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Dec 29, 2010
Used Nissan GT-R Buyers Guide - 2009 - 2013


Updated with 2013 info.


Red (A54), base/winter silver wheelsThe Nissan GT-R has piqued your interest, and now you are looking for a used example. Should you pick a 2009, 2010, 2011,2012,2013? What are the differences? What is it that I hear about the transmission? Does it have launch control? What are some of the problem areas with the car? Which year is fastest? This guide is going to be based around US models first sold in July 2008. Worldwide models are similar but not exactly the same as US models.


First Look



Titanium(KAC), the rarest color The Nissan GT-R or R35 was first sold in the US as a 2009 model starting in July 2008. Why R35? The chassis code for the 2009-2011(US) GT-R is CBA-R35. The 2012(US) GT-R has undergone several minor updates and is referred to as a DBA-R35. In Japan and other parts of the world, there has been a Nissan Skyline GT-R sold from 1969 to 1973, a 16 year break, and then from 1989 to 2002. From 1989-1994 the chassis code was BNR32, 1995-1998 was BCNR33, and 1999-2002 was BNR34. Even though the "Skyline" name is no longer used officially by Nissan, there are still many journalists and enthusiasts that refer to the R35 GT-R as a Skyline GT-R.

In 2009, from July though December there were 667 cars sold in the US. In the first year of sales from July 2008 though June 2009 there were 2597 sales though the 691 certified GT-R dealers. July 2009- June 2010 there were 1171 cars. Total sales from July 2008 though March 2011 were 4,479 cars.

Two models of the GT-R were first offered in 2009 and 2010, the Base, and Premium, in 2011 the only model was the Premium,. In 2009 and 2010, there were a few options available on each model. . ipod connector($400) in the glovebox, GT-R labeled floor mats($280), and a cold weather package(NC). In 2011, the GT-R floor mats($280) and the cold weather package(NC) were options. Super Silver(KAB) paint was a $3000 option in each year. There were 3 runflat tire options, the Bridgestone(Premium), the Dunlop(Base), and the Dunlop all season(cold weather package).Six exterior colors were available in 2009. In 2010 and 2011 there were five exterior colors(Titanium was dropped). The interior had two color options, black and gray from 2009-2011.

For 2012, there were a few changes to the color, and model options. A Premium and a Black Edition were available. The Black Edition sports unique wheels, red and black trimmed Recaro seats, and a black headliner. All performance aspects are the same for the Premium and the Black Edition. For 2012 a backup camera became a $600 option for the first time officially in the US. The Black paint was changed to Jet Black(GAG), and Deep Blue Pearl was introduced (RAY).

There are some rumors floating around about the 2013 Nissan GT-R, and a model called the SpecR. More information on the 2013 model should be coming with the Tokyo Auto Show. Expect to hear about more power perhaps up to 570-580 horsepower.


MSRP 2009 2010 2011 2012


Early 2009 MSRP -Effective July 7th- September 4th, 2008

The 2009 Nissan GT-R has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)*of $69,850 for the GT-R and $71,900 for the GT-R Premium model.Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000 : SourceLate 2009 MSRP -Effective September 5th, 2008 and up
Nissan today announced an interim price adjustment on the 2009 NissanGT-R due to increased raw materials costs. The Manufacturer's SuggestedRetail Prices (MSRP)* of $76,840 for the GT-R and $79,090 for the GT-RPremium model are effective immediately. Destination & Handling(D&H) is $1,000. The adjusted prices do not apply to customer ordersalready in dealer hands prior to September 5. :Source 2010 MSRP - Effective March 21, 2009
2010 GT-R will start at $81,790, including a$1,000 destination charge. The up level 2010 GT-R Premium will start at$84,040, including shipping.The new pricing is effective March 21,2009 - Edmunds Inside LineTwo options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: TheCold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000);iPod Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280).2011 MSRP - Effective March 3, 2011

Nissan GT-R Premium:$84,060 USD Three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: ColdWeather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000);Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logofloor mats ($280).2012 MSRP
2012 Nissan GT-R has a new look, new colors, new wheeldesign and, most important to fans of pure power, 35 more horsepowerunder the hood.In addition, a new “Black Edition” – with unique seatdesign, interior colors and wheels – joins the GT-R Premium model.Thestarting MSRPs for the 2012 Nissan GT-R are $89,950 USD and $95,100 USD for the Premium and Black Edition respectively.

