Many car enthusiasts throughout the world have fallen in love with the Nissan Skyline because of its vintage sports car nature. After its 1969 debut, the Skyline has seen numerous modifications and is now a symbol of Japanese and international culture.
Among turbo-fans, the Skyline GT-R has become a holy grail due to its reputation for almost limitless tuning power and outstanding speed, as well as its decades-long history and the availability of various interesting variants made possible by America’s 25-year import rule.
No one is immune to flaws. Even dependable SUVs and pickups with a stellar reputation, like the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, have their bad years., including the Nissan Skyline GTR.
The worst years to avoid the Nissan Skyline are the R32 GT-R (1989-1991) and the R35 GT-R (2009-2010). The best years to buy the Nissan Skyline are R32 GT-R (1992-1994), C10 Hakosuka GT-R (1969-1972), R33 GT-R (1995-1998), and R34 GT-R (1999-2005).
Worst Nissan Skyline Years to Avoid
Even though it has a long history and a lot of devoted followers, not every Nissan Skyline is a reliable sports vehicle. In the following, we will discuss the years of the Nissan Skyline that are not recommended. Among these are:
- R32 Skyline GT-R (1989-1991)
- R35 Skyline GT-R (2009-2010)
2. R32 Skyline GT-R (1989-1991)
Although the R32 Skyline GT-R is a legendary sports vehicle, prospective buyers should be mindful that models manufactured between 1989 and 1991 had a reputation for certain dependability concerns.
Because of their age (many R32 Skylines are over 30 years old), rust is a major concern. Rust can weaken the car’s structure and shorten its lifespan, especially in the areas where it meets the body and undercarriage. Fraying and broken wire can cause a variety of difficulties, including poor engine performance and total electrical failure, over time.
The R32’s gearbox is an area of design weakness, especially in the high-performance versions, which can lead to gearbox troubles. Having the gearbox upgraded for more horsepower increases the likelihood of gearbox failure.
The R32 Skyline GT-RB26DETT’s engine uses a timing belt instead of a chain, and a breakdown of this belt can lead to catastrophic damage to the engine’s pistons and valves. Moreover, The R32’s suspension is notorious for wearing down early, especially after hard driving.
1. R35 Skyline GT-R (2009-2010)
Although the R35 Skyline GT-R is popular for its dependability, some owners have experienced problems with certain parts, especially from 2009 to 2010. Owners of the R35 GT-R often mention problems with the gearbox.
The dual-clutch automatic gearbox has been a source of frustration for a few customers. While these problems can manifest in stock cars as well as substantially modified or aggressively driven ones, the latter are more likely to experience them. The R35 GT-R’s brake system is another area that may need some improvement.
Brake fade and diminished braking performance have been noticed by several owners following prolonged track use or aggressive driving. You may fix this by getting new brake parts, such as pads, rotors, and calipers.
Although some owners have reported these concerns, it’s important to keep in mind that they are quite infrequent and could not impact every car.
Best Nissan Skyline Years to Buy Used
Throughout its sixty-year existence, the Skyline has seen numerous revisions, with some years offering more dependable performance than others.
Listed here are the most dependable years of the Nissan Skyline, along with an analysis of what makes certain years so dependable.
- R32 Skyline GT-R (1992-1994)
- R33 Skyline GT-R (1995-1998)
- C10 Skyline Hakosuka GT-R (1969-1972)
- R34 Skyline GT-R (1999-2005)
4. R32 Skyline GT-R (1992-1994)
Many consider the 1989–1994 R32 Skyline GT-R, one of the most recognizable and dependable Nissan Skyline vehicles, to be among the best. Because it is now a classic and no longer manufactured, reliability data for the R32 Skyline GT-R is hard to come by.
The 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six engine found in the R32 Skyline GT-R is renowned for its long-lasting performance, dependability, and durability. The engine’s power and dependability are enhanced by its innovative technology, which was ahead of its time.
The R32 Skyline GT-R comes equipped with a revolutionary all-wheel drive system called ATTESA E-TS. It’s made to be easy to maintain and offers superb handling.
The R32 Skyline GT-R is well-known for its sturdy build and meticulous attention to detail, made with top-notch materials and components. The car’s lightweight and stiff chassis and body are engineering marvels.
There is a sizable and committed community of R32 Skyline GT-R owners and fans that have helped build strong ecosystems of aftermarket parts and services.
Because of this, it may be easier to find parts and professionals to fix and maintain the vehicle, which can increase its longevity. Customers and professionals alike have nothing but praise for the R32 Skyline GT-R when it comes to reliability.
