BASE vs TOP SPEC- R34 Skyline. Is It WORTH IT?

[@guiflamer1]

I love the shout out to James' Up to Speed series. Great content communicating is why I like creators like both of you. Cheers from Brasil.

[@honson7]

Couldn’t agree more with this comment. Love the shoutout to James, the series and it’s about my favorite car!

[@vin_tra]

would never go toe to toe with jame presenting or donut/speeed's production

[@johnnylynx]

My heart is SO with the first guy. Stay in a budget you can afford and do what you can with what you have. Love it.

[@itsnotagsr]

Arguably base models are rarer than the super looked after top spec. The normal ones usually just get used and then scrapped.

[@wrxzboost]

i agree. even if i had $500k, i'd rather buy a $9k base model, strip it, buy an HKS crate motor, do a body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, convert it to LHD, fresh paint and probably be at half of what TJ put into a GTR that is modified anyway. makes no sense to go down the GTR route.

[@richardhasek5859]

@@itsnotagsr IMO(and so far as i know) the HR34 coupe with RB20DE NEO and factory manual is the RAREST Skyline you can get. This is THE definition of super rare but not expensive (for now)

[@vin_tra]

@@itsnotagsr Ehhh they made 39,000 base skylines and 11,000 gt-r.

[@tjhunt_]

ready to sell me your GT3RS? ;)

[@vin_tra]

Maybe it'll be under the tree next week

[@hooniganruiz5613]

@@vin_tra Im vins accountant/lawyer. Best offer is the elantra+ the ferrari trade for the r34

[@joefields719]

No way.... GTR is awesome, but GT3RS would be my pick 100 out of 100 times. Pcar for life.

[@robertfarmer6316]

Both cars are sooo sick, thanks for the content … much love from Detroit!!

[@shanefoster6018]

Dont do it😂😂​@@vin_tra

[@reganmcgrory3358]

GT-T is single turbo

[@cris_m8]

3:50

[@yota8325]

Ye every time he said twin turbo I cringed alitle

[@garageamsterdam]

At first I was like okey mistakes can happen. But when said twin turbo again I was like seriously? Nobody corrected him the first time?

[@xman25ru]

I am frustrated 😢

[@vin_tra]

yeahhh i messed up. running the show, hosting and not screwing up facts is 2 more things than im capable of doing at one time. So something has to give lol.

[@Sierra-579]

I’m not gonna lie, I really like the way the base model car looks.

[@Purpose_Bilt]

Get a GTT. Still can slide it, i dont know if they had HICAS or not, and they sell pretty well.

[@richardhasek5859]

@@Purpose_Bilt They had. But nearly all of them were deleted.

[@vin_tra]

@@Purpose_Bilt some GTT had HICAS but not all. Though not clear which had it. It was factory on GT-R

[@oNoxciouso]

Base Impreza to 22B has entered the chat

[@fordfella67]

22B would be equivalent to the 400R with its very low production numbers but the STI was the top dog Impreza for a long time until they got their own branding in 2015

[@Heyitsallgoodman]

That would be straight disappointment

[@beefwellington480]

The 2000s Impreza 2.5 rs was an awesome entry level awd sedan. I had 2 and beat the ever loving hell out of them and they just took it with a smile.

[@Gnik4144]

There’s a four door R34 at a dealer in Virginia… I wanted it so bad but I can’t afford another 30k car lol

[@jordonsmith1371]

Such a shame you didn't get good imprezas over there, early wrx/sti were the absolute dogs danglys 😂

[@WCBrentham]

The length of the video I think is perfect for uploading once a week. I didn’t even look to see how long the video was. I’m a regular and whenever I pause it and saw I had another 15 minutes. I got a little giggly. Keep it up.

[@vin_tra]

thanks man. I always just make videos that have good pacing. Sometimes a concept or video only makes for a good 18 min but sometimes we get a 30 min plus video

[@nikonordman7624]

Gary punching air rn😂😂

[@ScubaDriv3r]

🤣

[@Thermosmcjug]

It's not worth it unless it's your dream car. From the GTT to the GTR, they're cool but not worth the dollars being asked today.

