[AdnanK]

As per the title? Anyone come from or moved to a C63 coupe.

Some of you may know, I've been planning on a purchasing a GTR later this year and have been doing my research since last year.

I've been somewhat dismayed and frankly put off at the number of issues with the GTR. I know all cars have their little gremlins, I came from an E46 M3 Manual and went through the whole sub frame debacle etc.

But the list of things that have been "known" to be a common problem with the GTR are ever growing and can set you back £0000's, also not helped by the recent threads of engines going pop.

So I've decided to open my mind to other "possible" vehicles to go for if I forgo the idea of purchasing a GTR. One particular car that comes to mind is a C63 Coupe, I know its not as fast as the GTR but it has a sublime soundtrack

Anyone here care to share any experience with owning one of these?

 

[Neanderthal]

I almost got the saloon C63 prior to driving mine.
The speed and sheer capability of the GTR immediately seduced me.
Every time my wife has to come in the car with me she moans about it. I have a squeaky dash and drivers seat which is (sounds silly to say) beginning to ruin the owning experience for me so have been looking at alternatives. The C63 I think would be an excellent compromise between me having a decently performing car and the wife being happy.
But then all I have to do in my GTR is drive it alone in the manner it's intended and like the mistress most of us married men wish we had, I just fall back in lust with it.
Then she bleeds me dry with wanting new things like brakes etc

 

[CT17]

I test drove one before I bought my MY14.
The lack of performance due to grip limit trying to put al that power through two tyres was quite frankly frustrating.

It's amusing, but for me that would wear off.
Particularly when it's wet.

The GT-R is pretty reliable.
Just don't tune it too much and then start looking for the weak link in the drivetrain.

There are loads of people on here and a few problems. Maybe 10% or less.
Forums always show the negative aspect as you don't have 200 people posting the same "I love my car" threads.

If I wanted a decent everyday car to do everything I'd look at the RS6 because of it's sheer capability.
Or a daily and a toy.
I've gone for the latter.

 

[AdnanK]

I test drove one before I bought my MY14.
The lack of performance due to grip limit trying to put al that power through two tyres was quite frankly frustrating.

It's amusing, but for me that would wear off.
Particularly when it's wet.

The GT-R is pretty reliable.
Just don't tune it too much and then start looking for the weak link in the drivetrain.

There are loads of people on here and a few problems. Maybe 10% or less.
Forums always show the negative aspect as you don't have 200 people posting the same "I love my car" threads.

I get what you're saying about negativity on forums etc, there just seems to be a lot of "noise" here and over the pond of the general reliability of the car. Not to mention, forget about going to Nissan.

 

[CT17]

I get what you're saying about negativity on forums etc, there just seems to be a lot of "noise" here and over the pond of the general reliability of the car. Not to mention, forget about going to Nissan.

Forums tend to attract modders and encourage them.
Looking at the stories I'd leave one alone (other than stage 1 or 2) on the modding side unless I had a decent fund for repairs.

We've had a few engines go pop. All tuned.
There have been gearbox problems, mostly early ones not official UK cars or tuned ones.
There have been some Audio and steering column issues IIRC.

As you suggest, Nissan UK are a bit of a problem because the parts prices are completely bonkers.
Fortunately there are enough independent specialists now you can just avoid main dealers and their crazy pricing.

At the end of the day, it's an expensive car to run.
With it's raw performance it's never going to be anything else, unless you hardly use it.

 

[Neanderthal]

I would say drive both and see which tickles you the most

 

[Adamantium]

I've had 4 gtrs over three years and despite modding to 800bhp I've not had one failure.

If really worried, take out a litchfield warranty. Up to 620lbft, assuming it's well mapped by people who actually know what they are doing, and preferably using the ecutek fail safes, it will be completely fine.

The warranty should give you complete peace of mind if you are uncomfortable.

In reality true failures, are very few and far between. You'll find that most of your fears are fuelled by early gearbox failures which were fixed by a replacement £20,000 box. The reason for that is that Nissan dealers were not and still are not able to service components inside the box.

The torque levels up to stage 4 will not cause gear failure and that's the bit that would really require box replacement. Typically it's a solenoid or software issue. Worst case scenario maybe a shift fork, in which case you might be in for a £1500 bill.

