deaders

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.

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?

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? 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.

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 Cheers guys, looking forward to joining the ranks of stagea owners soon...