Faults:

Lambda (oxygen) sensor.

2 tyres.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic car in almost every way. If you could buy the same shape/spec car brand new I probably would.

First of all, let me say that I SERIOUSLY recommend that if you intend to buy one of these, you should consider having one imported directly so you're the first owner. People in Japan (seem) to care more for their cars than we do.

The engine purrs like it's just rolled out of the factory. There is no rust anywhere on it (and it's been kept outside by the coast!). The paintwork is typical Nissan quality, and you should really get used to being starred at wherever you go.

Handling is great on these cars, the 4 wheel steering doesn't work like on a Honda, instead it helps to get you round corners quicker and safer, and it does work. I've had the car cornering so sharply that my face is almost touching the side window and NO sliding.

The interior is typical boredom. You have the obligatory boost gauge that you never look at, but the gauges do what they need to. Generally very basic, but does the job... don't expect wood and cheap leather. Digital climate control is a blessing, as are electric windows, and electric/folding mirrors.

The boot isn't very big, but I find it fine for a shopping trip for a family of 4.

Reliability is spot on. All I've had to replace is a lambda sensor; cost about £40 and they last for thousands of miles.

Fuel economy has got to be regarded as normal for this class of car... I just do 16 miles a day in stop/start traffic and return about 16 mpg. Get it on the Motorway and you'll get about 26+ mpg.

The engine sound is ADDICTIVE... the turbo has 2 settings, and when it hits the second the engine roars so smoothly and distinctively that you have to smile.

If you want more speed, spend more money on it and the world's your oyster. Go to a specialist with this car. It won't cost any more and you'll know it's done right. Proven modifications are everywhere. Again get advice first!

As said, nothing's gone wrong. Lack of oil changes kill these engines. I change mine every 3000 miles. If you use good quality oil (Silkolene) on both the engine and gearbox it'll cost you over £100, but it's worth it.

Get one, you won't regret it if you do your homework.

Faults:

I had a leak in my power steering.

General Comments:

I have owned the car for six months now and it still has the fun to drive aspect to it.

The straight 6 engine is all business.

The Automatic transmission does keep the rear wheels firmly planted. It is pretty hard to burn some rubber, but it does build torque very fast and will put you back in your seat when you stomp the gas.

Fuel economy is descent when you drive conservatively, but in a car a great as this it is difficult to keep the rpm below 3 grand. I average about 15mpg, but have been able to achieve 18mpg one week when I wasn't pushing the pedal to the floor all the time.

The seats are comfortable, but I wish it had a bigger back seat. It is roomy enough for three full sized adults with a slight discomfort.

The automatic climate control is one of my favorite features.

The rear power windows do slow down quite a bit when they are wet, but still preform as intended.

Faults:

90,000km an unknown hose carrying coolant needed to be refabricated at a cost of $200.

100,000km heater core sprung a leak. Very common and difficult problem to remedy as it is behind the dashboard. I have bypassed just bypassed the coolant and will get it fixed by a pro at a cost of $600 quoted.

3rd battery in 5 years.

General Comments:

From the moment I laid eyes on the skyline, I had to have one. At 21, my budget was either a clapped out R32 GTR or a decent R33 GTS-T series 2, so to avoid unaffordable insurance and possible future repairs, I chose the latter. A silver 1996 R33 GTS-T coupe.

I imported mine through a brokerage which turned out to be a lengthy and stressful experience. I did save about $5000 but whether it was worth it I was not entirely sure. That is until I received it.

It was probably the peak of the grey import times in Melbourne and the skyline was arguably one the best looking cars to come out. It was definitely the most popular. I remember driving through any town and people would be looking at its sleek, menacing body. Neighbourhood children would gather around it, telling me how they have one of these in their video game. Looks it had, but what was the performance like? Bloody fast.

With your foot flat to the floor the turbo will wind you up to 100km/h in under 7 seconds. 140 rwkw is easily boosted to 150-160 with some bolt on mods. Mine came with a 3 inch exhaust with Jasma 4 inch tip that sounded deep and would set off most car alarms in any given underground carpark. I also fitted a Greddy pod filter & fmic. If its going around corners that floats your boat (or sliding around corners) the factory suspension hugs the road beautifully with slight over-steer that is easily corrected, or abused. Mine came with Tein coil-overs that are ridiculously stiff, but simply brilliant. Its like driving a racecar. At 1360kg, these are not light, but they almost feel as nimble as their little brother, the 200sx, but with a lot more grunt.

If your using your skyline as a daily driver, don't go too crazy on the suspension. Stock is great. If you are driving on normally dodgey city roads the bumps will get annoying. Also watch lowering them as they already sit fairly low and you will be doing some damage to your front bumper as I have :(

If you have a big foot you will be knocking your foot on the panel under the dash as you move accelerator to brake. This gets annoying.

I won't name the compliance mechanic, but he was awful. He charged me $600 extra for changing braided brake hoses to standard, something he said needed to be done which is untrue. He also pocketed the solar battery charger. which may have led to my next issue.

I powered up the stereo system to 400wRMS and have chewed up 3 batteries. The battery is a pathetic size and in the boot, so I assume these factors are the reason. I have been lazy not to correct this yet with either a battery upgrade or a capacitor.

The rear indicators got a bit of moisture in them too. I got a panel beater to reseal the boot, but its back to leaky.

Japanese cars are limited to 180km/h and this is no exception. You need to replace the entire computer to raise it, and get some more power, as it is not programmable. I don't often need to go faster than this so never bothered.

The bang for your buck score would have to be 10/10 thanks to the Japanese used car market. Its easy to forget that this was a $55,000 car new. That's a Monaro or an XR8, but they have a compromised name for themselves due the the abuse that some receive. If you want one, get one with as little modifications as possible and only get your modifications done by GOOD mechanics. The engine is proven to be bulletproof the running gear hasn't missed a beat yet and it arguably is still a great looking car at for its age.