Nissan 200sx / Skyline GTR running costs?
Discussion
However, don't be fooled into thinking a 200SX is cheap to run, they're just not as expensive as a skyline.
They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
WeirdNeville said:
However, don't be fooled into thinking a 200SX is cheap to run, they're just not as expensive as a skyline.
They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
For the performance they "can" be a surprisingly cheap car to maintain though They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
I've spent sod all on the wifes S14a over the last year, simple service = £30 for the oil and £5 for the plugs. I'd rather not talk about how much I spend on mine 
They dont like hugging lamposts, its the squishy pink bits inside them that like hugging lamposts due to a problem with the "skill"/"oh god ran out of skill" interface
Have a browse on the sxoc for all the things that can go wrong and how much they cost, as mentioned, if you are really worrying about costs then dont buy a turbo performance car..... if you want bang per buck then you cant go wrong.
Skylines are definately pricer to run having had experience of both (5 or 6 200sx's and a couple of skylines). Parts are usually more expensive, they're not as good on petrol (though still very reasonable considering), servicing etc will be more, they need slightly more frequent looking after.
200's aren't that bad to run until you get the modding bug, even then they're reasonable if you pick up a decent one that's not likely to need bags of work. High 20's in the MPG stakes are easy to get, even for a lead footed oaf like me.
Skylines are a lot more expensive to tinker with, though basic mods do give a healthy release of power, beyond what i guess is termed stage one tuning, they do start to get pretty costly to tune, and run.
Insurance is usually a fair bit more for skylines, especially if you're younger.
To give you an example of insurance on mine;
200sx S13, 23 years old, coilover suspension, declared to 300bhp with all engine mods, valued at 3000, and the usual bits and pieces, about 600 quid FC with 4 years NCB.
200sx S14, 24 years old, coilovers, same sort of state of tune with everything declared, valued at 4000, still 4 years ncb, 750 quid FC.
Skyline R32 GTST, exhaust, induction kit, coilovers, wheels, 4 years NCB 24 years old 900 quid
R33 GTR, stage 1 mods, declared at 400bhp, wheels, value 15000, 5 years NCB, 1300 FC.
This year it's a bit different on the GTR as there's been a hell of a lot of tinkering going on, but you get the idea I'm sure.
Consumables like Brake pads and disks are a bit more expensive, oil you have to buy more of first time around as they take more than your average tub holds, so budget 80 odd quid for that. Same sort of intervals for servicing but your average GTR owners seem to stay on the side of caution and do them ever so slightly more regularly.
It's a total fallacy doing them every 3000 miles or whatever unless it's a track special or drag car imo, but better safe than sorry I suppose. 5 or 6 thousand is fine, and your car won't die if you sneak another 1000 on that accidentally. Both cars have their downfalls in terms of known problem areas, but none of them are for certain and with a decent amount of previous history and some good looking after both can be very reliable steeds.
I feel I should point out that the Skyline is by no means hideously expensive to own and run though I have to say. I was pleasantly surprised, until I decided I wanted to do lots to it, now my wallet cries at the mere muttering of "GTR".
Also there's a fair few "skyline specialists" around these days, which basically means expensive labour rates. Most are good at what they do though, but you can save a few quid by using equally reputable and trusted tuners who don't have the huge overheads and thus pricey labour rates. I'll always recommend APT in norwich for that very reason for any car, but especially a 200 or Skyline as Gary and the boys are brilliant at what they do. And while we're here plugging people might as well get it to Surrey Rolling road and see what they can do, isn't that right Charlie
Also worth bearing in mind is that 200's are far cheaper to tune, and you can get huge thrills for not a lot of money spent. They are very different cars to the skylines, I love them both but the GTR just scratches that itch that the 200's couldn't. Aftermarket parts are pleantiful for both cars so you're not limited to choice, both have a huge tuning scene as I'm sure you're aware. It's painfully easy to fall into the trap of catching the modifying bug with either car, but it's a great bug to have. Skylines are obviously better for big power, but the 200's aren't exactly shy and there's pleanty floating around 400bhp scaring supercars. Both great handlers, the 200 feels lighter (as it is considerably) and more flickable, where the GTR feels more planted and controlled. Neither are dull, but they are different cars to drive and require slightly different approaches, but both are very very rewarding to crack on with.
There's a fair few of us on here that have owned both, though admittedly aside of Shadowninja I can't think of any
So I'm sure you'll get pleanty of info! If you've any questions about either feel free to ask.
check out www.sxoc.com and www.gtr.com and ask a few questions about both I guess is the best advice I can give other than drive both and see what you prefer.
Personally having moved onto the Skylines from 200's with a slight gap between I couldn't see myself going back to a 200, but I am still very fond of them. Just go with what you prefer really.
Hope this helps,
Stu.
