Nissan Skyline R32/R33 GTR
Discussion
Hi Pistonheads,
I may be in a position to make a dream come true at some point over the next few months. I've always wanted a Nissan Skyline R32 GTR or R33 GTR. Now I am aware that the prices of these have risen immensely over the past few months, however I am still keen.
Does anyone know how much I should be looking to budget for something in reasonable/good condition?
Any advice on who can help me source one? I'm based in north Devon if there happens to be any garages local.
If there are any owners on this forum it would be great to get some input on what its like to own one.
Thanks!
I may be in a position to make a dream come true at some point over the next few months. I've always wanted a Nissan Skyline R32 GTR or R33 GTR. Now I am aware that the prices of these have risen immensely over the past few months, however I am still keen.
Does anyone know how much I should be looking to budget for something in reasonable/good condition?
Any advice on who can help me source one? I'm based in north Devon if there happens to be any garages local.
If there are any owners on this forum it would be great to get some input on what its like to own one.
Thanks!
TommoAE86 said:
I'd reckon around £40k if you wanted a good condition one from Japan I'd have thought now but I'm only looking at goo-net for a rough idea.
When I imported cars from Japan I used TorqueGT, some people say they're expensive but I've always felt I've had great service and value for what they do and both my Skyline (GTS-t) and my Crown have been excellent.
Hi Tommo, When I imported cars from Japan I used TorqueGT, some people say they're expensive but I've always felt I've had great service and value for what they do and both my Skyline (GTS-t) and my Crown have been excellent.
Thanks for replying. I'd be happy to pay that amount. Ah I'd never heard of goo net before, thanks for the heads up. Oh fab torque gt are based very close by to me! I'll be sure to get in touch with them.
Do you still own your skyline? What are running costs like?
TommoAE86 said:
Goo-net is my favourite website in the world, just checking out all the cool stuff that they get over there compared to the dross we suffer with here 
Even if you don't go with them then TorqueGT are approachable and will answer questions you have, what you pay for from them on top of the car is the inspection in Japan, all the shipping and making the car ready for the UK (foglight, underseal etc).
I don't have my Skyline anymore as I didn't have the space but it was a grade 4 series 1 GTS-t - owned it 3 years and did about 20,000kms in that time and was garaged but used year round. Oddly mine was different because I didn't modify it in anyway - still had the original HICAS and adaptive aero (the latter being super rare).
I'm so happy to have owned it and it never felt anything less than amazing, but equally I really love my Crown which I replaced it with as it's a more versatile car - another TorqueGT one with (again rare) Modellista/TOM's aero.
Great pics! An unmodified skyline, that is unique!Even if you don't go with them then TorqueGT are approachable and will answer questions you have, what you pay for from them on top of the car is the inspection in Japan, all the shipping and making the car ready for the UK (foglight, underseal etc).
I don't have my Skyline anymore as I didn't have the space but it was a grade 4 series 1 GTS-t - owned it 3 years and did about 20,000kms in that time and was garaged but used year round. Oddly mine was different because I didn't modify it in anyway - still had the original HICAS and adaptive aero (the latter being super rare).
I'm so happy to have owned it and it never felt anything less than amazing, but equally I really love my Crown which I replaced it with as it's a more versatile car - another TorqueGT one with (again rare) Modellista/TOM's aero.
Yes I'll be sure to give torque gt a call. I'm waiting on a house sale to complete which will hopefully be done by the end of the year else end of January 2022.
Your crown looks great. I've never seen one on the road before so I imagine they're quite rare in the UK? Whats it like to drive?
TommoAE86 said:
I wouldn't say they're anything special, but there are probably fewer than 20 in the UK of my shape which is cool. I'm addicted to Crown's since I got mine and I raved about mine here and go into detail about the driving, the 0-60 of 4.9seconds surprises.
They'll never have the caché of a Skyline but they do some pretty cool versions
Factory supercharged one:
Or one of the generation after which probably look the best imo:
Athlete (sporty)
Majesta (luxury)
Great looking cars! Its a shame we miss out on some of this stuff over here. They'll never have the caché of a Skyline but they do some pretty cool versions
Factory supercharged one:
Or one of the generation after which probably look the best imo:
Athlete (sporty)
Majesta (luxury)
J-Tuner said:
Another vouch for Torque GT. I got my 1992 R32 GTR through them and ended up with a grade 4b 70k miles example which i love. What you have to understand is a grade 4b is almost top draw for a car knocking 30 years old. I have been steadily going through the car replacing perished seals, trims bolts etc and as i get into it i have started to uncover age related bits and pieces broken or chewed up a bit but it all looks normal. Basically what i am saying is whatever condition you get if you really want to future proof it you should expect additional costs to freshen up all the original or mangled bits and pieces and the can costs can rack up. Good news is parts seem to be more available now than they did when I purchased 3 years ago! I have bagged some rare gems from japan for very good prices and it comes down to doing your homework.
