake]

Yep, thats the guys. Thanks for the information, keep it coming

[KamikazeNinja34]

For experiences with the JapCars boys...see here (this includes my own):

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/Ja...er-t275377.html

I'd say generally you're in good hands with them. Tell them Cas says hi if you do end up seeing them again =b

which one are you looking at?

[Solid Snake]

For experiences with the JapCars boys...see here (this includes my own):

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/Ja...er-t275377.html

I'd say generally you're in good hands with them. Tell them Cas says hi if you do end up seeing them again =b

which one are you looking at?

The 1999 R34, the one with the cool looking front bar, is that stock standard? What got me onto the R34 was yesterday, I was at a Hyundai dealership in a mid size town about 25 minutes from mine, planning to look at the Hyundai i30 (which we test drove and is great mind you) I come across an automatic turboed R34 in white, it had huge black wheels and was slammed, had 2 screens in the headrests, some sort of fibreglass bonnet with all these square holes in it. I didn't really like the wheels, and the big chrome "Dub" badge I noticed, but when I sat inside it in the drivers seat, it felt really comfortable, and seemed to be a smaller sedan, well smaller than a Commodore and Falcon anyway. I liked the font on the cluster, seemed "well built" on the inside. The seat fit my....... round shape.. easily and comfortably.

I really liked the R34, even though we didn't test drive it.

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/R3...gt-t247557.html

Whats the difference between the OEM coilpacks and the "Spitfire" ones?

Edited June 21, 2009 by Solid Snake

[KamikazeNinja34]

The 1999 R34, the one with the cool looking front bar, is that stock standard? What got me onto the R34 was yesterday, I was at a Hyundai dealership in a mid size town about 25 minutes from mine, planning to look at the Hyundai i30 (which we test drove and is great mind you) I come across an automatic turboed R34 in white, it had huge black wheels and was slammed, had 2 screens in the headrests, some sort of fibreglass bonnet with all these square holes in it. I didn't really like the wheels, and the big chrome "Dub" badge I noticed, but when I sat inside it in the drivers seat, it felt really comfortable, and seemed to be a smaller sedan, well smaller than a Commodore and Falcon anyway. I liked the font on the cluster, seemed "well built" on the inside. The seat fit my....... round shape.. easily and comfortably.

I really liked the R34, even though we didn't test drive it.

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/R3...gt-t247557.html

Whats the difference between the OEM coilpacks and the "Spitfire" ones?

Unless they don't work properly you wouldn't really need to look into Splitfires. i believe its mostly to do with what theyre actually made of that make Splitfires so handy, they perform better under pressure - the usual aftermarke jibe. Personally never had to change the coilpacks in my 33 so i really have no idea. One of the other guys may be able to help you with that though. Perhaps try a search on coilpacks and see if that helps.

Now, turning to the car itself...youre looking at this one?

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/...dealer_id=12510

Bar on that one is stock standard.

For the money (being the same) have you considered the 2000 model? Being as it has less km's and such, being even a year younger to most people makes this appear a better buy on paper. But both cars look clean.

[Solid Snake]

Yep, thats the one I am looking at, I am considering the 2000 model, its just that I prefer the front bar on the 1999 one. You have experience with this company right? How are they with negotiation on price and things like organising test drives? I know that it is already cheap and I do have the money, no problem in that department, but you know the way it is

Thanks for all the help

Edited June 21, 2009 by Solid Snake

[KamikazeNinja34]

Unfortunately with both of the cars you are looking at - you will have issues with negotiating the price. As stated in both ads, both cars are listed at cost price to the dealer. Theyre just looking to break even on them, rather than suffer a loss. No profit will be made by them on either of these vehicles. You would have a problem talking ANY dealer down past cost price, not just Dennis.

Usually in terms of test driving their cars, due to expense, insurance and all of the cars being unregistered, Dennis usually takes the trader plates and takes you for a ride in the car. I'm not certain if this is the same for the NAs, this is simply how it went down on my GT-R - and for an asking price of 25000 its completely plausible to do so. JapCars are generally happy to see you whenever youre available, will take you for a test drive when you want to, etc. Theyre very friendly, honest and laidback where their cars are involved. Their mechanic Bob once told me, when i was looking "whats the point of selling a lemon car? You spend a lot of time and money trying to make it right to be sold and then if it still has problems it just keeps coming back and costing you even more time and money" - so generally speaking all the cars there are pretty much faultless. You should be fine.

Let me know how you go - and once again, make sure you tell the guys i said hi =b

[Solid Snake]

Unfortunately with both of the cars you are looking at - you will have issues with negotiating the price. As stated in both ads, both cars are listed at cost price to the dealer. Theyre just looking to break even on them, rather than suffer a loss. No profit will be made by them on either of these vehicles. You would have a problem talking ANY dealer down past cost price, not just Dennis.

