Noob Question

Sup...

I've been speaking with a couple of individuals who import Skylines over to Canada (met them at DKN7), and my wife's biggest question (I think understandably) is engine condition upon delivery.

Yes I understand it's a used 15 year-old car, but my main question is has any of the Ontario/Canada R32 owners had any serious maintenance issues out of the ordinary which required a major dent to the wallet?

Has any of you looked into the cost of a rebuild on a BNR32 or HNR32?

I don't mind an open discussion on this, as I'm sure many of you have the same questions, but I have a fear of this turning into a "what if" or "I'd like" fantasy corner for those who'd like to speculate. Please only owners reply. Feel free to PM me, as I may have a few other questions as well.

No beef with any of you, but I've been reading around for a while, and I'm in a rush for anecdotal situations since I may be ordering one within a couple of weeks. I want to figure out if I should budget in a rebuild as well as a few replacement parts, or if the engine will hold out for a while. Interior parts and panels aren't as big a concern for me as getting raped on needing another RB.

I know mileage will factor in as usual, but I guess I'm trying to figure out how well the cars are inspected and "certified" prior to crossing the ocean.

Thanks in advance!

I'm a little tired from partying too much last night!

I'm from Toronto, 30 and married. I currently have a 2000 Saturn SL2 which started as an automatic. Me and a couple of friends of mine converted it to a manual so I can get my wife trained on manual before we get a "real" car.

I've been thinking about Skylines for over a year and probed the guys on Son240sx for info. We've finally decided to take the next step and do it. I'd like to get into a GTR, but it all depends. I'm hearing State Farm is "fair" on insuring them, while another source says it can be insured as a 240. That's still to be seen.

But Basically, I'm only snapping cause I've snooped around on this forum for a very long time, and I know y'all know your sh*t. I also don't get online as much as I used to, so I'm a little bitchy with my limited time online. I hope someone can help me out. If you own an R32 and don't mind my grilling you, PM me, and I'll give you a call. These guys want to sell cars. They don't give a damn about me. I'd trust an owner before an importer.

Anyways, lata

Hey there,

I live in Ottawa, and i own an R32 GTR since Jan/05. I also run the Canadian Skyline Club, GTRCanada.com. The cars you saw, I know them. I actually know most of the Skylines in Canada :)

Yes, a 15 yr old car, bought sight unseen, usually via a broker from auction is always a scary proposition. As with anything of this nature, buyer beware. Be patient. I cannot stress enough that concept. These cars are hard to find in perfect shape for a decent price, but they are out there. Don't give yourself the pressure of a time limit if you can avoid it. Even after your car is purchased, expect delays in getting it here, and then delays in clearing customs. Just about every member of my group can tell you horror stories of delays.

Find someone who you trust to buy a car from. Research! Check reviews and ask people who had done this already. I can supply you with a few suggestions of companies. I also know of a few good GTRs already landed and in TO for sale. I can also tell you which ones to avoid.

Finally, even after doing all this, keep a fix-it fund of about $5000. No joke. You'd be amazed at what even little things will cost to buy and ship.

These are not common cars, they are not for everybody. Don't expect that every person can afford to "own" one (which is very different from merely being able to "buy" one).

Good luck!
JZ

I would recommend being put on JNS-Imports (www.jns-imports.com) mailing list... I see all kinds of neat Skylines coming in through them.

I've heard they bring in some pretty decent cars.

-Wes

I'll be checking out your site. Those are the basics I was looking for. $5000...hehe..the price of owning an exotic. Gotta do what you gotta do!

Thanks again guys.