What to look for when buying a Skyline Crossover?

[My2c]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum but been a long time visitor. I'm looking to buy my first JAP imorted car. Ive done some research about different models as below:

 Nissan Cima, Fuga, Cedric, Skyline V36 350/370GT Type P & Crossover J50.

I found the Crossover a good alternative to existing local cars such as RAV4 and RX 350.

I need to know what are the common issues with the Crossover J50 models?

So far I listed my findings below:

1- LCA bushes

2- Water pump

3- Rust

Should I go for the RWD or AWD version?

Any transmission issue? Any rattling issue?

 

Sorry for all the Qs.

Sam

Edited January 31, 2021 by My2c

[GTSBoy]

Why would an old Skyline crossover be a better choice than the smartest possible choice in the segment (being a RAV4)?

Typical example. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-toyota-rav4-gx-auto-awd/OAG-AD-19381813/?Cr=0&gts=OAG-AD-19381813&gtsSaleId=OAG-AD-19381813&gtsViewType=showcase&rankingType=showcase

 

[Ben C34]

20 hours ago, My2c said:

1- LCA bushes

2- Water pump

3- Rust

add to that list

• insurance
• parts availability
• most mechanics wont want to touch it when things go wrong
• you probably cant read Japanese therefore media/nav system is not great to use.
•  

[My2c]

It's a fun car to drive. Although expensive and not as reliable as RAV4. Price is also $10k cheaper that the one in your link.

[My2c]

2 hours ago, Ben C34 said:

add to that list

• insurance
• parts availability
• most mechanics wont want to touch it when things go wrong
• you probably cant read Japanese therefore media/nav system is not great to use.

I can use google translate or google lens to translate the text. Insurance is very expensive though. 

Most mechanics hate imported cars

I think some parts are shared between 370Z & Crossover but not 100% sure.

[GTSBoy]

56 minutes ago, My2c said:

Price is also $10k cheaper that the one in your link.

3x as old, twice the mileage. Orphan. Not a turbo coupe. Therefore the RAV4 is better in every way. If you're cross shopping these things and RAV4s, you already recognise that there's no difference between a jacked up Camry and a jacked up (Skyline?), for driving around the suburbs and using the extra ride height to clear the barkchips when you need to get it onto the lawn to wash it.

The only saving grace would be the much larger engine. But my 2.5L RAV4 accelerates off the line well enough to get in front of the Mini Clubman in the next lane. How much more does it need?

[NZ-GTT]

Can't help with what to look for when buying a skyline crossover, but  a GT370 crossover makes heaps more power than a RAV4 or JX350

[junkie]

I would buy a locally delivered Infiniti FX instead. Pretty much the same thing with less insurance and parts hassles and a lot less chance of odometer tampering.

[Murray_Calavera]

Just a FYI, coming from someone that can read Japanese, Google translate does a terrible job of translating Japanese.

[joshuaho96]

On 2/1/2021 at 9:09 AM, Murray_Calavera said:

Just a FYI, coming from someone that can read Japanese, Google translate does a terrible job of translating Japanese.

AFAIK DeepL is a lot better these days, worth a shot for those that don't know.

[Murray_Calavera]

2 hours ago, joshuaho96 said:

AFAIK DeepL is a lot better these days, worth a shot for those that don't know.

Yes indeed, especially when translating an abstract idea it is miles ahead of Google Translate. 

[bensonroy]

I don't know whether you've made a decision yet or not. But left to me, I'll choose RAV4 over skyline everytime. Apart from the fact that RAV4 is a new product, skyline is an old product that it's almost out of vogue. It has some issues and require high maintenance. 

[GT-Rr32]

Did you end up buying the crossover ? 
we have had ours now 4 years and it’s got 292000km on it and apart from a new radiator it’s been faultless ! 
from the Infiniti quality to performance of the 3,7L smooth 7speed transmission. By far the best car we have bought. 

[doobre]

Rav4 and skyline crossover are not comparable, they are marketed to a different group, and designed as such. My wife has a 2008 Rav4, i have the crossover (2011). Rav4 is much more economical, much bigger luggage space, more legroom in rear seats, cheap service cost, parts are everywhere. Crossover is an up market wagon, but small inside, good driver car, parts not so common, service cost higher, more of a cruiser than a shopping basket. work out firstly what are your real needs from  a car…