How does an R32 GTR drive? Its a completely analogue experience, the car feels tiny compared to modern cars but is great for road placement. You have to pedal the car a bit and learn its foibles, it likes to rev and the boost takes a moment to hit unless you have it on the boil. It can be tail happy so you need to be on your guard in the wet. Pops on overun without trying even with the cat in. If its near stock like mine (approx 395bhp @ 14psi)it wont perhaps feel as violent or urgent as the image you have built up in your head but just remember thats easily rectified. I love mine because its not far off of stock. Everyone used to say Japanese cars were dull and lacking character but it's every inch the occasion you want in your dream car as far as i am concerned. You will get people talking to you at the petrol station, thumbs up and hi fives everywhere you go and people deliberately running alongside you on the motorway to take in godzilla on the move as its still an amazing sight for any car fan. If you can and its your dream car go for it!
Thanks a lot for your reply, its got me quite excited. Its great to hear your feedback! Your car looks great, is that gun metal grey? Great colour. How does an R32 GTR drive? Its a completely analogue experience, the car feels tiny compared to modern cars but is great for road placement. You have to pedal the car a bit and learn its foibles, it likes to rev and the boost takes a moment to hit unless you have it on the boil. It can be tail happy so you need to be on your guard in the wet. Pops on overun without trying even with the cat in. If its near stock like mine (approx 395bhp @ 14psi)it wont perhaps feel as violent or urgent as the image you have built up in your head but just remember thats easily rectified. I love mine because its not far off of stock. Everyone used to say Japanese cars were dull and lacking character but it's every inch the occasion you want in your dream car as far as i am concerned. You will get people talking to you at the petrol station, thumbs up and hi fives everywhere you go and people deliberately running alongside you on the motorway to take in godzilla on the move as its still an amazing sight for any car fan. If you can and its your dream car go for it!
Edited by J-Tuner on Sunday 21st November 23:47
Edited by J-Tuner on Sunday 21st November 23:48
I appreciate this is something that I will have to spend money on to keep going. Are most parts available if ordered from Japan? I remember reading some information about Nissan remanufacturing some parts for older skyline models.
jonesey said:
I'd wanted one for 20+ years and had never driven one when i picked up my car a couple of months ago. Mine is a 70k mile car that just had around £7k spent on it to bring it back to life after 6+ years in dry storage. I paid late £30's for it so i agree with what others said above from a value perspective.
I've had/driven plenty of cars and this is easily one of the most visceral. Very much a multi-dimentional drive and to be honest i'm still quite intimidated by it which is part of the joy. I tend to be buzzing when i step out of it after a drive. Suffice to say the old phrase "never meet your heros" hasn't proven applicable.
Great feedback! Thanks for replying. Your car looks great. I've had/driven plenty of cars and this is easily one of the most visceral. Very much a multi-dimentional drive and to be honest i'm still quite intimidated by it which is part of the joy. I tend to be buzzing when i step out of it after a drive. Suffice to say the old phrase "never meet your heros" hasn't proven applicable.
Its great to hear you've picked one up recently. Late 30s seems like a good price with how hot the market is at the moment!
Would you mind sharing how you sourced your car?
mersontheperson said:
Hey Moggie
Goo net prices are usually the auction prices plus a dealer premium. There are many that sell everyday at the auctions. I have bought about 8 cars from a New Zealander that lives in Japan and goes to the auctions and does a detailed inspection, auction sheet translation, sends high res images etc.
Personally I think it’s best to buy from the auction directly through someone like him, you know what you are getting and can wait for the right one. Happy to pass on the name of the company if you DM me.
Through his site you can save searches, check auction history prices and get a good understanding of where the market is now. R32’s are now available for US import so they are going up even more than usual.
I think you need to budget for 35k plus to get something that isn’t a huge risk
Hi Merson, Goo net prices are usually the auction prices plus a dealer premium. There are many that sell everyday at the auctions. I have bought about 8 cars from a New Zealander that lives in Japan and goes to the auctions and does a detailed inspection, auction sheet translation, sends high res images etc.
Personally I think it’s best to buy from the auction directly through someone like him, you know what you are getting and can wait for the right one. Happy to pass on the name of the company if you DM me.
Through his site you can save searches, check auction history prices and get a good understanding of where the market is now. R32’s are now available for US import so they are going up even more than usual.
I think you need to budget for 35k plus to get something that isn’t a huge risk
Thanks for the information! Yes please, that would be great.
