The 2021 GT-R still offers scintillating performance. However, Nissan’s supercar is no longer the high-speed bargain it once was. At least, not if you buy a brand-new one. A used Nissan GT-R offers almost as much bang for fewer of your bucks. And there’s a chance to get one this week on Bring a Trailer because a 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium is up for auction.

The 2010 Nissan GT-R brought more power and some necessary hardware tweaks to the R35

Up until the 2009 model year, no Nissan GT-R had ever been sold in the US. That changed with the introduction of the R35-gen car, which arguably introduced a new chapter in supercar evolution. Today, dual-clutch transmissions, all-wheel drive, and turbocharged powertrains are par for the supercar course. But not in 2009. Not to mention the 3.2-second 0-60 mph time MotorTrend clocked, which is still an impressively fast time.

However, the 2009 GT-R had some issues. Getting the best acceleration figures required using launch control without the stability control active. That let the 480-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 rev higher before the clutch dropped. But owners trying to repeatedly use launch control like this “were assassinating” their six-speed DCTs, Car and Driver explains. And not only are Nissan GT-R DCTs expensive, but Nissan claimed that deactivating the stability control voided the warranty.

Luckily, both issues were mostly resolved when the 2010 Nissan GT-R rolled around. The 2010 car avoids DCT destruction thanks to upgraded components and new transmission and launch control programming. And it ‘only’ dropped the 0-60 mph time to 3.4 seconds, Road & Track reports. But the new software was only the first of several small tweaks for 2010.

Firstly, instead of 480 hp, the 2010 Nissan GT-R has 485 hp. It also has re-tuned Bilstein shocks and upgraded brake lines, Automobile notes. The tweaked shocks didn’t necessarily make the ride more comfortable, but they did improve handling and grip, MT says. So, while the 2010 model is slightly slower on paper, it’s the sharper used Nissan GT-R.

There’s a modified used 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium on Bring a Trailer

The 2010 Nissan GT-R currently listed on Bring a Trailer isn’t a standard GT-R, though.

As a Premium model, it comes with heated front seats, a Bose audio system, and 20” black forged aluminum wheels. That’s on top of the performance features mentioned earlier, as well as Brembo brakes, a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Plus, it comes with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, HID headlights, and magnesium paddle shifters.

However, this 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium also has a few modifications. It comes with a Top Speed exhaust system and a Cobb tune. But the selling dealer notes in the BaT comments that the stock exhaust system is included with the sale. Plus, it’s a one-owner vehicle with a zero-accident history and only 28,050 miles on the clock.

It’s a bargain supercar, but will it be reliable?

As of this writing, this 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium is listed on Bring a Trailer for $38,500 with three days left in the auction. Given its age and condition, that’s a below-average price. Most R35s on BaT sell closer to $60,000.

It’s worth noting that this GT-R’s noted service record stops after 2013. That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t serviced, just that it wasn’t recorded. Given that the seller is a dealer who used the GT-R as a personal vehicle, it’s likely that some service was performed. That’s why, as with any used car purchase, it’s recommended that potential buyers get a pre-purchase inspection. Especially since this used Nissan GT-R is a fairly low-mileage vehicle.

That being said, a used, well-maintained GT-R can be a daily-drivable, reliable supercar. If the engine’s bell housing and DCT are in good shape, all that’s left is regular maintenance items, Evo says. So, if you’ve wanted to experience the R35’s speed, this car could be an affordable way to do it.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.