I would and I did risk it, but in reality it's not a big risk. Engine failures especially at standard levels are almost unheard of. Don't let hype put you off and look at the true risk pragmatically.

 

[Hashlak]

I have both atm and both are tuned lol

In terms of overall reliability, everyday use and for family use eg wife, kids etc.. I would go with the C63 AMG. It has an amazing soundtrack that makes you feel faster than the GTR and is a lot of fun to drive since its RWD..

The GTR is a true monster and is just as reliable.. However i do feel that i have spent more money on it changing brakes, fixing bellhousing etc etc.. Also you cant take it to Nissan since they have such a bad reputation dealing with GTR's..

Both great cars, just depends on what your after.. I would suggest you drive both and see what suits your lifestyle..

 

[AdnanK]

Forums tend to attract modders and encourage them.
Looking at the stories I'd leave one alone (other than stage 1 or 2) on the modding side unless I had a decent fund for repairs.

We've had a few engines go pop. All tuned.
There have been gearbox problems, mostly early ones not official UK cars or tuned ones.
There have been some Audio and steering column issues IIRC.

As you suggest, Nissan UK are a bit of a problem because the parts prices are completely bonkers.
Fortunately there are enough independent specialists now you can just avoid main dealers and their crazy pricing.

At the end of the day, it's an expensive car to run.
With it's raw performance it's never going to be anything else, unless you hardly use it.

Fair point mate.

 

[AdnanK]

I've had 4 gtrs over three years and despite modding to 800bhp I've not had one failure.

If really worried, take out a litchfield warranty. Up to 620lbft, assuming it's well mapped by people who actually know what they are doing, and preferably using the ecutek fail safes, it will be completely fine.

The warranty should give you complete peace of mind if you are uncomfortable.

In reality true failures, are very few and far between. You'll find that most of your fears are fuelled by early gearbox failures which were fixed by a replacement £20,000 box. The reason for that is that Nissan dealers were not and still are not able to service components inside the box.

The torque levels up to stage 4 will not cause gear failure and that's the bit that would really require box replacement. Typically it's a solenoid or software issue. Worst case scenario maybe a shift fork, in which case you might be in for a £1500 bill.

I would and I did risk it, but in reality it's not a big risk. Engine failures especially at standard levels are almost unheard of. Don't let hype put you off and look at the true risk pragmatically.

Thanks for your input, food for though me thinks.

 

[AdnanK]

I have both atm and both are tuned lol

In terms of overall reliability, everyday use and for family use eg wife, kids etc.. I would go with the C63 AMG. It has an amazing soundtrack that makes you feel faster than the GTR and is a lot of fun to drive since its RWD..

The GTR is a true monster and is just as reliable.. However i do feel that i have spent more money on it changing brakes, fixing bellhousing etc etc.. Also you cant take it to Nissan since they have such a bad reputation dealing with GTR's..

Both great cars, just depends on what your after.. I would suggest you drive both and see what suits your lifestyle..

Wanna trade places? Wife plus no kids

Now the important bit, which car gets people rubber necking the most?

 

[Crafty_Blade]

Now the important bit, which car gets people rubber necking the most?

imo defo the GTR especially when its giving a C63 the brush off...my mate has a C63 and wanted to see how it sacked up to the GTR reputation and stats, he was suitably impressed in a head to head. Having said that I've driven his car and its a very good drive, solid build and the soundtrack...well, just amazing! I would have one.








Next Bristol Meet (Date changed to the 22nd June) http://www.gtr.co.uk/forum/261905-bristol-surrounding-area-sunday-22nd-june-2014-a.html

 

[scorchio69]

I am currently having the same dilemma , have always wanted a R35 especially the dark blue facelift I have been offered but I just can't put my finger on what's stopping me.

The C63 was up there especially for the soundtrack alone but getting the power down especially in the wet is a pain plus I don't know if I could trust the misses with it.

Drove the new B8 RS4 but the sheer lack of bottom end grunt just totally wound me up , which is a shame as with the right options it's a very nice car. But the new C7 RS6 on the other hand is sheer bonkers, things that big and wafty shouldn't move like it did.

