Despite the low price, no one wants an M6 – just 35% would have it over an M5. This month the theme is Japanese sports cars, and I can think of just one that’s more vaunted than the Toyota Supra Turbo: the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. One is available, and it’s going to hit six figures.
I don’t think I get it.
The 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R vs the 2024 Nissan GT-R Skyline Edition
See the 1999 GT-R listing here
Or look for whatever’s left for new ones
My dad had a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder, and I loved that thing. Every time it snowed, I’d grab it for a quick romp in a parking lot (teenager activities). You couldn’t stop it – until the transmission finally went at almost 200,000 miles. What a car.
I open with this because this 1999 GT-R that’s available gives me the same kind of vibe. Rubbery leather and dash, hot cloth seats, the styling of an egg carton. Why would you pay six figures for an economy car with a big motor? Yes, yes, I know…deep breath…
RB26 DETT engine! Super HICAS steering! ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive! Look at all these letter I’m typing! It sounds like an F-15 loaded with weapons!
The Supra looks better, was just as fast, and was actually sold here so you don’t need to ship it from Japan. And if it’s tech you want, why not just buy…a new GT-R for the same price?
The 1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Let’s talk about this specific example first:
- 87,100 miles
- Bid to $80,869 (they sell for $120,000)
- Black exterior (just black) over grey interior cloth
- Mostly stock, save for coilovers, a head unit, and an exhaust
- Six-speed manual
- 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Thanks, Japanese gentleman’s agreement
- This is an updated model, so it gets a screen in the dash, along with the gauges out of dad’s Pathfinder.
- All the import paperwork is complete
This is hardly a clean example. Aside from scratches, rust and a ripped seat:
“The MFD display and sound system are operating intermittently. He also adds that the #1 coil pack plug is held in place with a zip-tie.”
I feel as if I could probably work on this car, since it’s a 90’s Japanese thing. But it’s not like you can take it to your local Nissan dealer, or even tuner shop, without some way to get parts and such.
Silly price indeed for a car in this kind of shape, even if I grew up playing video games with it.
The 2024 Nissan GT-R Skyline Edition
It’s time to say goodbye to the R35 Skyline – it’s been on sale since the debut of the E92 M3! Let’s grab one that honors our car above:
- Skyline editions get painted Bayside Blue, a shade from the R34’s catalogue
- Sora Blue Semi-aniline Leather, another exclusive
- A DCT with only six speeds
- A cockpit that looks like it’s 16 years old, though still much better than the ’99.
- $133,895
There are other variants as well, some of which (NISMO) cost over $220,000, but the Skyline Edition suits me because of the color and more touring-focused mechanics. It is a grand touring car, after all.
I will miss it, and hopefully Nissan cooks up something to take its place. But I do think it’s time to go.
Still, for me it’s an easy choice if I had to pick between the two.
Which would you have?
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