Buying guide

Here is a list that has been compiled by members, to help you make an informed decision when you buy your R31.

Exterior:

Evidence of resprays
Cracks in indicators/ head lights /tail lights
Water in head lights/ tail lights (common)
Lights check, head lights, tail lights, parkers, reverse lights.
Rust - common areas are on the roof near the windscreen, around tail lights, underneath rear spoilers, bottoms of the doors, above the rear doors and near the hinges on the doors, on wagons check the tail gate. Take off the side repeater indicators in the guard, and shine a torch in, many R31s have some hideous rust in the drains under there.
Remove spare tyre, jack, and carpet from boot and see if there's water in the bottom of the boot.
Wheels/scrapes
If it's a Ti, check the condition of the clear coat on the wheels.
If the car has locknuts, make sure the current owner has the correct tool for them.
Condition of tyres
Thickness of rotors
Brake pads / brake discs (pulling to the side on hard braking, squealing, grinding etc)

Interior:

Lights check/ dash gauges/ trip computer /clock
Electrics- power windows/ mirrors/ aerial
Cruise control (Ti)
Air vents (check that all vents move, and test that the heater cable is still connected, by moving the selector)
Lights in doors
Lights in roof
Indicators, headlights, high beams, hazard lights, number plate lights
Steering wheel (make sure the wheel isn't separating from the wire inside)
Rear demister
Door locks/ central locking
Seats: check that they are secure and dont wobble

Engine/mechanical:

Exhaust manifold studs
Diff - listen for clunks and whining
Check for fluid leaks (is the car parked on grass or gravel? If so, be suspicious!)
Check colour of radiator fluid (should show no signs of rust)
Automatics, check colour of tranny fluid (shouldn't have dirty or metallic specs in it, and shouldn't smell burnt)
Leaking steering rack (Look for greasy stuff all over the rack).
Corroded Crank Angle Sensor Plug.
Spark plug condition (not running too hot, oil on plugs etc)
Windscreen washer bottle/ motors prone to leaks
Excessive lifter noise (tick tick tick tick)

-NOTE!! All RB30E motors will tick, don't be too stressed about ticking, only be concerned if it sounds NASTY!

Before you start the car, pop the bonnet and have a look at the motor. Move your hands over things (even if you don't know what you're looking at) if there is any warmth in the motor to indicate that the car has been running, it may have cold start issues. (The seller may have warmed the car up before you came to inspect it to conceal cold start issues)

If you are looking to buy a GTS, you can also download the GTS buying guide, ZOOM magazine article.