Newbie here - Info on R33 GTS-t

[DREMEN]

Hey guys and girls,

I am a regular on the Fast Fours Forum and I have just recently sold my done-up lancer and I am looking to upgrade to something faster

I test drove my friends R33 gts-t skyline the other day and I really LOVED it It was awesome, nice and fast and very stylish.

So now I am looking at importing a R33 from Japan.

But I need to know some of the pros and cons of owning a R33 GTS-t skyline.

I am really worried about defects, because I got so many with my last car (the lancer) and I really want to keep away from the defects.

Also I have been speaking to an importer by the name of Geoff Risbey (manager of Prestige Motorsport in WA). He seems like he knows his stuff and it looks like he get me a nice series 1 R33 GTS-t for around $17k-$18k

Is the series 2 much better? Is it worth it?

Thanks al for your time...

Ben

[DREMEN]

OK I forgot something....

I have spoken to the people on the Fast Fours Forum and some of them have advised that the R33 gts-t is WAY to common now.

And that the market value will decrease due to how common they are.

Also saying they are slow because they are so heavy.

What do you skyline owners (lovers) think????

Thanks

Ben

P.S. I am not bagging the Fast Fours Forum just after another opinion.

[dAVE]

all the importers on this board have a good rep (prestige, upi & j-spec)

In term of performance, i dont think the sII is any better, maybe worse becuase the turbo cant be boosted as much..

but u get a better interior , dual airbags etc.. and less k's

It all really comes down to how much you want to spend.

[DREMEN]

My budget for the car is $17k - $19k imported and complied

So I would say that would get me a nice series 1 R33 gts-t

But whats the disadvantages about owning one????

[Shell]

Hi Ben

congrats on your decision!

well one "pro": Skylines are VERY reliable, I've had mine for almost 2 years now, and nothing has gone wrong (it now has 123,000 kms on it). Just make sure you maintain it properly like any performance car...regular oil changes, services, etc.

I haven't found any "cons" yet except for parking down the arse end of the carpark so no one slams their door into it. High insurance could be an issue if you're young. I would highly recommend you get some quotes before you start thinking about importing.

and talking about importing, Geoff has a great rep as a trustworthy importer, so good choice there.

umm, defects...well that all depends on what you plan to do to it

[Birty]

Spend the same money on an R32, you'll get something that's a little less common, and with the extra money spent you'll get something that's had some nice mods done, the cars lighter but the engines smaller. Just look around and keep your eyes and mind open for anything.

And any car will get defected at any given time, if you're worried then make sure you get an engineers certificate for any mods.

[DREMEN]

Thanks for the advice

Insurance shouldn't be too much of problem... Had a quote for $2k so I am happy with that...

I also heard it chews a fair bit of petrol?

R32..... I am not sure I like the square back.....

And they are getting pretty old now...

[Merli]

Originally posted by DREMEN

I am really worried about defects, because I got so many with my last car (the lancer) and I really want to keep away from the defects.

Don't rice the skyline up, don't drive like an idiot, and you won't attract any attention from the Police.

They don't like hoons, they don't like ricey neons or flashing lights, they don't like loud exhausts, and they don't like loud stereos. Keep a low profile whilst driving on the streets and you'll be fine.

Quite simple really

[DREMEN]

lol nah I want this one to be stock with looks and with some go fast goodies

So I won't be riceing the skyline up..... just want to stay away from too much trouble with defects..... I live in Penrith and you can't drive up the main street without being pulled over

So I take there are not many cons with owning a skyline?

[TTT]

Ben.

It's good to see that you took my advice and joined these forums.

You won't find too many cons when jumping from the lancer to a R33 skyline.

The R33 is very common now but that is simply because it is such a good car. It's got power, style, comfort... all for close to $20K.. There is not much that can offer that.

The R32 is not really that much older than the series 1 R33's.

And I don't know how the R32 has a square back.. The R31 DOES have a square back, but the R32 is a little rounded..

The difference between the Series 1 and 2 in the R33 range is some interior changes, some front bar changes.

The turbo chargers in the skylines have Ceramic exhaust blades.

This is the reason why people always recommend that you don't boost them up more than 12-13 psi.. Excess shaft speed causes the ceramic exhaust wheel to detach from the shaft and go for a run down your exhaust pipe...

The turbo in the Series 2 is the same but I have been told that they also have a PLASTIC Compressor wheel (the front of the turbo). the series 1's have a steel compressor wheel.

I'm pretty sure that you will be VERY happy going with a skyline.

