Nissan

The short version

Nissan's performance reputation rests on two very different cars. The Skyline GT-R built a cult following through racing and video games, and the R35 GT-R that followed in 2007 turned that reputation into a modern supercar-challenging machine. The Z cars are the other pillar: cheaper, simpler and more accessible.

The UK market is complicated by imports. Many GT-Rs and Skylines arrived from Japan, and paperwork, rust proofing and insurance can matter as much as the mechanical condition. A car with a clean UK history is worth more than a cheaper import with unclear records.

The models that define the brand

The Skyline lineage runs from the Hakosuka and Kenmeri cars of the 1970s through the R32, R33 and R34. The R32 introduced the RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six and the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, and it earned the nickname Godzilla in Australian touring-car racing. The R34 is the most famous of the older cars and the most expensive.

The R33 GT-R is softer and cheaper than the R34, and the R34 V-Spec adds a more aggressive differential and suspension setup that many buyers want. The 350Z moved to the VQ35 V6, and the 370Z added a 3.7-litre engine, a shorter wheelbase and a Nismo version with more power.

The R35 GT-R dropped the Skyline name and moved to a new platform with a twin-turbo V6, a dual-clutch gearbox and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. It was updated repeatedly over more than a decade, with the later cars gaining more power and revised suspension.

What it costs to own

A routine service on an R35 typically costs £400 to £800, but the intervals are short and the consumables are heavy. Tyres are £900 to £1,400 a set, and the brakes are a known expense: discs and pads can run to £2,000 or more, especially on later cars with larger discs. The gearbox fluid service is not optional, and a transmission rebuild can run to five figures.

The Z is cheaper to run. A 370Z service is typically £300 to £600, tyres £600 to £900 a set, and brakes £500 to £900. The new Z uses a twin-turbo V6 that is more expensive to maintain than the older naturally aspirated cars.

Import compliance is its own budget: IVA testing, undersealing, speedometer conversion and insurance can add a four-figure sum to a fresh import. Budget for tyres and a full fluid change before you rely on the car.

Known weak points

• R35 gearbox: clutch pack wear, actuator faults and expensive rebuilds.
• R35 differential: noise and wear, especially on cars used for track work.
• R35 turbo: wastegate rattle and boost leaks on older cars.
• R35 brakes: heavy wear and costly discs.
• R35 body: corrosion around the boot and rear arches on UK cars.
• 350Z and 370Z: oil consumption on some engines, clutch wear and tired suspension.
• Skyline R32 to R34: rust, tired electrics and parts availability.
• Imports: unclear mileage, accident history and paperwork.

What to check before buying

On an R35, check the gearbox service history and ask whether the clutch packs have been replaced. Drive the car slowly and at speed, and listen for whining from the differential. Check the turbo wastegates for rattle and look for oil leaks around the engine.

Inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly on UK cars that have been used through winter. Check the brakes for disc wear and the tyres for matching brands and dates.

On an import, verify the paperwork, the mileage history and the model code. A Japanese auction sheet is useful but not a substitute for an inspection. Check that the car has been undersealed and that the electrics work, because Japanese-market cars often have navigation and radio equipment that does not function in the UK. A compression test and a boost leak check are worth paying for, and a gearbox oil sample can reveal wear before it becomes a rebuild.

Market and depreciation

The R34 Skyline has become a collector car with strong values, and clean R32 and R33 cars are climbing. The R35 has depreciated like a modern performance car, with early cars now relatively affordable. Later Nismo and special editions hold value better.

The 370Z has bottomed out and is starting to rise as a used performance bargain. The new Z is still in its early curve, and supply has been limited in the UK.

Who it suits

Nissan suits a buyer who wants huge performance for the money and is prepared to accept a firm ride and a dated cabin. It also suits someone who enjoys the tuning and enthusiast scene around the GT-R and Z. It does not suit a buyer who wants a quiet daily driver or a car with low maintenance costs.

How this profile was compiled

This profile uses Nissan's published model information, owner reports from GT-R Life and 350Z-UK, import guidance from UK specialists and current market listings. It is not a road test.