Dillema time: R32 GTR, another sporting car for the same money, or nothing at all?  

"Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare" (jbezugs) 09/16/2015 at 19:11 • Filed to: None

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So, after 4 years, and tons of good times and good service, I’m starting to get tired of driving my beloved 2004 V6 Camry (auto-tragic, which I’ve lovingly made worse as a commuter with Eibach pro-kit springs and KYB struts, which are coming off in the fall) around everyday and am thirsting for something more... fun and manual, and something non-FWD. Herein is where my dilemma lies.

My situation: I am commuting everyday to work (about 25km one-way), but as it stands, comfort is more a nice little bonus than anything. Doesn’t really matter to me too much. Whatever I decide on, it would most likely be my only car for a period of time, so that means at least a few Canadian winters to contend with. Gas is cheap enough right now where I could contend with premium and not cringe too much, as after all, if a performance car is what I want, premium gas is a part of the deal. Insurance is what scares me most right now as a 21 year old male in Vaughan, Ontario, where the insurance rates here, and all over the GTA in fact, are insane! Soft budget cut around 15-20 grand (vehicle dependent).

I’m in Canada, which means that Skylines are in relatively easy reach for mere mortals. I’ve always wanted an R32 GTR since my days of playing Gran Turismo, and not a day passes where I’m not thinking of one. Buying it would not be an issue for around what is a 15-20 grand-ish budget, however insurance is a whole new ballgame. Most insurers in Ontario, from what I’ve read, refuse to insure RHD vehicles. Also, being a 21 year old male does not help me either. Also, the uncertainty of maintenance and operation costs at the moment bothers me slightly. If any of you have experience with such things (anything from importation, insurance, as well as general ownership experience) that would be fantastic.

If that doesn’t work out, I could buy another sports car. Mind you, although the thought of twin-turbo, inline-6, ATTESSA, gojira-level performance and fun makes me weak, since most of my car-driving experience is with said Camry, anything could satisfy me. I hold my heart with the Japanese stuff, so the Toyobaru twins (serious consideration here), G35’s, 350z’s and the other swath of Subaru’s appeal to me deeply, but I wouldn’t shy away from all of the other options out there. I don’t really care all that much if it’s a two-seater, as 90% of the time I’m alone in my car anyways.

Or, I buy nothing at all and keep the reliable Camry for a few more years? She has tons of life left at only 80,000km’s. On the flip side I could still get some reasonable money for it where I am, and could use it towards said vehicle, before it gets too old and the price dips too much. Also, the constant thirst for something more “me” as a car enthusiast will nag me till no end. But I could survive as I have for 4 years, I guess.

Decisions, decisions...

Decay buys too many beaters > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 19:16

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S15s available to you? Do that!

dogisbadob > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 19:18

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That Camry is available with Koni inserts, so not too bad :)

Also, in your budget, you could also get the CSX Type-S and possibly a B-class.

Sam > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 19:26

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If you’re in Canada, you should totally get an R33.

Then once they become legal in the US in 5 years, import it and sell it for a profit.

CB > dogisbadob 09/16/2015 at 19:33

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I’d second a CSX Type-S. Same engine as an Si, but insurance might be cheaper due to the fact that it’s not an Si.

GhostZ > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 19:33

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It’s probably going to come down to price. Maintenance on an R32 is going to be a nightmare compared to a camry.

dogisbadob > CB 09/16/2015 at 19:41

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Not to mention the luxury and prestige to impress his friends

CB > dogisbadob 09/16/2015 at 19:44

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Also, from your commenting history, you seem to be a huge B-Class fan.

dogisbadob > CB 09/16/2015 at 19:51

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Well yeah, they’re awesome cute lil luxury cars that are space-efficient and fuel-efficient at a reasonable price. Mercedes is making a big mistake not selling them down here. I’d totally rock a 6-speed B200 turbo :)

GRawesome > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 21:40

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I would get an R32 that isn't US import legal yet. If it doesn't work out after a year you can sell it at a profit and pick up something else. It's a win-win.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > dogisbadob 09/16/2015 at 22:09

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I have KYB GR-2’s and Eibach pro kits. Great for handling, “euro stiff” on the commute LOL.

Also, CSX Type-S! A Canada exclusive. I like your style, I may have to look in to that.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > Decay buys too many beaters 09/16/2015 at 22:11

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HOW DID I FORGET THE S15?! That’s on the list to research.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > GRawesome 09/16/2015 at 22:11

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I was literally thinking of getting a 92 and if it didn’t work out I could flip it the following year...