[@fraserwright9482]

We owned Skylines in the 90s I love that America is finally here, I am that old my mum had a R31 Turbo RS in two tone brown. But I stepped off in 1998 from the JDM train with a blue R34 💙

[@aria8928]

this is a sick idea for a series, glad to have caught it.

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

Lots of good gt-t's out there that aren't at top rank for around $30,000. Makes it a much better value when compared to your example at $55k Of course at that point me personally would rather spend $40k and get a near sorted r33 gtr which is 90% of the r34 for 25% of the price.

[@buildingcarsissohard1813]

Where?

[@tomkat492]

Those cars haven't been $40k for a minute. But I would still agree that it's worth making the jump to an older GT-R over the newer GT-T.

[@buildingcarsissohard1813]

@@tomkat492 Plenty of sorted BCNR33s for $40k that aren't rusty/high mile

[@JordanH-u5x]

the R34 GT-R is sick, we had one when my dad was stationed in japan a 15 years ago - i loved that car. but it's not 05-06 ford gt or 997 GT2/RS cross shopping sick. also, fun fact, the original mystichrome cobra came out in 1996, it was truly the first of it's kind. at the time there was only the R33 midnight purple but it didn't "flick" the same as MP2 & MP3 off of R34's. I enjoy TJ's videos, but he always slightlyyyy off a bit with his stats lol

[@vin_tra]

id say it is

[@yota8325]

Midnight purple is a nice colour but it is over hyped

[@str33tr]

I was here to stand up for the 1996 Mystic (not Mystichrome) also. Glad I’m not the only one who remembers that fire did it 2x

[@r_napoleon]

31:50 oh boy I caught the wipers going right before that red light turn 😂😂. Sir the indicator is on the other side

[@GOROSREVENGE]

I was about to say this hahahah

[@GabrielFlaten]

also technically you could get a stagea and have a wagon version of all those trim levels as the stagea came in much of those trims as well.

[@hikikomori_jzx]

Yeah exact same trim levels, 2L, 2.5L, 2.6L, non turbo, turbo, twin turbo, rwd, awd, manual and auto etc

[@CorpseExplosion]

I love these man, it's a great series and a great subject. You do this really well.

[@mattspangler170]

Thanks Vin! This is a great concept series, I know you did the 911, but would be dope to do it with the Cayman too.

[@vin_tra]

yeah its on the list for down the line

[@mattspangler170]

@ awesome! I wanna know GT4 vs GTS. Keep up the dope work sir.

[@Tellemtobringoutthewholeocean]

@@vin_trayou could even star with a 986 and go to the new gt4rs and see the development.

[@supercarspecifics]

YYYYYYYAAAAAS BEEN STOKED ON THIS VLOG FOR WEEK the TJ hunt collab is the perfect collab been hyped on this vlog

[@BboyMobster]

I love these kinda videos. Vin is king. I’ve wanted a GT-T. I always thought it was the best bang for buck. Vin makes TJ Hunt look small! I never realized how tall Vin was!

[@jamesbg]

Came here to see how many people were calling for a base GC8 Impreza up to 22b which are selling for crazy money (or even the Prodrive P25 which is $600,000 but good luck getting one of those). Anyway someone had to say it.

[@reinhaldjoubert7441]

I'm currently at a stage where I "wait in the corner of my room crying, waiting for a vin upload each week. I don't think id ever get tired of TJ's GTR or Him, he's such a goofball and i love him and his crew. Loving Vin's content man Been here since Day 1.🇿🇦 love from South Africa

[@leal918]

Dope video. Fun fact though, Ford came out with the Mystic Cobras in 1996, then stepped up the color in 2003 with the New Edge body style 😉

[@fitz2589]

500k for a R34 GTR is insane, has to be one of the most overpriced cars out there along with the mk4 Supra. I’m taking a Cayman GT4 RS over this all day.

[@yota8325]

Gt4 is a nice car for sure but it's not really the same kind of buyer who would buy a r34 gtr

[@its_taps]

​@@JP-sp2uxit's not.

[@vongdong10]

​@@JP-sp2uxlol gtrs will never appreciate that much.

[@JP-sp2ux]

@its_taps Take like 5 min and google it. There are countless articles and info to support ot being worth 1 million. Like Vin said it's not going to be any time soon but this car will fetch 1 million in the next 15 to 20 years. TJs isn't even a rare one. A spec N1 or a II Nur will be worth a million. Just google is a R34 a good investment. You're just wrong.

