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Model dossier · Nissan

Nissan Skyline Seventh generation

1985 to 1990 DieselPetrol 4-door sedan; 4-door hardtop; 2-door coupé (1986–1990); 5-door station wagon (1986–1990)
Nissan Skyline, photograph
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia · CC BY 2.0
01 Overview

Nissan Skyline (Seventh generation) was built from 1985 to 1989, as a 4-door sedan; 4-door hardtop; 2-door coupé (1986–1990); 5-door station wagon (1986–1990). Powertrain: Gasoline: 1.8 L CA18I I4; 2.0 L CA20E I4; 2.0 L RB20E I6; 2.0 L RB20ET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DE I6; 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DET-R t…. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Size: 4,590 x 1,690 x 1,365 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 1200-1420 kg.

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Features and what it can do
Rear-wheel driveForced induction (turbo or supercharger)Diesel option

Overview

The R31 Skyline of 1985 was a natural evolution on the R30 shape, and also this one was loosely based on the Laurel platform (C32). The design was slightly larger and squarer than previous Skylines. It was available as a Sedan, Hardtop sedan, Coupé and station wagon. Affectionately known as the "Seventhsu" or simply "7th Sukairain" by owners, due to it being the 7th-generation Skyline. The R31 Skyline introduced many new technologies and features. The HR31 was the first Skyline to be equipped with the new RB-series of engines. The HR31 RB engines are often referred to as "Red Top" engines because of the red cam covers. There were three variants.

Models

Japanese market: 1800 C, 1800 Excel and 1800 Passage – 1.8 L CA18S SOHC I4, 90 PS; GT Excel D, GT Passage D – 2.8 L Diesel RD28 SOHC I6, 91 PS, 173 Nm; GT Excel, GT Passage – 2.0 L RB20E SOHC I6, 130 PS, 18.5 kgm ::::130 PS, 17 kgm; GT Excel Twin Cam 24V, GT Passage Twin Cam 24V – 2.0 L RB20DE DOHC I6, 155 PS; GT Passage Turbo – 2.0 L RB20ET SOHC turbo I6, 167 PS, 206 Nm; GT Passage Twin Cam 24V Turbo – 2.0 L RB20DET DOHC turbo I6, 180 PS, 225 Nm; GTS – 2.0 L RB20DE DOHC I6, 155 PS; GTS Turbo – 2.0 L RB20DET DOHC turbo I6, 180 PS, 225 Nm; GTS-X – 2.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built1985 - 1989 (Japan); 1986-1990 (Australia); 309,716 units sold
Body4-door sedan; 4-door hardtop; 2-door coupé (1986–1990); 5-door station wagon (1986–1990)
EngineGasoline: 1.8 L CA18I I4; 2.0 L CA20E I4; 2.0 L RB20E I6; 2.0 L RB20ET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DE I6; 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DET-R turbo I6; 3.0 L RB30S I6; 3.0 L RB30E I6; 3.0 L RB30DE I6; Diesel: 2.8 L RD28 I6
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual
Length4,590 mm
Width1,690 mm
Height1,365 mm
Wheelbase2,610 mm
Weight1200-1420 kg
Built atJapan: Musashimurayama; South Africa: Rosslyn, Gauteng (NSA); Australia: Clayton (Nissan Australia)
Also sold asNissan Pintara (Australian 4-cylinder models)
Replaced byNissan Laurel Altima
05 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

04 How it compares

Against the other wagon models in this database (42 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.

Length4,590 mm
Width1,690 mm
Height1,365 mm
Wheelbase2,610 mm
  • 193 mm below the median of 4,783 mm, and shorter than 83% of the 30 other wagon models in this database.
  • 106 mm below the median of 1,796 mm, and narrower than 84% of the 32 other wagon models in this database.
  • 75 mm below the median of 1,440 mm, and lower than 100% of the 27 other wagon models in this database.
  • 170 mm below the median of 2,780 mm, and shorter than 88% of the 33 other wagon models in this database.
06 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • Drivers buying for enjoyment rather than space: coupes and roadsters trade rear space for style and handling.
  • Executive and chauffeur use: the saloon body prioritises rear-seat comfort and a quiet cabin.

Check before you buy

  • Check the emissions equipment (particulate filter, NOx treatment) and the destination country's emissions rules; some markets restrict used diesels.
  • Ask for service records: turbocharged engines are sensitive to oil changes and cool-down habits.
  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

07 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEligible now (built from 1985, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1985, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1985, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1985, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 1990).
08 Other generations and models

Other generations of the Skyline

More from Nissan · all Nissan models

09 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Nissan Skyline (Seventh generation) from Japan?

By production year alone, Nissan Skyline (Seventh generation) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Nissan Skyline (Seventh generation)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: Gasoline: 1.8 L CA18I I4; 2.0 L CA20E I4; 2.0 L RB20E I6; 2.0 L RB20ET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DE I6; 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6; 2.0 L RB20DET-R turbo I6; 3.0 L RB30S I6; 3.0 L RB30E I6; 3.0 L RB30DE I6; Diesel: 2.8 L RD28 I6.

How big is the Nissan Skyline (Seventh generation)?

4,590 mm long and 1,690 mm wide and 1,365 mm tall, on a 2,610 mm wheelbase (4-door sedan; 4-door hardtop; 2-door coupé (1986–1990); 5-door station wagon (1986–1990)). For container loading, use the container packer.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

10 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
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