Owner Review: With 3.5 NA engine, manual transmission, and RWD set-up, is the Nissan Skyline 350GT (V35) the best sport sedan of its class?

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Basic information

2004 Nissan Skyline 350GT (V35)

Reasons why I bought this car

Having recently sold a Nissan 350Z, I was tempted to get something completely different.  It had to be fast both on the straights and in the corners, comfortable to drive around in, will not break the bank every time it goes to the garage or break down all the time. It also had to look not too ratty per se, i.e. something rather new.

Car selection

•  I had a budget of: RM30,000

• Models that I have considered include:  Nissan Cefiro A31, BMW E36 3 Series, Toyota Mark X, Toyota Mark II (JZX81)

My mission to get something different completely failed as the whole idea of the 350Z was just great, hence the V35 was chosen. This particular unit is the flagship model as it has the same engine & gearbox as the 350Z! Most V35 Sedans here are powered by a 2.5 V6 unit. This car is powered by a Naturally Aspirated 3.5 V6 (VQ35DE) which is known for its torque and durability. The VQ35DE provides excellent throttle response and grunt all throughout the rev range, with an official figure of 280HP. It also has a 6-speed manual transmission which cannot be found in any other cars within that price range. In my personal opinion, Rear-wheel drive is the right wheel drive. Power goes exclusively to the rear wheels in this V35 via a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD), which gives the car good traction going in and out of corners. The car drifts superbly well if and when you feel like kicking it sideways! Being a rather unknown model, it definitely brings about a wolf in a sheep’s skin vibe. Not many know what this car is capable of doing; only and until its driver brings the car to its full potential!

User experience

• I have already done 1500 km.

The car seats 4 comfortably, with a rather adequate boot for its size. Seats are plush, with adjustments available for both front and rear seats. The car behaves well when driven gently and reacts exactly like how a luxury sedan should: subtle & comfortable. Put your foot down and a completely different animal is born. As the VQ35DE comes to full force, you shift through gears and be in complete awe at how the Nissan Front Midship Platform takes command of the road. No hot hatch boy racers with banging & popping exhausts will ever tailgate you as you blend in with the other normal cars on the road. Truly an athlete in a tuxedo. Breakdowns are a rarity, but as the car ages, attention has to be given to ageing wear & tear parts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

The car drives and feels like a real sports car. The naturally aspirated V6 revs freely, unlike modern turbocharged engine that seemingly wheezes when comparing directly. The 6 speed manual gearbox is also a joy to shift with as it provides one with an engaging experience. New & used parts are easy to source at an affordable price as it is commonly shared among other Nissan models (350Z / Elgrand / Murano).

Cons

Not many will appreciate the looks of the car, not that I mind as I am sitting inside :p The 3500cc engine brings about a hefty annual road tax, at an official price of RM4.3k per annum. I will not digress much about this other than the fact that in Bolehland, semua pun boleh!

Ratings

Total Score: 4
Performance: 5
Quality & Features: 4.5
Space: 4
Ride Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 2
Price & Cost: 5

Summary

The Skyline V35 Sedan is probably the most unloved Skyline model in the whole lineup as it shares completely nothing with its R siblings. However, it packs a wholesome package at an absurdly cheap price. Large capacity naturally aspirated engine at the front, a manual gearbox and rear wheel drive. These 3 significant features cannot be found in most new affordable sports cars anymore. You can grab a Skyline V35 Sedan with a 2.5 V6 and Automatic gearbox for as low as RM20K. A complete swap for a 350Z Drivetrain (3.5 V6, 6 speed manual) will set you back probably RM10K. RM30K for a 4 door 350Z? Definitely a good deal to me!

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