OK, so maybe I am being a bit silly in my title.

Given the level of interest and controversy here (and elsewhere) on the 997TT v. GT-R debate, and given that I own both and have posted frequently on these threads, I wanted to report an update.

As I posted previously, the tranny on my GT-R failed on track. It was an electric/electronic failure (solenoid), not related to clutch or gears or launch control. Nonetheless, it took Nissan three weeks to approve the warranty work and two more to fixe it (five weeks total). Had they denied the claim, I would have been out >$20K (they don't open/fix the tranny, they only replace as a sealed unit).

I was pretty upset and let them know that.

Long story short, they offered to buy back the car, and I agreed. I drop it off tomorrow.

Please, haters, do not blow this too far out of proportion. I still love the GT-R, and my reaction is perhaps a bit irrational/emotional (lots of folks have been tracking heavily-modded GT-Rs for months without issue). But once bitten, twice shy. Plus, lots of folks have been tracking heavily-modded 911s for YEARS without issue, so I think I'll bet on that platform for now. The very fair economic deal offered by Nissan made it an easier decision. They have been very professional and reasonable.

So, HC, you win. I give. Uncle.

-Chris

 

Wow, They actually offered to buy the car back...

 

What? Your car had an issue, Nissan fixed it under warranty, and therefore we can put the 997TT vs GTR debate to rest?

 

5 weeks to fix sounds like a problem to me too, would have done the same thing vs. rolling the dice praying for warranty coverage.

 

Just kidding on that specific topic, obviously.

 

You made the right move in this economic climate. GTR is a great car for the money, just too unreliable it seems.

 

Hey Chris, sorry it didn't work out the way you'd hoped. I do think it was a great car but I also think that it's not got a race-proven GT1 block like the 997TT. So glad you're still with us!

 

Chris, I feel for you having to have that weighing on your mind. No parties going on here because I've watched who are likely the faster of the GT-R guys at Road Atlanta doing laps in 15* weather and none of them could do much more than 5 laps at a time without coming in, and from what I've read from them, they all had warning lights of some sort. I'd bet the people that are claiming to have had no problems have still had some if they drive it hard enough. Trans temp, limp mode, tranny failure and on and on. That's why you wont ever see a GT-R racing (and I mean racing, not time trialing) SCCA, NASA etc. etc. because the cars can't take the beating. At least not without a complete electronic/gearbox/motor overhaul. Always warning lights and malfunctions, and now Nissan is buckling down even harder on people so they can pass the buck. Not to mention you can't even drive it without having to keep a hawk eye on all the temps. Then you have to pay for track services, that will now leave you open to a voided warranty because they have proof you drove it on a track. I don't car what car it is, that is not worth it.

I would have done the same thing with that kind of offer. It's hard to enjoy yourself when all you can do is worry about what's going to break next and how much it's going to cost. My corvette taught me that with several engine rebuilds. The best part about performance cars is customizing them to fit your wants, and being able to rely on them. You did the right thing. A car that you have to mortgage the entire warranty just to mod the ECU is not worth the headache. And having a 20k repair bill hanging over your head from now on could not be comforting either.

All performance arguments aside, the GT-R is not built to last. And when warranties start expiring, the values will plummet due to cost of maintenance vs worth. With the GT-R, keeping it stock used to be the only piece of mind, but now you can't even do that if you drive on a track, EVER. And you never know what they are using the black box to condemn you of. I suspect we'll see more people not wanting to deal with that mess as time goes on and all that will be left is the garage queens and concourse cars.

 

I own a 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo (1st year) so I know the pain. The 350Z and G35 had transmission problems that took 2 years to fix. The R32 GT-R had a problem with a self destructing engine and that took 2 years to fix. Nissan is notorious for having major problems the first couple years out, so I could've told you not to buy it.

 

They might also be able to use the black box to tell if you made some dyno pulls. I hear that also voids the warranty.

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=19701

 

lol... a different car altogether

 

Wonder how much of the chassy they used in that GT1 car. Will set up an interesting showdown with the Corvettes next year in ALMS. Should be intersting, and may revive the dead GT1 category maybe drawing some privateers with smaller budget requirements.

 

R35 is a whole new baby from NISSAN..It too much different than any previours GT-Rs they ever made.They wanted use something like this new to compete a finely developed over 40 years,full with honours,approbatoried PORSCHE 911.I just can't understand what they are doing...

Refer to my friend owned a R35.When he track it,the DSG box overheated and toast all the leather interiors around the middle console also the side vent of the seat near it.Made some annoying smell in the car...

 

Truly sad to hear this, but it's completely understandable and I too agree with your decision. Nissan came into this battle too quick. You just can't throw away a legacy (Porsche) in a matter of a few years. They had an amazing concept and an outstanding marketing team, but it fell short on reliability and maintenance costs. As with any other product though, the first year is always a litmus test. You've seemed to enjoy your ownership aside from the troubles and that's what matters. You've also been very lucky with your dealings with Nissan, although you were down some considerable time. So the question is what's next? What can you possibly replace it with that has equivalent potential? Cause I for sure know that AWD traction, non-existent lag, hi-boost, and instantaneous shifts are pretty darn addicting! Best of luck!