Not a bad plan when you hear someone else say it.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > GhostZ 09/16/2015 at 22:13

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That’s the big concern as well... I do a lot of regular maintenance on my cars myself (brakes, oil obviously, and a bunch of other miscellaneous engine stuff), but when it comes to the bigger work where I either don’t have the time or resources to complete, it could be a potential issue. Part costs is a big thing as well I’d have to consider.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > Sam 09/16/2015 at 22:15

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I would, but I could potentially do the same with a non-US legal R32. I know opinions are different from my own, but I actually like the R33 the least out of all of the proper GT-R’s (I go R32>R34>R33). At least on paper anyways. Worth looking into regardless however, you’re never sure absolutely until you drive something after all.

GhostZ > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 22:41

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Mostly because the engine and drivetrain are relatively bespoke for those cars, and they weren’t sold in large enough numbers for there to be aftermarket parts unless you ship them from Japan.

You’d almost be better off with a Z32 300ZX, which at least has a full aftermarket, and is equally nightmarish to actually work on.

Nissans of those years are also notorious for electrical problems.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > GhostZ 09/16/2015 at 22:52

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That’s a fair assessment. Other than the 300ZX, any other suggestions? Just trying to figure out other options.

GhostZ > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 22:53

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G35. Probably the best of both worlds, but more expensive. It comes with rear seats too, a 2-seater 300ZX is harder to find than a G35.

dogisbadob > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 22:53

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Didn’t realize you had the springs, too. Grounded to the ground, right? :p

But the Konis and stock sprins would handle about as well but with a better ride.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > dogisbadob 09/16/2015 at 22:57

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GROUNDED TO THE GROUND.

That’s true, but at the time I hated the stock height of the car. The drop is perfect with the Eibachs, however a low car has its issues on the shitty streets of Toronto.

I’ll be changing it back to stock for the winter, and maybe sell the car as stock in the spring. I feel like it’s time for something different. Will always be a Camry defender however, I’ve had great times with it and it’s been so, so, so good to me.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > GhostZ 09/16/2015 at 23:03

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Been looking at G35’s for a bit, can be had pretty reasonably where I am. Worth taking into consideration. The uniqueness of the R32 is a major pull, where G35’s in my area are everywhere. Once again, its all down to driving both and seeing where I stand. I imagine service costs would be much cheaper for the G35 which is a plus.

dogisbadob > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/16/2015 at 23:04

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Yup, fellow Camry defender here too! The 92-96 Camry/ES300 is the best car ever made.

And I love small 4-cylinder luxury cars like the CSX and B-class (and G20, V40, etc)

pip bip - choose Corrour > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/17/2015 at 06:36

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R32 / R33 / R34.

miadaman? yes please > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/17/2015 at 09:30

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Hello fellow South Ontario-ian, if comfort is your thing and you must go to downtown, anything too sporty will dislocate your spine within minutes. Personally I don’t think it matters what wheel drive it is, more so if you plan to do any performance driving and practicality. I would recommend 1st gen Mazda3 as an excellent all around starter vehicle to figure out what you want to do with cars.

NickWea > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/17/2015 at 10:02

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As someone in Ontario who looked at rhd cars for a while make sure you can get insurance first. Almost all the companies who provide insurance won’t touch them with a 10 ft pole. If you can’t find a regular insurer you could look at facility but they are the high risk insurer and the costs are exorbitant. You should try to talk to the guys at rightdrive.ca and see if they can help you.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > miadaman? yes please 09/17/2015 at 19:00

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Hello hello! Not a bad reccomendation. I will look into it for sure, but I feel like it wouldn’t be too different of an experience from what I have now. As for Comfort, (might of not been clear above, sorry about that) it would be a bonus, but is the lowest priority. I’m used to driving around Toronto on stiff-as-hell Eibach springs and stiff dampers, so anything really would be more comfortable.

Based on other recommendations, I’m almost leaning towards a G35 sedan with a stick right now.

miadaman? yes please > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 09/18/2015 at 08:49

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Good advice, G35 is a very solid car that has some track pedigree in the FM platform shared with the Z cars. A bit heavy in my opinion but the power makes up for it, be aware it takes premium and average around 20MPG.

The idea with 3 is that it’s nimble enough to feel sporty and cheap enough (you can pick up high mileage ones for 2-4k with little loss in depreciation) that you can get some light track duty in. I would also recommend BRZ/FRS, used WRX or 3 series since your full budget is pretty big.