Newbies

[Wycky]

Hi guys!

I hope I'm not stepping outa line here, but there was no where for new people to say Hello!, so i thought i would start a thread.

Hi!

I don't have a Skyline yet, but am looking, im taking one for a test drive this weekend so are 2 of my friends we are all going to get one (will be awesome).

We are all looking at getting the 350gt8.

If anyone one can give me some advice on what to look out for would be great.

Also wanted to say been looking at the fourm and there is heaps of info on here, Good work guys!

[WazR32GTSt]

hi Angelo, welcometo the forums

i actually recieved 2 PM's in this last week from people asking about the V35 (i don't know why then asked me for advice via PM), but i thought i would post the exact response that i gave them

it is by no means set in gold but hopefully a bit of a guide

my best advice is to read this section of the forum and have a look at http://www.g35driver.com which has lots of info about he G35 in the states which is essentially a V35 in LHD

here was my response to another guy via PM:

reliability

- engine is excellent, no issues. same engine as maxima, 350z, murano, etc if there are any problems the parts are easy to source locally

- the major issues are a) the door locks and door windor motors that sometimes fail, b) the CD stacker sometimes fails

so when you look at it, it's really minor things that are its issues.

the engine nad gearbox are extremely durable devices

gearbox

- coupe's only come in 5sp auto and 6sp manual. no CVT in the coupe's. i haev the 5sp auto and its an amazing gearbox. drives much nicer than my old R32 which had a high-stall and shift kit

- 5sp auto gearbox is from what i know identical to the 350z so again if it fails (not likely) then parts will be easy-ish to find locally

TV and GPS

- there is no solution to get those functions restored in the factory system or in english

- the pop-up screen is still good as it has fuel ecomony functions, compass, average speed, etc. also, you can hook up an aux input and run a TV tuner or DVD player into he factory screen. there are a few threads onthis in the V35 section

- there is also a GPS solution being worked on, again have a read and contact "Chris Rogers" for more info

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

- standard suspension is AWESOME. it has VDC (stability control) and ABS and is a safe car that is amazing to drive. 350z springs bolt straight in and lower it approx 1inch for a cheap upgrade

- if you get a 6sp manual version from 2003 - 2005 then it might also have the upgraded brembo brakes

- wheels are standard 17", optional 18", and optional sport 19". the bigger the wheel the better in my opinion. i have th 18's and they look PIMPED but the 19's look even better and are a ray's forged wheel

Interior

- seriously this is hte reason i got a V35 over a BMW 330ci or Mercedes C320 or Mercedes CLK320 which were the other things i was looking at.

- the interior is AMAZING. make sure you get the "premium pack" which included auto headlights, buttons on steering wheel, dual climate zone, bose stereo, and leather seats. all these parts can be optioned in separately from nissan in japan so make sure the cas has them all. its not worth paying 30k+ for a car that has nearly all the features.

- i also have the reversing camera which is an amazing device i would not get one without it personally but again its up to you

- the interior looks fantastic and holds up well. not a fan of hte willow coloured interiors but the back is great anyway

- sunroof is a rare option and i believe worth having. i found it took too much headroom for me (i'm 6"4) but i would still have gotten one had i found it in the right car...

if you're paying 35k then you've got to get something new with low kms. the V35 offers so much value for that price. its on par with i believe the 330ci, C320, CLK320, Lexus IS250, Lexus SC430, Audi TT. you will never find any of these cars at this price with the same kind of kms as you will get a 350GT for. and, the 350GT is significantly faster in a straight line and around the twisties

remember to drive as many cars as you can!

cheers,

Warren

[Blue Arrow]

hey angelo, welcome to the forum.

all the points that warren wrote are true. if you're looking for the gt8 then that means you're after the sedan (cvt transmission). heard good things about this but can be a headache if you encounter problems as nissan australia does not carry spare parts for it. sourcing the transmission oil can also be tricky.

the manual is great which is what i have but there is a bit of learning curve involved if you're not used to the 6 speed. it's notchy and the throws are short and the clutch can be a bit of a workout but given a choice, i would go for it again.

there's a lot out there so be sure to check as many as you can so you can compare.

some of the websites to check for available cars (if you're in sydney):

sspi.com.au (look for chris and last time i checked, they still had the gt8 for sale - they can also source a car for you in japan if you're willing to wait)

nagoyamotors.com.au

japlink.com.au - they have lots of cars but i would really check the condition of the interior

japaneseautocentre.com.au

i would personally go for the full leather if you can find one. it is faster, cheaper and better finished than similar year 3-series cars out there. just be prepared to pay for petrol - still quite reasonable given the engine size and power.

good luck.

rob

[wabbo69]

Hi guys, I'm Gibbo and in Vic and I'm one of the newbies who PM'd re the V35.

I am recently retired and have fallen in love with the V35 and am looking so any advice welcome.

I'm in Melbourne but happy to go anywhere in Australia to get and drive home. There seems more stock up north anyway.

I had a lead on one in Japan but that has been sold so we will see. I suspect being able to see and drive one locally is less risky if dearer and it seems that cost is a few grand extra at least.

The offer I got back was a V36 for $80 grand and store it in jap for a year which is $40-50g more than i've got.

I want to upgrade from my lovely little much modified R31 and go stock but nice.

Started looking at R34's but as I am retired and my missus needs tiptronic and is used to a VYSS auto or a 4WD auto I think the v35coupe auto fits the bill.

Shame about the centre dash display issues but I am not fussed by that.

I have a son who is a Nissan Mechanic and he is telling me not to go import as the blokes in the shop go hide whenever one comes into the dealership.

Anyway thanks for the advice and the Forum. It is great.

