My life with the GT-R aka My expensive test drive
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Changing to PSSs will be a very good move. As long as I had the car I only needed to get all seasons and was shocked to pay $2200 for them. I was surprised (perhaps I shouldn't have been) at the cost difference between 19 and 20 inch tires. Also, as I mentioned, I was turned away by several shops that would not even touch 20" runflats. For the summer I definitely would have gone to Michelins as well.
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Others can chime in on when the comfort mode was improved.(was it in '11?)
Changing to PSSs will be a very good move. As long as I had the car I only needed to get all seasons and was shocked to pay $2200 for them. I was surprised (perhaps I shouldn't have been) at the cost difference between 19 and 20 inch tires. Also, as I mentioned, I was turned away by several shops that would not even touch 20" runflats. For the summer I definitely would have gone to Michelins as well.
Changing to PSSs will be a very good move. As long as I had the car I only needed to get all seasons and was shocked to pay $2200 for them. I was surprised (perhaps I shouldn't have been) at the cost difference between 19 and 20 inch tires. Also, as I mentioned, I was turned away by several shops that would not even touch 20" runflats. For the summer I definitely would have gone to Michelins as well.
I noticed it.
From what I'm hearing about the 2015 (and possible the NISMO), I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the new version.
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That's what I thought. That's why I bought a '12.
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Made a purchase of a perfect 2012 Super Silver Black Edition GT-R with only 5000 miles. Made a good deal on the car and it seemed to fill many of my needs: versatile 2+2, 4wd, great power that can be used around town, many of the latest tech options, and improved ride comfort so many spoke about for the 2012 model. Took it on a couple mile test drive - found it reasonably comfortable and really fast. I had done a fair amount of research, so I took the plunge.
In the end, I wanted to offer my experiences after driving the car for 1000 miles and selling it. Another GT-R was traded back to the same dealer also after about 3 months of ownership! I needed to do a lot of research on the car after I already owned it – I knew a lot going in, but many things I had to figure out. I thought the diary of my ownership might prove valuable to others considering the GT-R so they go in eyes wide open. As a weekend only 2nd or 3rd car, the GT-R could be an entertaining stable mate. As a daily, you need to accept many compromises. I traded the GT-R on an ’08 Porsche TT and couldn’t be happier. Older as it is, the Porsche is much more refined, more comfortable and nearly as fast.
- As soon as I left the dealership, I was already questioning the purchase. It seemed like a different car from the test drive. Straight away, the lower seat bolsters were way too narrow. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it on the test drive; I just couldn’t get comfortable. At 165 lbs, I was totally shocked how narrow they were. Did some research on the forum and found somebody that had pulled his seats, removed the covers and bent the lower frame. I couldn’t believe it, but knew I needed to do the same thing. Thankfully, I waited before spending more money on the car.
- Then I hit the highway. Holy cow, the car didn’t need to be that quiet, but between the transmission noise behind me, the droning runflats and the exhaust droning at 2.5k RPM, the car was annoyingly loud. If it was the noise from a loud exhaust it would be one thing, but under hard acceleration all you hear is this cacophony of mechanical noises. I think the car actually sounds cool OUTSIDE of it, but inside all you hear are the tires and tranny. My wife rode in the car on one longer ride and couldn’t stand it. I did some research. I find a thread about the guy adding Dynamat to the trunk and interior. I couldn’t believe I was reading about someone ADDING insulation to a car in a performance forum. Any other car you are taking things OUT. For all the weight the car has, why isn’t some of it for insulation? Obviously, the car is optimized for performance and insulation was not part of that requirement. I just found it odd that 20 lbs couldn’t be spared for insulation, yet the dash and doors get leather, full infotainment and navigation, etc. The Bose stereo is what it is. Weak. But I found myself using it often to drown out the other noises.
- Those 20” runflats. I used the car as a daily, so I needed snows or all season tires. Holy cow, all seasons are $2100 a set! Ok, fine, it’s only money. I call 5 tire stores before I find one that would install them. I read the threads about installation difficulties and damaged rims. The local GT-R dealer wants to charge 1 hour’s labor per tire to install them! I found someone that charged a more modest $50/tire. Another “approved GT-R dealer” didn’t even have a tire machine. Then I read all the threads about going to Michelin PSS’s because of the increased comfort and improved tire noise. I probably would have gone to those later; they are also a cheaper option.
