R35 Service Cost

[alex182]

Hi guys, as per topic name.

Dad's looking at getting into an R35 later this year or next. Most likely will be looking at secondhand 10, 11 or maybe 12 models (if next year).

He's just wondering about service costs, compared to the E92 M3 (which he's also looking at).

As the case with a secondhand car, the warranty will be shorter so if parts do need replacing, am I right in thinking theres more aftermarket support than with an M3?

Thanks in advance guys.

Input is appreciated

[Wardski]

The GT-R is a super car so expect to pay a premium. I've yet to have my first 6 month service, but from what my mates with GT-R's have told me:

1. The general 6 monthly intermediate services are not too bad ($800-$1200) depending on what gets done

2. The first 2000km service is free (not that they do to much)

3. 12/24/36 month mandatory services are free (labour costs only) but you pay for parts (if they're required)

4. Full oil changes (diff/tranny/engine/etc) are expensive - >$1200 for oils alone before labour cost

5. Tyres last between 10,000-25,000kms depending on if you track. @ between $700-800 a quarter buying local, or $575 from tirerack in the US, its not cheap

6. A full brake replacment is in the vicinity of >$6000 - mainly because Nissan generally insist replacing the rotors at the same time as the pads.

These are just a few. IMO if you can't afford the servicing, then don't get one

Of course there are options outside of Nissan servicing which may be cheaper, as well as doing some stuff yourself.

When the warranty period ends on mine (2.75 years from now) I'll probably end up going aftermarket for servicing.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Wardski

[alex182]

cheers mate.

He had an E46 M3 and now has a HSV so he's expecting a pretty heavy service fee (more so than the HSV).

He's pretty set on, once the warranty runs out, going elsewhere for the services.

Anyone know any shops in melbourne that can service the 35? Racepace?

Edited March 28, 2012 by alex182

[Wardski]

cheers mate.

He had an E46 M3 and now has a HSV so he's expecting a pretty heavy service fee (more so than the HSV).

He's pretty set on, once the warranty runs out, going elsewhere for the services.

Anyone know any shops in melbourne that can service the 35? Racepace?

No problems at all.

To be honest for what the car is (it beats a $750k Lexus LFA off the line for Godzilla's sake!) the servicing costs are mighty damn good, and in my opinion still the best bang for your buck. The expensive services like full oil changes are done at long intervals (eg, not every service) so nothing to worry there. If you're like me and don't do loads of kms every year (I do about 4,000) then you can discuss with Nissan at the time of the service whether certain things can be omitted (eg, you may not have to spend $1200 replacing diff/tranny oils at 10,000kms of use, if you're at the 24,000kms service.. just sayin)

In comparison, my last car - a 09 Subaru Impreza STi Spec R - was costing me between $600 and $750 a service, and much much more if any parts were involved. Whats worse, there were no free services..

The only thing I wish Nissan offered in Australia is an extended warranty for well behaved stock cars. The boys in the USA get it up to 5 years, so why not here??

Edited March 29, 2012 by Wardski

[handbrake]

there is a very good aftermarket fro teh R35 that beats the pants off what nissan can provide perfromance and cost wise.

things like brakes are the easiest and best example.

[Cowboy1600]

I overheard a guy complaining about the service cost on his Lamborghini the other day while waiting for my coffee. $16,000.

He wondered how Lambo could justify such a price. I figured the same way he could justify spending half a mill on a car; because they can.

If your dad is contemplating dropping well in excess of $100,000 on a car and is concerned about possible servicing costs, I'm not sure a $100,000+++ car is for him.

It's always fascinated me when people are contemplating spending what is a huge sum of money on a car but is worried about the running costs. It's like Whirlpool. I like trawling the BMW part for gems like "I'm about to drop $180k on an M3 but the fuel consumption concerns me". Whaaa?

