Running Costs V Purchase Price

[x-hobo]

Hi Fellas,

I'm toying with the idea of going all in and putting my funds for the next few years into a skyline. I'm currently full time at uni with 3 years to go, so money is a pretty significant issue.

My first choice would be to pick up a manual r34 GT-T for around $25k (which should be possible with some hunting, according to my research). However, that would take up pretty much all my cash (plus insurance of $2k quoted by Just Car). So I'm wondering how the running costs for an r34 GT-T, as compared to my current "car" (2000 CE Lancer 1.8 manual), ignoring the obvious fact of fuel consumption? Services would be more expensive, of course (substantially?), but am I liable to be hit with many other costs? I'd intend buy it stock and keep it that way (for the time being), and use it as a daily driver with no track work etc.

Alternately, how would that compare to say a '96 or '97 r33 GTS-25T which I'd be aiming to put around $18k into? Would the running costs be significantly more for the r33 (older car, more liable to breakdown etc), or similar? In the long term would it still be a cheaper option?

I should probably point out that I have little to no mechanical expertise, though I'm willing to learn to keep everything running smoothly.

Thanks for the input!

[raz0r$harP.UK]

I wouldn't say that running costs between a GTT and late model GTST would differ that much, provided both are in decent condition. I even find that servicing my Skyline only costs marginally more than a non-imported car (mainly because I use premium fluids).

If it's a near-stock daily driver, shouldn't have any major problems.

[nuffsaid]

Both cost about the same to run, generally you wouldnt be breaking things as much in the R34, but you never know.

You'll get almost the same fuel economy, and roughly similar costs for insurance.

But going from a lancer to this, you are going to be so so broke on petrol costs. $20 used to get me a weeks worth of driving in my old car, now its like $70, and for a struggling student, tough!

Not to mention if things start breaking, your in for it! parts are pretty expensive and hard to come by. Then you have things like tyres, brake pads the usual maintenence stuff.

And I said I was gonna keep the car stock after i got it, that doesnt really last for long. You'll be itching to spend even more money on it! hahah

Nonetheless i say go for it, itll make you happy, but broke! I dont regret getting mine.

[n15m0]

I've had my GTT for a year next month. kept it stock all this while, the only costs I have outlayed is in replacing an O2 sensor plus ur normal 5000k services which is oil, filter. I've driven more than 30,000ks over the past year in it and had no problems at all whatsoever *touch wood* I guess all it comes down to is age and condition. newer car less things break if maintained regularly. older car would have more wear and tear, replacing parts can be a pain and that is where most of the costs would be incurred. I don't see any difference in maintainece costs compared to a lancer except with turbo cars u will need to do oil changes more regularly.

[kralster]

Jesus thats alot of millage! i will of had my GT-t a year as of march 6th. And the only thing i've spent money on has been one service, but i changed all the gearbox and diff oil to redline. and it hasn't cost me that much to run really.

[GTSTGIRL]

Where do they sell these cheap R34s. I would love to get one that cheap. Insurance wise, I found the cheapest to be Suncorp but I suppose it depends on your age. I just got spark plugs for my car and they were $25 each X 6.

[kralster]

R34's have dropped in place dramatically in the past 6 months or so. I payed about 32,000 for mine this time last year and now would be lucky to get 27,000 or so. I'd take 25,000 if i was selling it (but thats never gonna happen in my lifetime)

[x-hobo]

Thanks for the input guys - I feel more and more tempted! Looking at R34s though, it seems that the autos are a lot easier to get at the lower price - I'm more of a manual guy, though, as I like the extra control it affords. I realise that the autos are tiptronic, but how agressively can they be driven? I remember driving a tiptronic Liberty GT, and while the power was certainly all there, it felt like I was being "babied" thru the gears, particularly at the lower RPMs, and the gear changes seemed to take forever - am I likely to have similar experience in the R34?

(Yeah, I know, I should just test drive one, but I won't have an opportunity til next week so I figure I may as well as ask you guys :lol: )

[choyda]

I've ridden in some auto's and they are pretty good, on a skid pan or motorkhana course.

[predator]

There won't be much difference, till you stack the R34.. then you're f**ked.. as panels, headlights, etc are near impossible to come by, and will cost you a pretty penny.

I just got spark plugs for my car and they were $25 each X 6.

sorry.. but you got ripped off.. You can get a full set of coppers for $25 the set, and they would have done exactly the same thing.