Nissan Skyline 2012: a complete guide to the V36 model with owner reviews

Nissan Skyline 2012 is the latest iteration of the legendary Japanese sedan V36, which combines sporty character, premium finishes and time-tested technical solutions. The model, released as part of the 12th generation, became a bridge between the classic Skyline and his successor - Infiniti Q50, with whom he shares the platform FM. This car is still in demand in the secondary market due to its balanced dynamics, reliability of key components and the unique status of a “Japanese BMW” among car enthusiasts.

In 2012 Skyline V36 offered in three main modifications: 250GT (2.5 liter V6), 350GT (3.5 liter V6) and 370GT (3.7-liter V6), each of which had its own characteristics in suspension tuning, transmission and equipment. The version deserves special attention 370GT Type SP with adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS, which is considered the most desirable among enthusiasts. However, even the basic configurations are pleasing with build quality and rich equipment, including leather upholstery, climate control and a multimedia system with navigation.

Upon purchase Skyline 2012 It is important to take into account not only its technical condition, but also its operating history. Many examples were imported from Japan with mileage, which requires careful inspection for corrosion, the condition of the turbines (for supercharged versions) and the operation of the variator. In this guide, we'll cover all the key aspects: from technical characteristics to typical problems And maintenance tipsto help you make informed choices.

Technical specifications Nissan Skyline V36 2012

Model range Skyline 2012 included three main engines, each aimed at different categories of drivers. Basic VQ25HR (2.5 l, 220 hp) was suitable for a quiet ride, while VQ35HR (3.5 l, 315 hp) and VQ37VHR (3.7 l, 333 hp) offered real sporting sensations. All engines were combined with a 7-speed automatic JR710E or CVT Jatco JF011E (depending on market), and the all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS provided excellent handling.

Feature Skyline V36 became a platform FM (Front Midship), where the engine is moved behind the front axle for better weight distribution (55:45). This solution is borrowed from Nissan GT-R, gives the sedan unusual dynamics for its class. The suspension is independent multi-link on all wheels, with adaptive shock absorbers in top versions. The braking system includes ventilated discs front and rear (320 mm and 308 mm respectively), and 370GT Type SP 4-piston calipers were installed Brembo.

• 🔧 Engines:
  • VQ25HR 2.5 L V6 (220 hp, 263 Nm)
  • VQ35HR 3.5 L V6 (315 hp, 358 Nm)
  • VQ37VHR 3.7 l V6 (333 hp, 363 Nm)
• ⚡ Transmission: 7-speed automatic or CVT (Jatco JF011E)
• 🚗 Drive: rear or full (ATTESA E-TS)
• ⚖️ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: from 6.8 to 8.2 sec (depending on modification)

Modification	Engine	Power	Box	Drive	Consumption (city), l/100 km
250GT	VQ25HR 2.5 V6	220 hp	CVT	Rear/Full	11.5
350GT	VQ35HR 3.5 V6	315 hp	7-automatic	Full	13.2
370GT Type SP	VQ37VHR 3.7 V6	333 hp	7-automatic	Full	13.8

⚠️ Attention: Modifications with CVT (250GT) require more frequent oil changes in the box - every 60,000 km, in contrast to the machine, where the interval is 90,000 km. Neglecting this rule leads to belt slippage and costly repairs.

Typical problems and weaknesses

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Skyline V36 2012 has several characteristic “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. The most common complaints from owners relate to electronics, suspension And CVT (modified 250GT). Let's take a closer look at them.

1. CVT Jatco JF011E - a major headache for owners 250GT. When running over 100,000 km jerks during acceleration, delays during switching and increased noise are often observed. The reason is wear of the belt and cones, as well as overheating of the oil. The only solution is a complete replacement of the variator (cost from 300,000 rubles), since the repair is temporary and does not guarantee durability. Automatic transmission JR710E in 350GT/370GT more reliable, but also requires regular maintenance.

2. VQ series engines known as "oil-guzzler" after 150,000 km, especially VQ35HR And VQ37VHR. The problem is related to wear of the oil scraper rings and valve seals. The solution is to replace the rings or overhaul (from 200,000 rubles). It is also worth checking the condition phase regulators — their knocking on a cold engine signals an imminent replacement (price per set is about 50,000 rubles).

