1999 VSPEC Series 1 R34 GTR VSPEC vs 2001 Base Series 2 R34 GTR

[MK80]

Hey Guys

 

My name is Mile and Im a newby on this site :)

 

Im in the process of becoming a R34 GTR owner and would like some advice and thoughts to help me with some decisions.

 

1. Would anyone prefer to own a 2001 series 2 base model over a 1999 series 1 vspec model? 

 

2. What your thoughts are on current value of both ? (feel free to give me your thoughts on all 4 x options.... series 1 base / vspec and series 2 base / vspec2 models)

 

3. Order of preferred colour between Bayside (TV2), White (QM1), Athlete Silver (KV2) & Black (GV1)

 

Based on both options being like for like condition wise with same / no mods and with approximately 100,000km on the clock. Full books, grade 4 condition, ticks all the boxes etc.

 

Keep in mind when advising on both options that I will be updating the suspension, wheels, exhaust, filter, computer upgrade etc etc once I find the right example. Mods will be just standard bolt on stuff to pretty it up. 

 

All the updates on the series 2 base model appeal to me, especially the black trimming.

 

I was hoping to get some feedback of what everyones thoughts were on which way they would go with this. There's a few options Im looking at and close to making a decision.

 

Thanks in advance 

[The Bogan]

Out of those 3 Bayside blue is a real nice "colour", and IMO classic, white and silver just blends in with every other car

You will probably find most will already have some basic mods like you already mentioned 

As for what series, buy the newest and best condition your budget allows

[MK80]

2 minutes ago, The Bogan said:

Out of those 3 Bayside blue is a real nice "colour", and IMO classic, white and silver just blends in with every other car

You will probably find most will already have some basic mods like you already mentioned 

As for what series, buy the newest and best condition your budget allows

Yes, bayside will always be a winner.

 

Do you see a value difference between 1999 vspec s1 & 2001 base s2 ? 

[Duncan]

Personally, I'd got the newer one. Particularly if you were going to swap out the vspec brakes and shocks anyway

[MK80]

2 minutes ago, Duncan said:

Personally, I'd got the newer one. Particularly if you were going to swap out the vspec brakes and shocks anyway

I probably wouldn’t do the brakes but I would install new coilovers sure. 

[MK80]

Anyone else have any thoughts on if I should go 1999 VS1 or 2001 Base2 ? 
 

And could give me your thoughts if you believe the buying value on both would be about the same ? 

[joshuaho96]

2 hours ago, MK80 said:

Anyone else have any thoughts on if I should go 1999 VS1 or 2001 Base2 ? 
 

And could give me your thoughts if you believe the buying value on both would be about the same ? 

It's swings and roundabouts. Doesn't matter that much. The earlier VSpec 1 has slightly better undercoating from the factory, the headlights still have the level adjustment motors, small touches like that. Series 2 base model gets slightly improved brake bias. Focus on condition. Only worry about VSpec vs base if you actually care about the bits that come with the VSpec like the front diffuser, rear diffuser, A-LSD, and slightly stiffer OEM suspension.

[UWISSH!]

Ultimately it comes down to what u want.

you are the one that’s going to spend $200k + on a car. Why would it matter what other people’s opinions are unless you are just worried about future re sale or internet clout.

I would personally just be finding the best condition example within my budget.

[MK80]

When spending so much money on a classic JDM (or any car for that matter) I would think it’s in my best interest to consider resale value of specific variations of the same car. 
 

People’s thoughts and opinions is just that and is always interesting to get feedback. 
 

The budget covers possible equal condition on both of these models of which I believe could be of equal value, hence the question. 

[joshuaho96]

11 hours ago, MK80 said:

When spending so much money on a classic JDM (or any car for that matter) I would think it’s in my best interest to consider resale value of specific variations of the same car. 
 

People’s thoughts and opinions is just that and is always interesting to get feedback. 
 

The budget covers possible equal condition on both of these models of which I believe could be of equal value, hence the question. 

I personally value the parts that a VSpec gets because I have no plans to actually modify things like the suspension or rear diff. The question you're asking is how many people actually value those parts. Judging by how often these cars have aftermarket diffs and suspension all that's left is two underbody covers basically. Value is relative. To some people the mechanical diff is actually preferable in the base model because it means no A-LSD errors or other nonsense to deal with when you rip out the factory A-LSD found in a VSpec.

[GTSBoy]

I'm not in the market, but I would choose the newer base model over the older V-spec for the same money.

As Joshua says, there's little on the V-spec that would survive my need to piss off the A-LSD, and the various other upgrades that would happen. It pays to remember that a stock GTR, even in V-spec form, is not super exciting. They need mods to be proper fun to drive.

If the fun instead is in having an unmodified car with a particular type of badge, then I can't align with those sorts of priorities.

The ridiculous prices being applied to these cars are only a distraction. They're still the same dirty old Datto that they were in the 90s and early 00s. The prices can't last. All petrol engined cars that are not museum quality are doomed to become valueless. The hope of trying to keep one pristine but still driving it is a nonsense. It's a car. Designed to do one job. It should do that job, or be in a museum. There is no halfway house that makes sense.