- Maintenance. Fortunately I didn’t keep it long enough. I researched before I owned the car that it needs 6k mile oil changes and tranny fluid at 18k that costs $100/qt. Wouldn’t want to touch brakes either, even aftermarkets are pricey. Service compared to a Porsche is very expensive. Just be aware that this is not a Nissan, it’s really a Lambo with a Nissan badge.
- Mileage. Okay, I don’t care about the mileage either. But holy crap, around town the thing gets 9 mpg! I always manually shifted it, mainly because I couldn’t stand the exhaust drone of the car running at only 2k RPM. Admittedly, it did eek out 13 mpg in mixed highway and city driving. And that was running the car in “SAVE” mode on the highway. But that mode really cut the boost and made the thing downright slow for passing. At least the car had a reasonably large gas tank, it needed it.
- Ride comfort. I thought the 2012 had the IMPROVED comfort mode. That was a joke. I need to frame my reference. I’ve lowered most of the cars I’ve owned. Most recently coilovers on an E46 M3. That car seemed like a Cadillac by comparison. In Comfort mode, the GTR just seemed to bounce around more on its stiff springs. Towards the end, I actually found the ride was smoother and more refined by running it in Race mode. It does it the small bumps harder, but in the end the damping is a better match for the spring rates. That is often true that you really need damping that matches the spring rates. I could tell that the Race mode damping was a better match for the spring rates. In any setting though, the car is very stiff. Even with only 6000 miles, the car started to develop rattles. I couldn’t imagine how loose one of these will be with 20k. I traded a 2011 M3 for the GT-R. Needless to say, even with the competition package, it was also like a Cadillac by comparison, yet still managed to have excellent handling.
In the end, I wanted to offer my experiences after driving the car for 1000 miles and selling it. Another GT-R was traded back to the same dealer also after about 3 months of ownership! I needed to do a lot of research on the car after I already owned it – I knew a lot going in, but many things I had to figure out. I thought the diary of my ownership might prove valuable to others considering the GT-R so they go in eyes wide open. As a weekend only 2nd or 3rd car, the GT-R could be an entertaining stable mate. As a daily, you need to accept many compromises. I traded the GT-R on an ’08 Porsche TT and couldn’t be happier. Older as it is, the Porsche is much more refined, more comfortable and nearly as fast.
I've had 2 GTR's and IMO It's an absolutely amazing car. Is the transmission a bit noisy? Yes, but it's a small price to pay for a tranny that IMHO is much better then Porsche's PDK. Obviously the interior on the GTR is a weak point, but I never thought the seats were bad and I'm 5'11" and 200lb's. As far as gas mileage goes, I never got less then 14MPG on the street and both my GTR's had full Switzer builds at 1000+AWHP.
Don't get me wrong, I love Porsche's as well. I have had 4 turbo's in the past 10 years. The best way to describe the difference between the Porsche and GTR would be analog versus digital. Porsche has a more analog feel while the GTR is digital.
Ultimately, anyone making a choice on a new sports car needs to get some seat time and decide for themselves. Reviews like mine are obviously personal and everyone is looking for something slightly different.
Last edited by Boca; Oct 30, 2013 at 04:22 AM.
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Well, I am 75-90 days in to my ownership with the GT-R and the "glow" has not worn off....it's actually gotten stronger. I will be as succinct as I can.
The only mods the car has are an HKS midpipe, HKS Legamax exhaust and a Cobb Accessport (running a Beta map for 93 oct and a non stock mid pipe). The car is just stupid fast. I just can't seem to get my head around needing anything faster (and there are a ton faster with Switzer, Alpha pkgs, etc.) My car should be close to 600 crank HP with the mid pipe, exhaust and tune that I am running.
I don't think anyone has ever questioned the performance. It is phenomenal. Handling just defies all laws of physics with how it corners vs its weight (although the car does not feel any heavier than my former M3). Roll, pitch and dive are almost non-existent. The steering is actually much more communicative than I remembered from my test drive although not as precise as the Porsche.
I drive this car to work on average three days a week (yes, in a suit) during good weather. I also drive it to dinner on Friday and Saturday night with my wife. Is it as comfortable as my former M3? No. Is it as comfortable as my former 997 Turbo? No. Is it more fun than both? Hell yes. Does it garner more attention? Yes; by a mile (I don't know if this is a good thing or bad thing).
