Buying Guide / 1999 - 2002
Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R
The final generation of the legendary Skyline GT-R. The RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six and ATTESA AWD make it one of the most desirable Japanese performance cars ever built.
The final generation of the legendary Skyline GT-R. The RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six and ATTESA AWD make it one of the most desirable Japanese performance cars ever built.
The R34 GT-R is the pinnacle of Nissan's Skyline lineage. Prices now start from £80,000 and continue to climb, but the mechanical risks are well-understood for buyers who know what to look for.
We've compiled 16 known issues for the R34 Skyline GT-R in our database. Here are the five that matter most, drawn from specialist importers and owner communities worldwide.
Go deeper: Run a free Carwise report on a specific R34 to see which issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history, mileage checks and a personalised buyer checklist.
Japanese-market cars were not built for UK weather. Rear wheel arches, sills, boot floor, and around the rear subframe mounting points are the worst areas. Many UK cars have had previous rust repairs of varying quality.
Import history and storage conditions matter enormously. A dry-stored car is worth significantly more than one that has spent years exposed to UK winters.
Thorough inspection underneath, particularly rear arches and sill ends. Look for filler and poor previous repairs. A dry-stored car is worth significantly more.
The oil pump is driven by a collar on the crank that can spin, causing total oil pressure loss and engine destruction. There is no warning when this happens.
Aftermarket upgraded collars (Tomei, Nismo) are available. On a car worth £80,000 or more, this upgrade is not optional.
Ask if the oil pump drive has been upgraded. If not, factor it in immediately. This is a preventative measure that should be considered essential on any RB26-powered car.
The Getrag V160 6-speed is strong for standard power but vulnerable above 500bhp. Synchros on 3rd and 4th gear wear with hard use. The transfer case can also crack under heavy launches.
Many R34 GT-Rs have been tuned well beyond stock power, making gearbox condition a key concern regardless of mileage.
Test all gear changes, listen for crunching especially 3rd and 4th when cold. Ask about power modifications. A car with 600bhp and an original gearbox should raise questions.
The electronically-controlled AWD system relies on sensors, a transfer case pump, and electronic control unit. Faults can leave the car in rear-drive only mode or cause unpredictable handling.
The rear differential can also develop noise with age and hard use.
Test on a dry road with full steering lock turns. Warning lights, clunking, or binding indicates problems. A specialist diagnostic scan of the ATTESA system is recommended before purchase.
The four-wheel steering system commonly develops leaks and erratic behaviour with age. Many owners delete it entirely with a lock bar kit. A HICAS delete is generally considered an improvement for track use.
Test at low speed with lock-to-lock turns. Clunking or wandering at the rear suggests issues. Many cars already have HICAS delete kits fitted.
The R34 GT-R is an icon. The combination of the RB26DETT, ATTESA AWD, and that unmistakable silhouette makes it one of the most desirable Japanese performance cars ever built. Prices have risen dramatically and continue to climb, especially with the 25-year US import rule now making R34s legal in America.
The mechanical risks are well-understood, and a properly maintained R34 with documented history is a sound investment as well as an incredible driving experience. The key is finding one that hasn't been abused, poorly modified, or left to rust.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Carwise Score.
Check a vehicle nowCompiled from independent expert sources, specialist importers and our database of 16 known R34 Skyline GT-R issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.
Hero image: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)