Noobie With 32 Gtr Questions!

[Vanilla Slice]

Sup guys!

I am seeking some wisdom and advice from you guys, figured this would be the best forum to ask. Names Dave, im from SA. I turn 21 this month.

For a long time I've wanted an R32, in my opinion its the best looking skyline, along side 34s. Ive looked at importing a 32 from japan because they are very old cars and I would want one with low milage. Id assume there would be a shitload of thrashed out ones in Australia. I figured I could get one for around 8k. But then I looked at GTRs and noticed they were around the 15k mark, I had a rethink. I decided I would rather get a GTR.

However, I do know they are very old cars and do possess a few problems like the oil pump. Im guessing there are more problems which would arrise.

I need some opinions.

1) Would I be better off to import one, or buy from Australia which I can actually see. Keeping in mind I was keen for a stock gtr to avoid the risk of defects and regency checks.

2) If I were to import would importing a 1994 model be the smartest idea? If buying from Aus, would it be best to buy one with a rebuilt motor?

3) What problems do these cars typically have with age?

4) Best company for insurance?

If anyone can think of other reasons I should/should not buy one, please feel free to say so!

Thanks for your time kids!

Edited May 1, 2012 by Vanilla Slice

[10 4]

15k R32 GTR

[adamskill]

Buy it locally.

Get it looked over very thoroughly.

Be prepared to spend money on it. And proper money too. Easily thousands. A $15k R32 Gtr will be ruff round the edges.

As for insurance, your 20. expect to pay HEAPS for full comp insurance. thats IF anyone will insure you.

EDIT- Im not trying to sound negative, but old imports are expensive toys!!!

Edited May 1, 2012 by adamskill

[olloSKYLINEollo]

Look locally first and if you don't find any that suits what you want then start looking at importing. 15k for a GTR, expect to put in at the very least another $5000 to get the car fixed up. No real advantage to a later model mainly just not being as old as a 1989 model. As for problems, just generally wear and tear on a 18+ year old performance car, also coil packs, AFM's and o2 sensors seem to be pretty common problems. Rebuilt would be the way to go if the work has been done by a workshop that know their way around skylines, and make sure they have all receipts for the work done. I have been insured by both JustCars and Shannon's and both have been around $2000 a year with a $1500 excess (JustCars )and $900 (Shannons).

My car was on the boat to Australia while I was still on my p plates and got the car not long after I had turned 20. I haven't had any problems in nearly 1.5 years of owning the car.

[iplen]

First of all search for answers, a lot of your questions you will find have been answered, 93 onwards have less issues with the oil pump due to the front of the crank being a better design. As stated above, AFM's, Coils, Exhaust cam.. Then there is the big stuff that cars of this age might need.. Clutch with labor (may as well rebuild the box too)- thousands, Turbos-thousands, spin a big end- THOUSANDS...

I bought mine because all I wanted was to own an R32 V-SpecII, I will never sell it, and I have had to make sacrifices to do it. All I have had to do so far is turbos (on the big $$ list) the things to think about are:

How often will you drive (often- get a 33 Gtst, very rarely- Maybe get a 32 R)

How much mechanical knowledge do you have?

How long do you want to keep it?

Are you happy to have car that consumes money, but very rarely sees the light of day..

Having said all that, I am taking mine to Wakefield this weekend, and cannot wait, everytime I drive it I get a buzz, I love looking out my kitchen window and seeing it.

Insurance wise mine is with Shannons, limited use, agreed value of $25k,the mods listed I am 29 with an all but perfect driving record, and is $1500ish.