[@abastien2908]

@@JP-sp2uxgt4 rs absolutely could be an investment

[@vitoinostroza5885]

Maaaan, gotta love those James shout outs, also, I couldn't stop staring at the pair of R33 GTR's just chilling behind you, definetly, Skylines have a special place on my heart, gotta love 90's JDM

[@chevy-93_30]

Hi vin, I like the video, I currently live in japan, seeing gtst, gtt, gtr on the road everyday. All are great cars, I feel if you compare the base gtt with gtr your numbers would have been a little closer. I also one key thing that gets over look is the maintenance cost to keep those car running. But that is neither here or there. Love the videos, keep making great content!!

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

We also need to note and discuss that the r34 gtr itself has base model, mid tier and top level that can price it anywhere from $90,000 Up to $500,000 based on rarity and options. A basic non Vspec, Mspec, N1, ztune, nur, gtr really shouldn't be over $120,000 because they made several thousand of them. Let's also not forget the stagea options if you don't mind a wagon. A rs4 is way less than a gtr and the autech 260rs is basically a gtr wagon for under $50,000. Add a gtr front and your golden.

[@mattd.8775]

This series is so good and has so much potential too. You can do every generation of 3 series, a bunch of VW shit, Audi S and RS, other Porsche chassis. Love your work dude!

[@TofuRabbit]

I'd love to own a base Skyline, even if it's not fast it's still a Skyline. It might just be a commuter car, but the charm is still there. Very pretty and special car (:

[@CoyoteCrimeLord]

Apparently neither TJ nor Vin have heard of a 1996 Mystic Cobra. It predated the Skyline.

[@vin_tra]

Ahhh I thought it started in terminator gen

[@CoyoteCrimeLord]

@ nope. 1996 Mystic was the first. And it’s a different color than Mystichrome too. The paint had to be special ordered back then from Ford only because some countries used it for currency as well. But yeah as far as I know 1996 Cobra in “Mystic” was the granddaddy of them all.

[@str33tr]

🎉. Someone else remembers the early SN95s!

[@CoyoteCrimeLord]

@@str33tr I’m 46. We drove them when they were new. 🤣

[@jm_1720]

Such a good episode , tj’s r34 is the perfect spec

[@dallasbishop7929]

I've had my R34 GT for 16 years and put 200 thousand km on it . Awesome car and I still love driving it . Keep kicking ass Vin . Love the video. BTW the GTT is only a single turbo not a twin .

[@BrettAllSurface]

The GTT is a single turbo

[@D21dillydallying]

It would be great to see James and vin crossover episodes. I think the dynamic between the two of you would be awesome.

[@targa328]

The exponential growth of the price is insane. I remember checking topranks website in high school half a decade ago, and the R32/33 GTR was the same price as the GTT now :(

[@Tailored_Creations]

37:02 “alright boys and girl” Vin knows his audience

[@adrianneandal7166]

Was always looking for this kind of video. Couldn't finish ones that I found just coz I got bored. Love your videos Vin! Keep on keepin on!

[@alexanderrichards6236]

R34 is such a goofy realm. It's literally successful doge coin in car form. So many versions made where a very select few are actually limited specials. Yet every used car dealer takes their customers to the bank over the idea.

[@martyhandley4456]

Super cool, first watching Danger Dan deep dive into his S14.....and now Vin talking Skylines.......love the Hoon Alums making good on their own......

[@MR_32_SAVAGE]

Absolutely amazing editing on this one. You gotta keep up the funny style of editing, it makes it feel like im watching an episode of top gear, but better in its own way. Please keep up the references and funny moments.❤

[@jakelewis8345]

The economy in Japan tanked in the 90s and a lot of the hero cars got cancelled or dumbed down to be more affordable. That's why things like a Mitsubishi GTO/3000gt have real wheel steering but things like that went away

[@Jo.le.T]

Honestly bro, one of if not THE best car content out there ❤️‍🔥 Keep the good work Vin

[@frederikjacob1985]

From all the R34's my dream car is since more than 10 years a gtt with the oem aero pack on it. Yes it isn't a GT-R but really, the level of coolness is there. Just put those GT-R bucket seats in it and you are very close. I love also what Tommy did with his yellow gtt body wise.

