Newbie Advice Please 300Gt

[reverseworm]

Hi Guys,

Hoping you can help. I was originally i t he market for a 350Gt a few months back, but my circumstances have changed and I don't have quite as much cash to throw around. I need a daily driver that is reliable but comfortable for around the $10-12k mark.

I was having a look around on Carsales at all the usual rubbish for that price. Then I came across a couple of 300GT's for that price. There were also some 250GT's. All around 2001.

Now my question is this - are these cars too good to be true? some of them, have less than 50,000kms.

What are some of the things I should look for when buying? any horror stories about expensive repairs? I also get the impression that there are a few people out there importing them and selling straight away. Is this something I should be wary of?

I am on the road with my job and sometimes interstate, so the car has to be 100% reliable.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Andrew

[PN-Mad]

Don't go 1/2 way to your goal.

A V35 300 sedan is not going to feel like your driving a 350GT Manual. You will be much disappoint. Not saying that they are bad cars, just if its your goal then don't go 1/2 way.

Buy a Camry/Corolla- Enjoy the reliability and cheapness of it- Then when "circumstances" allow, get your V35 350GT as a weekender.

[Hadouken]

+1. Buy a daily basher. Get a pulsar haha. There's another thread going around. Then once you've saved up the cash, you can get a 350gt.

What other cars are you considering other than the 300/250

[reverseworm]

also looking at anything with low kms I guess, that isnt a toyota yaris. Mazda 6, Subie liberty, impreza, VW jetta etc etc

All ok cars but not the same value dollar for dollar as a 250 or 300.

[Nightcrawler]

Avoid CVT models at all costs if reliability is your goal. Do a search on SAU for threads about it. Most cars in this price range will be these - and no-one wants to touch them with a 20 foot pole.

[Kolossus]

I have a 2001 V35 300GT, I think it is an awesome car for the price and km's on the car... I got mine for 14k with 42000km's on the clock, yes its not as quick as a 350 but at the end of the day you are still getting a top end luxury car for a stupidly good price, the only problem I have encountered with mine is when I got Chris to swap out my stock head unit for the aftermarket one he stuffed up the a/c buttons hahaha other than that no complaints so far and I have done 20000km's in the car myself.

[reverseworm]

is CVT sometimes referred to as a sports auto? Like this one:

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/nissan-skyline-2001-10606468?vertical=Car&cr=0&eapi=2&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294963846 4294963593 903 4294868011&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1&sort=default

[Howaitonaito]

+1 AVOID THE CVT... I got a 02' 250GT it ha 36000ks on it for $14000 before my trade in.

If I could go back and pay the extra for series two I would.

I avoided beige interior and got black, doesn't scuff or look as "poppy pack" as the beige.

[GRK35L]

had a CVT for two years now. No issues at all in regards to the transmission. My two cents.

[sonicii]

is CVT sometimes referred to as a sports auto? Like this one:

http://www.carsales....eapi=2&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294963846 4294963593 903 4294868011&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1&sort=default

I believe the CVT was only available on the 350GT sedan (called a 350GT8), if it is a 300GT or a 250GT then it will be a standard 4 or 5 speed auto

[Manny25]

I have a 2004 300GT which i am reluctantly selling.

Best car i ever drove, bang for your buck, had it for over a year and not one single problem. Cheap servicing, easy to maintain.

You need to test drive one, comfort,stability and handles brilliantly. Smoothest ride every.

Enough grunt as a daily drive a mixture of sports and luxury if that's what you are aiming for.

I would suggest a 300GT over a 250GT; just a bit more zip

[Howaitonaito]

250 ain't slow but demolishes the rest on economy. Some Nissan dealers will touch them (Lake Macquarie Nissan for instance) and some tell you literally to get F**KED (Kloster Nissan Newcastle) When I tool mine to Nissan they only charged me a 350Z service and they can order in any part.

Having people say "never knew maximas were RWD?" is the funniest

[Kolossus]

My 300GT has 20's on it and the ride is still good (most cars will make you break your back) as for servicing, mine are generally around the $290 mark, thats for a independent workshop under the repco group to do it. But if you want to modify the car, get a 350GT coupe because lets face it the DD engines have no go fast parts available (wish there was). But i just plan on upgrading when the time comes.

[Howaitonaito]

There really isn't for the DD engines aye..... Exhaust, cold air and that's about it really. Brakes/suspension and stuff like that is easy as piss

[Hadouken]

Get a turbo if you want go fast bits

[reverseworm]

This is the car Im looking at on the weekend.

Skyline 300GT

Has anyone had any experience with Leisure Vehicles in Williamstown?

Im paranoid about the speedo's being wound back.

Edited February 9, 2012 by reverseworm

[Manny25]

Not bad.

When i see cars like that i really wonder if i'm going to ever sell mine.

Why are the cars sooo cheap these days?

Mines black 2004 HV35 with 19s and a bit lower on KM for 18....

Might have to take the price down...

[reverseworm]

Not bad.

When i see cars like that i really wonder if i'm going to ever sell mine.

Why are the cars sooo cheap these days?

Mines black 2004 HV35 with 19s and a bit lower on KM for 18....

Might have to take the price down...

I guess it is because of a couple of things - for starters it is an 11 year old car now and many people would be put off by that, as well as the fact it is an import.

I have sold a couple of cars recently and my message to anyone looking to sell is to be patient. It really is a buyers market. If you want a quick sale, drop your price otherwise be prepared to wait. Someone will eventually come along.

[Manny25]

Exactly! Its a waiting game.

Well back to your question... You will not regret buying a v35, handles great and great as a daily drive, how is insurance quoting you?

[Howaitonaito]

Agreed. Quick, comfortable and something a bit different from the norm. Because of the advance front midship and great weight distribution it handles like a dream and it will put a massive smile on your face.

In response to the car on carsales.... Adjustable backseats, Bose, power front seats for 12k and only has 68000kms on it, good deal!