[sukie_R33]

Hi again,

Needing some experienced advice now...I've been looking for a skyline for about a month now. Viewed a couple but found it hard to finance unfortunately. Now I have the chance to own a 1996 M plate GTS with 45k on the clock. I've been offered it in a straight exchange for my ford focus Now iv had it HPI'd and it's all clean, I just dont know what to do - what would you do???

Here are couple pics of the car:

Thoughts please :wavey:
Rich

 

[nick the tubman]

thats a really clean engine bay! check any history. ask if the garage you are buying from cleaned it up. if so, walk away, if not looks like it has been well looked after

then again ignore all that and just drive it to ya local skyline specialist and get their opinion.

not like i did, doh!

 

[sukie_R33]

It's actually a private deal. The fella has just started a new job and is travelling further, and needs something that will get more mileage on the motorway!
It's a totally standard engine - running standard boost, no aftermarket induction or exhaust either! I'll have to ask him about the clenliness of the engine bay, but tbh i doubt he'll have done that! He says he has all the cars history (inc japanese stuff and certificates)...
Sorry to sound stupid, but will that be the RB26 lump, or different?

 

[m6beg]

Truth...

Just follow your own instincts.
You will never know if you don't

Mick

 

[car killer]

It's actually a private deal. The fella has just started a new job and is travelling further, and needs something that will get more mileage on the motorway!
It's a totally standard engine - running standard boost, no aftermarket induction or exhaust either! I'll have to ask him about the clenliness of the engine bay, but tbh i doubt he'll have done that! He says he has all the cars history (inc japanese stuff and certificates)...
Sorry to sound stupid, but will that be the RB26 lump, or different?

it looks like a nice clean example, why don't you ask him for a longer test drive in it and nip it to a local garage and slip the mechanic a drink for his opinion on the vehicle, get him to put it up on a ramp and have a nosey.

The engine will be the RB25DET 2.5 single turbo and it will be rear wheel drive.

Also check the value of your focus and what value the skyline roughly is then if your happy DO IT :smokin:

 

[Newera]

Looks like a facelift 1996 GTSt. Engine bay doesn't look cleaned. Can't judge from 2 pics. Get an HPI check to make sure there's no finance on it, get a Bimta certificate to check mileage the car was sold with in Japan checks out. These things can be done quickly. If possible, get a genuine specialist to inspect it - although beware of wasting people's time. Pay for it and ask for a receipt.

That way you'll have hopefully covered your risks.

Miguel.

 

[sukie_R33]

Thanks again guys, finding your thoughts very useful
Miguel, I've had it HPI'd, and all looked good, & as I said the guy has the Bimta certificate...
I'm caught in two minds now, having a think about it - i still like the GTR I viewed last weekend. The garage would only offer me 5k on my focus though, and I feel its worth a bit more. And valued their standard GTR at almost 13k with 50k on the clock.

 

[Marky_GTSt]

Why would cleaning the engine bay be a problem ? Hasnt anyone else on here ever cleaned under the bonnet ?

It doesnt look like its been sprayed with jizer and jetwashed though if thats what you mean.

 

[TREG]

If your not sure,dont rush into it. Theres nothing worse than driving something you wish you hadnt boughtuke: . Whats the mileage and year of your Focus??
If you really wanted the Gtr, I would wait alittle longer and save.

 

[sukie_R33]

Whats the mileage and year of your Focus??

My car is a 2003 special edition (fully loaded with things like full leather interior inc sports seats, electric windows/mirrors, parking sensors, abs/traction control etc...) Its done just over 28k.

I think I may ring the garage of the GTR and haggle a bit, see if he'll negotiate a little

 

[NISFAN]

I'd bite his hand off!!!!!

That car looks immaculate, worth much more than a 2003 Ford Focus. Even if you did swap, and still wanted the GTR, you'd get more for that GTS-t as a trade in, Ford Focus' is ten a penny.

IMO

 

[TREG]

Ok,after alittle homework,I would say your Focus is worth around £5k on a good day.
I would say the offer of £5k for a trade in against the Gtr was very fair-Presuming the Gtr will have a warrenty?
As stated earlier the Skyline above is worth more than your Focus anyway,so it would make a good swap.

 

[sukie_R33]

Cheers for that guys...I kind of had a feeling about the focus value. But I have seen the same model going for almost 7k on auto trader, and that was with more mileage than mine

I'm going to talk it over with people tonight...I'll let you now my desicion!

 

[Nick MW]

If you can get £7k for the Focus, I would personally sell it privately as a standard GTSt, as clean as it looks, is not really worth £7k in todays market.

There are a huge number for sale and it puts you in a much better negotiation position if you are a cash buyer.

 

[m6beg]

I seen a very good R33 gtst. Car was clean no rust and cleaner engine bay.
Oil Pressure was at 6 bar from cold.
That was at Southampton Auctions. Motor way auctions.
The car went threw as sold 1 bid £1800


Couldn't believe it.

Mick

 

[TREG]

I seen a very good R33 gtst. Car was clean no rust and cleaner engine bay.
Oil Pressure was at 6 bar from cold.
That was at Southampton Auctions. Motor way auctions.
The car went threw as sold 1 bid £1800


Couldn't believe it.

Mick

Is that a public or trade auction Mick??

 

[m6beg]

Its a trade one. But all you do is leave £500 and then they give you a number.
If you don't buy anything they give your £500 back.
Easy as that.

Mick

 

[TREG]

Its a trade one. But all you do is leave £500 and then they give you a number.
If you don't buy anything they give your £500 back.
Easy as that.

Mick

Sounds like a bit of fun.

Why dont you have a look there Suzie??

 

[m6beg]

Every Tuesday.

Car Auctions - Motorway Car Auctions

Mick

 

[TREG]

Quite fancy a look at that myself Mick.