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Buyer's guide

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Nissan Skyline R34

Buyer's guide & specs

By Christopher WeydertUpdated Reviewed by Robert MunteanuFact-checked
Production
1998-2002
US legal
2024
early builds
Engine
RB26DETT
2568cc
Nissan Skyline R34 — JDM hero image
Nissan Skyline R34. Photo: Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0). Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Quick answer

Nissan says the R34 Skyline was rolled out in 1998 and its GT-R was released in 1999. The 2000 GT-R V-Spec II used a 2,568cc RB26DETT inline-six DOHC turbo rated at 280 PS. For an R34 GT-R, check the six-speed gearbox for first gear popping out and establish the car's provenance before purchase.

Background

Overview

The R34 Skyline (1998-2002) is the eleventh generation and the final Skyline to carry the GT-R name. The BNR34 GT-R shortened the wheelbase from R33, stiffened the chassis, and added a 5.8" multi-function display showing real-time turbo boost, oil temperature, and other engine parameters. Approximately 11,578 GT-R units were built — fewer than either predecessor — making the R34 the lowest-volume production R-chassis GT-R.

R34 GT-R values have moved from approximately $30,000-$40,000 in 2015 into six-figure territory in 2026, with V-Spec II Nür and Nismo Z-Tune cars trading in low-seven-figure prices. Non-GT-R R34 trims — particularly the ER34 GT-T with the RB25DET NEO inline-six and 5-speed manual — remain comparatively accessible from $20,000-$25,000. The full R34 chassis guide covers buyer's-checklist detail at /learn/nissan/skyline/r34/.

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.

R34
Chassis codes: BNR34, ER34, HR34, and ENR34

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
34Generation
SegmentMeaningDetail
BBody typeFull-size (B-platform Skyline)
NDrivetrainATTESA E-TS AWD
RGT-R designationGT-R flagship
34Generation34th-generation Skyline

The R34 GT-R reverted to the BNR prefix (without the C for coupe) used on the BNR32.

Key Takeaways

  • R34 GT-R launch — Nissan says the R34 Skyline was rolled out in 1998 and its GT-R was released in 1999.
  • V-Spec equipment — Nissan attributes the V-Spec's higher performance to exclusive aero parts, specially tuned suspension, and active LSD.
  • V-Spec II changes — Nissan says the 2000 V-Spec II added a carbon engine hood with a NACA duct and aluminum pedals.
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Technical Specifications

Engine Options

ChassisEngineDisplacementPower — JDMNotes
r34RB26DETT2568cc280 PS @ 6800 rpm (factory cap)Refined fuel/ignition mapping; ball-bearing turbos; 6-speed Getrag gearbox
r34RB25DET NEO2498cc280 PS @ 6400 rpmNEO cylinder head; solid lifters; GT-T sedan and coupe; 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

Early builds of this chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2024; later production years become eligible through 2027. Calculate import costs →

Variants & Trims

GenerationTrimEngineKey Features
R34 (1998-2002, eleventh gen)Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nür (BNR34)RB26DETT N1 block 2.6L twin-turbo I6Last RB-powered GT-R; 5.8" multi-function display; ~11,578 total GT-R units
R34 (1998-2002, eleventh gen)Skyline GT-T (ER34)RB25DET NEO 2.5L DOHC turbo I6RWD; 280 PS; 5-speed manual; sedan and coupe; most accessible R34 today
R34 (1998-2002, eleventh gen)Skyline GT-R Z-TuneRB26DETT Z2 2.8L stroker twin-turbo I6Nismo limited edition; 19 units built; ~500 PS; ultimate R34 GT-R
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Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R34?

Why You'll Love It

  • V-Spec equipmentNissan attributes the V-Spec's higher performance to exclusive aero parts, specially tuned suspension, and active LSD.
  • R34 GT-R Nür editionsNissan says the V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür were manufactured in 2002 as limited models.

Why You Might Not

  • Six-speed first-gear checkRoad & Track says first gear can start to pop out in the R34 GT-R's six-speed gearbox.
  • Provenance needs due diligenceRoad & Track says rebuilt GT-Rs have been circulating and recommends due diligence on a vehicle's provenance.

Who Should NOT Buy This

  • Buyers unwilling to check an R34 GT-R's six-speed gearbox for first gear popping out.
  • Buyers unwilling to conduct due diligence on an R34 GT-R's provenance.

Common Issues & Solutions

IssueCauseSolutionEst. Cost
Six-speed first gear can pop outRoad & Track says first gear can start to pop out in the R34 GT-R's six-speed gearbox.Check the gearbox for first gear popping out before purchase.Obtain a written assessment if the gearbox shows this symptom.
Uncertain provenanceRoad & Track says rebuilt GT-Rs have been circulating.Conduct due diligence on the vehicle's provenance before purchase.Obtain independent documentation and inspection before purchase.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Critical Priority

High Priority

Generation History

Eleventh generation R34 (1998-2002)

  • Skyline GT-R (BNR34) — last RB-powered GT-R
  • Shorter wheelbase than R33; tighter overall package
  • 5.8" multi-function display (MFD) factory-fitted
  • Approximately 11,578 GT-R units total
  • Z-Tune (19 units) — Nismo's RB28-powered halo car

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
R34 Skyline (all trims)1998-2002approximately 64,623All trims combined per WP source
R34 GT-R (BNR34)1999-2002approximately 11,578GT-R variant only; lowest GT-R production of the R-chassis era

Rarest variant: Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune — 19 units built; RB28 stroker engine; final Nismo-developed RB-powered GT-R.

Comparable Alternatives

In Pictures

Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
Nissan Skyline GT-R header image — multi-generation model overview
Nissan Skyline — model umbrella covering R-chassis era through to the V37.FlickrImage by Falcon Photography
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The Buyer's Read

Nissan says the R34 Skyline was rolled out in 1998 and its GT-R followed in 1999. For a 2000 V-Spec II, Nissan lists a 2,568cc RB26DETT inline-six DOHC turbo rated at 280 PS and says that year added a carbon engine hood with a NACA duct and aluminum pedals.

The purchase checks in the available sources are specific: Road & Track says first gear can start to pop out in the R34 GT-R's six-speed gearbox, and says rebuilt GT-Rs have been circulating. Check the gearbox and conduct due diligence on the car's provenance. Browse the R34 range.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the R34 GT-R arrive?
Nissan says the R34 Skyline was rolled out in 1998 and its GT-R was released in 1999.
What did the 2000 V-Spec II add?
Nissan says the 2000 V-Spec II added a carbon engine hood with a NACA duct and aluminum pedals.
What should I check on the gearbox?
Road & Track says first gear can start to pop out in the R34 GT-R's six-speed gearbox.

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 R34 on the JDMBUYSELL marketplace.

Source:/api/market-data/nissan/skyline/r34.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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