Deep Dive: The Nissan Skyline 250GT (V36) – luxury & performance for less?

When you hear “Skyline,” you probably start thinking of the GT-R. That once semi-affordable performance icon immortalised in racing and video games is now way beyond the reach of most people with values trebling in the past ten years.

But not every Skyline is built for the track or carries an unobtainable price tag. The V36 Skyline 250GT, sold in Japan from 2006 to 2014, offers a different take on the Skyline theme: a sleek, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that blends style, comfort and a touch of performance. And all for far less money than its European rivals.

For Kiwi buyers, especially those tempted by used BMWs, Audis or Mercs but put off by potential maintenance costs and not so stellar reliability records, the 250GT makes for a canny alternative. It delivers much of the same premium feel and rear-drive dynamics, but with Japanese reliability and significantly sharper pricing.

The 12th generation V36 Skyline is essentially Nissan’s answer to the compact executive sedan class. In Japan it carried the Skyline badge, but in export markets it was sold as the Infiniti G-series – the G25 in the United States, for example. That means you’re getting Infiniti-level luxury and engineering, without the premium.

Its direct rivals at the time were the Lexus IS250 and BMW 325i; cars that balanced refinement with just enough sportiness to keep drivers engaged. The Skyline 250GT slotted neatly into this category.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find Nissan’s VQ25HR, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre V6 producing around 165kW with 263Nm of torque. It likes revs, spinning to 7500rpm, but does so smoothly. It is paired with either a five- or seven-speed automatic, depending on year and spec, sending the power to the rear wheels. Unless you’re talking about the 250GT FOUR, which gained AWD traction. While not blisteringly fast, the 250GT provides useful performance for New Zealand roads, along with that characteristic V6 soundtrack.

The “GT” in 250GT isn’t just marketing. This Skyline feels more like a grand tourer than a sports sedan. The rear-wheel-drive layout delivers good balance, and the chassis is capable, but comfort and refinement are the priorities. Long highway drives are where it shines, being quiet, smooth, and effortless at open-road speeds.

Different trims catered to different buyers. The Type S leaned sporty with paddle shifters, larger wheels and firmer suspension, while the Type P offered more luxury with features like leather seats and premium audio. All models, though, share the same fundamental DNA: a refined, well-built sedan with understated style.

If you’re browsing Trade Me Motors for a Skyline 250GT, here are the key things to keep in mind:

Engine: The VQ series engines are famously strong, but some examples suffer from oil consumption issues. Always check service records and ask the seller about oil use between changes.

Transmission: The automatics are generally reliable, and more reliable than the previous generation's CVT contraptions. But ensure shifts are smooth and free from hesitation. A test drive will quickly reveal any odd behaviour.

Interior: The Skyline’s interior feels premium, but as with any 10–15-year-old car, check for wear on the leather seats, steering wheel, and gear selector. Make sure all electronics work – including infotainment, seat adjustments and climate control.

Service History: A well-maintained Skyline can cover high mileages with ease, but a neglected one could be hiding expensive issues. Look for evidence of regular oil changes and transmission servicing.

Suspension & Brakes: Listen for knocks or squeaks from the suspension and check for even brake wear. Many Skylines have been driven enthusiastically, so a thorough inspection is wise.