1999-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (BNR34) - Complete Buyer's Guide

Quick Specs

• Years: 1999-2002
• Code: R34, BNR34
• Engine: RB26DETT 2.6L Twin-Turbo I6
• Power: 280 PS / 276 hp (official rating under Japan's industry "gentlemen's agreement")
• Drivetrain: AWD (ATTESA E-TS; ATTESA E-TS Pro with an active rear differential on V-Spec models)
• Transmission: 6-speed Getrag manual

Overview

The R34 Skyline GT-R was the last GT-R to wear a Skyline badge, and many enthusiasts consider it the best of the GT-R family. Hagerty notes that current prices back up that opinion. Immortalized by the Fast & Furious films, PlayStation games and import magazines, the R34 combines cutting-edge technology with raw performance in a package that commands six-figure prices today.

Why the R34 is Legendary:

• The final evolution of Nissan's RB26DETT-powered, all-wheel-drive GT-R formula
• Multi-Function Display (MFD) developed by Polyphony Digital, the Gran Turismo studio
• Fast & Furious fame
• Limited production: 11,578 built in total, including 1,855 V-Spec IIs
• Super-HICAS rear steering and a Getrag six-speed

Performance & Specifications

Engine: RB26DETT (Final Evolution)

• 2.6L inline-6 twin-turbo
• Iron block, aluminum head
• Twin Garrett-type turbochargers with ceramic turbine wheels (steel on the N1-based Nür engine)
• Parallel twin-turbo layout: each turbo feeds three cylinders
• Officially 276 hp / 280 PS (gentlemen's agreement)

Drivetrain:

• ATTESA E-TS AWD (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System)
• Electronically controlled torque split: the system sends drive to the front wheels as conditions demand
• V-Spec models: ATTESA E-TS Pro with an active rear differential
• Super-HICAS rear-wheel steering
• 6-speed Getrag manual transmission

Variants:

• Standard GT-R: the base car; 3,977 built
• V-Spec (1999-2000): ATTESA E-TS Pro, revised suspension, 15 mm lower, front splitter and diffuser, carbon-fiber rear diffuser; 4,192 built (the most common R34 GT-R)
• V-Spec II (2000-2002): stiffer suspension, upgraded rear brakes, carbon-fiber hood with NACA duct; 1,855 built
• M-Spec (2001-2002): "Ripple Control" dampers, heated leather seats; 366 built
• V-Spec N1 (1999-2000) and V-Spec II N1 (2001-2002): stripped, white-only homologation cars with the reinforced N1 engine; 38 and 18 built
• V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür (2002): N1-based engine, 300 km/h speedometer, Millennium Jade paint option; 718 and 285 built

Buying Guide

What to Look For

Good Signs:

• Complete service history, including when the timing belt was last changed
• Bone stock, or modified by a known shop with receipts
• Rust-free undercarriage and chassis rails
• Original Japanese auction sheet and export paperwork (have your importer verify them)
• Original parts included if modified
• Compression and leak-down results that are even across all six cylinders
• MFD (Multi-Function Display) working properly

Red Flags:

• Rust in the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers or underbody
• Poorly executed modifications (zip ties, exposed wiring)
• Mismatched VIN or chassis plate tampering
• Oil leaks from turbo seals or head gasket
• ATTESA warning light on dash
• Clunks from the drivetrain under load
• Salvage title or accident history

Common Issues

Known Problems:

1. RB26 Head Gasket - A risk on modified, higher-boost engines

   • Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke, overheating
   • Repair: A head-off job; builders usually add head studs at the same time

2. ATTESA System Faults - Pump and control problems on an aging AWD system

   • Symptoms: Clunking noise, AWD not engaging, warning light
   • Repair: Have a GT-R specialist diagnose it before you buy

3. Rust - Biggest concern for 25-year-old cars

   • Rear wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers and underbody are the places to check
   • Unless rust repair is documented, even clean-looking cars can hide it

4. Getrag Transmission Issues - Synchros wear on hard-driven examples

   • Symptoms: Grinding gears, difficult shifts
   • Repair: A gearbox rebuild; get a specialist quote

5. Ceramic Turbo Failure - The original turbos' ceramic turbine wheels are light but brittle

   • Symptoms: Rattling, loss of boost, blue smoke
   • Many owners switch to steel-wheel turbos when upgrading

6. MFD Screen Failure - LCD screens can fade or fail with age

   • Symptoms: Blank screen, pixel loss, ghosting
   • Spares are harder to source because the R34 was never sold in the US