Things I love:
Exterior styling (I have always loved the looks of this car)
Performance
Sound (with HKS midpipe and HKS Legamax exhaust)
AWD
Transmission (although not as good as my former E92 M3)
Seats
Utility (trunk size)
Things I want to change (or actually changed):
Runflat tires (will replace them with MPSS or R888 for $1,500+/-)
Brake pads (performance is great for normal driving but they are noisy)
Sound (midpipe changed this significantly)
Things I am indifferent about:
Gadgets
Interior quality (not Audi or Lexus like but also not as bad as my former C6 Vettes)
At the end of the day, I am extremely satisfied with the car and glad I made the purchase. The most important thing to me is I have to love the looks of my car. It has to make me give it the "look back" after I park it. The GTR does this in spades for me. I know the car is polarizing and some people find it quite ugly. I find it more attractive than a 911 and M3 (and the new M4). If the GTR had the comfort of the E92M3 and the quietness (mechanical noises; not exhaust) of the 997 Turbo while maintaining everything else it has, I would give the car a 9.9/10. As it is, I give it a 9/10. I really do love it.
The only mods the car has are an HKS midpipe, HKS Legamax exhaust and a Cobb Accessport (running a Beta map for 93 oct and a non stock mid pipe). The car is just stupid fast. I just can't seem to get my head around needing anything faster (and there are a ton faster with Switzer, Alpha pkgs, etc.) My car should be close to 600 crank HP with the mid pipe, exhaust and tune that I am running.
I don't think anyone has ever questioned the performance. It is phenomenal. Handling just defies all laws of physics with how it corners vs its weight (although the car does not feel any heavier than my former M3). Roll, pitch and dive are almost non-existent. The steering is actually much more communicative than I remembered from my test drive although not as precise as the Porsche.
I drive this car to work on average three days a week (yes, in a suit) during good weather. I also drive it to dinner on Friday and Saturday night with my wife. Is it as comfortable as my former M3? No. Is it as comfortable as my former 997 Turbo? No. Is it more fun than both? Hell yes. Does it garner more attention? Yes; by a mile (I don't know if this is a good thing or bad thing).
Things I love:
Exterior styling (I have always loved the looks of this car)
Performance
Sound (with HKS midpipe and HKS Legamax exhaust)
AWD
Transmission (although not as good as my former E92 M3)
Seats
Utility (trunk size)
Things I want to change (or actually changed):
Runflat tires (will replace them with MPSS or R888 for $1,500+/-)
Brake pads (performance is great for normal driving but they are noisy)
Sound (midpipe changed this significantly)
Things I am indifferent about:
Gadgets
Interior quality (not Audi or Lexus like but also not as bad as my former C6 Vettes)
At the end of the day, I am extremely satisfied with the car and glad I made the purchase. The most important thing to me is I have to love the looks of my car. It has to make me give it the "look back" after I park it. The GTR does this in spades for me. I know the car is polarizing and some people find it quite ugly. I find it more attractive than a 911 and M3 (and the new M4). If the GTR had the comfort of the E92M3 and the quietness (mechanical noises; not exhaust) of the 997 Turbo while maintaining everything else it has, I would give the car a 9.9/10. As it is, I give it a 9/10. I really do love it.
Last edited by amerlemans; Oct 29, 2013 at 08:36 PM.
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First, I want to say I appreciate your write up. It's what makes this board so interesting. However, I have to disagree with you on almost every point.
I've had 2 GTR's and IMO It's an absolutely amazing car. Is the transmission a bit noisy? Yes, but it's a small price to pay for a tranny that IMHO is much better then Porsche's PDK. Obviously the interior on the GTR is a weak point, but I never thought the seats were bad and I'm 5'11" and 200lb's. As far as gas mileage goes, I never got less then 14MPG on the street and both my GTR's had full Switzer builds at 1000+AWHP.
Don't get me wrong, I love Porsche's as well. I have had 4 turbo's in the past 10 years. The best way to describe the difference between the Porsche and GTR would be analog versus digital. Porsche has a more analog feel while the GTR is digital.
Ultimately, anyone making a choice on a new sports car needs to get some seat time and decide for themselves. Reviews like mine are obviously personal and everyone is looking for something slightly different.
I've had 2 GTR's and IMO It's an absolutely amazing car. Is the transmission a bit noisy? Yes, but it's a small price to pay for a tranny that IMHO is much better then Porsche's PDK. Obviously the interior on the GTR is a weak point, but I never thought the seats were bad and I'm 5'11" and 200lb's. As far as gas mileage goes, I never got less then 14MPG on the street and both my GTR's had full Switzer builds at 1000+AWHP.
