Nissan Skyline 250GT 2006-2014 used car review
Nissan’s Skyline offers a sports car experience in a family sedan package.
Nissan’s Skyline offers a sports car experience in a family sedan package. A firm ride might mean not everyone will enjoy the ride.
The Nissan Skyline is best known as a race-winning sports car. However, more are sold in its native Japan as sedans for daily use. Offering rear or all-wheel drive, this model is also sold internationally under Nissan’s Infiniti brand and competes with premium cars like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. An SUV-like ‘Crossover’ version also became available in 2009.
Inside and out
The Skyline 250GT looks sleek and muscular with its bulging front and rear wings. The lights follow a similar shape. From the side, the car has a slightly coupé-like roofline. The rear has a large chrome lip running across the boot lid and the tail lights curve down into it. Twin tailpipes add to the sporty look.
Inside, the Skyline doesn’t feel as spacious as you’d expect for its size. The sleek look eats into the interior space and makes it feel closed in.
Most surfaces are a quality dark plastic and a large strip of metal trim runs down the centre console. Items your hands come in contact with - such as the steering wheel, transmission shifter and armrest - are covered in black leather.
In our review vehicle, the seats are leather. Both front and rear rows are sculpted with sizeable bolsters for more support when cornering. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and features a control for lumbar support.
The rear seat has a large lump between the two window seats and shoulder room is tight. That makes it better for two adults. The legroom is acceptable but the shape of the front seats means they can feel like they’re eating into the rear passenger space.
The dashboard features an infotainment screen with the main controls immediately underneath. Local maps are not available in the navigation system and a band expander will be required to receive most stations.
Under this is a large analogue clock with more stereo controls on either side. There are also separate climate control settings for driver and passenger. Phone and radio controls are found on the steering wheel.
Although the boot has a generous capacity for a medium-size sedan at 382 litres, its odd shape reduces its practicality. It should take two large and two small suitcases. If you use soft luggage, you will be able to fit more. A ‘ski port’ is available for carrying long narrow items.
On the road
Three engine options are available in the Skyline sedan: 2.5, 3.5 and 3.7-litre versions of Nissan’s well-regarded ‘VQ’ six-cylinder engine. The 2.5-litre powering our review vehicle is the most common. The 3.7-litre replaced the 3.5-litre in 2008.
Producing 165kW and 263Nm, the 2.5-litre engine offers decent performance, allowing the car to overtake with reasonable urgency. It does feel like it is having to work hard with the weight of the car so if you regularly have a full vehicle, consider the larger engine options. The impressive five-speed automatic can be shifted manually and is smooth and quick to shift down when required. The 3.7-litre engine comes paired with a seven-speed automatic.
With a rear-wheel drive chassis and sporting legacy, the Skyline is fun to drive. The steering is quick and well-weighted and offers good feedback. There is plenty of grip and it is enjoyable to corner. The downside to this is that the ride is very firm.
Large rear pillars produce blind spots to the side and rear so reversing without the use of the camera would be tricky. Cameras are fitted to almost all the Skyline sedans of this generation on the market. The 10.8-metre turning circle is good for a car of this size.
We have been unable to find an official tow rating for the Skyline. Tow bars are available for the model with ratings of up to 650kg (unbraked) and 1,500kg (braked).
Safety
RightCar does not yet list a Used Car Safety Rating for the Skyline. Under Japan NCAP testing in 2008, it performed very well. The model received a full six-stars for both driver and front passenger protection.
Our review car also had the option of electronic stability control. If this is fitted, you will find an off button below and to the right of the steering wheel. Side airbags became standard on all Skyline sedans in 2008.
There are no ISOFIX mountings in the rear seat of our review car. However, many are fitted with them so look for the metal loops between the seat base and back when shop
Reliability
The Skyline’s six-cylinder engines feature a timing chain that does not need regular replacement. However, high-mileage cars that have travelled more than 150,000km can suffer from chain stretch.
Watch out for an excessive rattle and noise from the front engine cover, reduced performance and the appearance of the engine check light on the dashboard. Replacement will require the removal of a lot of equipment from the front of the engine bay and should cost around $1,500.
The oil on the dipstick should not be too thick and dirty. Poor quality oil or infrequent servicing can result in a build-up of sludge in the engine. This will cause wear and other problems.
Skylines can suffer from corrosion. This is usually found during the inspection service when the car is imported into New Zealand but check for yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Where the rear suspension meets the body, look for bubbling or discolouration of the metal. If you find anything, have it professionally checked because rust repairs are expensive.
The touchscreen infotainment and stereo system can be difficult to repair when it goes wrong. It can also be tricky to fit a band expander to this system so it’s a good idea to have one fitted professionally.
Cost of ownership
It is recommended the 250GT is serviced every six months or 10,000km. A Nissan dealer quoted us $400 to have the work done. A major service at 100,000km includes the replacement of the spark plugs and costs up to $690.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Skyline 250GT will cost $2,740 a year to fuel. The 80-litre fuel tank will cost $160 to fill at $2 a litre and could take you 765km before the fuel light comes on.
Sitting in the cheapest ACC levy band, the Skyline’s annual licensing fee (registration) is $85.59.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Skyline worth $8800 will cost $46.37* per month, $1 more than a Toyota Mark X but $8 less than a BMW 325i.
Buyers' guide
Skyline 250GTs on Trade Me range from just over $7,500, rising to $23,500 for later and lower mileage vehicles. Starting from around $9,000, updated cars from 2008 onwards offer great value. They feature standard side airbags and small cosmetic updates.
If you have a choice, we would recommend choosing the black interior trim over the very light tan package. The lighter trim is susceptible to stains and marks that are almost impossible to remove.
Variants
The model name is made up of two parts, the engine size and specification level. The engine component is 250 for a 2.5-litre, 350 for a 3.5-litre and 370 for a 3.7-litre. The 250 is available with the option of all-wheel drive and this adds FOUR to the name.
- GT – the standard specification for most cars. Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, keyless entry and start, and part-leather upholstery.
- GT Type S – adds a subtle sports body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel steering.
- GT Type SP – adds lower suspension and sportier body kit, front and rear bumpers and headlights.
Timeline
- 2006 Launched in Japan
- 2007 GT Type S version launched
- 2008 All models receive a significant update, including cosmetic changes, the addition of a centre rear headrest, side and curtain airbags become standard and the 3.5-litre engine is replaced by a 3.7-litre
- 2010 A further update, with cosmetic changes, the option of a seven-speed automatic added to the 250GT and optional adaptive cruise control for 370 models
- 2014 Replaced by new model
Details
2004 Nissan Fuga 250XV
$5,995 to $13,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2.5-litre six-cylinder, 165kW/263Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Six-star Japan NCAP
10,000km or six months
Space saver
9.8-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4750mm
1773mm
1453mm
650kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked)
10.8m
This review covers the Nissan Skyline for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Review vehicle supplied by 2CheapCars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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