Need parts? Find R34 GT-R (BNR34) parts on eBay — Used OEM and aftermarket parts vary; confirm the part number and fitment for your chassis before buying — sellers set condition. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Average Prices (US Market 2026)

We no longer print our own price bands for this car. Here is what two named Hagerty sources say:

• Hagerty Price Guide (July 2026 update, #3 "Good" condition with average spec; checked September 28, 2026): 1999 Skyline GT-R about $127,000; 1999 Skyline GT-R V-Spec about $154,000.
• Hagerty's R34 buyer's guide (May 7, 2026) says you'll be hard pressed to get into a turnkey R34 GT-R for under $100,000. It puts a standard GT-R or V-Spec typically in the $130,000-$170,000 range, with perfect examples surpassing $200,000, and says N1s and Nürs are hard to find under $250,000.

What moves a specific car up or down:

• Edition: N1 and Nür cars sit at the top, the rare M-Spec is also sought after, and standard GT-Rs and V-Specs are the most available
• Color: Hagerty says certain shades command a premium. Bayside Blue is the defining R34 color but not rare (2,880 of 11,578). Midnight Purple II (347 cars), Midnight Purple III (199) and the Nür-only Millennium Jade are much scarcer.
• Modifications: quality matters more than quantity, so find out what was done and who did it
• Accident history, rust repair and title issues pull prices down

These are values, not forecasts. We don't publish price predictions.

Looking for one? Browse matching vehicles on eBay — Listings change constantly; condition, mileage and title status are each seller's claims — verify papers and import eligibility (25-year rule) before you bid. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Best Years to Buy

1999-2000:

• Pros: Standard GT-R and V-Spec. The V-Spec is the most common R34 GT-R and, per Hagerty, often considered the enthusiast's choice. Cars built in 1999 and 2000 are past the 25-year mark.
• Cons: V-Specs cost more than standard cars (see Hagerty values above)
• Recommendation: The most available R34s, and a good place to start

2000-2001:

• Pros: V-Spec II (from 2000) adds the carbon hood and stiffer suspension; M-Spec (from 2001) adds Ripple Control dampers and leather
• Cons: As of September 2026, only 2001 cars built through September 2001 are 25 years old; later builds become eligible month by month
• Recommendation: The pick if you want V-Spec II hardware

2002 (Final Year):

• Pros: V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür with the N1-based engine; the final-edition cars
• Cons: Not yet 25 years old (eligible in 2027, by build date); the rarest and most expensive R34s
• Recommendation: For collectors who want the final edition and can wait for eligibility

Modifications & Tuning

Tuning Potential:

• The RB26 responds well to upgrades, but results depend on the parts, the tune and who does the work
• Hagerty's advice: cars worked on by established tuning shops with long experience on the platform, especially in Japan or Australia, are worth seeking out
• Big-power builds need upgraded turbos, fuel and engine management, and usually built internals

Popular Mods:

1. Turbo Upgrade - HKS GT-SS twins, Garrett GTX-series singles
2. Exhaust System - HKS Hi-Power, Tomei Expreme Ti
3. ECU - Link G4+, Haltech Elite, AEM Infinity
4. Suspension - Ohlins Road & Track, KW V3, HKS Hipermax IV
5. Brakes - Pads, lines and fluid suited to the power level
6. Intake - HKS Super Power Flow, Trust GReddy Airinx
7. Genuine NISMO parts - Hagerty notes NISMO suspension, aero, exhaust and wheels generally keep the car's balance better than many alternatives

FTC Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.

Ownership Experience

Running Costs:

• Insurance: Agreed-value collector policies suit an unmodified weekend car. Daily use or heavy modifications push premiums up, so get quotes before you buy.
• Maintenance: Plan for timing-belt service, fluids and age-related parts on top of routine service
• Fuel: Premium unleaded
• Registration: Varies by state, classic/collector plates available in most states

Parts Availability:

• OEM parts: The R34 was never sold here, so spares usually come from Japan
• Aftermarket: Excellent (HKS, Trust, Nismo, Tomei, Jun Auto, Mine's)
• Specialist shops: Look for established GT-R specialists with RB26 experience
• Mechanical parts: Readily available
• Cosmetic parts: Harder to find, expensive

Reliability:

• Stock/mild builds: Very reliable with proper maintenance
• Heavy modifications: Expect more frequent repairs and maintenance
• Hagerty's verdict: the RB26 is a strong engine, but it isn't indestructible. An old timing belt that fails can be painfully expensive.
• Keep a contingency fund for unexpected repairs

Insurance:

