The GT-R Disclosure Form

"macanamera" (macanamera) 08/18/2015 at 12:05 • Filed to: None

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So, back in 2010 I took delivery of a new GT-R, and one of the most interesting things about that experience was this disclosure form that I had to review and sign with the dealer. Give it a look through, there’s some interesting stuff in there. Basically, it’s making 100% sure you know that this isn’t a 370Z, and that it will not operate like most other vehicles you have owned. I don’t know if they still do these forms for new ones, but I thought it was pretty cool back then. It really made the car feel special.

Some of my favorite parts-

“We encourage you to test drive your GT-R with your GT-R certified dealer to better understand it’s unique characteristics.” -(This means test drive the car you already bought , not test drive it before you buy it.)

“Because the GT-R is a high performance sports car, some of the vehicle’s systems operate differently and exhibit different characteristics that less sophisticated vehicles.”

“Brake sounds such as squeaks and squeals during use are to be expected on this vehicle; this characteristic is intrinsic to this vehicle and cannot be eliminated.”

“The tires and suspension are calibrated to deliver vehicle performance, not a premium luxury ride.” -(Really?? Who thought that?)

“You will likely hear pronounced mechanical sounds from the transmission, particularly at slow speeds, at idle, and in neutral.” (Extremely true.)

To be perfectly honest, the document isn’t lying. The transmission chattered like crazy, especially when the car was really new, and getting into first from a stop made some pretty odd noises, so it was nice to know that it was all normal and to be expected. The brakes actually didn’t make much noise, except for a slight clatter over bumps and rough pavement. The ride was...well, I’m sure you have read plenty about how the GT-R rides, but let’s just say that even in “comfort” mode you should have your chiropractor’s number on speed dial...

But hey, if you want to own an incredible car (which the GT-R certainly is), it’s all part of the experience. I have no regrets. Except those ridiculously expensive brake jobs. Ugh.

HammerheadFistpunch > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 12:09

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It’s smart to do that, that way stupid customers who bought them for show wont be back in the service department getting their “problems” figured out all day long and then turning into detractors for the brand because their GT-R makes noises and rides rough.

crowmolly > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 12:14

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“The tires and suspension are calibrated to deliver vehicle performance, not a premium luxury ride.” (Really?? Who thought that?)

Probably the same people who are upset about the C7 Z06 not coming with all season tires. No shit, that was something I heard at the dealership.

macanamera > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 12:18

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That’s crazy, it doesn’t come with all seasons?! Next you’re going to tell me it doesn’t have a tow hitch.

DrJohannVegas > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 12:28

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Yet. It doesn’t have a tow hitch YET.

RallyWrench > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 12:30

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That is pretty cool. I particularly like the disclosure about brake and transmission noise, it’s something I repeat to clients who choose performance pads or lightened flywheels. Somehow, they still complain about noise after the fact. They get a very diplomatic “I told you so.”

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 14:01

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I’m not sure what you guys are talking about......

Future next gen S2000 owner > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 08/18/2015 at 15:37

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That man is a hero.

Floorittheresazombie > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:39

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Owns a GTR can't do a brake job on his own. Facepalm.... Fucking yuppies

hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:43

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Am I reading this right? You have to replace the brake rotors *in addition to* the pads when you change the pads?!

5mtFXT > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:43

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One of these should be attached to EVERY performance car made by volume manufacturers. That includes you, AMG, M, and RS. Insulation from the people who buy lease them as status items.

Garrett Davis > HammerheadFistpunch 08/18/2015 at 15:44

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To be fair, the info about the transmission would be unique even to long time sports car owners.

hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou > HammerheadFistpunch 08/18/2015 at 15:44

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Spend 2 minutes on any F80 M3 forum and you’ll see no amount of primering will keep some people from whining that their $80k sports car “sometimes makes weird noises.”

MikaelVroom > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:45

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I wonder if the 1990 GT-R came with such a disclaimer?

Turbolence1988 Loves Magic Turn Circles > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 08/18/2015 at 15:46

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It’s okay guys. He’s using Sunoco Race Fuel. Nothing will go wrong.

HammerheadFistpunch > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 08/18/2015 at 15:46

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ah, but at least you have documented evidence to that says “um, yeah but we told you about that and you agreed.” when they come back in.

SlowpokeTexas > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:47

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So how many people tried to street-race you when you were running routine errands?

DennyCraneDennyCraneDennyCrane > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 15:48

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I live close enough to the equator that high performance summer tires ARE all seasons.