Don't get me wrong, I love Porsche's as well. I have had 4 turbo's in the past 10 years. The best way to describe the difference between the Porsche and GTR would be analog versus digital. Porsche has a more analog feel while the GTR is digital.
Ultimately, anyone making a choice on a new sports car needs to get some seat time and decide for themselves. Reviews like mine are obviously personal and everyone is looking for something slightly different.
I really prefer a manual. I don't know if the GTR is better than the PDK, but it probably is. The GTR tranny is fantastic. But you agree with me, it's loud.
You find the interior a weak point, don't disagree with you there, but I never complained about it. Problem is the Black Edition seats. The driver's seat is different from the passenger's. The passenger seat is totally comfortable; the driver's seat is too narrow in the hips. Perhaps you have a Premium car? I just suggested people check it out for themselves, I just found it too narrow and others have as well. Some people find it just right. All personal preference.
Analog versus digital. I like that. I agree with that as well. The GTR is a great car. I really wanted to like it and am really bummed that I dropped thousands on it. I see that you've had 2 GTRs and 4 turbos. I really think having multiple cars improves the appreciation of the car. If you don't have to live with it as a daily, it is easier to appreciate all of the cars attributes and ignore the foibles.
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Dear Boca ,
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
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Dear Boca ,
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
. Look at all the responses of this post, any thread about GTR's gets more attention then anything else on this forum.Its kind of silly how emotionally charged some of you get about whether others love or hate your car. To think you can call someone a liar on a public forum when you have probably never met them nor know anything else about them is ........... what you feel is cool
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If you are going to get disrespectful and confrontational then get it right, BOCA is on your side, he not a GTR hater. Look at all the responses of this post, any thread about GTR's gets more attention then anything else on this forum.
Its kind of silly how emotionally charged some of you get about whether others love or hate your car. To think you can call someone a liar on a public forum when you have probably never met them nor know anything else about them is ........... what you feel is cool
. Look at all the responses of this post, any thread about GTR's gets more attention then anything else on this forum.Its kind of silly how emotionally charged some of you get about whether others love or hate your car. To think you can call someone a liar on a public forum when you have probably never met them nor know anything else about them is ........... what you feel is cool
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I've been thinking about a new GTR recently. I also have my eye on a '11-'12 Turbo S. After reading this thread I will definitely take the GTR out for a test ride. I'm going to be driving the car every day and don't want to get bounced around too much on the local roads. It seems that hoe Turbo will be the more comfortable car girl everyday use.
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Dear Boca ,
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
Based on this narrative of all the things wrong with the GTR, I now call BS.
I don't think you really own a GTR.
So , how to prove it . Join NAGTROG and become a certified member. The only way to do this is produce the registration for the club.
I used to read this site but over time , there are just too many haters here.
I have owned many BMW's including M's Alpine turbo cars and Porsche's and love all of them.
To all of you GTR haters, sorry for you. Wait till ya see what the new NISMO GTR DOES AT THE RING.
The track edition GTR just ran a 3rd in the world best time ( CARS THAT YOU CAN BUY IN THE USA )
My pro-stock Nova was sort of street legal with a 600 inch monster motor. It was a perfect stop light racer and was never comfortable but very fast and fun.
If you were commenting on my post I find it particularly ironic that you call me a liar and then label me disrespectful. I most assuredly had 2 GTR's and I am a registered member of NAGTROC and have been for a long time (I just don't go by Boca on that site).
Further, I began my original post on this thread by saying "I appreciate your review" and ended by basically saying it's all about personal preference. Some people love GTR's some people don't. In the end it's about being out on a twisty road, drag strip or road course and enjoying yourself. Whatever vehicle you choose too put a smile on your face is an individual choice.
My goal was to share my counterpoint and not condemn anyone else's thoughts. Just a different experience.
PS - RYEM, my apologies if I came across too you in the wrong way. I really do value your thread/post/comments.
Last edited by Boca; Oct 30, 2013 at 01:52 PM.
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Not at all! I gave you positive rep points for sharing your views constructively! I've only shared my experiences here. I've received more positive points from this thread than any other thread I've written- controversial as it may be! I only felt it important to share my experience so people make fully informed decisions. More experiences are better for all the members here!
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What does 'digital' feel like?
