Buying M35 Autech In Adelaide

[GTS-167]

Howdy all,

As stated i'm after an M35, pretty keen for an Autech 2.5T, white.

I've had a look at Sinergy and Redline yards, talked a bit with them and they can obviously source me one, and it'll be low $20k, low kilometres, dealer prepped, warranty etc etc....

And then I see one on carsales for well under $20k, although 100,000 kms but some nice mild mods and seems well looked after etc....

So, bit undecided. Coupla questions,

Is $1650 a rare bargain for what seems like a nice car? Or even Autechs are starting to drop to those sorts of prices generally?

Is it worth buying from a dealer? Bear in mind i travel all of SA for work, looking at 30,000 km/year or more.... warranty and low k's are desirable.

If it shits a turbo I don't wanna be off the road cos I'm fronted with expensive repairs I can't afford instantly, and I don't wanna be trying to sell a 200,000 kms+ car in 3 years time.

I'm not against buying interstate, but if I do it from a dealer I can prob get everything I want easily. I spose overall I'm just wondering if people think it's worth the extra coin, obviously you will always pay extra from a dealer, especially Sinergy

[Tangles]

Ive seen the autech axis for under 20k private sale these days.

I doubt the dealer warranty would cover a replacement turbocharger / air flow metre.

The turbo on the M35 generally is well-worn by around 100,000kms, and there have been numerous threads of late in regards to the air flow metre packing it up. Im sure current M35 owners can add more info here about general maintenance issues.

Probably best to go private and save some coin - you can have the turbo rebuilt so it bolts straight back on with no modifications for around $1k (bush bearing, from sau member Hypergear) & will give a slight performance increase.

However if you can negotiate the price to $19990 with mechanical warranty from a dealer to cover turbo replacement then go for it; make sure you get the japan service books though to confirm genuine Kms.

[bigkevracer]

I wouldn't get all worked up over a dealer, particularly an SA dealer.

I travelled to Sydney and drove mine back after buying from Northshore. If you want after sales support though, I probably wouldn't recommend them.

If theres no hurry, why not go through Iron Chef? That way you'll save some money and get exactly what you want.

The $16500 one is worth a look. Looked ok when I saw it.

I have to ask though, if you're going to put 30,000/year on it, is a Stagea really the right choice? I get ~12-15L/100 normally, hoping for a bit better after cruise control and a tune. Be expensive to maintain doing those K's I'd think, but I'm sure Cam will tune in (iamhe77) since I think his had 240,000 on it.

[slippylotion]

Give Vince at import compliance a call on 0400 945 645. He is a compliance shop in Adelaide and also sells cars. Ive imported 2 stageas via him. If he hasn't got what your after in stock he can get it. And with Vince finding it for you your not paying a middle man buyer cost such as iron chef.

[bigkevracer]

How does that work?

You pay Iron Chef's fees, which are all very clear and transparent, or you normally pay the dealer's unknown markup. What's the difference with Vince?

[slippylotion]

Vince is a compliance RAWS workshop plus licensed vehicle dealer. He sells his own cars to the public or will import and comply a car for you to your liking. If Vince buys a car to your needs, he only charges the cost of compliance for the car and from memory $500 to find and buy your car vs Iron chefs $1100 to buy a car that he then sends on to a compliance shop.

I found it a lot easier to deal with the one guy (Vince) to do the buying and compliance on my cars, plus save a bit more money towards mods.

Edited December 30, 2011 by slippylotion

[GTS-167]

Cool, cheers for that. Although I dont want to chew through heaps of fuel.... work pays for it.

Decent amount of highway k's too so that part wont be so bad.

I was thinking of a diesel mondeo, titanium pack. Bout 10k more, really nice car but nowhere near as cool. And I prefer at least some drive to the rear wheels.... plus the stags are better featured for less money, regardless how cool

[TWOAR81]

I've dealt with Vince on some spares through slippery lotion.... Great guy no issues at all! Just don't use t prestige if you want genuine kms

[iamhe77]

GTS-167, bring one in from Japan if you have time. It will work out cheaper for an Autech than buying from a yard and you will be able to get one with genuine kms.

I'm not so sure I'd be looking at a VQ25det Stagea if I was racking up that many kms and planning to sell in 3 years.

Don't get me wrong, the VQ25det is a damn strong engine and the car in general is very comfortable and reliable, but unless you need the space or have the modifying bug, surely there would be a better suited work car?

Yes, the turbo is an issue at some point. It, the radiator, a front wheel bearing and wiring to a cam angle sensor were the only issues I had in over 4 years ownership.

I bought my car with 82,000 on the clock and it had just under 235,000 at the time of the accident... still running very nicely.

Word of warning though, unless you have a really good mechanic (and one that listens to you), consider this car a DIY service/maintenance vehicle.

[Paramour]

If you intend on doing high K's then look at PM35 Stag, no turbo hassles and great long range tourer. .