Take that, people with actual seasons*!

*Okay, I actually live far enough north that I experience actual seasons now that I’m out of Florida, but the entire city will still shut down with the threat of snow (Actual snowfall not required!), so whatever.

VTECheart > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:48

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My dad had someone ask him “did you do that yourself?”
The guy thought it was a Z or something...

Andrew Daisuke > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:48

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My dad complains about the tires on his 991 Turbo S. I told him to STFU.

PJ > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:50

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“Racing or otherwise not operating or maintaining the vehicle as set out in the Owners Manual and Service and Maintenance Guide”

Now I’m curious if the Owner’s Manual has any notes / recommendations pertaining to track use. Or, you know, on the Launch Control section, explains how to engage launch control, and then immediately explains “DON’T EVER DO THIS. YOU CAN’T DO THIS. FORGET WHAT YOU JUST READ.”

Seaking > MikaelVroom 08/18/2015 at 15:51

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Barely qualified to drive drivers weren’t buying the 90’ GT-R

HammerheadFistpunch > Garrett Davis 08/18/2015 at 15:51

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Thats true I guess, but an enthusiast could simply be told “oh, btw, the transmission makes noises that are normal but strange.”

“oh okay, I can live with that”

Where as the guy who “needs” a GT-R cause its the current hot stuff definitely needs to have his acknowledgement in writing that the dealer isn’t interested in fixing non-fixable “problems”

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > MikaelVroom 08/18/2015 at 15:51

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Yes, but it was in Japanese and if you ignored it you would bring shame forever on your family.

Fuzzy86 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:52

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Looks like your typical CYA agreement. We will only fix problems not listed here, so get over it.

BigGatorChris > PJ 08/18/2015 at 15:52

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I was curious about that omission.

too many burners > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:54

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Are the brake jobs really that bad? I’ve heard stories of them being around 5K, but wasn’t sure if they were legit, or just forum BS.

Burning River all stars > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 15:58

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I wish i had one of these on front of me that i had to sign :(

2ndgear > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:00

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A similar situation happens with people who buy Corvettes. Chevrolet actually used to distribute VHS tapes with new ‘vettes but now they include “owners DVDs” (I have a C5 VHS with my C5 - I don’t leave it in the car obviously - and a C6 owner DVD here in my office). I’m not sure what they do with the new C7 though.

The material was great because it reminded the buyer that they were purchasing a performance oriented vehicle. When the Z06 was reintroduced with the C5 the video was updated to show owners how to properly setup their cars for track day situations out of the box, such as accounting for increased oil usage and proper camber and toe setups. It also reminded owners that manual transmission cars can exhibit unusual noises and explained to drivers how to utilize heel & toe downshift operation in performance situations. Most of that carried over to the C6, and when the last generation ZR1 was introduced the videos were updated further to explain noise issues with things like carbon ceramic brakes and advantages of carbon fiber components in the vehicle’s construction.

You can find most of these on YouTube. The technical parts of them are pretty fascinating if you have an hour to blow. Again, fascination mostly for the factor that the manufacturer acknowledges that the car your buying is performance oriented and will be treated as such.

fabulous71 > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns 08/18/2015 at 16:03

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Bingo

Big Block I-4 > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 16:03

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Kinda like this?

Viperfan1 > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 08/18/2015 at 16:07

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Per the forums, yes. Nissan recommends both and cost is about $7-8k for OEM, but you can always do cheaper sets and at the end of the day it’s your car/choice.

Johnnyma45 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:10

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Thanks for the clarification re: test driving. I found it weird that they say “test drive the GT-R” then instantly say “dealer will not have inventory.”

Do they even let you test drive these cars? It’s been a long time but when my brother bought a C5 years ago, the salesman was actually like “we don’t allow test drives, you should know whether you want a Corvette without driving it.” Fuck you very much sales guy

highmodulus > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:13

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my corvette is terrible at hauling mulch— damn stealerships!

AntiLag > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:18

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They kinda have point, I mean, almost if not every other vehicle that shares their car’s engine from the factory is a pickup truck.

Goofnik > Johnnyma45 08/18/2015 at 16:19

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After the first few years of production, Nissan dealers in certain areas absolutely have GT-Rs to test drive. They profile folks pretty heavily, but I didn’t have a tremendously difficult time getting a test drive (though not the easiest time either). I actually was goaded during the test drive to try launch control, and it was driven in a rather spirited fashion fairly early in the morning (salesman came in extra early to make it happen). Nowadays if I showed up, I’d likely have zero issue about anywhere. Even when the R-36s show up, I’d probably have no issue shortly after launch.

Regarding Corvettes, the difficulty in getting a test drive is similar — how many allocations does that dealer typically get, and how many cars are currently in their inventory/on their floor plan? Some dealers simply only get one a year, in which then, no one is test driving it. If you go out of your way to a dealer that sells a much higher volume of Corvettes, you’ll find it’s much easier.

ramajastang > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:21

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It should have come with tires that sound like a duck call when peeling out.

StuntmanDan > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:27

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This may explain the fact that while I worked at a Nissan dealership everyone who complained about nonexistent problems would say that their CVT doesn’t shift or their Versa gets 28 MPG when it says on the window that it should get 30.

We regularly got GT-R’s, and all we ever heard about those was ‘It needs regularly scheduled maintenance’ or ‘I broke it.’ Then they would hand us their firstborn, because GT-R parts are insanely expensive.

Echo51 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:29

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Road noise? It would be luxury levels of quiet compared to my current car i bet.

Bacon > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:31

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My biggest shock was the cost of the trans fluid. Sheesh.

LankySean > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 16:33

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I’ve seen/heard people complain that the new WRX doesn’t has all seasons tires... I don’t know why they were surprised Subaru made it a point to warn me a number of times to get some good winter tires... speaking of which I need to start shopping for a beater set of rims to throw the winter rubber on.

doubleplusten > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 08/18/2015 at 16:39

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Yeah, I heard that a lot from the dealer about my old E36 M3’s transmission. Then the rear end fell off and the dealer ended up replacing the entire drive-train from the engine back.

ihm96 > Johnnyma45 08/18/2015 at 16:39

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I think it's all about the dealer. If it's a small town shitty dealer that only gets one a year then you get assholes like the one you dealt with whereas if you go somewhere like Kerbeck in NJ they have tons of them in stock and are more than happy to show you around and let you test one out

doubleplusten > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:43

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But the Boxster has one...

HeAskedWhyMe > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:45

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I wonder how a body shop becomes a ‘Certified GT-R Body Shop.’ Most shops probably wouldn’t even know what you’re talking about if you asked. If the dealership doesn’t have their own body shop which would probably be certified, the closest one would probably be 100 miles away. I’m not sure, but is it made with carbon fiber? Aluminum? I wonder why they insist on a special body shop?

OrangeGello > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 16:49

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You will be surprised how many people who buy M3’s think sport suspension should ride like marshmallows.

OrangeGello > Johnnyma45 08/18/2015 at 16:53

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Test drives are a must. Back when GM was flush with cash, they held car clinics across the country and let people tear into the Corvettes on a closed track. The car was a blast to drive, but it is definitely not for everyone.

OrangeGello > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns 08/18/2015 at 16:54

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Then the dealer would hand you a sword so you can commit seppuku.

willmederski > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:55

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wonder if this was original to the vehicles initial release, or if they added all this after customers continuously came in with the same complaints.

Stan > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 16:56

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When I bought my STi back in 2004 they had some thing where you sign up to race the car in SCCA... and also invalidate your factory warranty. Yeah, no thanks.

The Devil Drives a Mustang (Rotary Pending) > HammerheadFistpunch 08/18/2015 at 16:57

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What I like is that this is something from Nissan. It’s nice to have this to know if when the dealer says “oh it’s supposed to be like that” you know if he is lying or not.

HammerheadFistpunch > The Devil Drives a Mustang (Rotary Pending) 08/18/2015 at 16:59

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yes, if a dealer told me that I would be instantly suspicious. like when my dealer told me that weird smell from my AC was normal and it turned out to be a TSB later...

blacksapphire08 > crowmolly 08/18/2015 at 17:18

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Unfortunately the demographic that can afford brand new Corvettes are ruining it for the rest of us.

PatBateman > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:24

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FP’d! Congrats!

Funny you mention the chiropractor visit-inducing suspension. My friend who test drove the MP4-12C a few weeks ago will absolutely attest to it. The McLaren felt like a damned Maybach comparatively.

doug.shaw > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 08/18/2015 at 17:26

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I love this picture

doubleshotpower > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:28

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Remember that Lambo owner from about 12 years back, who used the Lemon Law to force Lambo to buy back his car due to noisy brakes? I'm sure that sentence is due to him.

SquirrelyWrath > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:35

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It’s not the kind of car you want to take on a long road trip, but track days would be fun.

Bro Bruh > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:37

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Holy shit you have to replace the rotors and pads at every pad change?!?!? How much did that cost each time?

davidbenji > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:37

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its amazing how many people buy cars with high performance options...then complain of brakes/suspension/tire wear.

TheRedHoon > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:44

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On a related note. It’s good when the dealer tell you that your car does things differently.

This year I purchased my first subaru... a 2015 STI. After owning the car for 3 days and stalling as many times on hill starts, I took it to the dealer and said “WTF!?!?”. To which they replied “Oh the car has ‘hill assist mode’. It puts the brakes on when you’re on a hill”. Would have saved a lot of swear words if they had thought to tell me that when I purchased the car.

It has become my least favorite part of an otherwise fantastic car.

I often imagine myself reaching into the car, like that guy from temple of doom, and ripping out its pulsing hill assist mode while I laugh maniacally.

B_dol > Goofnik 08/18/2015 at 17:45

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It also helps to know people. As a 26 year old I do my best to present myself as an honest, capable buyer. Fellow oppo members have suggested calling or emailing ahead to set a more serious, mature environment from the get-go.

I have taken that one step further and sought salesmen (and dealer) recommendations from friends and acquaintances. I haven’t bought 4+ cars let alone from a single dealer, but some folks have and I benefit from a preexisting relationship.

Going in later this month to drive a 987 and 981 Cayman S, hoping to avoid the 911 desire! Also trying to squeeze in a C7 and M2 test drive for proper comparison.

zetec duratec ECOTEC > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 17:58

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Gimmick or no, I bet every customer that signs one of these walks out the dealership like their dick gained an extra inch.

In girth.

This is spiffy, and I support this.

Johnnyma45 > OrangeGello 08/18/2015 at 18:00

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They still kinda do, at auto shows and state fairs. At the Texas State Fair, GM always has a test drive course set up - got to drive the C7, albeit very slowly, last year.

Flavien Vidal > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 18:01

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Considering how many GTR have had transmission problems, MAYBE they should adress those sounds :)

macanamera > Viperfan1 08/18/2015 at 18:15

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If I remember correctly that's 7-8k for parts, something around 10k out the door. Not awesome.

macanamera > Echo51 08/18/2015 at 18:15

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Do you drive a tractor?

macanamera > PJ 08/18/2015 at 18:16

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I'll try to find the manual and post about it later. It does say some cool stuff, the first page in particular is pretty neat.

macanamera > too many burners 08/18/2015 at 18:20

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Actually closer to 10k, OEM parts and labor. I'll call the dealership and see if they have my old service records...

Echo51 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 18:21

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No, but 2.5 inch stainless tubing creates noise. But hey, no rusted out exhaust!

macanamera > SlowpokeTexas 08/18/2015 at 18:21

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Many. I drive an AMG now and they still do, except now it’s dudes in slammed E30s instead of Integra Type Rs.

macanamera > Floorittheresazombie 08/18/2015 at 18:22

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You are so right, man. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, churning butter took longer than usual today.

macanamera > zetec duratec ECOTEC 08/18/2015 at 18:24

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I can safely say that I felt especially girthy that day.

macanamera > HeAskedWhyMe 08/18/2015 at 18:26

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It's aluminum with a lot of CFRP used underneath for a million different things. When I had some minor bumper damage I had to take it to a shop about 40 miles from where I live.

Gonemad > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 18:31

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Cool, they actually let you do the break-in of the engine like the good ol’days. Even the odometer will reflect how much they drove the car before letting you use it.

Not your run-of-the-mill Corolla.

SirUno > SlowpokeTexas 08/18/2015 at 18:51

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I’m annoyed at how many kids try to do this with me in my Mustang...I can only imagine having to deal in a GT-R.

Oddly enough, a gent in a GT-R cruised up alongside me on the 5 in L.A. To give me a bid and a thumbs up. He then went on his way. Puts a spring in your step.

macanamera > Gonemad 08/18/2015 at 19:02

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Yeah, IIRC every GT-R does a certain number of laps around a dedicated test course in Japan before getting shipped out to make sure everything is good.

dolsh > Floorittheresazombie 08/18/2015 at 19:55

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I’m ok mocking someone for not doing brakes on a Yaris.

On something like this...speaking as a driver of the same roads...I feel much better thinking that this car is professionally maintained.

Schep9d > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 19:56

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These come with steel brakes do they not? I could see 10k easy for carbon ceramics but sheesh!?

I’ve owned plenty of BBKs including a fancy set of six piston Alcons. Brake parts were pricey but not even a 1/4 of the GTR units.

shitheelandtoe > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 08/18/2015 at 20:05

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That’s not uncommon. Same thing with BMW and Porsche as well.

MikeP3 > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 20:21

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F@&$ Nissan for putting double spaces after each period. I hate when people do that.

SlowpokeTexas > SirUno 08/18/2015 at 21:04

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(Former Cobra owner) Yep, I understand completely.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > B_dol 08/18/2015 at 21:41

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I'm 26 and bought an M235i last year. Good luck with the Porsches. They're really douchey about letting guys our age drive. I made sure to mention this once I got the BMW.

thethePete > macanamera 08/18/2015 at 22:24

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That’s cool.

I remember looking at an Evo X on the lot, and I distinctly remember there was a sticker on the window sill of the driver’s door that indicated the tires were high performance tires and would be expected to wear in some ungodly short period of time.

The exact wording is forgotten now, but I agree, little things like that certainly help you feel like you’re in something special, and likely save the dealer a ton of headache calls from new owners.

thethePete > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 08/18/2015 at 22:27

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With the exception of some heavy duty trucks, this is not really uncommon. People who change just pads, unless the rotors look like new, are hacks. Full stop. They wear into each other and should be replaced as a set. I don’t know why this is surprising.

thethePete > Floorittheresazombie 08/18/2015 at 22:28

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Can’t afford a GTR; mocks GTR owner for not doing involved service work.

Tater Spalding > TheRedHoon 08/18/2015 at 23:18

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I didn’t realize the STI had hill assist as well. That could explain why mine does funny things sometimes (2016 STI). That being said, I just dug around a bit and it looks like you can turn it off. Check out the link below and it will take you right to the page in the owner’s manual to disable it.

https://www.joomag.com/magazine/subar…

TEEMO > Viperfan1 08/18/2015 at 23:44

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If u can afford this car then you probably can afford the maintenance. In my country, we buy cars based on their maintenance price. It might lead to odd choices but if you want to save that’s how you do it.

pollenstein > HammerheadFistpunch 08/19/2015 at 01:38

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and you could sue them for defamation if they really start getting vocal

pollenstein > Bacon 08/19/2015 at 01:39

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not even a fluid a room temperature... more of a gel

pollenstein > thethePete 08/19/2015 at 01:42

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they do wear into each other, but a massively different rates. Disks (rotors if you must) generally last the life of multiple sets of pads. Race teams regularly replace pads without replacing disks each time. These people are not hacks

kitchenaire > DennyCraneDennyCraneDennyCrane 08/19/2015 at 02:45

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what city is this???

Russell Pappas > macanamera 08/19/2015 at 03:24

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Start working at home with Google! It’s by-far the best job I’ve had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+ http://www.online-jobs9.com

Southwest Nomad > Bro Bruh 08/19/2015 at 04:12

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I read up above that a complete set of OEMs is anywhere from $7 - 10k

F-U-C-K T-H-A-T N-O-I-S-E

ratonbox > macanamera 08/19/2015 at 04:35

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How much are you willing to bet that this disclosure form was given out only in the US? Or as lawyers call it: “the land of the plaintiff”

PardonMyFlemish16 > HammerheadFistpunch 08/19/2015 at 06:30

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Seems like Nissan was saying ‘we didnt finish ironing the car out, signing this doc is saying u are letting us off the hook for that’. I dont think it’s right. I dont think any other car with a DSG makes weird noises and there are plenty of other performance cars that ride better despite weighing less + having less suspension travel. OG R35s were half baked.

Hiroku > thethePete 08/19/2015 at 06:57

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I thought I was the only one shocker by this. I always replace discs and pads as a kit, no matter how new either component may look. Thought this was standard practice?

m2m, apex detective > macanamera 08/19/2015 at 07:16

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“... not a substitute for proper driving technique.”

This should be in way more disclosure forms and manuals!

Ernest Larue > macanamera 08/19/2015 at 07:42

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Start working at home with Google! It’s by-far the best job I’ve had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+ http://www.online-jobs9.com

AlanSmitheeProject > macanamera 08/19/2015 at 07:56

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I bet the headlight fluid is hella expensive too.

Destructive Tester > OrangeGello 08/19/2015 at 08:36

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But its the “Ultimate Driving Machine”! It should be the best at everything, all the time!

BD > HammerheadFistpunch 08/19/2015 at 08:58

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in theory it would avoid that but in reality i’m sure those ‘stupid customers’ are still complaining about everything they read and signed in the disclaimer anyway :)