Pre Purchase checks for a Skyline R33GTST

Always check vehicles in daylight hours, start by doing a tour of the outside of the car.
Ask the seller to look at the engine and lift the bonnet up and use the bonnet stand to keep it up.
Look for any signs of damage, oil leaks around the engine bay, make sure that everything looks ok. 
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank is at the correct mark (max).

Check the oil cap (with engine off) for signs of blown head gasket - there will be an amount of "mayonaise" (oil & water mixed), however this can also sometimes happen if a car is driven on lots of short journeys. 

The reason is as follows : As the engine reaches a given temperature, and is then switched off, it will cause condensation. At the same time the oil is pumped around the head (to lubricate camshafts, valve stems & hydraulic tappets).

Check the oil level on the dipstick is at the right level

Check Power Steering Fluid level 

If the car has been well maintained, everything should be in the right place, level.

Now for the thrash check:

Check Tyre tread wear & depth - ensure they are wearing even

Check suspension for leaks / broken springs

Bounce test the car (place both hands on the wing near the strut area and give it a 
"shove" in a downward motion.
If its ok it should bounce back up once and then settle, anything other than this such as it bouncing around or staying down indicates worn parts. Bear in mind that shocks (struts) cost around £100 each. Yes it is a shock isnt it?

Check the brake pads & discs for wear (if you can see through alloy wheel gaps

Visual Crash Check

Look for new looking paint

Check for large or small gaps in body work panels - note that sometimes the front wings may move from their location if jacked at the jacking point with certain types of jack - so it might not have been in a crash but the gaps will be different sizes.

Check doors & door sills.

The remainder of checks is now on the inside - checking all power works, windows, central locking, sunroof (where applicable) parking sensors or front spoiler up and down.

Check for blue or blue white smoke coming out of the exhaust - there shouldnt be any unless its condensation!

Test Drive

Take the car out for a spin - you dont need to thrash the nuts off the engine, but it does help if you can take it to 6,000 RPM - sometimes faults with the car only show at higher rev ranges, such as air leaks, lack of or no boost etc.

Minimum Price for a good standard R33 GTST Spec 1 - £3,995.00
Average Price - £4,500 - £5,000
Maximum Price £6,000 - it better look like it just left a showroom and only got washed & waxed on sunny days

Some people think £5K is a bit heft, but for a good skyline its worth it in my opinion if its been maintained, well looked after and has service history both in Japan and U.K.

These are just guideline prices, your buying the car not me - and if you fall for a shed, which we all do sooner or later, bad luck, it happens.

Post Purchase Jobs to be done

1. Full Service Including Cambelt (timing belt)
2. Dyno check for cars H.p. at the wheels and at Flywheel
3. Drive the car for a while
4. If your up for it, get a pen and paper and make a list of what you want to do to the car. 
5. Enjoy the Skyline Smile