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Buyer's guide

18 min read

Nissan Skyline R32

Buyer's guide & specs

By Christopher WeydertUpdated Reviewed by Robert MunteanuFact-checked
Production
1989-1994
US legal
2014
25-yr rule
Engine
RB26DETT
2568cc
Nissan Skyline R32 — JDM hero image
Nissan Skyline R32. Photo: Nismo/automotive photographer (CC BY 2.0). Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Quick answer

The R32 Skyline GT-R returned in August 1989 after a 16-year absence. Nissan fitted the GT-R with a 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS and electronically controlled torque-split 4WD called ATTESA E-TS. Before buying one, inspect the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, behind the rear spats, and the jacking points for rust or damage.

Background

Overview

The R32 Skyline (1989-1994) is the ninth generation and revived the GT-R name after a sixteen-year dormancy. The BNR32 GT-R combined the new RB26DETT 2.6L twin-turbo inline-six, ATTESA E-TS active torque-split AWD, and Super-HICAS four-wheel steering. It won every Japanese Touring Car race entered between 1989 and 1993, earned the 'Godzilla' nickname through its Bathurst campaigns, and became the first Skyline GT-R model years to clear US 25-year import eligibility starting in 2014.

R32 GT-R cars (approximately 43,937 BNR32 units built) are the most accessible Skyline GT-R entry today. Clean documented examples trade in the $50,000-$90,000 range as of 2026, with V-Spec II commanding more. Non-GT-R R32 trims — particularly the GTS-T Type-M with the RB20DET — provide a more accessible RB-engine RWD coupe entry from $8,000-$25,000. The full R32 chassis guide covers buyer's-checklist detail at /learn/nissan/skyline/r32/.

Identification

Chassis-code reference

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Nissan Skyline guide data.

R32
Chassis codes: BNR32, HCR32, HNR32, ECR32, and ENR32

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

Chassis Code Explained

BBody type
NDrivetrain
RGT-R designation
32Generation
SegmentMeaningDetail
BBody typeFull-size (B-platform Skyline)
NDrivetrainATTESA E-TS AWD
RGT-R designationGT-R flagship
32Generation32nd-generation Skyline

The BNR32 designation is unique to the GT-R; non-GT-R R32s use HCR32 (coupe, RWD) or HR32/ECR32.

Key Takeaways

  • RB26DETT / ATTESA E-TS — Nissan paired a 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo, rated at 280 PS, with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD.
  • Japan Touring Car Championship — Nissan records 29 victories without defeat across four seasons from 1990 through 1993.
  • Rust inspection — Road & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as areas to inspect.
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Technical Specifications

Engine Options

ChassisEngineDisplacementPower — JDMNotes
r32RB26DETT2568cc280 PS @ 6800 rpm (factory cap)DOHC 24V twin-turbo I6; measured output 320-330 PS; GT-R only
r32RB20DET1998cc215 PS @ 6400 rpmDOHC 24V turbo I6; GTS-T Type-M; RWD

Livability

Headroom
37.2" (coupe, varies by gen)
Adequate front; rear coupe headroom tight
Rear Seats
2 adults short-trip
Coupes are 2+2; sedans more usable
Cargo
10-12 cu ft (coupe)
Sedan trunks larger; spare tire well intrudes
US Import Eligibility

This chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2014. Calculate import costs →

Variants & Trims

GenerationTrimEngineKey Features
R32 (1989-1994, ninth gen)Skyline GT-R (BNR32)RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo I6Returned GT-R after 16 years; ATTESA E-TS AWD; Super-HICAS rear steer; ~43,937 GT-R units
R32 (1989-1994, ninth gen)Skyline GTS-T Type-M (HCR32)RB20DET 2.0L DOHC turbo I6RWD; 215 PS; entry tuner platform; coupe and sedan
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Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R32?

Why You'll Love It

  • RB26DETT with ATTESA E-TSNissan specified the GT-R's RB26DETT as a 2.6-liter inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS, with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD called ATTESA E-TS.
  • 29 unbeaten JTCC victoriesNissan records 29 victories without defeat for the R32 GT-R across four Japan Touring Car Championship seasons from 1990 through 1993.

Why You Might Not

  • Rear body rust needs inspectionRoad & Track identifies rust-prone areas around the inner rear fenders and below the rear window, and recommends removing the rear spats to check for hidden rust.
  • Jacking points can be damagedRoad & Track identifies the GT-R's jacking points as vulnerable to bending when jacked improperly and notes that rust can begin behind the side skirts.

