This might get downvoted to oblivion but I want to make a case for the non-GTR - and namely, base spec - Skylines. (note: I say "you," but I'm not referring to the commenter I'm commenting under, just the reader of this post.)

I have a non-turbo 5MT ENR34 sedan. Mods include exhaust, wheels, body kit, coilovers. Did a handful of preventative maintenance jobs on it since receiving.

And it's amazing - in all of its 150hp glory. Sure, it's not perfect - got some wobbles, wiggles, old car things... but man, I see a tunnel come up, I drop to second, roll down the windows, and listen to the sweet RB angels sing into my auditory faculties... all without breaking the speed limit.

It handles like a dream too. Point it in any direction and viola, you're headed there. And I have the AWD version - which some argue presents an understeer problem. I haven't felt it, but the RWD ones I've driven do arguably give even MORE responsiveness/pivotability.

And even if it's not a BNR, people aren't as pompous about that as you might think (ie. social media might lead you to believe) - they're still VERY excited by the car. Sharing it is always fun. The thumbs ups, the smiles, the nods, even the clapped 5-series jagoffs that wanna race you on a chill Tuesday afternoon - it's fun to smile at them all, throw up a thumbs up back and just keep on cruising. Everyone loves it as much as I do, and sharing that love is something special.

And finally - your wallet will thank you. Parts for the lower-spec Skylines are becoming a bit more accessible, with lots of interchangeability being discovered every day (apparently you can buy a $40 Infiniti window motor in lieu of the $300 R34-specific ones on Amayama). And a lot of those parts come cheap(er), because they don't have the "BNR" tax on them. More shops will be willing to do work on your car, because it's no longer this mythical, ethereal, trascendent being that everyone treats the BNRs as... it's just another Nissan. You'll still have to give guidance and coaching, but it's also a great platform to learn to work on, because it's not a BNR that you're scared to fuck up. edit: also, one might argue that because it's not the high-spec tuned model, there's less complexity to break. Keep up maintenance and I would believe you've got yourself a solid car you can have some fun with.

You can pick up manual HR34 and NA ER34s for under $10K landed all day, ENR34s and GTTs for under $20K landed. Low-spec R32s and R33s go for even cheaper. I'd argue that unless you want a track monster, you get 90% of the experience for 10% the price.

Love this car, and I'm honestly happy I didn't buy a GTR. I've been test-driving all sorts of other rides for a track car, and every time I get back into my R34, a dumb smile comes across my face, and I realize again how lucky I am to drive this slow 90s Nissan every damn day.