• 🔋 Electronics: frequent malfunctions I-Key (keyless entry), problems with parking sensors and rear view camera. The reason for this is oxidation of the contacts in the control unit.
• 🛞 Suspension: wear of the silent blocks of the front levers and wheel bearings is already 80,000 km. Replacing the kit costs about 60,000 rubles.
• 🔥 Turbine (for supercharged versions): in 370GT There may be problems with the intercooler and wastegate valve, which leads to loss of power.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline 2012 with mileage, be sure to check the service history through Nissan Connect or Japanese auction sheet. Cars with over mileage 120,000 km, which do not have a record of changing the oil in the variator or engine, is a risky purchase.

Differences in configurations: what to choose?

In 2012 Nissan Skyline V36 was offered in several trim levels, differing both technically and in terms of equipment level. Basic version 250GT was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine and a CVT, while the top 370GT Type SP received a 3.7-liter engine, all-wheel drive and sports suspension. Let's look at the key differences:

1. 250GT — a budget option for urban use. Here you will receive:

• 📌 Leather interior with electric front seats
• 📌 Dual-zone climate control
• 📌 Audio system Bose with 8 speakers
• 📌 17-inch alloy wheels

Cons: weak engine for a heavy body (1.6 t), CVT, lack of all-wheel drive in the basic version.

2. 350GT — the gold standard in terms of price/quality ratio. In this modification:

• 🔥 3.5-liter V6 with 315 hp output.
• 🔥 All-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS
• 🔥 18-inch wheels and sports brakes
• 🔥 Xenon headlights with washers

An ideal choice for those who want dynamics without excessive harshness 370GT.

3. 370GT Type SP - flagship version with:

• 🏁 3.7-liter engine (333 hp)
• 🏁 Adaptive electronically controlled suspension
• 🏁 With brakes Brembo and 19-inch wheels
• 🏁 Full leather trim and wooden inserts

The downside is the high cost of maintenance and the rarity of spare parts for the suspension.

Ownership and maintenance costs

Acquisition Nissan Skyline V36 2012 on the secondary market will cost from 1.2 to 2.5 million rubles, depending on mileage and equipment. However, the real cost of ownership includes not only the purchase, but also service, insurance And renovation. Let's look at the main expense items:

1. Maintenance:

• 🛢️ Changing engine oil (5 l 5W-30) — 5,000–7,000 rubles (every 10,000 km).
• 🔧 Changing the oil in the variator/automatic transmission - 12,000–15,000 rubles (every 60,000–90,000 km).
• 🔩 Replacing the timing belt (for VQ35HR/VQ37VHR) — 30,000–40,000 rubles (every 100,000 km).

2. Typical repairs:

• 🔧 Replacing the silent blocks of the front arms - 25,000–35,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Repair of phase regulators - 50,000–70,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Replacement of the turbine (for 370GT) — 150,000–200,000 rubles.

Service	Cost (RUB)	Frequency
Engine diagnostics	3 000–5 000	1 time per year
Replacing brake pads (front)	15 000–20 000	40,000–50,000 km
Replacing shock absorbers (set)	60 000–90 000	80,000–100,000 km
Cleaning the throttle valve	4 000–6 000	30,000–40,000 km

3. Insurance: Policy cost CASCO for Skyline 2012 starts from 80,000 rubles per year (depending on experience and region). OSAGO will cost 10,000–15,000 rubles. Important: many insurance companies consider Skyline to the category of “premium foreign cars”, which increases the tariff by 20–30%.

How to choose a Nissan Skyline 2012 on the secondary market?

Purchase Nissan Skyline V36 2012 with mileage requires a careful approach. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

1. Mileage and history: Optimal mileage for purchase - up to 100,000 km. Used cars 150,000+ km most often require investment in the engine or gearbox. Check:

• 📄 Japanese auction sheet (if the car is imported). Pay attention to the rating S (emergency) or R (repaired).
• 📄 Service book — the presence of marks for changing the oil in the variator/automatic transmission is critical.
• 📄 Verification via CarVertical or Autocode for accidents and restrictions.

2. Technical condition:

• 🔊 Engine: Listen when it’s cold - the knocking of the phase regulators or timing chain indicates an upcoming repair.
• 🔄 Box: The variator should not “kick” during acceleration. The automatic transmission should shift smoothly, without delay.
• 🚗 Suspension: Ride over uneven surfaces - knocking noises from the front indicate wear on the silent blocks or struts.

How to check the Skyline 250GT CVT?