The new M3 is going to have some serious mid range punch 0-100 in 8.7 secs but is let down by a frankly shit sounding exhaust and even the moto gp safety car with the aka exhaust sounds poor

 

[Marcus763]

Been doing lots of research myself and as awesome as the GTR is I'm slowly going off the idea. The Nissan Dealers I've dealt with have been awful and don't seem to want to sell cars, it seems like they are used to selling cheap cars to the masses, but dealing with customers at the higher end of the market isn't something they have a clue about unfortunately. Then there's the issues with engines/gear boxes recently. I'm trying to tell myself that you always hear about the bad things but not the 1000's miles people drive without any issues but still feel uncomfortable about buying one. I'm now leaning towards the latest RS6....but not set in stone yet....hmmmmm

 

[AdnanK]

I am currently having the same dilemma , have always wanted a R35 especially the dark blue facelift I have been offered but I just can't put my finger on what's stopping me.

The C63 was up there especially for the soundtrack alone but getting the power down especially in the wet is a pain plus I don't know if I could trust the misses with it.

Drove the new B8 RS4 but the sheer lack of bottom end grunt just totally wound me up , which is a shame as with the right options it's a very nice car. But the new C7 RS6 on the other hand is sheer bonkers, things that big and wafty shouldn't move like it did.

The new M3 is going to have some serious mid range punch 0-100 in 8.7 secs but is let down by a frankly shit sounding exhaust and even the moto gp safety car with the aka exhaust sounds poor

The new M4 is also on my radar, certainly one to keep an eye out for. The DCT is just a better rounded gearbox than the GTR's tranny.

 

[Adamantium]

As for image, remember the C63 or Audis are not purpose built performance cars, they are beefed up versions of cars that make very popular taxis.

With regard to the engines, again, highly tuned cars are going to lose engines during the testing, and there will always be people with no mechanical understanding or sympathy, but these won't be reported. Don't push too far, treat them well and get a respectable company to modify and your GT-R engine will survive way over 100k miles.

In sub 650bhp/lbft form, you don't have to worry, especially with a properly set up ecutek. See above re gearboxes, the facts of the failure rate if fully understood would remove it entirely as a concern. Like I said, if that's still not enough, take out a litchfield warranty.

 

[AdnanK]

Been doing lots of research myself and as awesome as the GTR is I'm slowly going off the idea. The Nissan Dealers I've dealt with have been awful and don't seem to want to sell cars, it seems like they are used to selling cheap cars to the masses, but dealing with customers at the higher end of the market isn't something they have a clue about unfortunately. Then there's the issues with engines/gear boxes recently. I'm trying to tell myself that you always hear about the bad things but not the 1000's miles people drive without any issues but still feel uncomfortable about buying one. I'm now leaning towards the latest RS6....but not set in stone yet....hmmmmm

Hmm RS6 does sound the business, isn't the new one estate only though?

I know how you feel with the reliability issues with the GTR. I know Litchfield offers a warranty but it doesn't cover some very costly items such as MFD, Stereo, Dash Cluster, Headlights which are common failure items.

 

[AdnanK]

As for image, remember the C63 or Audis are not purpose built performance cars, they are beefed up versions of cars that make very popular taxis.

With regard to the engines, again, highly tuned cars are going to lose engines during the testing, and there will always be people with no mechanical understanding or sympathy, but these won't be reported. Don't push too far, treat them well and get a respectable company to modify and your GT-R engine will survive way over 100k miles.

In sub 650bhp/lbft form, you don't have to worry, especially with a properly set up ecutek. See above re gearboxes, the facts of the failure rate if fully understood would remove it entirely as a concern. Like I said, if that's still not enough, take out a litchfield warranty.

TBH the furthest I'd tune the GTR if probably a Stage 2, more than enough for the road. Hear what your saying on the other points.

 

[Marcus763]

Yes estate only but I could live with that and make use of the space. I had an RS4 B7 estate for 3yrs. I wouldn't want to mod a GTR if I go that way, maybe stage 1. There also the thin paint issues....on a car costing this much it's especially bad.

 

[AdnanK]

Yes estate only but I could live with that and make use of the space. I had an RS4 B7 estate for 3yrs. I wouldn't want to mod a GTR if I go that way, maybe stage 1. There also the thin paint issues....on a car costing this much it's especially bad.

I wouldn't be too worried about the paint, its expected with Jap cars.