Differences Year to Year



2009 GT-R Premium(KH3), most popular color2009 Differences Base to Premium - Premiums have the Bose 11 speaker stereo, heated seats, the Bridgestone tires, and darker colored wheels.Front seat and side curtain airbags were standard on the Premium. 480 horsepower for both models. Winter package cars all had silver finish wheels.

2010 Changes - 485 horsepower. Front-seat and side curtain airbags are now standard onboth models. The 2010 GT-R also gets an enhanced suspension withredesigned shocks, new wheel finishes and new transmission controlmodule programming "which optimizes clutch engagement for improvedacceleration from a standing start with the vehicle dynamic control on,"

In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brakelines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both theBrembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-artsuspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilstein shocks with a newvalve body design and revised spring and damper rates.



2010 GT-R (A54)The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster,smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while anew “near-black” metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model.For 2010, one new color – Pearl White – is offered, while the SuperSilver(KAB) exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished frontbumper.

Titanium(GAC) was dropped as a color option.

2011 Changes - Other changes include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clearcoat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear coolingducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.



2012 GT-R (RAY)The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened toenhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R’s outstandinghandling.In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitivewindshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface,Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback.The navigation systemnow includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeather™ capability.


Only a Premium model was available for 2011. Launch control was updated to what we call LC3.

2012 Changes. For 2012 the Nissan R35 GT-R has undergone what is called a "minor change". There are upgrades thoughout the car that give it more power(530hp), better handling, better braking, and improve overall refinement of the car. Check out the dealer "cheat sheet" with selling points on the 2012.

US and Worldwide Sales

The Nissan GT-R is a world car, sold world wide in nearly the same configuration. This is an advantage to a low production run, expensive car like a GT-R. These are the most up to date figures I could find.

Total Sales in the US (as of September 2011)
5243
Sales are not broken down by model year, but by calendar year.
2008 - 1730
2009 - 1534
2010 - 877
2011 - 1102

Total Sales in Canada (2010)
332

Calendar year sales:
2008 - 137
2009 - 133
2010 - 62

Total Sales in Japan (December 2010)
6507
Calendar year sales

2007 - 807
2008 - 4871
2009 - 531
2010 - 298

Total Sales in the UK (Jun 2011)
1733

Calender year sales:
2009 - 1051
2010 - 449
2011 - 233(Jun 2011)


Launch Control



Setup switches, clutch, suspension, and VDC. Launch control is enough of a controversy with the Nissan GT-R, that it is worth its own section. The first launch control on the GT-R was called LC1. LC1 would allow for 4500 rpm launches. VDC off, transmission up to temperature. Without launch control the car would come off the line at 2000 rpms. The problem with the 4500 rpm launch, was wheel hop. The GR6 transmission as used in the GT-R was the first production use of an longitudinal dual clutch transaxle. By September 2008, the first pictures of failed GR6 transmissions were floating around the web. The first failures seemed to be a catastrophic failure of first gear.

By October 2008 there were a few individuals that had transmission failures, had switched VDC off, and were denied warranty claims. A few owners started calling for a class action lawsuit. Lots of controversy erupted. At the end of October, I posted a few options on ways to fix the GR6 transmission and launch control.

In December 2008, Edmunds Inside Line tested their GT-R with the 4500 LC1, and with a non VDC off, 2000 rpm launch. With LC1, they saw a 3.53 second 0-60 time(1 foot of rollout), and a 11.77@118.63 mph 1/4 mile. From a 2000 rpm launch, they saw a 4.3 second 0-60 time(1 foot of rollout), and a 12.3@118.5 mph pass.

In January 2009, Edmunds Inside Line reported that Nissan was going to be reprogramming the launch control on the Nissan GT-R, we would start to call this reprogrammed launch control - LC2.

-Launch Control remains, but the maximum allowable engine speed withthe VDC system switched off will be reduced from the current 4,500 rpmto between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm. The clutch engagement program will alsochange to reduce driveline stress, e.g., less abrupt engagement onlaunch.

-Whenlaunching with the VDC on, the new programmingwill allow for higher engine speeds and a more aggressive clutchengagement than the current setup.

-Nissan reiterated that launching the GT-R with the VDC off is not covered by the warranty.Some owners with LC2, saw 0-60 times actually decrease to the low 3 second range. Here is a video of one car 3.1 seconds 0-60 mph.

By September 2009, Nissan had settled the transmission warranty claim lawsuit. Here are the results of the lawsuit.

