M35 Info

[Daleo]

Fair point

Re: Getting bitten on the arse: Any car I buy will be tested by a certified inspector AND taken to a panel beaters for an inspection on whether it's been in an accident. I do that both with private and car-yard sales.

If I do that and still get bitten on the arse well so be it, not much else I can really do eh

I honestly think it's a matter of patience and I don' think that premise is any different for any car you buy.

As for parts, i've owned a couple of Alfa's in my time, nothing would shock me lol

The "In front of your eyes" kind of faults are fine inspectors will find accident damage, etc.

The thing with these cars is, most mechanics have never seen one, and very very few can fix one. The cost of parts isn't really the issue; it's the complexity of some of the systems within the car.

Some of the technical aspects of this car are like literally no other car. Not space thrusters or flux capacitors, but electronics and fault finding.

Buying a shitter could send you absolutely mad, the clever guys on this forum have solved problems most mechanics and auto elec's would throw their hands up and walk away from.

I'd advise either buying through someone like Northshore Prestige; who buy only the best cars available; or using the guys on the forum to vet possible candidates.Then enjoy the fact that while you might've paid a little more to purchase, you're not then paying the same or more to a mechanic further down the track to basically learn everything about your car.

Not trying to scare you by any means, but I've never seen the point in cheaping out on something most people rely on for so many aspects of their life.

[Drogba]

The "In front of your eyes" kind of faults are fine inspectors will find accident damage, etc.

The thing with these cars is, most mechanics have never seen one, and very very few can fix one. The cost of parts isn't really the issue; it's the complexity of some of the systems within the car.

Some of the technical aspects of this car are like literally no other car. Not space thrusters or flux capacitors, but electronics and fault finding.

Buying a shitter could send you absolutely mad, the clever guys on this forum have solved problems most mechanics and auto elec's would throw their hands up and walk away from.

I'd advise either buying through someone like Northshore Prestige; who buy only the best cars available; or using the guys on the forum to vet possible candidates.Then enjoy the fact that while you might've paid a little more to purchase, you're not then paying the same or more to a mechanic further down the track to basically learn everything about your car.

Not trying to scare you by any means, but I've never seen the point in cheaping out on something most people rely on for so many aspects of their life.

Thanks buddy, i'll take on board what you've said. I've heard great things of Northshore. i think if I have to pay 17-18k for a decent ride then I'll walk away from buying a Stagea, I've got other priorities in my life plus I'd be looking Euro for anything around 20 ... probably Alfa 159 wagon.

I thought Stagea's were great bang for buck around the 13-15k mark, not higher ... especially in consideration of what you've said re shitters, k's wound back & untrained mechanics & auto's electricians.

[zei20l]

it makes me think of the old saying 'you get what you pay for'

[zei20l]

yeah because the alfa 159 is the most reliable car around

stageas ARE a good bang for your buck, and they are cheap to maintain. we are just saying you wont find one in the condition you want for the price you want

[Sunkist]

yeah because the alfa 159 is the most reliable car around

stageas ARE a good bang for your buck, and they are cheap to maintain. we are just saying you wont find one in the condition you want for the price you want

now that i think of it they arent that bad maintanance wise, only thing failed on me is the turbo. 15 billion f**king times

[Jetwreck]

now that i think of it they arent that bad maintanance wise, only thing failed on me is the turbo. 15 billion f**king times

oh...tissue for your issue.......child's play sook!!!....only part on my car that is as old as the car is the gearbox and rear brake callipers!

[wht510]

Thanks buddy, i'll take on board what you've said. I've heard great things of Northshore. i think if I have to pay 17-18k for a decent ride then I'll walk away from buying a Stagea, I've got other priorities in my life plus I'd be looking Euro for anything around 20 ... probably Alfa 159 wagon.

I thought Stagea's were great bang for buck around the 13-15k mark, not higher ... especially in consideration of what you've said re shitters, k's wound back & untrained mechanics & auto's electricians.

I don't get it? 16-18K for a good quality Stag with a decent service history is bang for buck, considering what else is out there?

An Alfa 159 for 20K? I've driven one of them (petrol wagon) and was far from impressed. Plus the owner has had MANY problems with injectors, TPS, gearbox issues etc. etc. All fixed under warranty, but he got rid of it and bought a subi liberty. Said it drove better And then I took him for a drive in the M35....I think he's looking for one.