[alex182]

If your dad is contemplating dropping well in excess of $100,000 on a car and is concerned about possible servicing costs, I'm not sure a $100,000+++ car is for him.

the old man is simply trying to make up his mind between the 35 and an M3. Under that comparison, he's gotten onto the topic of service costs between the two cars. Having previously owned an older M3 when new, he is well aware (and prepared) for dealership premium prices.

before buying car, especially when undecided between multiple cars, you do all the research you can. i don't see why running costs should be ignored completely

[Cowboy1600]

the old man is simply trying to make up his mind between the 35 and an M3. Under that comparison, he's gotten onto the topic of service costs between the two cars. Having previously owned an older M3 when new, he is well aware (and prepared) for dealership premium prices.

before buying car, especially when undecided between multiple cars, you do all the research you can. i don't see why running costs should be ignored completely

Fair call, but servicing costs are generally directly correlated with cost of car. I'm not aware of any exceptions to this rule. If an M3 and R35 cost about the same, over the medium to long term you can be fairly confident that servicing costs are going to be the same.

Personally, I couldn't care less about servicing costs. If I was in the position to drop $150k on a car I'd expect servicing to cost a relative amount. For me it would be all about how much I want the car. In fact even if servicing costs were inflated when compared with the cost of the car, I doubt I'd be concerned as A) I could no doubt afford it (within reason) and B) I'd have the car I wanted so cost be damned.

But your points are valid. Everyone has different requirements.

[alex182]

well said good sir

[Wardski]

Personally, I couldn't care less about servicing costs. If I was in the position to drop $150k on a car I'd expect servicing to cost a relative amount. For me it would be all about how much I want the car. In fact even if servicing costs were inflated when compared with the cost of the car, I doubt I'd be concerned as A) I could no doubt afford it (within reason) and B) I'd have the car I wanted so cost be damned.

Cost be damned I say. I didn't even know the costs when I got my GT-R. Still doesn't phase me. I wanted a bl00dy GT-R

[SS8_Gohan]

Racepace has been playing with a couple 35's (including race prepped ones) so i'm sure they could sort out any servicing issues.

But still at the end of the day, there isn't really a reason why labour should be more/oils should be more etc than any other new car that requires synthetics. If they make you run Mobil 1, i'm sure you could get it cheaper than what they charge, same with tranny fluids, rotors, tyres etc.

Something like an oil/filter change is still just an oil/filter change - the badge should have no effect on the costs of such things, i know that's not how it is in practice, but in reality what is the difference?

Will your dad be taking it to the track?

[alex182]

Will your dad be taking it to the track?

doubt it. he's only been to one track day with his old bmw at phillip island.

Other than some drives in the hills, i dont think the car will see too much stress

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

But still at the end of the day, there isn't really a reason why labour should be more/oils should be more etc than any other new car that requires synthetics. If they make you run Mobil 1, i'm sure you could get it cheaper than what they charge, same with tranny fluids, rotors, tyres etc.

Something like an oil/filter change is still just an oil/filter change - the badge should have no effect on the costs of such things, i know that's not how it is in practice, but in reality what is the difference?

I was thinking the same thing.

For a general service, it's just oil / filter.

Clean the air filters.

[Wardski]

I was thinking the same thing.

For a general service, it's just oil / filter.

Clean the air filters.

I don't think the Mobil1 0W40 or oil filters are the issue. In fact the Nissan pricing on these seems pretty reasonable. Of course the diff / trans oils are expensive and remembering there's close to 10 litres in your transmission, and as much as I love Willall stuff, using anything other than Nissan approved trans oils has the potential to backfire on you in a warranty claim. The good news for every day drivers is this doesn't need replacing often.

The only issue I see is the labour charge rates. These seem to be substantially higher than that of a standard car. Whether this is attributed to the specalised GT-R training (and on going training updates), equipement and/or separate service bay allocated for GT-R's I don't know. What I do know is that the very few service centres around Aust (only 3 in QLD!) fork out a pretty penny to Nissan Japan to get certified to service the mighty GT-R. In the end these costs are transferred to the owners one way or another.

As I always say, if the first thought that comes into your head when buying a GT-R is "how much will it cost to run and maintain", you really shouldn't be buying one.....