I'll dm you now
mersontheperson said:
I checked with the company I know and they are happy for me to put their name here, www.smilejv.com
The owner is a chap called Brendan, and my personal experience over multiple purchases has been very good
Thank you for this The owner is a chap called Brendan, and my personal experience over multiple purchases has been very good
Wow I can't believe it's happening. I've purchased an R32 GTR in Japan! I think it will be autumn time before its delivered. This is a huge deal for me and feels like a dream.
Thanks Merson for the recommendation of smilejv.
Does anyone have any advice on what I need to do once I collect the car? From what I understand: I pay VAT through a shipping agent at the port on the day of collection. I'm assuming I'll have to get the car transported to a garage or my home address. Then do I contact the Dvla to get a v5 and number plates? I've read something about an iva? Then it will just be the usual stuff like mot?
Any advice on if it's possible to Insure the car before it's registered with the Dvla?
Many thanks!
Thanks Merson for the recommendation of smilejv.
Does anyone have any advice on what I need to do once I collect the car? From what I understand: I pay VAT through a shipping agent at the port on the day of collection. I'm assuming I'll have to get the car transported to a garage or my home address. Then do I contact the Dvla to get a v5 and number plates? I've read something about an iva? Then it will just be the usual stuff like mot?
Any advice on if it's possible to Insure the car before it's registered with the Dvla?
Many thanks!
samoht said:
Congrats! Enjoy the anticipation
I wrote this ages ago, but mostly still applies
https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?342007-Gui...
but specifically
- Yes you can insure the car on its chassis number until it's registered
- Yes pay VAT and import duty through a shipping agent before collection
- Then get the car home
- Then get a rear foglight fitted
- Then MoT (no IVA or SVA required on cars over 10 years old)
- Then apply to the DVLA to register the car (after passing MoT)
- Then Halfords or similar for the physical number plates
Thanks samoht that's really helpful. I wrote this ages ago, but mostly still applies
https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?342007-Gui...
but specifically
- Yes you can insure the car on its chassis number until it's registered
- Yes pay VAT and import duty through a shipping agent before collection
- Then get the car home
- Then get a rear foglight fitted
- Then MoT (no IVA or SVA required on cars over 10 years old)
- Then apply to the DVLA to register the car (after passing MoT)
- Then Halfords or similar for the physical number plates
Is it legal to drive the car home from the docks? The shipping agent I spoke to earlier seemed to think it was ok to do one journey from the port to home (as long as the car is insured) but it seems quite sketchy driving without number plates?
Updating thread. Car arrived in Jan. I did get the car transported rather than drive it to avoid any hassle or risk anything going wrong. Unfortunately the interior had become very mouldy on its journey over to the UK which was a shock on the day of collection. Thankfully I managed to find a great mobile valeter who sorted this out.
It took a while to get everything sorted with dvla paper work, MOT etc plus arrival of first child so it was April before it was actually on the road. I found a nearby Jap specialist who gave the car a full service, replaced some suspension bushes, exhaust repair and timing belt replacement.
The AC controller wasn't working but i managed to buy a replacement at a good price on eBay so this is now working.
I've booked the car in to get a tracker and immbiliser installed.
My front windscreen washer jets have stopped working so this is my next job to tackle.
I'm really enjoying the car in it's standard form at the moment but I do think there will come a time where it might be fun to increase the power.
simonas2702 said:
How you getting on with the GTR32 OP?
Hi Simon,
Things are going great. Over the summer I took it out as much as I could and loved every minute. It attracts a lot of attention, a lot more than I thought it would. If I'm honest I see this as a small down side!
It handles very well but the suspension on mine does need some tlc- it's very crashy over bumps and pot holes. I need to research what I'm gonna do here and get some advice on what needs replacing to make things feel better. I want to retain the original ride height because of the steep angle of my drive way.
I have a few DIY jobs that need completing in time for spring when I'll be driving it more again: oil and oil filter l, discs and pads on the front, top up the bilt hamber underseal, the front washer jet motor has stopped working so need to repair this, the JDM radio doesn't pick up any UK stations so want to replace this and need to investigate why the clutch pedal makes a creaking sound.
My car is completely standard. The boost restrictor is also still present. I am tempted to turn up the power slightly with a nistune board but have been warned against doing this due to the age of the ceramic turbos. Things get expensive very quickly if I want to replace the turbos. So might have to leave the power level as it is for now. I do enjoy driving the car in it's factory state of tune but the temptation for more power is always there.
Ross16v said:
Been reading through this thread again with interest. I've also been hankering after an R32 / R32 GTR for a long time, with a R32 being my preference. I'm just in the process of selling my Impreza Spec C RA, and based on the recent market cooling and weak Yen, I'm thinking it might be the time to bite the bullet! I had intended to use the money for something more sensible but....
