mrmcderm

Ahh. So Aussies are similar to Americans, in that the won't spend a lot on a car unless its from the 'Luxury' line?

Hmm...I don't know if they can or can't. They had a '99 R34 GT-R for sale a few months ago, but they wanted $70k+ USD for it. Besides, even if they *were* to import R34s, they'd be getting a little long in the tooth. I would imagine that it would be difficult to find a low mileage R34 rolling around Japan or Australia. They still have their custom order setup. I could inquire about an R34, but I really can't afford one and would be wasting their time. Besides, I love my V35.

I can't speak with absolute authority, because I don't work for the DOT, but it is my understanding that the certification process has to do with safety (windshield and side glass, passive and active restraint systems..etc), and emissions (we have really crappy gas here). I don't believe it has anything to do with what side of the car the steering wheel is on. Case in point: A friend of mine has an 'illegally' imported Silvia and the state of Illinois doesn't say boo to him about his steering wheel, as long as he passes his biannual emissions tests. My uncle's classic Mini was properly imported in the late 70's, but is exempt from emissions testing. Same deal, no issues with the steering wheel being on the right. Motorex legally imports R34 and older Skylines, and again, no mention of issues with the steering wheel, just with safety and emissions. I tried doing a quick search on the USDOT's web site, but all I got were references to a phone number for more information, and instructions to contact local state DOT for state specific questions. So no, I do not think it is any harder to import and legalize a RHD car (R34) than it is to import and legalize a LHD car (BMW 1 Series)

Doh. Looks like I have been schooled by my friends. Assuming confirmation of the gray market compliance by an Aussie, I guess I'm going to have to swallow my pride and admit my findings. I'll owe a couple of pints for this, thats for sure. It doesn't make sense to me that the V35 isn't sold in Australia or NZ, and I could have *sworn* that I saw an Australian V35 tuner board when I was doing research for my purchase. That was the basis for my initial argument. Of course, when I went back to find it, to prove my point, I couldn't find what I remembered, but I found this forum instead. I suppose I just got things confused. So then my next question is: Are the rumors surrounding the Infiniti brand name in Australia for 2006 true? In other words, is it true that Nissan has reserved the Infiniti GT-R badge for use on a car they're planning on selling in 2006?

Fellow Skyline Owners, I need to settle an argument once and for all with some friends of mine. I had originally contacted a couple of Aussie friends of mine for assistance, but neither is into cars and couldn't help me. (Skylines? Yeah we have Skylines here. V35, I don't know what that is.) Is the latest generation Skyline (CV35/V35) sold in Australia, and if so, is it badged as a Nissan or an Infiniti? Also, if it is sold, do you guys get the 350GT trim level, or only the 300GT? TIA, M 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe Chicago, USA