Gibbo

[kleenbeats]

I have a son who is a Nissan Mechanic and he is telling me not to go import as the blokes in the shop go hide whenever one comes into the dealership.

Gibbo

I have had only negative experiences from nissan dealerships. It's not because they couldn't get the information/parts it was because they didn't want to. I found with a bit of pushing and persistance they did there job but I've always left thinking "did it really have to be that hard?".

What I found was there's a good amount of people who are right into the import scene so information is usually available with ease.

My mechanic is fantastic and he only works on imports, wouldn't take my car anywhere else!

[Wycky]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the tips im leaving in 15 min to go check them out.

[WazR32GTSt]

good luck!

remember to drive every car you can to get a good idea about the condition

i drove all the cars that were for sale in QLD at the time i bought mine- almost 10 in total

by the time i found my car, i was set on colour, kms, and condition. i saw the one i wanted and i knew that it satisfied what i was looking for and it was just a matter of haggeling on price...

feel free to post up any links if you want us to comment on the one you've looked at, or send a PM if you are worried that someone else might see the link and but it!

cheers,

Warren

[Wycky]

Hey guys

I just bought one wooohoooo

350gt8 Premium!

Pics from the add are attached

Ill be picking the car up tomorrow arvo

Can't wait

Just better get some insurance now!

So whens the next cruize on? hahah

[WazR32GTSt]

nice,congrats!

looks like a 2001 or 2002 model based on the back

what extras did you get?

leather?

premium pack?

tv screen?

what colour is the interior?

and of course how much? (i don't expect you to answer that but if you are willing then feel free!)

cheers,

Warren

[Wycky]

Thanks

Its a 2002

33,000km

Premium Pack

Black Interior

3 Year Warranty

Edited February 7, 2008 by Wycky

[WazR32GTSt]

wow a 3 year warranty? that's quite good..

sounds like a good deal and an excellent choice of colour!

[Blue Arrow]

Thanks

Its a 2002

33,000km

Premium Pack

Black Interior

3 Year Warranty

$24,500

nice!! congrats, enjoy your new ride...

[NISMO]

Hey guys

I just bought one wooohoooo

350gt8 Premium!

Pics from the add are attached

Ill be picking the car up tomorrow arvo

Can't wait

Just better get some insurance now!

So whens the next cruize on? hahah

Congrats, Looks like a really clean car.

There's some gorgous coupes in that colour over in the US.

[-= SKiZO =-]

Yeah real nice colour, it's called Skizo-blue Welcome my non-identical twin brother. See you round.

[GTS4nMore]

Hey guys

I just bought one wooohoooo

350gt8 Premium!

Pics from the add are attached

Ill be picking the car up tomorrow arvo

Can't wait

Just better get some insurance now!

So whens the next cruize on? hahah

Heheh, nice purchase! I actually drove that car a few weeks ago don't worry I didn't thrash it

My new 300GT arrives thursday from adelaide, it has full leather & sunroof, I cant wait...

Edited November 6, 2007 by GTS4nMore

[MoronHater]

Hey everyone,

I am also new - but have been reading and researching in the forums for quite some time now as a guest - then just signed up as a member last month.

I am waiting for mine to arrive off the boat in Brisbane at the end of the month.

Picked up a very rare Auction grade 5A with 8000km's - brand new condition.

- 6 Speed Coupe

- Premium Pack

- All options including Sunroof

- Only thing I wanted black but ended up getting this nice silver one because it was taking so long to find a nice black one with all the options and this silver one had everything I wanted.

I went through a company called GT Projects www.gtprojects.com.au - which this is my second car from them.

I personally know the manager and he's a top bloke, only bring in quality cars - I built his web site. (sorry for the plug haha)

I've attached a few pics of my ride. Can't wait to pick it up!

Cheers,

Damien

Above&Beyond Web Specialists

www.abpages.com

Edited November 6, 2007 by MoronHater

[Wycky]

Hey guys

i picked up my car yesterday afternoon.

And its SOOO good

Every time i look at the car i find something cool hidden away i didn't notice before.

Has anybody used their Card holders btw??? hahah

Just have to get used to used to the buttons for the display.

There's one section where it has a timer and how many Km's you've done, does anyone know what thats for??

[WazR32GTSt]

Hey guys

i picked up my car yesterday afternoon.

And its SOOO good

Every time i look at the car i find something cool hidden away i didn't notice before.

Has anybody used their Card holders btw??? hahah

Just have to get used to used to the buttons for the display.

There's one section where it has a timer and how many Km's you've done, does anyone know what thats for??

yet to use the card holder.. can't find a proper use!

the timer page is a reminder system that plashes up a sign saying "FIX" when you reach set number of kms for the appropriate service intervals

how did you go with the Navigation fix? what did they quote you for?

cheers,

Warren

[G7]

HI V35 owners.

1st post since 04! lol (ex S15 owner)

Well I just grabbed an 04 V35. Love it. (after some researc, it is the 70th Annisversary LTD edition)

White

Biege interior

Full leather (not half/half)

Heated seats

Heated mirrors (I THINk, I have 2 buttons under the steering wheel- that has a mirror sticker on it, I assume it could be that, yet to work it out))

Just bought 19inch rims (uninstalled yet)

I wanted to know if the 350Z springs are the same? i just want to lower it some but not coilovers.

Are car audio places able to make the radio suit our frequencys?

Great car- looking at exhuasts also. True Dual perhaps.

Edited November 9, 2007 by G7

[WazR32GTSt]

standard 350z springs lower it approx 1" over the stock V35 ones.. nice cheap upgrade

many car audio places can install a "band expander" which allows the stock radio to pick up australian radio frequencies..

what state are you in?

any pics of your car?