The Baron

Thank you - will give them a call - see what their status is.

Checked the RAW register but there are no R-32 compliance workshops in Victoria for SEVS vehicles. Does anybody know whether somebody down here is planning to get approval to do this or will I have to incorporate as part of my plan the need to ship it to NSW or QLD??

Why would you want to do something like that ?? They are beautiful as they are !!

Thank you muchly I know there are a lot of questions here - but, you know, one has to do their research before getting in over one's head

Hello, I am currently looking around for an R-32 GT-R and have been seing a couple on lot's around Melbourne. I have observed a number of 'common' issues and was wondering whether people can give me a ball park estimate of costs associated with fixing these so I can budget at least remotely reasonably. Common Observations: Rear Window seals and rubbers - cost to replace?? Driver/Passenger Seat Trim - cost to replace?? Leather around handbrake and gear knob - cost to replace?? Spoiler mounting holes in bootlid left open - cost to fix?? Clutch - any recommendations on something hardy ?? Engine maintenance - gaskets, filters, fluids ?? Engine rework/reconditioning?? Now I know that there can be massive differences in cost for these things but if you've done this work in the past and have been happy with the outcome, any figures and recommendations would be greatly appreciated

That might help with the 'missus' Although I have a sneaking suspicion that she'll end up driving it more then me

Being a Chemical Engineer by background and working for the world's most profitable car company as an Environmental Engineer, let me say that we believe the 5% Ethanol will not have a detrimental effect to any of our engines (neither will 10% Ethanol). Only the real old stuff (pre 86 or so) is just not designed to use that fuel. Most of the argument on Ethanol in fuel in this country revolves around politics and little else ;-) As stated previously - nobody is going to endorse it for older cars as they were tuned to cope with the 'dieselesque' like sludge that is called petrol in this country ;-) Consequently unless the manufacturer gets to 'tune' the engine and test it thoroughly they will not officially endorse it (and they will not invest the testing time to do that ;-) Therefore the easiest option to protect themselves from possible warranty claims along the line of "You told us it'd be okay" is to distance themselves from the argument - after all we've already made the sale so who cares. Obviously since Ethanol has been on the agenda for a couple of years, all current and future models will run just fine and are tested - as we want to make sure that we can comply with future ADR developments. Similarly the Oil Companies have no interest in blowing up everyones engine - so they have a vested interest to not blow their reputation. That by and in itself should be sufficient to make sure it is safe. In short - no hesitation to use the stuff - but if you want the benefit you need to tune the engine and use it consistently. Just remember "Caveat Emdor" - Buyer Beware ;-) BTW in Brazil they run 20-25% ethanol (and used to run much more ;-)

Thanks for the offer - will take you up on it next year when my time comes. It will be mine - yes it will ;-)

Hmmm, well let me add my 2c. Coming from Germany I can tell you it is Way too easy to get your licence in Australia. Over there you do Freeway driving, emergency braking, wet weather, night time, all road surfaces and general maintenance and mechanics of a car over at least a years worth of lessons. It's an involved (and expensive) process but means that you actually have a clue about how to drive (you'd want to with the Autobahns and all ;-) So the biggest problem is not the cars but the training. Add to that the fact that Australian roads are in a pathetic state of repair and the fact that cars do not need an annual road worthy check over here and you get a fairly good reason why things are the way they are. If you fix these issues you won't need to limit the cars. That is just a 'knee jerk' reaction because everything else is too complex for the simple minds in Spring Street (or Canberra for that fact) As an aside I am now in my late 30's and only now feel confident enough to consider buying a GT-R ;-)

BTW What was with a 13/20 rating in that article !!!!

"The R-33 is widely regarded as the most practical GT-R for use as a daily driver, but it lacks the excitement of the R32 or R34" <_< This was the quote from the "Feral Hun" review the other day. As I am looking for a 'daily driver' but would prefer an R32 for styling reasons I am looking for any comments by protagonists on either side of the argument. In other words - anyone out there using an R32 as a daily driver ?? Or should I spend an extra $10 grand and go for an R33??

"no one is allowed to say anything bad about anyone on the forums so you couldnt expect a negative response dude" I know - however the absence of comments would be the same thing as negative comments ;-)

Wow, Thank you very much to all of you over there, your input is greatly appreciated :-)

Hello Western Australia, as a Victorian (but loyal supporter of one of your fine AFL teams ;-) I was wondering whether anyone has any feedback on 'Imports 101' which are based over there. I am looking at importing an R-32 GT-R in the next few months and am looking for a reputable importer with good service. Hope you can help - please only constructive feedback Cheers

Unfortunately I am at least 4 months away before I'll be ready to purchase - but your car would be the kind of thing I'd be looking for, and the price seems very fair. So consider this a free BUMP and best of luck

Thanks to everyone for their advice and contacts - expect to hear more about my quest as the time comes nearer

That's some of the best news I've heard yet (phew) Being new to the community, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I will certainly keep this in mind and will take up the offer when the time comes. Currently I am (realistically) looking at a purchase sometime early next year when my new house is finished (and the left over money can contribute to the deposit ;-)

Another thanks (and boy are there quick replies on this) BTW Will hopefully join the Vic Club as soon as I get a new cheque book from the bank :-)

Thank you for the hint (and sorry for posting this twice - stoopid stoopid IT computer thingy ;-)

So here we are. After many years of idle dreaming it looks increasingly likely that I will be able to buy my dream car - an R-32 GT-R. Unfortunately I am somewhat of a newbie and although I am feverishly pouring over manuals, pictures and the forums I am still somewhat uncomfortable in the buying process. So I guess my question is, whether there is some independent expertise out there that could be brought along to have a look at a car (private or yard) that would be able to say "That's a good one" or "Don't touch this one because...." - basically a 'Buyer's advocate' - a service provider that is happy to charge a suitable fee to offer independent advice on a car. Any ideas ?? All answers and guidance appreciated (Even "You're dreaming" ;-) BTW - not looking for highly modified example, rather a clean one instead (or even 'one of the 100' )

Can I just say from a complete 'newbie' who is desperately looking for info and understanding before buying his first R-32 GT-R...... Thank You Thank You Thank You