200's aren't that bad to run until you get the modding bug, even then they're reasonable if you pick up a decent one that's not likely to need bags of work. High 20's in the MPG stakes are easy to get, even for a lead footed oaf like me.
Skylines are a lot more expensive to tinker with, though basic mods do give a healthy release of power, beyond what i guess is termed stage one tuning, they do start to get pretty costly to tune, and run.
Insurance is usually a fair bit more for skylines, especially if you're younger.
To give you an example of insurance on mine;
200sx S13, 23 years old, coilover suspension, declared to 300bhp with all engine mods, valued at 3000, and the usual bits and pieces, about 600 quid FC with 4 years NCB.
200sx S14, 24 years old, coilovers, same sort of state of tune with everything declared, valued at 4000, still 4 years ncb, 750 quid FC.
Skyline R32 GTST, exhaust, induction kit, coilovers, wheels, 4 years NCB 24 years old 900 quid
R33 GTR, stage 1 mods, declared at 400bhp, wheels, value 15000, 5 years NCB, 1300 FC.
This year it's a bit different on the GTR as there's been a hell of a lot of tinkering going on, but you get the idea I'm sure.
Consumables like Brake pads and disks are a bit more expensive, oil you have to buy more of first time around as they take more than your average tub holds, so budget 80 odd quid for that. Same sort of intervals for servicing but your average GTR owners seem to stay on the side of caution and do them ever so slightly more regularly.
It's a total fallacy doing them every 3000 miles or whatever unless it's a track special or drag car imo, but better safe than sorry I suppose. 5 or 6 thousand is fine, and your car won't die if you sneak another 1000 on that accidentally. Both cars have their downfalls in terms of known problem areas, but none of them are for certain and with a decent amount of previous history and some good looking after both can be very reliable steeds.
I feel I should point out that the Skyline is by no means hideously expensive to own and run though I have to say. I was pleasantly surprised, until I decided I wanted to do lots to it, now my wallet cries at the mere muttering of "GTR".
Also there's a fair few "skyline specialists" around these days, which basically means expensive labour rates. Most are good at what they do though, but you can save a few quid by using equally reputable and trusted tuners who don't have the huge overheads and thus pricey labour rates. I'll always recommend APT in norwich for that very reason for any car, but especially a 200 or Skyline as Gary and the boys are brilliant at what they do. And while we're here plugging people might as well get it to Surrey Rolling road and see what they can do, isn't that right Charlie
Also worth bearing in mind is that 200's are far cheaper to tune, and you can get huge thrills for not a lot of money spent. They are very different cars to the skylines, I love them both but the GTR just scratches that itch that the 200's couldn't. Aftermarket parts are pleantiful for both cars so you're not limited to choice, both have a huge tuning scene as I'm sure you're aware. It's painfully easy to fall into the trap of catching the modifying bug with either car, but it's a great bug to have. Skylines are obviously better for big power, but the 200's aren't exactly shy and there's pleanty floating around 400bhp scaring supercars. Both great handlers, the 200 feels lighter (as it is considerably) and more flickable, where the GTR feels more planted and controlled. Neither are dull, but they are different cars to drive and require slightly different approaches, but both are very very rewarding to crack on with.
There's a fair few of us on here that have owned both, though admittedly aside of Shadowninja I can't think of any
So I'm sure you'll get pleanty of info! If you've any questions about either feel free to ask. check out www.sxoc.com and www.gtr.com and ask a few questions about both I guess is the best advice I can give other than drive both and see what you prefer.
Personally having moved onto the Skylines from 200's with a slight gap between I couldn't see myself going back to a 200, but I am still very fond of them. Just go with what you prefer really.
Hope this helps,
Stu.
Sorry, this is biased to the 200SX as I have no experience of Skylines.
The question you have to ask yourself is, are you prepared to do any of the work yourself? If you are not mechaniclly minded at all then any performance car on a budget will cost as its not so much the parts (sale section on SXOC is huge and you get some good buys there) but the labour you will fork out for someone to do the work.
My S14a has been reliable, although I maintain it well and have replaced bits that were suspect (turbo gaskets for an example)and I did the work myself so I regard it as low cost.
An S14a would be your best bet if you want a quick car that is lowish cost to run as the S13's engines/turbos can be fragile (although there are some cracking examples about). Be warned though as fuel economy won't be great especially if you use your right foot well and intend to mod it.
As someone mentioned before, the rep they have got for being lampost magnets are due to people not understanding the rwd concept and you have to respect them in wet conditions! But that is obvious to most understanding drivers.
In conclusion, I have had mine for 2 years and it still brings a huge smile to my face when I drive it, whether it is going to the shops or on track and that is important to me being a petrolhead.
The question you have to ask yourself is, are you prepared to do any of the work yourself? If you are not mechaniclly minded at all then any performance car on a budget will cost as its not so much the parts (sale section on SXOC is huge and you get some good buys there) but the labour you will fork out for someone to do the work.