1-All GTR owners that have LC1 used before and were afraid that thetranny did not have any warranty because of turning VDC off and doing aLC1 will have their warranties re-setted for 5yr or 60k miles if theyupgrade to LC2. All LC1 will be forgotten and the tranny will be fullycovered by NISSAN. After LC2 being installed, all LC2 with VDC on willbe fully covered by NISSAN. If you turn VDC off today , do your thing (drag/road course/etc) and the tranny goes bad at that moment, thewarranty will not hold, BUT if the problem arise some time later afterturning VDC off back on and driving the car without any issues and thenBAMMM.......the tranny will be covered 100%. If not NISSAN WILL HAVE TOPROOF that turning VDC OFF a week or a month prior the damage was thecause of failure. THEY WILL NEED TO PROOF IT , not like before that theyjust saw the BB data and said it was not covered.
2- ALL 2009GTR owners will get a $75 coupon for any kind of service at any GTRapproved Nissan dealership as part of a class compensation for the timetaken to update LC2.
All this will be happening in the next 2-3 months when GTR owners will be receiving notification from NISSAN.

VDC Stall Start log from Consult IIIFor 2011, the Nissan GT-R launch control got further improvements, which we called LC3. LC3 would allow for a 3300 rpm VDC in R mode launch, making the launch covered under warranty.

In 2012(US), the launch control was again revised. This time it is an actual advertised feature, called R Mode Start, with limits. LC4 allows for four launches prior to it requiring a mile and a half drive to cool the transmission down. The quick numbers are generated with the setup switches in R- Comf - R. 4000 rpms comes up, and 0-60 times happen in anywhere from 2.8- 3.2 seconds.

A Nissan dealer can use the Consult III to get a printout of VDC off(possible launches), and also transmission temperature logs. This leads to the next area of concern, the GR6 transmission.




GR6 Transmisserdiffertransferrearendcasehttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovZKssCfn44/TdqhfSgqmJI/AAAAAAAA84w/7vei151Je_8/s1600/VDC0ff-stall-start.jpgGR6 Transmission

$20,000 to replace. $20,000 to replace. The sky is falling if your transmission in your GT-R fails. Yes, you will sound a little like chicken little if you listen to the dealer, and listen to people not "in the know" about the Nissan GT-R GR6 transmission. What I see as the main issue with the GR6 was that from Nissan, it was a non-serviceable part. What does that mean? It means that if you had a problem with it, Nissan's policy was to remove and replace vs trying to fix it. The aftermarket has stepped up with lots of replacement parts, plus methods of fixing common issues with the GR6 transmission.

Transmission temperatures. This is another important point of the data available at the Nissan dealer though data they can collect though the Consult III.Check out the section below for the oil change temperature intervals. Transmission coolers are a necessity for a car that is driven on a road course aggressively.


Noises- the GR6 makes some noise. It is a high performance dual clutch transmission. You will hear a rattling sound at idle. There are some abnormal noises with some cars, but this is something for a Nissan dealer, or a shop familiar with the Nissan GT-R to check.


POS (Performance Optimization Services)

The first POS is at 1,000 miles. Next is at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months all complimentary from the Nissan dealer. There is a page in the service and maintenance guide to record the settings and services. Failure to have the required services done at the intervals noted may void any remaining Nissan
warranty coverage.


Clutch alignment -The design of the clutch and transmission requires inspection and adjustment of the clutch and shift forks by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer at the recommended intervals. Depending on driving conditions, more frequent adjustments may be necessary to help maximize vehicle performance. Or alternatively the Cobb AccessPORT with TCM support can do a clutch relearn and adjustment.

Engine balancing - Each cylinder bank of this engine operates independently due to the vehicle's twin turbocharger design. Each side of the engine must operate at the same level of performance. The air flow of each bank must be checked and adjusted as necessary by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.


Checking wheel alignment-This vehicle is equipped with a high performance suspension. As the suspension components "break-in", the vehicle's wheel alignment needs to be measured and adjusted by a GT-R certified dealer at the recommended intervals.

Serviceand Maintenance Guide - 2009 Nissan GT-R
Servicehttp://www.nissanusa.com/content/dam/nissan/pdf/techpubs/gt-r/2010/2010_GTR_SMG.pdfand Maintenance Guide- 2010 Nissan GT-R
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2011 Nissan GT-R

2011 Fluid change interval. (2009,2010 are available at the above links)


Warranty

Basic Coverage 36 months, 36,000 miles
Powertrain Coverage 60 months, 60,000 miles
The first four Performance Optimization Services (POS) described in the Nissan GT-R Owners Manual are provided at no charge. Failure to have the required services done at the intervals noted may void any remaining Nissan warranty coverage.

