REDLINE ALLEYNissan Skyline GT-R R34 buying guide
1999 to 2002. An R34 GT-R suits a collector or keen driver with a specialist on hand and the budget for one.
Big jobs
- Rust in strut tops, arches and boot lid. Rust mainly affects the strut tops, rear arches and floor pan. Strut tops are awkward to repair, and the steel boot lid rusts round the brake light where water sits.
- RB26 oil pressure, bearings and compression. Big end bearing failure and low oil pressure are reported. A cold compression test is described as practically essential.
- Getrag 6 speed gearbox and clutch. Popping out of 1st gear is not unknown, and synchro failure on hard driven cars is reported. An aftermarket clutch may clank at idle.
- ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive. The system should send drive to the front when the rear slips. The torque split on the multi function display shows whether it works.
- V-Spec, N1 and Nur identity. Special versions carry big premiums. V-Spec cars have the active rear LSD and ATTESA E-TS Pro; the V-Spec II has a carbon bonnet with a NACA duct; the Nur has a 300 km/h speedo and gold rocker covers.
Workshop jobs
- Coil packs and vacuum lines. Coil packs are called the weakest point under the bonnet, and the vacuum lines split, including the one at the back of the plenum.
- Multi function display and sensors. The multi function display screens and their sensors can fail and are expensive to replace.
- Front wheel bearings and CV boots. Front wheel bearings fail, and the front CV boots need regular checks.
Questions for the seller
- When were the cambelt and water pump last done, and at what km?
- When were the coil packs last replaced?
- What modifications and boost does it run, and who tuned it?
- What is the full chassis number, so I can confirm the version?
- Has a compression test been done recently, and can I see the result?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.