First let’s break it down to 2 sections: What to look for in a used GTR & Which generation is better?

Planning to purchase a used GT-R R35, but not sure which year and what to look for? There are a lot of factors to consider, but in my brief opinion a well looked after car should be the first priority. Aiming for low miles shouldn’t be your concern! You may find a DBA model with 10,000 miles…but how many times has the owner launched and abused the car? Was servicing done right? .. and so on.

What to look for in a used GT-R?

You’ll find many R35s for sale, and mostly being modified…so is that better? Think of it this way, for a car like the GT-R, I would avoid buying a modified/FBO or tuned. GT-R owners buy this car for a reason…PERFORMANCE, and not as a luxury cruiser (e.g. Aston, Bentley etc..) Most owners with a modified or built R35, will give the car a good beating.

If you’re struggling to find a completely stock R35, going for one with an aftermarket Exhaust/Midpipe is alright. Most importantly, checklist all the following:

• Get all the service history.
• have a local Nissan Dealer do PPI and tell them you’d like the CONSULT3 logs downloaded. (This typically tells you number of launches the car has done and if VDC was off, and trans temp history.)
• Any transmission or clutch wear & tear.

Which R35 generation to buy?

Planning to purchase a used GT-R R35, but not sure which year and what to look for? There are a lot of factors to consider, but in my opinion a well looked after car should be the first priority, such as obtaining service history from a pre-certified Nissan dealer (even if you have to pay extra). Aiming for low miles shouldn’t be your concern! You may find a DBA model with 10,000 miles…but how many times has the owner launched and abused the car? Was servicing done right? .. and so on.

Most, including me, would go for a DBA (2012-2016) or EBA 2017+ models. From the drivetrain perspective, the first gen CBA models seemed many common issues, which was updated in DBA models.

CBA common issues (especially 2009)

-Steering lock unit: Earlier CBA-R35s (particularly 2009) have had steering lock unit failures. This is a failure of a module that locks/unlocks the steering wheel as a part of the security system. Nissan issued a voluntary recall for these and replaced them under warranty.

– Bell housing: Many GT-Rs will exhibit noise from the bell housing / flywheel area. While there is a TSB related to bell housing play for earlier GT-Rs, there is a noise in this area that is normal for GT-Rs.

– Instrument cluster lighting: Earlier CBA-R35s have had LED lighting fail inside the instrument cluster. Nissan has fixed this in production and has replaced failed units under warranty.

– Transmission: CBA-R35 GT-Rs have had a relatively higher rate of transmission issues that relate largely to seal and sensor failures. These issues, if they arise, can cause a limp mode and a loss of even or odd gears. Nissan has largely resolved this by replacing transmissions that have had issues. Replacement transmissions have been current model year units which have not generally had issues.

– Headlight: Earlier GT-Rs have had headlight sealing issues where moisture appears inside of the headlight assembly. Nissan has fixed this in production and has replaced failed units under warranty.

– Dashboard degradation: Some dashboards have degraded and may become sticky in heat. Also, some surfaces, particularly in earlier GT-Rs, may be prone to scratching although these surfaces can easily be replaced (either OEM or aftermarket)

CBA vs DBA major differences: Exterior (revised bumpers, headlights, taillights, DRLs, and rear diffuser). Engine (more power, more boost, revised intakes, bigger turbo inlets). ECU (Revised ECM & TCM mapping, Eco mode). Suspension (revised geometry, damping, spring rates, and front strut reinforcement). Brakes (larger front rotors 15.4″). Interior (revised materials, carbon finish, and seats). For the 2014-2016, there were more suspension revisions.

Factory Power Ratings:
CBA: 480hp/434lbft
DBA 2012: 530hp/488lbft
2013-2016: 545hp/463lbft
EBA: 565hp/467lbft

**To view all DBA update specs: Click here