Buyer Research

2017 Nissan GT-R — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $75,000–$100,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

'Godzilla' — the twin-turbo, AWD GT-R delivers supercar-humbling performance with everyday usability, and it's built to be driven hard. But it's expensive to service (the transmission and specialized work especially), and many were tuned and launched relentlessly. A stock, un-tuned, documented GT-R with a healthy transmission is a phenomenal machine; a heavily tuned, launched one is a transmission/driveline risk. Verify the GR6 transmission health and service history above all.

Known Issues for the 2017 Nissan GT-R

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

GR6 dual-clutch transmissionHigh — wallet impact

The GR6 transmission is expensive and can suffer from hard launches/tuning; verify smooth operation, service history, and no bellhousing/clutch issues. A rebuild is very costly.

Repair cost range: $3,000-$15,000 if failed

Tuning / launch abuseHigh — wallet impact

GT-Rs are tuned and launched hard; a big tune stresses the whole driveline. Verify tune status and driveline health.

Repair cost range: Varies

Expensive service / consumablesMedium

GT-R service, tires, and brakes are very pricey; demand full history.

Repair cost range: $1,000-$4,000 per visit

Turbo / coolingMedium

The twin-turbo VR38 wants meticulous care; verify service and check for issues.

Repair cost range: $500-$4,000

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Transmission issues / abuse
✗Aggressive tune / launch history
✗No service history
✗Cheap price hiding a tired transmission

Good Signs

✓Healthy GR6, full service history
✓Stock or conservative tune
✓Adult-owned, documented

Found a specific Nissan GT-R?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Nissan GT-R in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.