Im Looking At Buying At Stagea Any Owners Out There Tell Me Abit Bout Them

[yellowsubmarine]

hey every1 im looking buying a stagea any owners out there that reckon there great for a family car but also still go like a skyline. any common probs they might come with. stuff like that cheers

[Stooge007]

C34 see here: http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/Bu...n-C-t92065.html

M35 see here: http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/M3...fo-t185569.html

read those then ask questions and go drive some

[pipster11]

if you want a stag with good fuel consumption you either need a manual c34 (RS4S) or some of the m35 boys seem to be getting good results

i've got an rs4s (manual) and i get about 13.5 l/100 around the town and i hope i should be getting around 10l/100 on the highway (about to do a run down to tas from qld)

i've heard of m35's getting 700kms from a tank

only problem is that m35's only come in auto and share less things with skylines than the c34's so if you want to mod it a little then a c34 prob has more potential

if you want a nice family wagon then you cant go wrong with either, some of the series 1 c34's have been going for less than $8k

let everyone know what your budget is and what your looking at

[GRIM_R32]

Or you could just buy my white 1997 260RS Autech version which has the same running gear as a 33GTR! Much more power potential right there! lol!

[RubyRS4]

Or you could just buy my white 1997 260RS Autech version which has the same running gear as a 33GTR! Much more power potential right there! lol!

Hint much?

[GRIM_R32]

As subtle as a sledgehammer to the groin.... lol

[pixel8r]

if you want a stag with good fuel consumption you either need a manual c34 (RS4S) or some of the m35 boys seem to be getting good results

i've got an rs4s (manual) and i get about 13.5 l/100 around the town and i hope i should be getting around 10l/100 on the highway (about to do a run down to tas from qld)

i've heard of m35's getting 700kms from a tank

only problem is that m35's only come in auto and share less things with skylines than the c34's so if you want to mod it a little then a c34 prob has more potential

if you want a nice family wagon then you cant go wrong with either, some of the series 1 c34's have been going for less than $8k

let everyone know what your budget is and what your looking at

^^ pretty much on the money except my previous stagea (1999 auto RS4 series 2) also used to get 13-14L/100km. With a highflow turbo that dropped to 11.5-12.5L/100km around town (but laggy). Didn't affect highway economy which remained around 10.5L/100km.

My M35 now gets much the same 13-14L/100km around town and just under 10L/100km on the highway.

So I'd say the M35 is only fractionally better than the C34 for fuel economy but hard to compare really - others have achieved better results, and some people have even worse results.

However as mentioned above some of the guys on this forum have been able to improve fuel economy in the M35 considerably through intake/exhaust mods.

As for the performance, the C34 is pretty average in stock form (no comparison to a skyline due to ~200+kg extra weight) but does respond very well to mods - 250awkw is possible with the right budget and mods.

The M35 is much faster than the C34 (when stock) but there is less aftermarket support due to the VQ25DET engine being fairly rare. However if you search the forum you'll find that 200awkw is quite possible and will give you a wagon that is plenty quick enough. I doubt the wife and kids will appreciate even that level of power ...unless they are VERY understanding...

As for a comparison between C34 and M35, both make awesome family wagons, and having owned both, I'd say the C34 may appeal more to the skyline crowd whereas the M35 is more luxury and provides a much nicer and more comfortable/refined ride. The M35 is faster but doesn't feel as "sporty" (ie. rough/hard) as the C34. Test drive both - its the only way to find out what you prefer.

Edited January 15, 2010 by pixel8r

[A31-RB20]

I thought id share my 2c as just I just sold my Series 2 RS Four S last friday. I imported my car mid year, only owned it for 5 months and decided to sell up and move on. I sold a 220rwkw JZX100 Mark II and decided to give the Stagea a go. After a short time of ownership I was very dissappointed in many ways.

What killed it for me was 1, the fuel consumption (no more than 350-400km a tank) , 2 the weight of the car 1700+ kg (mine being optioned with almost everything) and the overall lack of chassis rigidity.

If your looking for a decent size family car with a bit of power, you cant go wrong. I thought why not, give it a go and decided it wasn't for me.

I could of spent more money on it improving the car but decided to sell up and move on.

Good luck with your purchase, I hope you find the right one.

Heres a pic of my Stagea just before It was picked up.

[_Ryan_]

if you want a stag with good fuel consumption you either need a manual c34 (RS4S) or some of the m35 boys seem to be getting good results

i've got an rs4s (manual) and i get about 13.5 l/100 around the town and i hope i should be getting around 10l/100 on the highway (about to do a run down to tas from qld)

i've heard of m35's getting 700kms from a tank

only problem is that m35's only come in auto and share less things with skylines than the c34's so if you want to mod it a little then a c34 prob has more potential

if you want a nice family wagon then you cant go wrong with either, some of the series 1 c34's have been going for less than $8k

let everyone know what your budget is and what your looking at

M35 has a larger fuel tank... need to go off of L/100km

My auto S1 gets similar econ to your car.

[leetom]

not sure about m35's but c34's are only good for a family car while your kids are baby's, when they start to stretch there's no room in the back seat, all the room's behind the back seat for you & your mates golfclubs, there fantastic cars to drive (with all the xtra gimmicks & awd in most ) but i've found most guy's i know just can't help but throw money at them cause like all rb's they respond ok to a bit of a tweak.

ps with the right mods and a brick under the go peddle you can get 500km to a tank.

