Models · Nissan
Nissan GT-R R35 buying guide
Nissan's four-wheel-drive supercar, sold in the UK from 2009 with a twin-turbo 3.8 V6 and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and steadily uprated through a long production run. The engine is very strong, and the checks centre on the transmission and running gear.
The versions
- 3.8 twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT), 485bhp in launch UK form, later raised to 530bhp and then 550bhp
- 2016 on: 570hp at 6,800rpm
- Nismo: 600hp, with carbon ceramic brakes
- GR6 six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with the gearbox at the rear, four-wheel drive
- Four-seat coupé only
What to check on a R35 GT-R
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Gearbox behaviour from cold
What to look for: With the car cold, select first, then reverse, then first again. Each should engage promptly and correctly. On the drive, note any flashing gear indicator, a jump from reverse straight to second, a whine in one gear or snatchy changes. Ask a specialist to read the launch count from the ECU.
Why it matters: Early cars had faulty transmission control solenoids, which can put the car into limp mode; cleaning or replacing the solenoid is usually the fix. Frequent launches on a gearbox that isn't fully warm can damage the clutch baskets, especially on tuned cars. Early snatchy shifts were cured by a software update.
A rattle from between engine and gearbox
What to look for: With the engine idling in neutral, listen for a rattle from the middle of the car. A light rattle is normal on a GT-R; note how loud it is and whether there's any vibration with it.
Why it matters: It comes from the bearing at the end of the flywheel shaft moving in its housing. Every GT-R has it to some degree. Nissan replaced the bearing under warranty with the same part, and specialists offer an uprated roller bearing as a longer term fix.
Brake discs and pads
What to look for: Look through the wheels at the front discs. Check for cracks around the drilled holes and for a raised lip at the outer edge of the disc. New pads fitted against a lipped disc are the thing to note.
Why it matters: The standard front discs are over 15 inches across, and cracking around the holes points to hard track use. Nismo models have carbon ceramic discs instead. Fresh pads on worn discs mean a full disc and pad replacement is close.
Also in the full guide
- Matching tyres and judder on full lock
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the R35 GT-R
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Nissan.