Advice About Best Stag To Get

[pixel8r]

I've owned both. Had a C34 (s2) for 2 years and now have owned a M35 for just over 2 years. Nothing wrong with either really, so neither is a bad car or anything like that. I say that because I was perfectly happy with my C34 while I owned it. Its just that after driving an M35 I really couldn't go back. The M35 does have its flaws as well and there are 1 or 2 things I'd prefer from the C34 - eg. the cable throttle (as mentioned the M35 is drive-by-wire and the computer tends to restrict the throttle opening under 3000rpm - probably to protect the drivetrain and also give better economy).

But on the whole the M35 is a better car in almost every way. The appearance is the main differentiator between whether people prefer the M35 or C34. For someone new to stageas you may think both are a bit ugly, but in either case I say the looks do grow on you. I used to think M35's were ugly but its not until you see one "in the flesh" that you can really appreciate how nice they look. At the end of the day, its all about preference.

M35 will cost you a little more to own, but these cars are reliable enough that the extra cost of parts will rarely be felt (hopefully never). Over the 2 years I've owned mine, I've had to replace a few things, and of those, the only thing that would've been cheaper on the C34 was a wheel bearing - otherwise, its not as big a deal as everyone says. Servicing costs no different. Insurance is also not much different (for me it was the same).

Still, the C34 was a nice car too. My opinion is that if you want more of a skyline/sports feel (eg. less comfort, more aftermarket options), go the C34, but if you want a more refined and luxurious ride, look at the M35. Despite the extra refinement and luxury, the M35 is faster, and rides/handles better than the C34.

Drive both, then decide

[WHITER33GTS-T]

How does the stock auto take to being modified..? And how weak is the rest of the driveline..?

What would need to be upgraded if someone was to drop a 500+kw 26/30 in a C34..?

Is there a bolt in cage available for a stag

[Sunkist]

I think you will find the alloy subframe is stronger and stiffer but sometimes fatigue (just like the steel ones), probably due to a design/manufacture flaw. Glad I have an AC tig handy for if mine ever develops a crack.

I would suggest driving in each before deciding.

im glad you have an AC tig too!

[Phatboy]

Thanks for all your replies, especially VQ25DET's very informative post.

On spec, I think the better choice would be actually to go with the M35. I saw one with EIGHT airbags compared to two in the C34, plus it has cruise control. Those two things will win the better half over, and for me, it's quicker in stock form so that's another bonus. And a recurring theme is that everyone thinks they look way better in the flesh than in photos.

I will look into it a bit more.... will need to save up for another few months to stretch the extra 3k for a decent one I think.

[Sunkist]

Good choice

the leather interiors are pretty nice to.. what with seat warmers and all.

to some its extra weight, to others its the luxury.

[910trx]

my biggest regret was getting a stagea without twin sunroofs

whichever one you get consider it. i went for a stock s2 over a days s1 because of power and looks, but i miss the sunroofs above anything else

[Sunkist]

my biggest regret was getting a stagea without twin sunroofs

whichever one you get consider it. i went for a stock s2 over a days s1 because of power and looks, but i miss the sunroofs above anything else

i have 2 in my m35.. just dont forget to close and lock it when you have drunk people in the back. you tend to get pulled over because they're screaming at the top of their lungs through it.

[iamhe77]

Thanks for all your replies, especially VQ25DET's very informative post.

On spec, I think the better choice would be actually to go with the M35. I saw one with EIGHT airbags compared to two in the C34, plus it has cruise control. Those two things will win the better half over, and for me, it's quicker in stock form so that's another bonus. And a recurring theme is that everyone thinks they look way better in the flesh than in photos.

I will look into it a bit more.... will need to save up for another few months to stretch the extra 3k for a decent one I think.

Just remember to factor in a couple of grand for when the turbo lets go. Regardless of whether you keep it stock or mod it, it will die.

my biggest regret was getting a stagea without twin sunroofs

+11ty. But being that there were only 2 available when I got mine (the other had cloth trim and no navi), I had no choice

[atomaly]

my biggest regret was getting a stagea without twin sunroofs

that was one of my many requirements.... I was totally devastated when I found out you can't get manual with leather though

I think I was quite lucky to find a nicely kitted C34 S2 Black Manual w/ twin sunrooves (I guess I could swap leather in if I could REALLY be bothered)

Autech S2 = No Sunroofs, No leather

Manual S2 = Sunroofs, No Leather

Auto S2= Sunroofs, Leather

performance Vs luxury I guess??

its really down to personal preference and I like the look of the kitted C34 over the M35... in all honesty, they both look pretty damn average as a stocky.

I have seen some quite nice M35's kitted up though but still,.. I won't go to an M35 cos I don't see the point in having a performance car in Auto

thats my 3$

[Sunkist]

I won't go to an M35 cos I don't see the point in having a performance car in Auto

we dont loose boost between gears?? haha I would love it if mine came in manual too though.

[atomaly]

we dont loose boost between gears?? haha I would love it if mine came in manual too though.

haha keep telling yourself that's the reason why you got an Auto

[bubba]

Stagea a "performance car"? lol

They're a quick lunchbox, but they will never be a skyline.

[atomaly]

Stagea a "performance car"? lol

They're a quick lunchbox, but they will never be a skyline.

performance "wagon" sometimes you gotta work with what you can...

I'm definitely not fitting 2 guitars, a Quad box and a Amp in a Skyline!! it barely fits in my stag

Edited December 21, 2010 by atomaly

[Sunkist]

performance "wagon" sometimes you gotta work with what you can...

I'm definitely not fitting 2 guitars, a Quad box and a Amp in a Skyline!! it barely fits in my stag

+300

im a sound engineer and for our smaller gigs it definitely helps having a m35 over a skyline. EQ Racks and 24 channel mixers would tend to be a problem in a skyline lol

[chuckie]

either way VERY GOOD CAR ,

just need to know amount your SPENDING & find the car,

lots great buys about,

BEST OF LUCK ,

Cheer`s Chuckie

[Phatboy]

I have seen some quite nice M35's kitted up though but still,.. I won't go to an M35 cos I don't see the point in having a performance car in Auto

thats my 3$

Well, the stag would be a second car for shopping/family/road trips/peak hour driving, so I actually prefer it to be auto. If I feel the need I still have the GTR for myself

Only reason why I wanted that engine was for overtaking power. Nothing worse than being stuck behind a slow car on a country road cuz your car isn't powerful enough to overtake before the next oncoming car. That's why I decided against a 2nd hand Nissan Patrol or a new GWM X240.

[nickcorr]

That's why I decided against a 2nd hand Nissan Patrol or a new GWM X240.

Don't get me started on the Great Wall Hover....

Nice to look at but.....

[Sunkist]

STUPID AND OFF THE TOPIC QUESTION FOR PHATBOY.

That's not your GTR in your avatar is it?

[zei20l]

holy crap it looks awesome!!

looks like numberplates too. would be scary on the street!

[Phatboy]

LOL no I posted a topic about this last year cuz I was getting so many questions about it. For some reason the original post is not there anymore.

It's not my ride. I believe it's a car in Malaysia with a massive wide body kit made by Monster Garage.

This is the second car I've seen the kit on. The videos of the original (grey one in my avatar pic) seem to have been taken down from youtube.