[@the_r34_gtr]

Great video with an interesting assessment at the end, but I can definitely see your points, awesome video Vin!

[@battlegrand2557]

Where you can buy any drivable r34 for 5000usd, here in Japan a well used base model cost at less twice that price, maybe we should import some back to Japan.

[@LegerAndCo]

in 2010 my best friend here in canada bought a R32GTR for 20k Canadian. our 15 year import vs the USA's 25 meant we had first pick on the cheap JDM legends in North America, that being said a lot got neglected, driven as dailies, rusted or people just didn't take care of them because they weren't carrying a huge premium behind them. sad considering what their worth now.

[@TheStorkSR]

1:48 why you gotta put us Evo fans on blast like this 😭 Gonna go comfort myself in Tommi Makinen highlights lol

[@BillyBranco-t7k]

Always killing it with these videos Vin 🎉

[@jessenadeau1617]

Isn’t the Neo in the GT-T single turbo?

[@mrbundyk]

Yes it is

[@OSSHWA]

The Skyline (R34 or otherwise) wasn't the only Japanese hero car that had a pedestrian/base model. The 3000GT/GTO was known for it's flagship AWD/twin-turbo VR-4 model, but there were several "pedestrian" trim options available that featured non-turbo variants of the 6G72 engine, and a FWD drivetrain. Hell, you could even get the 3000GT in a base trim model that featured a SOHC non-turbo version of the 6G72 engine, cloth seats and analog HVAC control knobs in place of the "of the era" digital HVAC controls/buttons that 3S platform cars are known for. The SL model featured a DOHC non-turbo 6G72/FWD drivetrain, but still had some of the same amenities as the VR-4 like leather seats, digital HVAC display & premium sound. Although they still lacked things like 4WS, active aero, active exhaust, etc. So the SL trim basically bridged the gap between the lowly base model and the flagship VR-4 model. Just wanted to point this out since I happen to own a '95 3000GT Spyder SL, and these cars are often overlooked or forgotten about when talking about Japanese hero cars from the 90s.

[@SubBassFrequency]

There's so many cars, but the US only values GTR's, Supra's, NSX, and RX7's. There's a lot of japanese cars from the 90's that had base models and hero car versions that all made the JDM scene what it is today, it's just most people in the US don't really know about it all, whereas Asia, Australia and New Zealand all lived the 90's JDM scene actually during the 90's and have ever since (not to mention even earlier decades than the 90's). We all got these cars when they were sold new and we've been tuning them all ever since. The base models skylines are dime a dozen and nobody bats an eyelid at them, I can go out to my street and will put money on seeing one drive by my house before the day ends.

[@Kev27RS]

Always found it weird why the GTO wasn’t RWD… The reason why they’re overlooked, is because they weren’t that reliable. Mitsubishis and Subarus were never the best Japanese brands. Especially compared to Toyota and Honda. 🙂

[@manualmafia6015]

Morning uploads continue to be goated 🙌🏻

[@juniornkadiya1491]

The intake on the gtr sounds sick 💨

[@theothermikeybastos]

Another great comparo vid Vin! TJs GTR is the ultimate, you’re lucky you got to drive it. BTW, Merry Christmas to you and your family Vin!

[@morganrees6163]

As someone who imported a super low milage HR34 (4 door) active red 2 Rb20 neo auto from Japan in 2020, I couldn't be happier with my choice, even if it is the lowest spec of the chassis. Fitted some work emotions, turbo brakes, NISMO exhaust and some good bilstein b6s and RSR lowering springs. It's everything id ever want from the car, and a chassis I've dreamed about since being a kid. Driven from Wales to Central Italy twice now in it, and it's the ultimate jdm highway tourer. Yes I'd love more power and a manual, but not for the price tag they're asking these days.

[@jeffklonowski6816]

Dude the base vs top spec series is dope.i know its a lot to do for a video but you might be onto something. Thank you

[@Blckforces]

Loved this collaboration. We need an Audi/BMW rating next🔥 A4, S4, RS4 or visa versa 335i, 340i, M3

[@Kxji]

TJ's car is perfect from the badges to the steering wheel.