I don't know your driving history/experience, but please keep in mind that going from a 80kw front wheel drive lancer to a 185kw HEAVY rear wheel drive turbo skyline... there is a big difference.. Please make sure you get used to the car first before giving it too much stick.. ESPECIALLY IN THE WET...

It's not as easy to control as front wheel torque steer..

There is plenty of room for power upgrades in the turbo skylines...

As for defects.. cops will look for a few things straight away.. exposed pod filters, BOVs, loud exhausts. and ride hight and so on if it looks lowered.

if you want mods, get a better filter for the box, make some cold air induction pipes, get a CAT back exhaust, front mount cooler, bit more boost, some sway bars a slightly lowered springs and you'll never get hassled and will leave most of the FFF guys staring at your beautiful rear lights..

[PJKJ]

Originally posted by GTST

Ben.

The R33 is very common now but that is simply because it is such a good car. It's got power, style, comfort... all for close to $20K.. There is not much that can offer that.

The R33 GTST's are great.. I agree with "GTST" that they are common only cause they are a great car... im my own opinion the overall package is great. for the cost..... They still have presence on the road and if you you have a bit of spare cash you can make them go fast and look sweet... ...I havnt had any issues with my car ( TOUCH WOOD) it has been reliable as. No matter if you get a 32 or a 33 you will get a great car

Cheers

Richmond

[Steve]

Dude, skylines are an awesome ride, reliable comfortable and good performance. Fuel economy isn't too bad, I get about 10l/100km.

Just an idea, why import another when you can get one over here? Just have a look at the for sale section. There are some nice cars in there, modded and not so modded, but the big thing is that you can get them fully checked out by a mechanic, take them for a test drive and maybe even barter on the price a little.....why take the risk on an unseen import if you are after a basic skyline???

[2fardown]

A bit off topic but I'm sick of these wankers that go around saying R33's are to common. Ask them what car they drive and they will respond with commodore, lancer, excel, Ford.......I feel like punching them in the face. These people are just jealous. If you don't want a common car buy a ***ing Mclaren F1 is what I say to them. And if anyone of those Ricers on Fast Fours want to discuss it, feel free to PM or email me.

Sorry bout that I had to vent my anger.

R33's are a top car. They look great and go even better. Go for it!

:burnout:

[Guest Boxhead]

mmhmm they are getting towards a bit of a common car, but it depends on where you are, surfers paradise you will see plenty... dunno about other areas.. i only sya there common, coz they are in comparison to r32s

[dAVE]

bah, it depends on where you hangout and where u drive if u think they r common. Like if you go to broadwater car park of course they are common cos its a bit of an import scene. I wouldnt go calling a car common until you pull up to the lights and there are more than two or three of them

also, i find that its usually people driving lancers or similar who say that 33's are too common. Those people must drive with their ****ing eyes shut cos I see about 100 lancers a day and maybe 1 or 2 skylines a day.

[adam 32]

yeh people only think skylines are common bcos they are a very noticeable car. if you start playing 'spot the commodore' then youll realise the skyline isnt actually a very common car

plus i dont think the fact that its common should sway your decisions, buy a car on your merits not bcos its rare or too common.... either way youll love driving a skyline and will never look back!!

good luck!

[john]

ive had my r33 m spec for over a year now, when i first got it i could go days and days without seeing one the same, but in the short time between then and now importers have doubled there business and there are alot more on the road, but there are still **** all on the road compared to say a hsv or xr. if you ask the people who say something is common what they would buy it will either be a car that is out of their range or serious modifications to a car that will cost huge$$$$ and many hours.

skylines will never be 'common'

[PJKJ]

Very true compared to other cars on the road the R33 isnt very common....

Cheers

Richmond

[SS8_Gohan]

down Bayside way in Melbourne, i don't see any Just a crap load of BM's and mum's in big f*ck off 4WD's taking kids to school Someone say X5?? :)

[Amir]

The late model series 1 R33s in my opinion look better than the earlier ones. For 20k, most probably you'll get a 93/94 model. Spend a bit more and get a low Km 1995.

Pro: Imagine this. Your exiting a servo and theres a Brand spanking new BMW infront of you. People turn around brushing over the BM and then affixing there eyes on the GTS. Staring at it till it exits the place. Not many cars can grab peoples attention like the Skyline.

Only one con I can think of: b/c the car is several years old, some of them come with old additional technology. Eg: mine had an early model Apexi Air fuel controller that did more harm than good and a boost controller that was absolutely crap. So take the crap out and invest in getting the good modern stuff.

Yeh, I agree with the other guys, people who say there common most probably own WRXs. Had a S/charged Commo before the skyline, now that was common.