Who Should NOT Buy This

  • Buyers unwilling to inspect the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, behind the rear spats, and the jacking points for rust or damage.
  • Buyers who cannot establish that a claimed GT-R has a VIN beginning with BNR32.

Common Issues & Solutions

IssueCauseSolutionEst. Cost
Rear-body rustRoad & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as areas where an R32 GT-R can have rust.Inspect these areas, including behind the rear spats, before purchase.Obtain a written assessment for any corrosion found.
Damaged jacking pointsRoad & Track reports that improper jacking can bend the jacking points and allow rust to begin behind the side skirts.Inspect the jacking points and the area behind the side skirts before purchase.Obtain a written assessment for any damage or corrosion found.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Critical Priority

High Priority

Generation History

Ninth generation R32 (1989-1994)

  • Skyline GT-R (BNR32) revived after 16-year absence
  • RB26DETT 2.6L twin-turbo I6; ATTESA E-TS AWD
  • 29 consecutive JTC wins; 1989-1993 Japan Touring Car dominance
  • ~43,937 GT-R units total (BNR32)
  • First US-legal Skyline GT-R model years from 2014 onward

Twelfth generation V35 / GT-R R35 (2001-2007 (V35 sedan); 2007-2025 (R35 GT-R))

  • V35 Skyline (2001-2007) sold globally as Infiniti G35; no GT-R
  • R35 GT-R (2007-2025) marketed as 'Nissan GT-R'; catalogued here as the R35 Skyline generation
  • VR38DETT 3.8L twin-turbo V6; GR6 dual-clutch transaxle
  • Skyline nameplate continues as Infiniti G37 / Q50 sedan in V36 / V37
  • R34 was the last car to wear the 'Skyline GT-R' badge; the R35 carried the GT-R bloodline forward as the 'Nissan GT-R'
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Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

GenerationYearsTotal BuiltNotes
R32 Skyline (all trims)1989-1994approximately 313,000 (all trims)Sedan + coupe + GT-R total; per WP source
R32 GT-R (BNR32)1989-1994approximately 43,937GT-R variant only; Wikipedia figure widely cited

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The Buyer's Read

For an R32 GT-R, start with the RB26DETT and ATTESA E-TS specification Nissan documented: a 2.6-liter inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD. Nissan also records 29 victories without defeat across four JTCC seasons from 1990 through 1993.

Road & Track's purchase inspection points are concrete: examine the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats for rust, then inspect the jacking points. For a claimed GT-R, confirm that the VIN begins with BNR32. Browse the R32 range.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the R32 GT-R return?
Nissan says the R32 Skyline was rolled out in May 1989 and the GT-R returned three months later, in August, after a 16-year absence.
What engine and drivetrain did the R32 GT-R use?
Nissan specified a 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS and electronically controlled torque-split 4WD called ATTESA E-TS.
Where should I inspect for rust?
Road & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as inspection areas; it also calls out the jacking points.

12 sources cited below

Sources & References

Sources (12)
  1. JDMBUYSELL — Nissan Skyline: The Ultimate Guide (2026) — JDMBUYSELLVerified
  2. Nissan USA — Evolution from Skyline to GT-R — Nissan USAVerified
  3. Silodrome — Nissan Skyline GT-R History — SilodromeVerified
  4. Road & Track — The History of the Nissan GT-R — Road & TrackVerified
  5. Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (model line overview) — WikipediaVerified
  6. Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline GT-R — WikipediaVerified
  7. Wikipedia — Prince Skyline (1957 origin) — WikipediaVerified
  8. Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R32) — WikipediaVerified
  9. Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R33) — WikipediaVerified
  10. Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R34) — WikipediaVerified
  11. Wikipedia — Nissan GT-R (R35 standalone model) — WikipediaVerified
  12. Hagerty — Definitive Nissan R32 GT-R Buyers Guide — HagertyVerified

Sources last verified:

Market & demand on JDMBUYSELL

Reported sold prices and buyer-inquiry trend for the Nissan Skyline R32 on the JDMBUYSELL marketplace.

Source:/api/market-data/nissan/skyline/r32.json· Sold prices aggregated from listings marked sold by private-party sellers on JDMBUYSELL — seller-reported, not verified hammer prices. Inquiry counts are distinct buyer-to-seller conversations referencing at least one listing for this chassis.

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