For a test drive, accelerate to 60 km/h and hit the gas hard. If the engine speed “goes into the red zone” and acceleration is weak, the variator is worn out. Also pay attention to vibrations when braking the engine (a symptom of worn cones).

3. External inspection: Skyline V36 suffers from corrosion in the following places:

• 🔍 Thresholds and wheel arches (especially if the car was operated in snowy regions).
• 🔍 The edges of the hood and trunk often rust due to chips.
• 🔍 Bottom - check on a lift or in a pit.

Modifications and tuning: what can be improved?

Nissan Skyline V36 2012 — an excellent base for tuning, especially in modifications 350GT And 370GT. Owners most often improve:

1. Engine:

• 🔧 Chip tuning (ECU firmware) adds 20–30 hp on VQ35HR/VQ37VHR. Cost: 30,000–50,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Direct flow installation (For example, HKS Hi-Power) improves sound and performance at high speeds.
• 🔧 Larger intercooler (relevant for 370GT) reduces the charge air temperature.

2. Suspension and brakes:

• 🛞 Lowering on springs Tein or H&R (cost: 50,000–80,000 rubles).
• 🔧 Installation of brake discs DBA or Brembo (from 60,000 rubles per set).
• 🔧 Replacing shock absorbers with KW or Ohlins for sporty driving.

3. Exterior and interior:

• 🎨 Vinyl wrap (for example, matte black or carbon) - from 70,000 rubles.
• 🔥 Installation of LED headlights (legal - 30,000–50,000 rubles).
• 🛋️ Interior reupholstery Alcantara (from 150,000 rubles).

⚠️ Attention: When tuning the engine (VQ35HR/VQ37VHR) be sure to update the transmission firmware. Standard automatic transmission JR710E not designed for increased torque, which leads to wear of the clutches.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Real reviews from owners Nissan Skyline V36 2012 help to form an objective opinion about the model. Here's what drivers say after 3–5 years of use:

Pros:

• ✅ Handling: "Pendant Type SP just super - on the track you feel like you’re in a sports car, and in the city it’s comfortable." (Alexey, Moscow)
• ✅ Build quality: “After 10 years, the interior looks like new - no squeaks, everything fits perfectly.” (Dmitry, St. Petersburg)
• ✅ Dynamics: "VQ37VHR accelerates like a rocket, especially with the firmware. Revs over 7000 are something!” (Igor, Yekaterinburg)

Cons:

• ❌ CVT: “At 120,000 km it started to twitch. The repair did not help - I had to install a contract one." (Sergey, Novosibirsk)
• ❌ Fuel consumption: "In the city 370GT eats 15–16 liters. On the highway - 9–10." (Anton, Kazan)
• ❌ Spare parts: "You have to wait 2-3 weeks for silent blocks and racks, if not the original." (Maxim, Krasnodar)

Overall Owner Satisfaction Rating - 4.5 out of 5. The main complaints are made about the CVT and the cost of maintenance, but these shortcomings are more than compensated by the driving sensations and status of the car.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

🔧 How often do you need to change the oil in the Skyline 250GT variator?

The manufacturer recommends replacement every 90,000 km, but in practice it is better to reduce the interval to 60,000 km, especially if the car is driven in city mode. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or NS-3 (for models after 2012).

⚡ Is it possible to put gas on the VQ35HR?

Technically yes, but this reduces engine life by 20–30%. VQ35HR not adapted for operation on gas, so there may be problems with the valves and ignition system. If you decide, choose equipment 4th generation (For example, BRC or Lovato) and get tuned by professionals.

🛞 Which tires are best for the Skyline 370GT Type SP?

The best choice for 19-inch wheels:

• Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (245/40 R19) or Continental ContiSportContact 5.
• Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32.

Tire pressure: 2.3 bar front and 2.1 rear.

💰 How much does the VQ37VHR contract engine cost?

Contract price VQ37VHR (with mileage up to 50,000 km) is 250,000–350,000 rubles. Installation will cost additional 50,000–70,000 rubles. When purchasing, check the compression in the cylinders and the condition of the timing chain - these are critical parameters.

🔋 How to reset the Check Engine error on Skyline V36?

To reset an error:

1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).
2. Press the gas pedal all the way down and hold it 10 seconds.
3. Release the pedal and turn off the ignition.
4. Start the car and the error should clear.

If the error appears again, diagnostics are required (for example, with a scanner Launch X431).