Is the Nissan GT-R a Good Daily Driver? (9 Pros & Cons)
The Nissan GT-R is a reasonably good daily driver with average visibility and inexpensive upkeep among sports cars at the price point.
Still, cheaper but no-less-thrilling machines are available.
GT-R’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Loud and Unrefined
The best part of owning a sports car isn’t the ferocious acceleration or blistering top speed but the seductive growl each time the machine awakens and the engine’s roar when pushed.
That is why automakers have dedicated teams to develop and fine-tune the pitch of an engine.
At the same time, a degree of isolation from road and wind noise is necessary, especially if you daily drive one, and this is where the GT-R underperforms.
Although the level of wind noise in the cabin is tolerable, road noise is intrusive and palpable.
Vibrations from the engine, exhaust, and tire noise add to a loud interior, and long drives can border unbearable.
You’d expect better after spending close to $100k for a GT-R.
#2 Mediocre Fuel Economy
A supercar as potent as the GT-R does not offer fuel efficiency.
Nissan GT-Rs between 2009 and 2021 average between 17 mpg and 19 mpg in mixed driving; that is a reasonable consumption for the 500-odd horses it produces across all trims.
The GT-R returns a higher fuel economy compared to rivals like the Audi R8 (see the GT-R vs. R8 comparison later in the post).
The GT-R carries a turbocharged V6 while a V8 or V10 powers the R8, but both produce horsepower in the same ballpark.
#3 Premium Fuel
Driving a sports car means accepting the use of premium gas for the added boost in engine performance.
Still, a daily driver needing only the cheaper, regular gas would be desirable, considering the soaring prices at the pump.
Part of the R35 Nissan GT-R generation (from 2016 to its final model year) requires premium unleaded fuel.
GT-Rs before that only recommends the use of premium fuel, including the higher-trim Nismo.
Still, it’s best to check before buying as specifications may vary between regions.
#4 Below-Average Comfort for Daily Driving
The GT-R is a stiff-riding car, and the ride quality is on the harsh side compared to its rivals.
The seats feature aggressive bolstering with excellent support in all areas to keep you firmly in place, and they somewhat make the stiff ride more tolerable when driving every day.
If you want a GT-R that offers a supple ride (or as comfortable as a GT-R can be), opt for a newer model and avoid the Track or Nismo trim.
It’s best to test-drive the car to get a better feel for the comfort level before buying.
#5 Small-ish Trunk Limits Practicality.
The 8.8-cubic-foot of trunk space should suffice for everyday needs, but the narrow opening limits storage of bulky items.
It is decent by supercar standards, but you’d want more for broader utility.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| 370z (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Subaru BRZ (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Audi R8 (coupe) | 8.0 cubic ft. |
| Nissan GT-R (coupe) | 8.8 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| VW Golf R (hatchback) | 22.8 cubic ft. |
| Honda Civic Type R (hatchback) | 25.7 cubic ft. |
The Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R hatchbacks have some of the roomiest trunks among entry-level sports cars and sporty cars.
GT-R’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#6 Average Visibility (But Good By Sports Cars Standard)
The better a daily driver’s visibility, the less taxing the drive, as parking and changing lanes will not require the extra focus you’d otherwise commit.
Unlike most rivals in the high-performance segment, the GT-R’s body is relatively upright, which helps visibility.
The low hood, fairly tall roof, and consistent beltline combine to aid the driver’s outward views.
The rear wing isn’t much of an impediment either.
#7 Relatively Easy to Get In & Out
Sports cars are typically low-slung with a sloping roofline, so they aren’t the best choice if gracefully entering the vehicle is a concern.
Fortunately, getting in and out of a GT-R is easier than most competitors due to its tallish roof and upright form.
The car’s overall height compared to competing sports machines paints a more precise picture:
| Overall Height | |
| Nissan GT-R | 53.9 inches (1,369 mm) |
| Porsche 911 | 51.3 inches (1,303 mm) |
| Audi R8 | 48.8 inches (1,239 mm) |
| Acura NSX | 47.8 inches (1,214 mm) |
| McLaren 570S | 47.3 inches (1,201 mm) |
#8 Strong Value Retention
The GT-R holds value remarkably well, losing 40% after five years and (only) 56% after ten years.
It is a solid performer compared to rivals in the entry-level sports and muscle cars and fellow $100k-plus higher-end sports machines.
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Audi R8 | 40% | 47% |
| Nissan GT-R | 40% | 56% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Porsche 911 | 45% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
Overall, only the Mazda Miata (entry-level sports car) and Audi R8 hold value better than the GT-R – direct rival Porsche 911 has a lower resale value.
#9 Thoroughly Inexpensive Upkeep (for the Price Point)
Nissan GT-Rs cost an average of $920 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal.
It compares favorably with rivals in the $100k-plus brand-new price range like the Porsche 911 ($1,072) and Audi R8 ($1,123).
