brett982441

Hi all, I'm planning to purchase an R32 GT-R here in Japan, and have found a completely stock example for 450,000 JPY (around $5700 AUD). The car has no accident history, and is very clean, but has almost 240,000km on the clock. Personally, high-kilometre figures don't really phase me, coming from a Toyota with almost 350,000km on the clock, but of course I'm a bit hesitant. For an extra $1000 I could pick up one with 100,000km less in similar condition, but I am starting to wonder whether it is really worth my while to pay the extra for a lower-mileage example. I am not concerned about resale value at all, and I will be doing a complete engine rebuild regardless of what's on the odometer, so I was hoping to get some opinions on what sort of issues I'd be looking at. Before coming to Japan, I never even considered purchasing such a high-mileage GT-R, as all I read on this forum (and others) is that "it will be thrashed", and "you will end up spending more on maintenance", but is this really the case? Since being here, I've made friends with an R32 GT-R owner who purchased his car for a little over 400,000 JPY (around $5000 AUD), and I truly can't fault it. His car is also getting up there at around 180,000km, but apart from the figure on the dash, it is mechanically A1. I like to think of it as more of a testament to the RB26's (and the R32's) strength and reliability instead of looking down on it as some kind of ticking time-bomb (as is the general consensus). I'm starting to think that a high-mileage example isn't as stupid an idea as I once thought. Taking into account the fact that I will be able to test drive the car and give it a thorough check-over before making a decision, I could save a lot of money that would comfortably cover a complete rebuild and then some, compared to paying the premium for a sub 100,000km example. Thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated! Cheers.

Thanks guys. I've also been trying to find out when the side-intrusion bars came standard, but apart from the eligible import date of June 1992 onwards, I can't find any more information. I tried e-mailing RAWS, but was told to contact a compliance workshop instead. Does anyone know from when the intrusion bars came stock with these cars? Might help me in my search for replacement doors in the future! Many thanks

Hi, I am just wondering if I can make the compliance procedure any easier by swapping later model doors over before the car arrives in Australia. For example: 1. Purchase an 89/90/91 model while I am in Japan 2. Fit later model doors to it before importing 3. Go through compliance without having to worry about finding new doors Does anyone know if this is possible? Cheers

Thanks for the advice everyone! I have one more question about the necessary side-intrusion bars if you don't mind If I purchase an 89/90/91 model over here, and then swap the doors with those from a later model while I am over here, would it be ok? I'm just assuming it would be much easier/cheaper to buy second hand doors here, rather than paying a compliance shop to find and fit them in the Australia. Cheers.

There are many which are around 95% stock, with only an aftermarket exhaust for example, but the completely stock ones are few and far between. They are at least double the price of one with a pile of mods, seemingly regardless of mileage. I'm not really too fussed on the one I buy being 100% stock, I just don't want to run into trouble when the time comes to have it complied. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any definitive information on what is allowed and what isn't. I've read that compliance places often say the brake pads need replacing for example, and that you have to replace them with original Nissan pads. Stuff like this is really turning me off the whole procedure, if only I knew what parts have to be stock, I would be much better off. I might try contacting an importer about it.

I'm in Tsu, Mie prefecture.

Hi everyone, First post from a long time reader! I'm currently in Japan, and will be for another 10 months or so. It has been a dream of mine to purchase an R32 GT-R for many years now. My master plan is to purchase one here, drive it within Japan for the next 10 months, and then import it back to Australia (for everyday use) when I head back. Stuff I have worked out so far: Can't import R32 GT-Rs made between July 1991 and May 1992. Post May 1992 models would be preferable due to already having side-intrusion bars fitted. The main thing I am not sure about is to what extent the car must be returned to factory condition upon importing it into Australia. For example, the majority of R32 GT-Rs in Japan seem to have basic modifications such as aftermarket wheels, exhausts, suspension, steering wheels, 320km/h gauge clusters etc., unless I pay the premium for a completely stock one. Taking into account that I would like to register the car with normal road registration, can anyone please tell me to what extent the car I import needs to be in factory condition? Thanks heaps