Reading the recent evo Nissan GT-R buying guide really got me thinking about how much I respect the GT-R, and once again highlighted the fact that such a performance weapon is now available for a sensible amount of money on the second hand market.  

Early GT-Rs generally start for around £35k, and this Black Edition, offered by Darren Allick Cars via evo Cars for Sale, could be yours for £39,995. Consider that the current list price for a new GT-R is around £75k, and buying used really starts to make sense.

The fact it is a Black Edition means it comes with a decent spec, and this particular has been fitted with a couple of upgrades. The carbon fibre bodykit, quite a nice subtle upgrade, apparently cost £5000 - but like most modifications adds little to the resale value. Also mentioned is a Miltec Y Pipe, which is a well-known GT-R exhaust upgrade, which gives the twin-turbo V6 a much more sonorous exhaust note.

It’s a 2009 car, which means it would have left the factory with approximately 485bhp. Hardly inadequate, but there is always the option of an ECU remap from a GT-R specialist, such as Litchfield Imports, which will bring any older GT-R upto speed with the latest models. Of course, this is just the beginning – there’s a thriving tuning scene for the GT-R, perfect for those who like to modify and upgrade their cars.

With 21,000 miles on the clock, it’s relatively low mileage, and thankfully the GT-R lives up to Nissan’s fantastic reliability standards. The car has got the all-important full service record, and looks to have been well cared for. 

The GT-R is one of those cars that causes arguments within performance car communities and online forums – and it usually revolves around which is better: the GT-R or Porsche 911? In the end it will always come down to personal preference, but for sheer ground-covering pace, the Nissan certainly looks unbeatable on paper. Perhaps a 997 Turbo?

If you want to look for your own dream performance car then check out evo Cars for Sale here, or click on the 'Cars for Sale' tab anywhere on the site. You can see the original listing for the Nissan GT-R here.