These figures are averages, so let’s see how they differ from year to year.
| Year | Annual Costs (GT-R) | Annual Costs (Mustang) | Annual Costs (Challenger) | Annual Costs (911) |
| 1 | $444 | $254 | $313 | $780 |
| 2 | $478 | $294 | $360 | $873 |
| 3 | $531 | $359 | $435 | $1,020 |
| 4 | $617 | $461 | $555 | $1,256 |
| 5 | $689 | $547 | $655 | $1,451 |
| 6 | $801 | $682 | $811 | $1,760 |
| 7 | $1,029 | $955 | $1,129 | $2,385 |
| 8 | $1,120 | $1,063 | $1,256 | $2,633 |
| 9 | $1,204 | $1,164 | $1,374 | $2,865 |
| 10 | $1,330 | $1,314 | $1,548 | $3,208 |
| 11 | $1,346 | $1,334 | $1,571 | $3,252 |
| 12 | $1,480 | $1,494 | $1,758 | $3,619 |
The probability of major repair logically increases with the GT-R’s age, but crucially, it isn’t a steep rise:
- 1.79% in year 1,
- 8.43$ in year 5,
- 17.36% in year 10, and
- 33.46% in year 12.
These probability figures are considerably lower than the Mustang’s, Challenger’s, or 911’s.
The GT-R’s relatively inexpensive annual maintenance cost and low probability of significant repairs point to a solidly reliable daily vehicle.
Still, a used car’s condition can vary significantly depending on its care and service history.
Nissan GT-R Generations (Summary)
Here’s a brief guide to the GT-R’s generations:
- (R30) Skyline GT-R – 1981 to 1985.
- (R31) Skyline GT-R – 1986 to 1988.
- (R32) Skyline GT-R – 1989 to 1994.
- (R33) Skyline GT-R – 1995 to 1998.
- (R34) Skyline GT-R – 1999 to 2002.
- (R35) Nissan GT-R – 2007 to present.
Nissan GT-R Comparison with Other Vehicles
Nissan GT-R vs. Audi R8 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
GT-R and R8 have an all-wheel-drive drivetrain that provides extra traction in slippery conditions. Still, the low ground clearance makes them unsuitable daily drivers in northern regions experiencing heavy snowfalls.
Both offer relatively comfortable rides considering their high-performance orientation, but the GT-R edges the R8 as the better daily driver:
- Marginally higher fuel efficiency.
- Recommended (rather than required) premium fuel in pre-2016 GT-Rs.
- Lower maintenance cost.
- Taller and more upright body, which aids ease of access.
The R8 is visually more appealing – inside and outside – but you pay more than a GT-R at comparable trim and model year.
Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
The GT-R is all-wheel-drive while the 911 is rear-wheel-drive, so the former’s all-weather capability is more suitable for daily driving in most conditions.
Although the GT-R’s ride quality is acceptable, especially in the ‘Comfort’ mode, the Porsche 911 is the overall better daily driver than the GT-R:
- Impressively comfortable for the performance it provides.
- Better outward visibility with a lower dashboard, short hood, and slimmer roof pillars.
- Stronger fuel economy.
- Less powerful than the GT-R but more enjoyable to drive.
Nissan GT-R vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Nissan GT-R | 480-565-hp | 19 | $920 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Audi R8 | 420-562-hp | 17 | $1,123 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Porsche 911 | 247-379-hp | 23 | $1,072 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 22 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323-hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Ford Focus RS | 350-hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Dodge Challenger | 250-305 hp | 23 | $650 | 3.2/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Charger | 178-300 hp | 23 | $652 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271-hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228-hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 145-310 hp | 24 | $709 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315-hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228-hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181-hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306-hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205-hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158-hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
Sports cars with poorer visibility than the GT-R include the Nissan 370Z, Chevy Camaro, and Dodge Challenger.
Still, the Camaro is cheaper than an equivalent-trim GT-R and returns higher fuel economy, and has a surprisingly good ride quality.
Muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger have come a long way to provide adequate ride comfort despite their muscular character.
Hop into entry-level performance cars like the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX, and Subaru BRZ, and you find improved visibility and fuel economy compared to thoroughbred sports cars like the GT-R.
The Focus RS and WRX also have an AWD drivetrain but at one-third of the GT-R’s price.
The Subaru BRZ is one of the better high-performance daily drivers with agreeable ride comfort and balanced and forgiving handling, making for an easy and fun drive.
Both VW Golf R and GTI surpass the GT-R as better daily drivers with improved ride comfort, lower fuel consumption, and appreciably enhanced visibility.
Further, they are hatchbacks, offering superior storage space and daily practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
If a two-seater appeals, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a compelling choice.
The Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient entry-level sports cars, yet it provides immeasurable driving pleasure.
The Honda Civic Type R and Civic Si are superb daily drivers.
They may not be out-and-out sports machines, but they offer extra horsepower over regular economy sedans.
Those Civics’ handling is sharp and responsive, so you can still enjoy your daily commutes without breaking the bank.
A standard Honda Civic is one of the best everyday cars – but if extra horses are a necessity in your daily driver, the Civic Si or Type R fulfills that requirement.
References:
https://www.nissanusa.com/experience-nissan/news-and-events/evolution-from-skyline-to-gt-r.html
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Nissan_GT-R.shtml