[andy65b]

I can tell you the M35 is the ideal car for a family of 4 and long trips. The boot is massive, the rear seats have lots of room and the front is also very roomy. I also have an Outback and the M35 is far more comfortable and faster for long and short trips.

I went 1 step further and got the DVD headrests for the front seats and my kids have never been quieter on a 6 hour trip. I have cruise control on my car and I got great fuel economy on all my trips using the cruise (@117kmh indicated). I got 11.6L/100km on the way to Albury(loaded up with 2 bikes on the roof). On the way back got 11.8L/100 and then I went to Foster and got 11.2L/100 pulling a 7x4 high sided trailer. So economy is great.

Servicing is great and very simple and the 100k service is not that major as not timing belt to change.

As said before, go and drive them both and you will see what you can get.

If you can get down to Sydney, go have a look at the North Shore Prestige as he now also has the more recent M35's including the 3.5 NA stagea's.

[yellowsubmarine]

thanks guys yeah id love to have a m35 but i think its bit above my budget there starting 20g and up, im looking prob at the c34s maybe one with a 34gtr front but i know there hard to find, do the c34's have much room for the legs in the back seat?

[yellowsubmarine]

Hint much?

lol yeah i couldnt afford one of them lol

[pipster11]

thanks guys yeah id love to have a m35 but i think its bit above my budget there starting 20g and up, im looking prob at the c34s maybe one with a 34gtr front but i know there hard to find, do the c34's have much room for the legs in the back seat?

not really, i have my seat one click from the furthest back position and you can just fit someone behind, not so bad if your legs are shorter (my legs are as long as someone who is 6"6', but im only ~6") there would be much more space

pretty much another case of 2 adults + 3 kids = 5 seater (but its fine if its for short trips or if everyone is of average height)

i've only had mine for a few months but i'm loving it, space of a wagon but doesn't handle like a falcodore, has modern everything, feels solid, feels amazing on the highway, fuel consumption of a modernish dunnydore (~14l/100), and ppl treat you like your driving a wagon, not an import (best of both worlds, import tech + adm blendability)

[GTRWAGON]

Or you could just buy my white 1997 260RS Autech version which has the same running gear as a 33GTR! Much more power potential right there! lol!

Do it!

I promise you wont regret owning a 260RS

There's not a lot to say about the Stagea. Negatives? Its often mistaken for a Volvo Its got handling, its got power, its got room and its got style! What more could you ask for in a family car?

Oh yeah, its got a 5 star safety rating and is without a doubt a very well constructed vehicle.

[RBPOWA-(TJ)]

if you in vic got one here.

but if your not DOUBLE CHECK FOR RUST

[stageaharts]

To be honest, I love my Stag, but like anything it has disadvantages (and many, many benefits). Most people will tell you that C34's have horrendous fuel economy, stock power (although 172-208kw) is inadequate due to weight and rear leg room is average but...

Fuel economy is average stock, and even worse if you bung a big intercooler on without the proper supporting mods, but as soon as you FCD, SAFC/SITC or piggyback it you will see great improvements... my fuel economy went from shocking to very acceptable very quickly. I just drove to melbourne and back averaging a little over 500kms per tank, perfectly acceptable to me.

Stock power leaves a little to be desired (Especially if you have previously owned a turbo car, my first car was a 180sx 10 years ago), but add full exhaust, air filter, boost controller and you are getting swift. Piggy back (Or new ecu if you have an RS four S) and you are getting quick. Pump, intercooler, injectors and turbo and you are now in fast territory. I can tell you that it is quite enjoyable when (Under the right circumstances) you get to show a sports car enthusiast how spritely your family wagon is (I never get tired of that element of surprise).

Rear leg room is a little sparse, however, reclining rear seats ease the pain, and none of my mates ever get tired of the second sun roof . I regularly have the rear seats full in mine, and I have never had a complaint, ever.

I bought mine because it was a relatively unique car, understated, extremely practical (Bought it for ferrying up lads to the snow), AWD and spritely (Handy on the highways, my old pajero was a shocker for overtaking). Since owning it I have never had a mechanical problem (Though it did get stolen ), and I have put it through the ringer once or twice (1500+kms in one day).

If I was to give any advice on buying one... get the cleanest example you can afford, immediately replace the sponges behind the rear view mirrors with something non-porous when you get home, and enjoy. Oh, and get one with leather, it makes the interior so much nicer (Mine had cloth, it now has leather).

Edited January 16, 2010 by stageaharts

[pipster11]

replace the sponges behind the rear view mirrors with something non-porous when you get home

this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just took mine off and the damage goes a long way in if neglected (mine was just showing on the outside but its eaten a fair bit of the inside bit out (not structural but annoying)

will be fixing it shortly

[_Ryan_]

If I was to give any advice on buying one... get the cleanest example you can afford, immediately replace the sponges behind the rear view mirrors with something non-porous when you get home, and enjoy. Oh, and get one with leather, it makes the interior so much nicer (Mine had cloth, it now has leather).

More info?

I have had no rear seat complaints on long drives when front seats have been moved forward a couple of notches. I normally just leave them all the way back though. I find the reclinable rear seats allow passengers to sit nice and upright, which is good when they have bad backs.

Can't fault the car. Love the sunrooves, no leaks etc. I would recommend buying the best series 2 you can if you are inbetween M35 and C34 budgets. Personally I prefer S1 looks

I have had mine for 2 and a half years, and done all the basics, done 50k km, and a few 1100km+ day trips, so if you have any questions in particular, let me know.

[yellowsubmarine]

what sponges in the mirror im not sure were they r?