[Drogba]

yeah because the alfa 159 is the most reliable car around

stageas ARE a good bang for your buck, and they are cheap to maintain. we are just saying you wont find one in the condition you want for the price you want

hahaha the 159 could brake down everyday and it'd still worth it just to look at, the most stunning car on the road bar none for mine.

Well bang for buck is all a matter of opinion. In saying that, I haven't been able to test drive one, so it is difficult to assess.

Anyway, if anyone does have a Stag with stated options and price then let me know

[wht510]

hahaha the 159 could brake down everyday and it'd still worth it just to look at, the most stunning car on the road bar none for mine.

Well bang for buck is all a matter of opinion. In saying that, I haven't been able to test drive one, so it is difficult to assess.

Anyway, if anyone does have a Stag with stated options and price then let me know

I suggest driving a 159 and you can make your own mind up. I think driving it will help make your mind up, then perhaps the Audi will become a healthy oponent....

[iamhe77]

So you guys are suggesting that Alfa's break down and that the only reason people buy them is because of their looks?

[Sunkist]

oh...tissue for your issue.......child's play sook!!!....only part on my car that is as old as the car is the gearbox and rear brake callipers!

childs play for you, you have a hoist.

[Drogba]

So you guys are suggesting that Alfa's break down and that the only reason people buy them is because of their looks?

Nah Alfa's are just in a different planet, if you love them then nothing comes close. I've got an Alfa GTV with the 3.0 V6 engine and nothing else comes close to the driving experience but alas I have a growing dog and need a station wagon.

The problem is, it is an amazing car, insanely beautiful interior, performance, looks and it's been extremely reliable (4 yrs and ive only had to replace a window regulator) but zero practicality. I'm trying to sell that and Im asking $12500 ,.... I'm really struggling by the thought of downgrading yet having to pay 5-8 grand more! So if you're talking bang for you buck, buy my $80 000 when new reliable Alfa for 11k lol

Illustrated here:

Edited June 9, 2011 by Drogba

[ironpaw]

I picked mine up for 12k...

Then again it is leaking water into the passenger footwell

But all in all I think I got a pretty good bargain. If i had to spend 18k to buy in the start with I wouldn't have done all the mods I did already...

I test drove several R34 GTT 4 door sedans before purchasing my M35...needless to say I too was under-f**k-whelmed by them. under 4k rpm there was hardly any pickup. My Mazda3 went harder then that!

Yeah ok I love my M35...

Edited June 9, 2011 by ironpaw

[scotty nm35]

Downgrading? Pft.

[iamhe77]

Downgrading? Pft.

Agreed.

[Drogba]

Downgrading? Pft.

Sorry, I didn't mean to be insulting, just that yeh in my eyes I am downgrading - I'm putting away the spots car for something practical and yeh probably a lot less exciting but paying for it ... usually its the other way around I would have thought.

Does anyone know how much M35's retailed new in Japan?

[Drogba]

I picked mine up for 12k...

Then again it is leaking water into the passenger footwell

But all in all I think I got a pretty good bargain. If i had to spend 18k to buy in the start with I wouldn't have done all the mods I did already...

I test drove several R34 GTT 4 door sedans before purchasing my M35...needless to say I too was under-f**k-whelmed by them. under 4k rpm there was hardly any pickup. My Mazda3 went harder then that!

Yeah ok I love my M35...

Ah yeah. How much do you think you've spent on it to get it back to a car in good condition (excluding mods) .... if indeed it is in good condition baring the water in the footwell lol

[ironpaw]

Ah yeah. How much do you think you've spent on it to get it back to a car in good condition (excluding mods) .... if indeed it is in good condition baring the water in the footwell lol

Hmmm, dunno. I never really had any issues with it except for a small oil leak. If I excluded all mods then I really haven't spent much on it. $20 rocker cover gasket...? Oh the belts are getting squeaky now so gotta replace those...but nothing serious...yet

Suspension is a bit noisy but Scott seems to reckon they rode ok. They'll getting swapped out this weekend anyway....right Scottyyyyyyyy?

Edited June 9, 2011 by ironpaw

[Drogba]

Hmmm, dunno. I never really had any issues with it except for a small oil leak. If I excluded all mods then I really haven't spent much on it. $20 rocker cover gasket...?

Suspension is a bit noisy but Scott seems to reckon they rode ok. They'll getting swapped out this weekend anyway....right Scottyyyyyyyy?

So there you go fellas

[ironpaw]

Of I forgot my car had a small prang before. But the seller showed my the insurance receipts and repair bill to confirm that the damage was only cosmetic...

Edited June 9, 2011 by ironpaw