IMPORTANT: ADDITIONAL EXCLUSION AND WARRANTY VOIDING (2011)
Damage to the powertrain or any drivetrain component(s) that occurs when there is a record in the Vehicle Status Data Recorder (VSDR) that the vehicle was driven with the VDC off during the period when the damage was incurred is excluded from coverage under this warranty. Adding/replacing, reprogramming, attempting to reprogram, altering, or disconnecting any computer, control unit, or
electronic module, or deleting any or all stored information in any computer, control unit, or electronic module, or denying access to any data or information stored in any computer, control unit,
or electronic module VOIDS ALL COVERAGE under the 2011 Nissan GT-R New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Such actions are also "misuse" and "tampering" as those terms are used above
under "What Is Not Covered." See your Owner's Manual for additional important information and related warnings.

There are a lot of questions about thewarranty. There are questions about launch control and warranty. Nissanchanged the warranty from 2009 to 2010, and there are some importantdifferences. Here are a few links to information on the warranty.

Warranty Information Booklet - 2009 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2010 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2011 Nissan GT-R
Warranty
Federal Trade Commission Validates Right to Install Aftermarket Parts Without Voiding Warranty

Alignment

Nissan actually had two recommended alignments for the GT-R. The more aggressive track alignment will wear the tires more than the street alignment. This leads to the tire choices and life on the Nissan GT-R. Prior to purchasing your GT-R, you will want to check the alignment, and set it according to your needs. The 2012 GT-R has different alignment settings than the 2009-2011 cars.

Tires and Wheels

When the Nissan GT-R originally ran the 7:38 Nurburgring time, in September 2007, Mizuno mentioned that the time was NOT on a cut slick tire. Somehow though the game of telephone, it was reported, or rumored that the Nissan was actually on a cut slick tire. This is not true. The OEM tires are a standard compound, lowest treadwear of 140, far from any kind of competition special tire. From the factory, there were three runflat tire choices filled with nitrogen. Front tires are a 255/40/20. Rear tires are a 285/35/20 The premium tire was the Bridgestone Potenza RE070, it is a treadwear 140 tire. The Bridgestone tires run about $1700 a set. The base tire was the Dunlop SP SPORT 600 DSST CTT, that is a treadwear 200 tire. The Dunlop 600's run about ($1780 a set). The Dunlop is the quick tire for the Nissan GT-R on the track. It will have a little more road noise than the Potenza, but on a track, it will be a few seconds a lap faster than the Potenza. The last choice, which might be your first choice would be the all season Dunlop 7010 all season tires, treadwear 240. They cost about $1816 per set. The all season Dunlops come standard with the cold weather package.

Overall tire height is important to a GT-R because of the all wheel drive system. If you change tires or wheels, pay attention to the heights. If you do not, you could damage the all wheel drive system, and have a non functioning ABS/VDC. According to the service manual no more than 12 mm of difference in height front to rear. Actual tire life depends on the tire, wheel alignment, and how the car is used. Some GT-R owners have mounted 285/35/20 tires to the front of their GT-R, on front wheels, and it works out well.

For 2012 Nissan's has gone to a single tire the Dunlop Sport DSST 600 MAXX, and in the owners manuals they have relaxed some of the requirements related to the tires. Here are the sections.

"When tire replacement is required, replacing tires as a set of four with new tires is recommended. However, if a tire is punctured or damaged, it may be possible to replace only the damaged tire. Determining whether one tire or a complete set of tires should be replaced is based on a number of factors including tire wear and condition. Contact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. They can recommend if an individual tire or a complete set should be replaced."

"It is only possible to reuse the tires when they have no cracks and/or deformations on the bead portion of the tire." A question that comes up often around the Nissan GT-R community, is the question of wheels and tires. Do I have to use stock tires? What diameter wheels fit over the brakes? Which are best for the street? Which tires are best for the track? This post covers the stock wheel and tires, 18 inch, 19 inch, 20 inch, and even 21 inch wheel and tires for the R35 GTR


Brakes



2009 6 piston front caliper, 380 mm rotor6 piston front calipers. 4 piston rear calipers. 380mm x 34 mm front. 380 mm x 30 mm rear. Another controversial/expensive part of the Nissan GT-R. Here is why they are controversial. Nissan's official stance(2009-2010) is to replace the brake rotors, and brake pads, as a set.
An entire set any time you need to replace them. 4 rotors, 4 sets of pads. Pricing it out, most guys come up with a brake change in the $7000 range.