• Hagerty, Grundy, American Collectors offer agreed value policies
• Collector policies come with usage rules (such as mileage limits or no daily driving) that vary by insurer
• A standard daily-driver policy on a car this valuable costs more, so get quotes first

Import Process (25-Year Rule)

Eligible Years:

• 1999: Eligible since 2024
• 2000: Eligible since 2025
• 2001: Eligible 25 years after each car's build date. As of September 2026 that covers cars built through September 2001; the rest follow month by month.
• 2002: Eligible in 2027, by build date

Import Steps:

1. Choose a reputable importer or Japan-based export broker (ask for references and a written fee schedule)
2. Select vehicle from Japanese auction (USS, JAA, TAA)
3. Review the auction sheet with your broker (grade, damage map, mileage notes)
4. Arrange ocean shipping to a US port (get written quotes)
5. Clear customs (DOT Form HS-7, EPA Form 3520-1)
6. Pay import duty: CBP lists 2.5% as the general rate for cars, based on the price paid. CBP's Section 232 FAQ excludes used cars manufactured in a year at least 25 years before the year of entry from the Section 232 auto tariff. Tariff rules have changed repeatedly since 2025, so confirm the current total with a licensed customs broker.
7. Arrange transport from the port
8. Register and insure in your state

Total Import Cost: Vehicle price plus auction and broker fees, export paperwork, ocean freight, duty, port charges and domestic transport. Get an itemized, written estimate before you bid.

Common Import Pitfalls:

• Overpaying at auction due to hype
• Missing rust/damage in auction photos
• Underestimating total costs
• Using inexperienced importers
• Failing state registration inspections

Sources

• Greg Ingold, "Your Handy 1999–2002 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R Buyer's Guide," Hagerty Media, May 7, 2026 (updated May 11, 2026).
• Hagerty Valuation Tools, 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R and 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec: Price Guide values (July 2026 update, #3 condition), hagerty.com, checked September 28, 2026.
• Scott Oldham, "Here's your definitive Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R buyer's guide," Hagerty Media, March 29, 2018 (RB26DETT layout: iron block, aluminum head, parallel twin turbos).
• Wikipedia, "Nissan Skyline GT-R" and "Nissan RB engine" (R34 production, ceramic and N1 turbochargers, ATTESA E-TS), accessed September 2026.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Importing a Motor Vehicle," cbp.gov, last modified May 21, 2026.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Section 232 Additional FAQs – Automobiles and Auto Parts," cbp.gov, last modified December 19, 2025.

FAQ

Q: Is the R34 GT-R legal in the US? A: Cars built in 1999 and 2000 are eligible now under the 25-year import rule. 2001 cars become eligible as each reaches 25 years from its build date (through September 2001 as of September 2026), and 2002 cars in 2027.

Q: Why are R34 GT-Rs so expensive? A: Limited production (11,578 built), Fast & Furious and video-game fame, the car's technology, and worldwide demand. Hagerty notes that R34s are sought after across the world, so competition for a limited number of cars is stiff.

Q: Can I daily drive an R34 GT-R? A: Possible but not recommended. RHD challenges, expensive parts, premium fuel, and usage limits on collector insurance make it impractical as a daily.

Q: R34 vs R32 vs R33 - which is best? A: The R34 is the most advanced and the most expensive. The R32 is rawer and far cheaper: Hagerty's July 2026 #3 values are about $52,400 for a 1990 R32 GT-R versus about $127,000 for a 1999 R34 GT-R. The R33 sits between them chronologically; we don't cover its values here.

Q: What's the most important thing to check when buying? A: Rust inspection is critical: rear wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers and underbody. Also verify the auction sheet, the paperwork and the maintenance history, including the timing belt.

Q: How much power can the stock RB26 handle? A: It depends on the engine's condition, the turbos and the tune. Big-power builds use forged internals and an upgraded head gasket. Whatever the target, scrutinize who did the tuning work.

Q: Are Bayside Blue R34s worth the premium? A: Bayside Blue is the defining R34 color and is sought after. Hagerty's production data shows it isn't rare, though: 2,880 of 11,578 cars. The rarest colors are Midnight Purple II (347 cars), Midnight Purple III (199) and Millennium Jade, which was offered only on Nür models.

Q: What's the difference between V-Spec and standard R34? A: The V-Spec adds ATTESA E-TS Pro with an active rear differential, revised suspension tuning and a 15 mm lower stance. It also gets a front splitter and diffuser and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser. The carbon hood with NACA duct arrived with the V-Spec II.

This guide was created to help enthusiasts make informed purchasing decisions about the legendary R34 GT-R. Always have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified JDM specialist before buying.