3. R33 Skyline GT-R (1995-1998)
As a result of its dependable performance and timeless good looks, the R33 (1995-1998) Skyline GT-R has won the hearts of many sports car fans. The long-lasting and powerful RB26DETT engine is one of the main reasons for its dependability.
This engine can consistently deliver high horsepower and, with regular care, can last for a long time. Not only does the R33 Skyline GT-R come with an engine, but it also has cutting-edge technology that was revolutionary for the ’90s.
In addition to increasing the car’s longevity and dependability, these features also improve its performance. Built with high-quality components that are meant to endure years of usage, the car’s chassis is renowned for its stiffness, which improves its handling and stability.
The low maintenance requirements of the R33 Skyline GT-R are one reason for its stellar reliability rating. The car’s layout makes it straightforward to fix and maintain, and it’s also reasonably simple to work on because important parts are located in convenient places.
Owners who like to handle their own repairs and maintenance, or who wish to save money on upkeep by not taking costly excursions to the mechanic, will find this to be an appealing choice. The R33 Skyline GT-R has become a favorite among automobile enthusiasts who prioritize durability and dependability for a number of reasons.
Experts and consumers alike have raved about the car’s dependability and longevity, praising its solid construction and the fact that it can keep going strong for years to come with the right maintenance.
2. C10 Skyline Hakosuka GT-R (1969-1972)
The R32 may have made the GT-R brand famous, but the C10 Skyline had legendary status thanks to its vintage and tuner credentials. We still consider the original Hakosuka to be one of the finest Skyline GT-R vehicles ever made.
With all the best features of Japanese fashion from the 1960s, it doesn’t get much better than this. The GT-R is both aggressive and elegant in its sweeping body lines prominent grille and fender flares. The C10 generation, which ran from 1969 to 1972, was the first to provide Datsun and Nissan’s Skyline family with a fast coupe (and sedan) variant.
Along with the 1600/2000 roadster, the Hakosuka would be Datsun’s high-performance alternative, boasting 160 horsepower from a 2.0-liter straight-six engine. This would greatly improve the brand’s reputation among driving aficionados in Japan.
With its dual overhead camshafts and triple side-draft carburetors, the S20 2.0-liter straight six-power Skyline was a cutting-edge engine for its day. An astounding 160 horsepower was produced as the engine cranked up to an astounding 7,000 RPM (1.639 mph).
1. R34 Skyline GT-R (1999-2002)
Produced from 1999 to 2002, the R34 Skyline GT-R is commonly considered a legendary and highly sought-after sports car. The R34 Skyline GT-R continues the tradition of dependability and longevity started by its forerunner, the R33.
Because of its sophisticated all-wheel drive system, stylish body lines, and twin-turbo RB26 inline six-cylinder engine, the R34 quickly became a hot commodity among import aficionados who were enraged that the right-hand drive coupe was never marketed in North America.
The R34 Skyline GT-R’s exceptional performance is enhanced by its all-wheel-drive system and dynamic limited-slip differentials. This vehicle’s sturdy chassis and high-quality build components contribute to its superb handling and stability.
With an engine block that could support more than 500 horsepower and a starring role in the second Fast and Furious film, the R34 brought ‘Godzilla’ to the attention of millions of fanboys across the world. When it comes to reliability and performance, this vehicle is a top pick among automotive aficionados.
Common Nissan Skyline Problems
The Nissan Skyline is a famous sports car known for its speed, style, and power. But the Skyline can have technical problems and other problems that come up over time, just like any other car.
These are some of the most common issues Nissan Skyline owners may have:
- Turning While Stopping
- Engine Rattling
- Problems with the Gearbox
- Headlight not working
- Not working oil pump
- Power loss or bad running
- Starting and stopping issues
FAQs
Nissan GT-R Vs. Supra: Which one is superior?
There are 562 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque in the Nissan GT-R and 335 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque in the Toyota GR Supra. Because of this, the GT-R is stronger than the GR Supra.
Which is better: R33 or R34?
Nissan had bigger plans for the R34 GT-R, like making a whole new alloy-block V6, but they didn’t have enough money, so they had to settle for more modest modifications. On the other hand, the R34 had a newer gearbox, better aerodynamics than the R33, and several other chassis improvements.
How much do skylines cost?
The 2021 Nissan Skyline GT-top R version has a base MSRP of $113,540. The base price for the NISMO trimas is $210,740.
Wrap Up
Which Nissan Skyline GTR is best for you depends on your personal taste in design and how you like to drive. Fortunately, the oil pump problem isn’t present in R32s manufactured between 1992 and 1994. Having said that, the 1989–1991 R32 GT-R might end up hurting you. So choose wisely!