I've only imported one car in the past (Evo 5) and that was through Torque GT, which was a very smooth process and offered peace of mind. Although I'm thinking this time I might try a smaller local importer to save some costs (hopefully not a false economy). Although it sounds like the process you used OP was straight forward enough, handling all the registration process etc after the car was sourced through smilejv?
Sometimes it's good to do sensible things and sometimes you need to do not so sensible things, if they make you happy! I've only imported one car in the past (Evo 5) and that was through Torque GT, which was a very smooth process and offered peace of mind. Although I'm thinking this time I might try a smaller local importer to save some costs (hopefully not a false economy). Although it sounds like the process you used OP was straight forward enough, handling all the registration process etc after the car was sourced through smilejv?
I did try going through a few of the big UK import companies but I think around the time I was trying to purchase, the demand for Japanese classics was probably at its peak. They all seemed very busy and I wasn't really making any progress with them i.e. emails unanswered, phonecalls not returned and cars being sold for even more bonkers prices than now.
I'm glad I imported the car the way I did. I was a bit anxious at first as it felt like I was taking a gamble - transferring large amounts of funds to someone abroad and if something was to go wrong... Thankfully SmileJV and Brendan were great to deal with. I had a Zoom call with Brendan to discuss what I was after and he talked me through the process. He has a good website and we kept in touch regularly via email and text messages. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again. He helped me to find a really nice car in good condition. I used a currency exchange company to transfer funds as the rates were much better than through my bank. I used a shipping agent on the UK side recommended by Brendan who helped me to sort paying the import taxes etc.
Yes I handled everything when the car arrived in the UK. It's relatively straightforward. I used the guide made by a piston head member in an earlier post on this thread. It took a while for everything to come back from the DVLA but eventually everything was sorted.
If you're going to buy in Japan I'd recommend going over and making a holiday of it. I would have but in summer 2022 Japan was still not allowing tourists in due to COVID pandemic. I've never been, it's my dream to go one day!
keo said:
Just seen this thread, love the R32! Please keep us updated!
The car was due it's MOT recently so I booked the car in to have this done and get a few other jobs sorted at the same time.I was hoping to do some of these jobs myself but I'm working longer hours than ever so unfortunately I'm lacking in free time!
I hadn't got around to fixing the front washer jet not working so I asked the mechanic I use to repair this - he changed the washer jet pump motor which has thankfully fixed the problem. This was a relatively cheap fix. He replaced both motors for front and rear while he had the washer pump bottle out.
The car also had a tendency to idle quite high once warmed up, at around 1500rpm sometimes. This has been fixed also by replacing the engine inlet gaskets with metal gaskets. The car now idles much smoother and at a lower RPM, closer to 1000/1100 rpm.
I've also had some coil overs fitted. The original suspension (which I've retained just in case I ever want to make the car completely standard again) was very tired. I did want to have MeisterR ZetaCRD coil overs fitted but was advised by my mechanic to upgrade to the MeisterR club race model. Imo this was a mistake! I wanted to keep an original ride height and OEM feel to the car. The suspension is now rock solid and every bump really feels like it's smashing through the car. The car was collected today to have this sorted, the mechanic has contacted MeisterR and has ordered some softer springs which should hopefully get the car handling how I want it.
Ross16v said:
Thanks for the detailed response on your experiences in sourcing your car, it's much appreciated. I have registered a couple of imported bikes in the UK, so am at least fairly familiar with the DVLA registration process.
I think I may need to contact smilejv to discuss with them; I'm guessing their team, including Brendan who you dealt with, are based in Japan? We're actually heading to Tokyo and Okinawa for a couple of weeks at the end of August so it may be perfect timing, as long as it wouldn't eat up too much time (my wide's happy enough for me to get a Skyline but she probably wouldn't appreciate it taking over the holiday).
I'm going to speak to Torque GT too, just in case they have anything suitable already sourced, on the offchance.
Thanks again.
Yes, Brendan and his company are based in Japan. I'm very jealous! I hope you have a fantastic holiday. I think I may need to contact smilejv to discuss with them; I'm guessing their team, including Brendan who you dealt with, are based in Japan? We're actually heading to Tokyo and Okinawa for a couple of weeks at the end of August so it may be perfect timing, as long as it wouldn't eat up too much time (my wide's happy enough for me to get a Skyline but she probably wouldn't appreciate it taking over the holiday).
I'm going to speak to Torque GT too, just in case they have anything suitable already sourced, on the offchance.
Thanks again.
I actually live very close to TorqueGT. A few months back I went in to buy some service parts and they were kind enough to show me what they had in stock - it was fantastic seeing multiple JDM halo models in one place - very cool seeing multiple R34s lined up.
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