Usually in terms of test driving their cars, due to expense, insurance and all of the cars being unregistered, Dennis usually takes the trader plates and takes you for a ride in the car. I'm not certain if this is the same for the NAs, this is simply how it went down on my GT-R - and for an asking price of 25000 its completely plausible to do so. JapCars are generally happy to see you whenever youre available, will take you for a test drive when you want to, etc. Theyre very friendly, honest and laidback where their cars are involved. Their mechanic Bob once told me, when i was looking "whats the point of selling a lemon car? You spend a lot of time and money trying to make it right to be sold and then if it still has problems it just keeps coming back and costing you even more time and money" - so generally speaking all the cars there are pretty much faultless. You should be fine.

Let me know how you go - and once again, make sure you tell the guys i said hi =b

Fair enough, they're cheap as it is anyways, I'm not sure how the old man will go though with someone else test driving it for us, but what can you do. What I'll do is ring up and introduce myself over the phone, organise a time to get down there and if they can take us for a spin, do they have stuff like a hoist that they can jack the car up on for us to look underneath it?

Do they have any sort of trading hours on their website?

Thanks once again.

[KamikazeNinja34]

Fair enough, they're cheap as it is anyways, I'm not sure how the old man will go though with someone else test driving it for us, but what can you do. What I'll do is ring up and introduce myself over the phone, organise a time to get down there and if they can take us for a spin, do they have stuff like a hoist that they can jack the car up on for us to look underneath it?

Do they have any sort of trading hours on their website?

Thanks once again.

They do all compliances, repairs, RWC etc on site, yes they have a hoist.

Theyre open 9-5 weekdays from memory and 12-4 saturdays, though the mechanics have the day off on saturday.

[scotty014]

i used to own a 4 door r34 when i was on my p's, i liked it, it handled well mine was stock, it was comfortable. im guessing quarter mile times would be about high 15's to 16's probably. mine came with r34 turbo brakes and they were great it made it feel much better. i did have to replace the coilpacks in it with splitfires. then i went to japcars in fawkner and bought a black r34 turbo from them and i asked about the coilpacks and he said that he will replace them and that now he was going to replace the coilpacks with every r34 that he brings into australia. unfortunately mine failed in about 6 months and i replaced them with splitfires. the ones he put in are supersparks and are meant to be good so i guess i just got a bad set or something.

they are great to deal with so i would look there first. also things to look for on r34's is the rear middle brake light that can get rust on it because the seal is usually worn out.

[Solid Snake]

i used to own a 4 door r34 when i was on my p's, i liked it, it handled well mine was stock, it was comfortable. im guessing quarter mile times would be about high 15's to 16's probably. mine came with r34 turbo brakes and they were great it made it feel much better. i did have to replace the coilpacks in it with splitfires. then i went to japcars in fawkner and bought a black r34 turbo from them and i asked about the coilpacks and he said that he will replace them and that now he was going to replace the coilpacks with every r34 that he brings into australia. unfortunately mine failed in about 6 months and i replaced them with splitfires. the ones he put in are supersparks and are meant to be good so i guess i just got a bad set or something.

they are great to deal with so i would look there first. also things to look for on r34's is the rear middle brake light that can get rust on it because the seal is usually worn out.

Alright, thanks for the tip. I'll ring them up soon, going from the carsales ad, the 1999 one looks really nice.

[KamikazeNinja34]

Alright, thanks for the tip. I'll ring them up soon, going from the carsales ad, the 1999 one looks really nice.

lol they all look really nice... trust me

happy hunting

[Solid Snake]

I emailed them at school today, going to be a bit of a problem here, they only do test drives during the week and only if you put a deposit down. I'm on holidays as of next week, but I won't be able to walk for a week because I'm getting an operation done on my foot (Amputate it already, bloody hell). Second week it will have to be.

[KamikazeNinja34]

Ah yikes. Iunno they let me without a deposit- dennis driving. But then again I had been calling them constantly for 3 weeks so they knew I was for real lol

[Solid Snake]

Ah yikes. Iunno they let me without a deposit- dennis driving. But then again I had been calling them constantly for 3 weeks so they knew I was for real lol

Maybe they'll change when I ring them, and let them know I'm for real, even if he just takes it for a drive with me in the passenger seat, that'll be alright.

http://www.uniquecarsmag.com.au/news-and-r...leid/54966.aspx

Hmm, on the GTt but it could be useful for some people

Edited June 23, 2009 by Solid Snake

[HEKT1K]

mate i would advise you go down with your dad or something.. will greatly increase your chances of getting a test drive.

i bought my 33 from Dennis and he took me and my dad for a drive without a deposit or anything.

oh and, get the 2 door! so much nicer looking i think.. and if you can't take passengers what's the point of having a big sedan?

[KamikazeNinja34]

mate i would advise you go down with your dad or something.. will greatly increase your chances of getting a test drive.

i bought my 33 from Dennis and he took me and my dad for a drive without a deposit or anything.

oh and, get the 2 door! so much nicer looking i think.. and if you can't take passengers what's the point of having a big sedan?

Think the only NAs dennis has are 4 doors afaik. But yeah they say all that... My invoice for my GT-R said the guys wanted the cheque to clear before they'd hand it over but I asked about it and he said it was fine to give him the bank cheque the day I got it.