My S14a has been reliable, although I maintain it well and have replaced bits that were suspect (turbo gaskets for an example)and I did the work myself so I regard it as low cost.
An S14a would be your best bet if you want a quick car that is lowish cost to run as the S13's engines/turbos can be fragile (although there are some cracking examples about). Be warned though as fuel economy won't be great especially if you use your right foot well and intend to mod it.
As someone mentioned before, the rep they have got for being lampost magnets are due to people not understanding the rwd concept and you have to respect them in wet conditions! But that is obvious to most understanding drivers.
In conclusion, I have had mine for 2 years and it still brings a huge smile to my face when I drive it, whether it is going to the shops or on track and that is important to me being a petrolhead.
mattius said:
im not saying i can't afford to run them im just worried about getting stung by heavy suspension rebuilds or turbo rebuilds in buying a second hand one. is there anything i should look out for buying second hand 200sx's
You can pick up new shocks for £200 and a new turbo for £500, second hand even cheaper For some buyers guide info, a good start would be:
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=140464
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=51534&...
GravelBen said:
Surely a 200SX will do more than 26mpg on a run? Mates Skyline R32 GTS-TM (with turbo from an R33 25T and some other quicker bits) will do over 30 open road cruising easily enough. It does guzzle the stuff pretty quick round town or when the foot's down though.
When mapped yes. I can get anything between about 12 and 32 mpg.... at 330 bhp I tended to average 28mpg which included quite a lot of spirited driving and some sensible motorway cruising. With 400 bhp I tend to average about 20mpg, the wife in my car averages 28mpg and in her unmapped S14a about 27 mpg. WeirdNeville said:
However, don't be fooled into thinking a 200SX is cheap to run, they're just not as expensive as a skyline.
They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
Well, I spend about £200 a year on servicing, Opie oils and Apex Performance/Driftworks for parts, and service myelf.They need servicing every 6,000 miles with good quality oil or your turbo will fail, and they get through tyres and brakes pretty rapidly depending on your driving style. They also only get 22-26Mpg and insurance is high and rising as they love hugging lamp-posts.
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round, and I've just forked out £600 on tuning parts. These cars are addictive, so beware!
£400 a year on insurance (280bhp declared s13, FullyComp, 26, 4 NCB)
Buy part worn tyres (eg. 2 Yokohama Neova 225/50/16 £75 fitted, 2 Conti Sport Contacts £65 fitted. Usually last 10-12 months approx)
They can be run on a budget, but dont use budget tyres, oil or petrol
As you'll kill the car (or yourself) very quicklyWeirdNeville said:
I daren't add up my running costs over a year, but I've spent £500 on 3 services, £500 on a new clutch, £240 on tyres, £700 on insurance, £300 on new brakes all round
I think I need help. These prices seem quite reasonable compared to my Skylines and TVR running costs.Yeah Im looking for a sporty Nissan too. I quite fancied the 300zx but the 200s are nicer in style. Insurance wise, I am an old bird (40) and insurance quote was only a quid more than my 2 litre n reg primera. I couldnt believe it, so saved the emailed quote for infinity and to chortle at younger friends who are green with envy at the low cost. That said, general spends, tyres exhaust turbo crap etc etc (yawn) could be up there with the mortgage. Havent found the right one yet though. There are non turbo's. The pull away aint as good as the skyline (yeah whateva!)but the pose factor is still there.
Check this out young,uns. This is a genuine quote (may 07) and yes its for a year, not a month. Pays to be old, dont it....!
Premium: £ 228.90
(inclusive of insurance premium tax where applicable)
Car Make: NISSAN 300 (84-90) ZX TURBO
Cover Level: Comprehensive
Legal Protection: Yes
Protected No Claims Discount: No
Voluntary Excess: £250
Guaranteed Car Hire: No
No Claims Discount: 5 years or more
Breakdown Cover: No
Drivers: Insured and spouse
Check this out young,uns. This is a genuine quote (may 07) and yes its for a year, not a month. Pays to be old, dont it....!
Premium: £ 228.90
(inclusive of insurance premium tax where applicable)
Car Make: NISSAN 300 (84-90) ZX TURBO
Cover Level: Comprehensive
Legal Protection: Yes
Protected No Claims Discount: No
Voluntary Excess: £250
Guaranteed Car Hire: No
No Claims Discount: 5 years or more
Breakdown Cover: No
Drivers: Insured and spouse
thisisroland said:
As far as Performance cars go you can't get much better bang for your buck as a Nissan 200sx/Silvia. Go for the S15 200sx and you get Skyline beating performance out of the box (Skylines aren't that impressive until they're tuned) with 5s 0-60 and over 155 top end
has maths changed recently? the S15 is slower to 60 and has a slower top end... which makes it skyline beating performance?Message Board | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff