Nissan Skylines.

[DA-EVO]

I don't know a great deal about Skylines but have known quite a few people who have owned them. For Japanese import cars, its worth finding a reputable specialist to check the car out before you buy. They have a great and well earned reputation as a GT car.

That said, lots have been tuned, detuned and the running costs are not to be underestimated. They aren't quite in supercar teritory but probably not that far off, stock parts are expensive and fuel / insurance / servicing can be costly.

that said, enjoyable cars and they will (usually) make you smile like a madman.

there are a few forums for them and the advice you will find on them will be invaluable.

 

[swannymere]

Skylines appear from the outside to be even more of a minefield than Subaru Impreza's, you need to get the right model, standard spec. and even then they're a complete money pit. Be very wary when parting with your hard earned.
If you want a great driver's car then most of the motoring press rate the Honda Integra Type-R and they seem to be starting to hold their value. AMybe you want something with more power? How about a slightly leftfield option of a Mercedes C32 AMG?

 

[swannymere]

Why do i keep on double posting, it's pissing me off

 

[renaldo]

I have a DC2 Integra Type R and love it, plus it's pretty bullet proof (but mine is unmodded). Obviously not as fast in a straight line as a modded Skyline (my brother used to have a tuned gtst) but it'll break the speed limit very easily and is a lot of fun in the corners. Jap import Civics (4 door saloon) are also great. For a more mid-life crisis car what about a hot caterham 7?

 

[Grannygrinder]

.

I'd love a 2 seater but need four to meet holiday requirements :roll:
Currently looking into Integra's aswell

 

[gavinda]

I'd step back and decide what you really want then. There's a world of difference between a boosted 4wd saloon and an NA front drive hatch. I'm coming from the latter and whilst awesome fun, lacks the necessity of four doors, so I'm currently looking at impreza wagons as a best of both worlds options.

 

[Easy_Rider]

My brother has the R32 GT-R

Awesome car, handles like a go cart in rails.

 

[chrisv40]

No one has mentioned the Celica GT4, those and the Supra are fantastic cars in my opinion.

 

[DA-EVO]

....How about a slightly leftfield option of a Mercedes C32 AMG?

Aww what a car! I used to have the use of a C36 and borrowed a C43 for a short while (work cars). I did try a C32 but due to emissions based taxing on cars for employees going massively more expensive at the time, I decided against and work never ordered me one. (Which meant I went to Evo's).

AMG's can be so deceptively serene and quiet until you realise how effortlessly they can gain speed. (Unless of course you accel hard and get the engine noise).

But yes, they are nice. As is an older Audi S4, and they are well priced now too.

 

[swannymere]

....How about a slightly leftfield option of a Mercedes C32 AMG?

Aww what a car! I used to have the use of a C36 and borrowed a C43 for a short while (work cars). I did try a C32 but due to emissions based taxing on cars for employees going massively more expensive at the time, I decided against and work never ordered me one. (Which meant I went to Evo's).

AMG's can be so deceptively serene and quiet until you realise how effortlessly they can gain speed. (Unless of course you accel hard and get the engine noise).

But yes, they are nice. As is an older Audi S4, and they are well priced now too.

They do attract less attention from the police plus they're just hitting £5k for decent, usable cars; i'd have an estate.
On another tangent this was up for sale on a Mercedes forum i frequent;

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/clas...5-sale-subtle-mods-very-low-miles-1998-a.html