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New Member - A Few Q's About Buying A Stagea.

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deaders Newbie

deaders

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Hey all, ive been browsing this forum for a few days doing a bit of research into buying a Stagea. At this point Im pretty set on importing one as dealer prices in Perth are just over the top - asking $16k for a stock '97 model, no sunroof or extras, and at least $20k for a decent series 2...

so, my first question is this - is it worth paying a bit more and getting a series 2? I do like the look a bit more with the front lights etc, and more of the s2 seem to have some kind of bodykit which is a bonus bc the stags look a little boring without side skirts etc imo. I understand that the neo engine is more economical and more powerful, but can the s1 engine achieve similar fuel economy and performance with some basic mods? Im not intending to do a lot of mods so am thinking that if a stock s2 performs better than a slightly modified s1 then its less hassle to just buy a s2.

My budget is $15k on the road, including everything. Am I being unrealistic hoping to get a 98/99 series 2 imported for under that amount? What do people think of getting an average condition s2 / vs a really nice condition s1. Obviously if I can spend less than the 15k budget Im happy so what is my best option for around that price?

Also if anyone has had problems or bad experiences importing a stagea into WA please PM me, so far J-spec looks like the place to go with as I havent read anything bad about them on here but if there is anything I need to know about Id appreciate the heads-up :P Cheers guys, looking forward to joining the ranks of stagea owners soon...

260tech Proficient

260tech

Posted
Posted

Hey all, ive been browsing this forum for a few days doing a bit of research into buying a Stagea. At this point Im pretty set on importing one as dealer prices in Perth are just over the top - asking $16k for a stock '97 model, no sunroof or extras, and at least $20k for a decent series 2...

Quote: Am I being unrealistic hoping to get a 98/99 series 2 imported for under that amount?

Ask Mick at SVI (plug) in Queensland. advertises in ZOOM. he'll give ya all the griff.

Cheers GW :P

deaders Newbie

deaders

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my s2 came in at 12 grand in the drive plus rego and i couldnt be happier with it

that sounds like a great deal - did you go through an agent or just import it yourself? what kind of condition was it in for that price - does it have extras like the sunroof and everything?

Im still undecided which way to go - from looking at prices on j-spec and prestige imports it seems that with my budget I can either get quite a nice s1 and spend a bit of money doing it up once I get it or just get an average condition s2. Im not actually that concerned about it being super fast, stock specs seem good enough for me right now - but im definitely set on getting leather trim and the dual sunroofs and all that comfortable stuff, I really dont like the cloth trim seats that much.

Fuel economy is one of the main things I would like to improve from stock but Im a bit of a noob when it comes to modifying cars - i see a lot of people are installing the jaycar kits - could someone explain exactly what they do for an idiot like myself? :cheers: Also Im a bit confused about the mods that piggyback onto the ecu - whats the easiest option there so I can get it tuned nicely and improve the economy. I really know nothing about all this stuff so if someone can point me in the right direction it would be really appreciated. Any other modifications that are considered pretty much mandatory on the stagea? Obviously a high flow air filter panel is a good idea, but is the stock exhaust etc already adequate? How about the auto transmission, I see a few people recommend the upgrade kit for it.

Wildcat Grand Master

Wildcat

Posted
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Be careful of compliance in WA (i have had a BAD experience with a said workshop with one of our two stageas), not only is it more expensive but it seems the eastern states companies are much better at doing the work...i would suggest if importing yourself get it sent to the eastern states, complied there and then ship, road or rail it to perth...much better (thats what we did with the second stagea)

leetom Proficient

leetom

Posted
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congrats on having good taste simon, now i hope you've got a bit of time on you hands cause everything you want to know is at your fingertips, you'll get some replys to your questions but just have a good search and you will be tuned in on the in's and out's of this exciting machine.....good luck.

deaders Newbie

deaders

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congrats on having good taste simon, now i hope you've got a bit of time on you hands cause everything you want to know is at your fingertips, you'll get some replys to your questions but just have a good search and you will be tuned in on the in's and out's of this exciting machine.....good luck.

yep, ive read a ton of threads on here now, this forum is a fantastic resource.

Im thinking I should extend my budget a little and get a series 2, they obviously have a better motor and they just look that bit nicer - I hate the grey plastic strips on the sides of series 1s - although does anyone know if you can just get them painted, and any idea how much that would cost?

66yostagea Grand Master

66yostagea

Posted
Posted

For those wanting to import the $ and Y are now level. When I bought in Dec 2005 the Oz was only worth 84.54. That plus more S2 being available makes for better deals, if you import.

Duncan Grand Master

Duncan

Posted
Posted

lol exactly.

BTW buy a series 1, the only real difference is the s2 are newer and more expensive. I just bought a cheap s1 and added some stuff I wanted on that (tv, sat nav, new suspension etc)

Appealing Proficient

Appealing

Posted
Posted
lol exactly.

BTW buy a series 1, the only real difference is the s2 are newer and more expensive. I just bought a cheap s1 and added some stuff I wanted on that (tv, sat nav, new suspension etc)

Oh yeah good idea, buy a cheap car and mod it up and what do you have? A cheap modded car! :)

Now you gotta ask yourself ....... why is an S2 more expensive?

Could just be that they are a bit more desirable! :yes:

A S1 will always be an S1, no matter what you do to it. :huh:

An S2 will always be newer, and therefore command a higher price. :yes:

An Autech will always be..... probably out of reach for most of us...... oh of course an Autech S2...... priceless. :)

Duncan Grand Master

Duncan

Posted
Posted

lol not trying to offend the world of S2 owners....but lets face it the cars are 99% the same and being 1-2 years older doesn't deserve the premium they demand in the market....check out the price difference between an average 97 commodore and an average 98 commodore.

Only real advantage to a S2 is the availability of a manual and they command a premium of thousands....still good value over the autos though.

webng Experienced

webng

Posted
Posted
lol not trying to offend the world of S2 owners....but lets face it the cars are 99% the same and being 1-2 years older doesn't deserve the premium they demand in the market....check out the price difference between an average 97 commodore and an average 98 commodore.

Only real advantage to a S2 is the availability of a manual and they command a premium of thousands....still good value over the autos though.

I went for the S2 because i thought of the extra 30kw and better fuel consumption. I think the Neo engine is worthy of the extra you pay, if you can get one for a fairly good price.

I've driven an S1 and thought it was very nice too though so meh..

deaders Newbie

deaders

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I went for the S2 because i thought of the extra 30kw and better fuel consumption. I think the Neo engine is worthy of the extra you pay, if you can get one for a fairly good price.

I've driven an S1 and thought it was very nice too though so meh..

Exactly, with 30kw more power and better fuel economy as well as little features like tiptronic auto I wouldnt say they are 99% the same. I'll be trying to find a s2 but if I cant get a nice one within my budget then Ill be happy with a nice s1, but the s2 clearly seems like the better car. I havent driven both though so maybe there isnt much noticable difference.

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