1987 Nissan Skyline Silhouette 3 litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

This is a reliable powerful cheap car, if it is maintained correctly

Faults:

Power steering had too much play, and leaked.

Alternator failed.

Suspension, struts wore out, front and rear.

Electric engine cooling fan relay failed.

Broken exhaust manifold studs needed replacing.

Muffler needed replacing.

Speedo gears broke (odometer)

Diff was noisy and did not become worse.

General Comments:

These are a good cheap reliable car, with good performance from its 3 litre injected 6 cylinder engine.

Handling and ride was initially rather poor. This was greatly improved by fitting new Monroe suspension struts front and rear.

My car had the 4speed auto transmission including overdrive. This made it very economical on a long trip.

The base of the seat was rather too firm, which was easily improved by fitting a sheepskin cover.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2003

1987 Nissan Skyline GXE 3.0 ltr V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A high performance/reliabale car!

Faults:

I crashed the car. It cost me $1500 to fix which sucks. It leaks oil.

General Comments:

This car is very quick. It is great for some fun! The seats are very comfortable. And when in first gear sounds beastly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2003

1987 Nissan Skyline Silhouette RB30E from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Buying one now could cost you a lot of money

Faults:

The steering rack has been replaced at 150,000 kms.

I had the differential overhauled at 200,000 kms. While the diff was away, I replaced all the suspension bushes and rear shock absorbers. Timing belt and belt tensioner was replaced around the same time.

Replaced the clutch at 230,000 kms and the tail shaft centre bearing.

Replaced the lower ball joints, control arm bushes and tie rod ends at 250,000kms.

General Comments:

The engine is using about 500ml of oil every 5000kms, which isn't a real concern. It's getting a little tired, but generally is running well. Fuel consumption is around 11L/100kms around town, and on the open road that drops to between 7 and 8L/100kms. The ride is quite comfortable, and it cruises easily at the legal speed limits.

I hate to say it, but the only real problems with this car are the Australian components used in it. The Borg-Warner diff is a shocker, and the TRW steering rack isn't anywhere near as good as the Japanese rack found in some models.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2002

1987 Nissan Skyline Ti 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A shame its time has come and gone

Faults:

Torque converter in automatic transmission at circa 190,000km.

Ongoing problems typical of a car with 250,000km - auto transmission flaring on some gears.

Drivers power window cable broke - repaired with bike brake cable.

Cable to fuel filler release cap broke.

General Comments:

Always wanted a Skyline. Despite the lacklustre styling.

Despite automatic trans, was still a very capable 6. For a 1987 model engine, I believe that it is still one of the best engines ever built.

Like a bullet when using the a/t shifting through 1, 2, 3.

Because I bought the car 2nd hand, I didn't have much choice over the interior - it was brown.

Still essentially a medium sized car with a larger car motor. (ie Nissan Pintara with an infinitely better engine).

Damn excellent headlights.

Nissan really needs to consider re-releasing a rear drive family sedan in Oz. (Please can we have some of the skylines currently being built in J?)

Holden used the engine in the VL Commodore (1986-88), saying something about the capability of the engine. However, Holden managed to lose around 5kW in the changeover.

It is a shame that these cars have now seen there day and you'd be hard pressed to find an example with less than 200k on the clock. I would have loved to own mine from new, but I would have been only 9 years old.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2002

8th Aug 2002, 23:06

I just bought an 87 TI and it is a beauty.

Knowing the engine from our old VL Commodore, I must say, that it outperforms the Commodore in any situation. It is hard to imagine, that both cars are powered by the same engine. It purrs like a little kitten when you fire it up, but when you put your foot on the accelerator, the Tiger is let loose.

The handling of the Skyline is just great. It's very stable in curves and the steering is very direct.

The car offers almost everything you need and more importantly want. Unfortunately I can't use some of the goodies in the car like the headphone jacks in the rear and the joystick for the speaker balance because the radio has been replaced.

The trip computer would probably very handy, but due to a lack of a manual, I don't know how to handle it.

Not really being a friend of Japanese cars, I must admit, that the Skyline is an exceptional car and despite its age, it is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

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