[@KewaNCow]

The RB25DET NEO is a pretty stout tunable engine actually. GTR spec rods and upgraded pistons compared to the normal RB25 makes the bottom end strong and it also has the variable cam timing so you get better spool and power. I had a stagea with the NEO on it and all i did was install an MLS headgasket, some ARP headstuds and a old big HKS turbo and i ran 500hp all day. Most reliable car i have ever had and that was with an old Apexi controlling it with a maf.

[@vin_tra]

helll ya fast stageas are so cool to me.

[@KewaNCow]

​@@vin_tra they really are. As with the r34's the rwd stages are surprisingly light for their size although the all come with auto boxes so you gotta swap them. I think mine was just over 1600kg so not bad for such a big car.

[@Purpose_Bilt]

Neo also has solid rockers vs hydraulic. Can get more power out of them.

[@IvanVasiutin]

Was waiting for this to drop, class video as usual

[@Graver81-69]

26:39 what exactly does “fine spec” mean? Is it an acronym? And what’s a good power number goal for someone who lives in the mountains where roads are pretty curvy? Is 600 good or is more or less power better?

[@guaripolo69]

Love the video, and the format! but the fact you used a modified gt-r is just not fair. Stock, like most of the hero cars where underwhelming at best. Compared stock for stock with modern-ish cars. I had a 300zx tt, it was a dog ( only 150ish heavier than the gtr and slightly more HP). Regardless, stock for stock the gtt would come ahead no doubt, but still way too much for 50-60k IMO.

[@GregoryBrettin]

Really great video walking through the models from the point of view of actually using/living with them in the current market. *tips hat*

[@B0unty350z]

Your content answers all my questions. Please keep it up!!!!! Thank you

[@vin_tra]

Appreciate that! Makes all the work worth it.

[@freezedTIM]

That feeling of thrilling but also scared for your life is such a great feeling. I had that feeling when my friend let me drive his NSX. And its so much fun

[@eduardocouto8757]

Love this series! It would be cool to see an episode on the e9x M3 compared to a base model 328i and maybe a 335is

[@vin_tra]

I’m planning on it

[@all4runner316]

So it's true, America doesn't know about the 92-95 CC CD5A Lancer GSR the 4G93T 1800dohc turbo AWD sleeper weapon. You could get a base model Lancer from 1.3l,1.5l, 1.6l, 1.8l, then the 2.0l diesel, then there is the Evo 1, 2 and 3 which is known. I have a 450hp GSR that looks like a stock lancer. Very rare and hard to find parts for.

[@SubBassFrequency]

Yeap, Americans commenting on Evo's and WRX/STI's when they only got them from the mid 2000's, basically the end of their era, is comincal.

[@itsnotagsr]

Great suggestion. I’ve had my Evo 1 since 2000!

[@jjsorenavki7005]

Use parts from the RVR another unknown JDM Sleeper, my partner has a 94 cc gsr that has been swapped to Auto but uses RVR 4g63 I have 95 ce9a evo 3 :)

[@solocamo3654]

ngl, never watched TJ before but he made that R34 exactly as I would

[@mrdarryljones1]

Power was out yesterday, glad to see the vid today! 👍🏾

[@fadetoblake]

Appreciate you coming by and checking out the R34 project Vin!

[@boosTiMon]

Vin for the win! 🏆

[@Complete.cyclepath]

This is the best series idea 💡

[@stevochang]

This is the video I needed. Thanks for the knowledge drop!!!

[@SpecialED-mc6cg]

Is the skyline GTT just not a good drift chassis? Or is just a cost perspective? I know the 4 doors are used for drifting but is the 2 door just not as good or is it just the price difference?

[@vin_tra]

Plenty of people drift them

[@FLiPPEN-BNR32]

Amazing video. Looking forward to what's next!!

[@jessemorgan3409]

Can we got some “making Thursdays great again” merch. You make that last hit of the week into the weekend livable!

[@jed1m1ndtr1cks]

the side eye after TJ says "its own piece in its puzzle" hahaha 29:00

[@imSchwaggy]

Ive seen worse condition base models in the us for like $30k+ lmao. What hype did to the prices is disgusting.

[@skippylegrandgourou2069]

$30k was the price of a R33 GTR 10 years ago in Canada lol, R34 GTR used to be $40-50k

[@Gurp2]

Blame Paul Walker.