2011: brake pads can be separately replaced only when a certifiedtechnician checks for scratches and cracks and judges that the brakedisc rotors are reusable. Of course, since 2008 plenty of people have replaced the factory Brembo rotors that crack from the cross drilled holes, with new rotors, and differing pads than stock. The brake rotors are a wear item, and are not likely to be covered under any warranty.


The brakes are another item on the GT-R that makes some noise. A certain amount of noise is normal due to the high performance brake pads, and the floating rotors.

2012: The front brake rotors have been enlarged to 390mm, but are thinner at 32.8 mm, also the material, and the airflow though the rotor has been improved. The brake pads are the same shape for 2012 as the 2009-2011.

Modifications




JDM Owners Manual warningFor most used cars buyers, a stock car is more desirable than a modified car. Here is a fact related to car sales, modifications do not make the cars worth more money to most buyers. Generally buyers will not pay any extra money for modifications done to cars. Those $5000 21 inch wheels and tires, its not likely that you will find someone to accept the $5000 premium you are asking for, on top of the average selling price of the car.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8MPCKJQzPA8/Sb_Uq-Kb91I/AAAAAAAAZ9A/qZslNNSEudk/s1600/2010nissangtr.500.jpg




2009, and 2012 stock midpipes A GT-R is an easy car to modify the engines horsepower output. You will find a lot of cars that are modified, or WERE modified and now put back to stock. If you want a stock car, then it would be a good idea to get a mechanic to examine the car, to see if there are any signs of parts replacement. Exhausts and midpipe(Y-pipes) are popular and easy to replace. From the factory there are four catalytic converters. One in each down pipe from the turbochargers, two in the midpipe(Y-pipe). From the midpipe the exhaust goes back to twin mufflers and four exhaust tips.

Exhaust

The stock Nissan GT-R exhaust note is fairly quiet. The 2012 exhaust is slightly different than the 2009-2011, but close enough to be called the same. Though the two turbos, four catalytic converters, a resonator, and twin mufflers, the tone of the 3799cc VR38DETT is muted to the point that many owners want some more sound. A good starting point, is to swap out the midpipe(Y-pipe). From the midpipe, next is usually a cat back exhaust swap. The next step in line would be the downpipes. The downpipes are a tough swap, because the studs holding the downpipes to the turbos often snap. If they snap, removing the broken stud requires lowering the engine.



Cobb AccessPORT


The Cobb AccessPORT for the Nissan GT-R has been the ECU tuning tool of choice for the Nissan GT-R community since it was released. There have been some other ECU's and companies that have shown up, but nothing has had the flexibility and the support of the Cobb AccessPORT. Installing a Cobb AccessPORT will generally void your powertrain warranty, although some owners have had transmissions replaced, even after an AccessPORT install. Nissan has the ability to see if the ECU has been reflashed. If you purchase a car that has a Cobb AccessPORT installed, make sure you get the actual hand held tuner, as per the picture on the right. If you purchase a used Cobb AccessPORT make sure it has been uninstalled from the car. If not you just purchased an expensive paperweight.


Front Lip

The GT-R is a low, high performance vehicle. Did that make sense? . Low as in the front lip manages to catch on things like driveways, parking blocks and the like. The front lip from the Nissan dealer is a fairly expensive part, I have heard quotes for replacement $1200-$3000 from customers. The condition of the lip is something to look at prior to purchasing the car. There are some options to help cover up or minimize damage to your front lip. You can find out some more information about that here and here: The 2012 GT-R gets a new front lip.


Owners Manuals

Nissan has made the owners manuals available for download as PDF documents. Here are some links to the pages.
2009 Nissan GT-R manuals
2010 Nissan GT-R manuals
2011 Nissan GT-R manuals
2012 Nissan GT-R Manuals



Specifications

2009 Nissan GT-R
2010 Nissan GT-R
2011 Nissan GT-R
2012 Nissan GT-R

Press Kits

2009 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2010 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2011 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2012 Nissan GT-R Press Kit

For 2012, there has been a few changes to the Nissan GT-R. They start being delivered in early 2011 as a 2012 model. Nissan GT-R (DBA-R35) information.According to rumors, there will be some changes for the 2013 model. Its unlikely for these to be dramatic as the 2012 was a substantial change from the 2011car.


2013 Nissan GT-R Testing at Nurburgring
[url=mailto:tyndago@gmail.com]Email me[/url] with any additional questions you have, or items I should add to this guide.

For the largest forum and community of R35 GT-R owners, head over to NAGTROC(North American GT-R Owners Club. Related Posts : [color='#FFFFFF']Buyers Guide,Feature[/color]