Edited March 30, 2012 by Wardski

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

I don't think the Mobil1 0W40 or oil filters are the issue. In fact the Nissan pricing on these seems pretty reasonable. Of course the diff / trans oils are expensive and remembering there's close to 10 litres in your transmission, and as much as I love Willall stuff, using anything other than Nissan approved trans oils has the potential to backfire on you in a warranty claim. The good news for every day drivers is this doesn't need replacing often.

The only issue I see is the labour charge rates. These seem to be substantially higher than that of a standard car. Whether this is attributed to the specalised GT-R training (and on going training updates), equipement and/or separate service bay allocated for GT-R's I don't know. What I do know is that the very few service centres around Aust (only 3 in QLD!) fork out a pretty penny to Nissan Japan to get certified to service the mighty GT-R. In the end these costs are transferred to the owners one way or another.

As I always say, if the first thought that comes into your head when buying a GT-R is "how much will it cost to run and maintain", you really shouldn't be buying one.....

I see

So yes, labour charge rates are higher at Nissan then your local specialised mechanic.

Warranty only last a few years (depending on agreement when purchased new at dealer)

I was leaning towards the long run when the warranty is out, you would not take it back to the Nissan dealer.

Hence service cost (labour) would be cheaper..?

[Wardski]

I see

So yes, labour charge rates are higher at Nissan then your local specialised mechanic.

Warranty only last a few years (depending on agreement when purchased new at dealer)

I was leaning towards the long run when the warranty is out, you would not take it back to the Nissan dealer.

Hence service cost (labour) would be cheaper..?

define "Local Specialised Mechanic"???? Are you talking UltraTune or someone actually trained in consult III and maintaining GT-R R35's?

I think when my wty is gone in 2.75 years, I'll probably go aftermarket for servicing. While I wouldn't call aftermarket specialised mechanics unless all they do is service GT-R R35's day in day out, they will no doubt offer reasonable labour rates - and hopefully they know what they're doing.

I haven't looked into what's available in Brisbane (no I won't be going to Mercury). I know of a place on the gold coast but thats well out of my way and taking time off work would cost me more than having Nissan do it locally.

Edited March 30, 2012 by Wardski

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

define "Local Specialised Mechanic"???? Are you talking UltraTune or someone actually trained in consult III and maintaining GT-R R35's?

I think when my wty is gone in 2.75 years, I'll probably go aftermarket for servicing. While I wouldn't call aftermarket specialised mechanics unless all they do is service GT-R R35's day in day out, they will no doubt offer reasonable labour rates - and hopefully they know what they're doing.

I haven't looked into what's available in Brisbane (no I won't be going to Mercury). I know of a place on the gold coast but thats well out of my way and taking time off work would cost me more than having Nissan do it locally.

Right.

I'm sure you'd find a quality mechanic in Brisbane.

"Local Specialised Mechanic" I meant a garage that does specifically high performance imports.

So for example, in VIC, we have Racepace as they mainly work on GTR's and are very well know for their work.

UltraTune Hell No! I would not even take my daily there, nor any of my cars

[g35me]

I don't think there is anything super special about the R35. In the end it is still essentially nuts and bolts. Any shop that is a GTR specialist should have no trouble in looking after a 35.

[Wardski]

I don't think there is anything super special about the R35. In the end it is still essentially nuts and bolts. Any shop that is a GTR specialist should have no trouble in looking after a 35.

No of course not. Every car out there is a twin turbo 3.8ltr v6 with a dual clutch 0.1sec response, active suspension. Suppose you think the same way about Lambos and Ferraris?

<end sarcasm>

I think my GT-R is special. Its an incredible bucket of nuts n bolts and worth every penny.

Edited March 31, 2012 by Wardski

[handbrake]

I think you'll find the Nissan guys don't do anything special with all the technological wizardry when they service it other than change the oils / filters and look over the usual inspection points. ok they plug it into the consult but aftermarket guys have consults or COBB AP's to help them there. Plus the aftermarket guys are passionate about performance cars and service a few more highly specialised vehicles than the R35 service boys do between their bread and butter dualis and micra servicing.

Also, if there is actually anything wrong with your R35 there is a fair chance they will take their sweet time diagnosing it and in the end they won't be doing anything more than bolting up replacement parts so don't be fooled into thinking they are something special.