[@Deep_Freeze_DF]

I was wondering what that clickity clack noise was during the GTR driving. Pocket mic and sunglasses I think in pocket. Great vid regardless!

[@brisbanecarmeetsandtrackda9072]

Easy to get power out of a GTT mine I high flowed the turbo, triple layer head gasket, arp head studs, bigger fuel pump, 1000cc injectors, nistune ecu and electronic boost controller making 400hp at the wheels cost $6000 aud - around $3800 usd

[@jacktopoleski4923]

Damn. Vin ripping the gtr through Rancho Santa Fe is the inspiration I need to get the dream build going

[@mikej1348]

It would be cool to see a future built GT-T. How’s the steering compare? It is lighter weight without the all-wheel drive system. It might be a nice canyon car. Although the R32/33 comparison could be made too.

[@BillyBranco-t7k]

3:08 that white R32 🔥

[@willlam3723]

Can I ask what watch were you wearing during the R34 drive? Looks like an interesting piece. thank you.

[@TRD_Kyle]

I'm a poor boy, the baseline is pretty rad to me that you get a cool looking cummuter car with support for making it something fun in the future and still being way under the even thr GTT price point depending on what you want to do with it.

[@nescockk]

that's such a waste of money

[@TRD_Kyle]

@@nescockkI mean lets be real, all R34s are way overpriced and a bit of a waste of money. But if I was going to have an R34, I'd rather build something a bit more personal for like $25-30k than buy what would be basically the same thing for $50k+ that just has a better name and vin #.

[@Kev27RS]

@@TRD_KyleThe GT-T model is definitely a better choice!

[@DrivingMatterMedia]

Good comparison, mostly feels like the GT needs that manual swap and a decent exhaust for having another shot at the GTT. Should be able to handle similar or better at less than half the price of the GTT (with the right mods).

[@paulgustin5781]

I don't always like what TJ does but he did build an absolutely perfect R34

[@Kev27RS]

Other than the black wheels… ⚫️ ⚫️

[@bradyspage]

Great video Vin!

[@abracing199]

Im pretty confident in saying the GTT never came with twin turbos as mentioned. There was the RB25-DE-T. No rb25 DE-TT.

[@WeaselBurrito]

Always love seeing people rip up the roads that are my commute.(RSF) That drive is why my "work truck" is manual, lowered and on fairly sticky tires..

[@vin_tra]

Such a good cruising road

[@bigmaine36]

Mystic was a paint code for the 96 cobra.

[@Kev27RS]

21:58 … The "Mystic” paintjob already existed on the SN95 Mustang Cobra around '96. Plus, in the Tuning Scene you already had cars with purple/blue or purple/green chameleon paintjobs around '98. 😉

[@vin_tra]

I thought it started w the terminator which is on my must own list

[@Kev27RS]

@ Yeah, no it started way earlier. The Terminator is pretty cool!

[@jet613]

Vin you think a 6'5 hert+ sized individual would fit?

[@Flashhphoto]

This episode has me vin’ing my tra rn

[@ashwilliams8903]

I love this kind of video. Thank you.

[@Cwomack07]

Sweet video featuring some good cars …. Ughh idk why it bugged the hell outta me with the hyping up of making a GTT look more GTR like. I guess the shadow cast by the R34 GTR style an what not just shades all the lesser skylines because they’re siblings after all

[@onyxautopreservation]

Fun fact - The pigment in MNPII and other color flipping paints what is used in currency to prevent counterfeit

[@BulkMarketing]

This style of content is the best. Grab a drink & snack in turn on the big screen. Also no edit crushing 🔥🔥🔥

[@35jcasey]

This might have already been said, but the GT-T comes with an RB25DET and is single turbo but in the video twin turbo keeps being stated, not true. If it was a twin turbo it would be an RB25DETT, which isn't a thing, like the RB26DETT. I think you even said it in the video, equipped with an RB25DET.

[@vin_tra]

I messed up lol

[@bizzmpp]

Vin putting out banger after banger after banger

[@michaelgraham7316]

Thanks for more great content. Keep the ball rolling

[@andyly6651]

I loved nomukens URAS 4 door r34 back in 2002 d1gp, its still my pick for r34s