Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Nissan Skyline 350GT is known for (2006–2008), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Start the car and check the ABS, VDC and SLIP warning lights go out within a few seconds.
Why it matters: US owners of 2006 G35 sedans and coupes reported ABS module burnout with replacement units of US$1,400-2,100 and long waits for parts. Used or rebuilt units are the usual NZ fix.
What to look for: Check the dipstick cold and ask about oil top-ups between services, watching for blue smoke on a rev.
Why it matters: A car run low on oil also wears its timing chains and cam bearings. Fix ranges from rings and a rebuild to a used engine.
What to look for: Lock and unlock the car several times, starting it each time, and check for a flashing amber key light.
Why it matters: It fails to release, so the car will not start, or the steering stays locked, often intermittently at first. The same part fails often on the 370Z (about 65 US complaints for 2009 alone) and the G37, with repairs about US$700-1,400.
What to look for: Check the dash for a flashing airbag light and confirm the passenger airbag-off indicator is not stuck on.
Why it matters: JDM Skylines use a simpler system on some grades, but any V36 with a flashing airbag light should be treated the same way. The related Fuga/M35 and later Q50/Q60 show the same type of fault.
What to look for: Drive through every gear and check it does not get stuck in 3rd or flag a limp-mode warning.
Why it matters: The same gearbox in the Q50 has dozens of US complaints of exactly this (about 45 for 2015 alone), and G37 owners report valve body and speed sensor replacement. Repair is a valve body or sensor, or a gearbox.
What to look for: Check for low oil pressure, P0011/P0021 codes, and ticking or rattling from the front timing cover at idle.
Why it matters: Running on low oil pressure risks chain and bearing damage, and the repair is a major front-of-engine job costing thousands of dollars.
What to look for: Shine a torch through each headlight lens to tell outer coating haze from a milky inside haze.
Why it matters: Hazed or peeling lenses cut beam output at night and can fail a WoF, and inside haze cannot be polished out, so the lens or the whole headlight unit may need replacing.
What to look for: Check the steering wheel spokes for flaking coating and the rim at 9/3 o'clock for peeling leather.
Why it matters: The steering wheel is the first thing a buyer touches, so visible peeling or wear undermines confidence in the car even though it is purely cosmetic, and a used wheel or re-trim is an added cost.
Got a question about a Nissan Skyline 350GT? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.