M35 Or Subaru Liberty 3.0r?

[skyline_man]

I'm looking to buy a wagon for work duties and cannot decide between the AR-X and the 2004 Liberty 3.0R. Both are around the same price. I like the seats of the Liberty more and the Liberty does come in manual. The AR-X however looks better, and it has a turbo.

What do you guys think?

[Stooge007]

if you like everything to work and also hassle free motoring - get the Liberty

if you don't mind tinkering a bit, and want a more exciting ride - get the Stag

[Jetwreck]

if you like everything to work and also hassle free motoring - get the Liberty

if you don't mind tinkering a bit, and want a more exciting ride - get the Stag

lol....was just about to say the exact same thing.

[stagman]

those liberty are renound for leaking headgaskets though... and there pretty thirsty for a 4 cylinder..

[iamhe77]

those liberty are renound for leaking headgaskets though... and there pretty thirsty for a 4 cylinder..

You are aware of the oil leak from the rear of the right bank on the VQ engines, yes?

2 consistent issues throughout all VQ25det powered M35's.

1. The turbo was a dealer replacement part at 100,000kms due to the fact that it is running more boost than the ceramic wheel can take.

2. Oil leak from the rear right bank, whilst minor, is a pain in the arse. This issue is also on the V35, Z33, and G35 as far as I know.

What are you work conditions? What are you expectations and wants from your car?

Maybe if we know more, we can give you a better opinion of which car to go for.

[Cephas]

The 3.0l 6 in the Subaru isn't light on the fuel, but neither is the M35.

They both have complicated drivetrains which can be expensive.

I went with the M35 as it stands out from the crowd. Liberty wagons are like fleas on a dog.

[66yostagea]

I had a Suckeroo. 6 sets of rear wheel bearings, 3 coil packs, numerous plug leads , starter motor, oh, and a gearbox.

Worst vehicle I have ever owned, and that includes the HR Holden!

[Daleo]

The other thing I noticed is the sooby is MUCH smaller in the cabin area to the extent that it was not much bigger than my missus Mazda 323 particularly rear legroom. The load area in a sooby wagon is about half the size of the m35 and nowhere near as wide.

[skyline_man]

You are aware of the oil leak from the rear of the right bank on the VQ engines, yes?

2 consistent issues throughout all VQ25det powered M35's.

1. The turbo was a dealer replacement part at 100,000kms due to the fact that it is running more boost than the ceramic wheel can take.

2. Oil leak from the rear right bank, whilst minor, is a pain in the arse. This issue is also on the V35, Z33, and G35 as far as I know.

What are you work conditions? What are you expectations and wants from your car?

Maybe if we know more, we can give you a better opinion of which car to go for.

I'm looking for a wagon with lots of room and good performance. Maintenance issues doesn't concern me since I am a mechanic. Are spare parts for the Stag freely available? I heard somewhere that the transmission costs 15K or so to replace brand new from Nissan.

I'm leaning more towards the Stag at the moment since it is more unique where as the Scoob is a dime a dozen.

How does the Scoobs power and handling is compared with the Stag? I haven't driven the Scoob or the Stag yet so I don't know, but I've driven the 350 GT-8. Is the Scoob similar to the 350GT-8?

[skyline_man]

Also, which is the better Stag; the 250T RS four, the AR-X, or the Axis?

[andy65b]

I have had a few Subbies over the last 12 years,

* Liberty GX

* Forrester (had it for 10 years and 204km)

* Liberty RX sedan (only kept it for 1 year)

* Outback 04 (wife has it now with 125km) 2.5L manual

So I love my Subbies and they go very well and are very reliable.

BUT

I have had my M35 ARX for 2 years and 60K driven and I love it. I get back into the Outback and it is nice to drive but it has nothing compared to the Stagea past 3500rpm and the handling is very soft and certainly quieter than my slightly improved car.

I am not a mechanic and I do most of the servicing on my car myself and it is so easy. Parts are easy to get, at the worst case it is 2 weeks from Japan for odd parts from Nissan.

The good thing now is that there are few more on the road and lots of information so some parts are easier to get and there is so much knowledge about that most problems are reasonably easily solved.

The ARX at a minimum needs some improvement in the suspension as it gets on as it can become quite soft. Sway bars made a huge difference and new shocks and springs just finished off the job.

2 years later and I have absolutely no regrets.

Cheers

Andy

[Stooge007]

price wise, RS-Four < AR-X < Axis

i personally don't like the styling of the Axis

the AR-X has leather interior and all the bells and whistles

[iamhe77]

I'm looking for a wagon with lots of room and good performance. Maintenance issues doesn't concern me since I am a mechanic. Are spare parts for the Stag freely available? I heard somewhere that the transmission costs 15K or so to replace brand new from Nissan.

I'm leaning more towards the Stag at the moment since it is more unique where as the Scoob is a dime a dozen.

How does the Scoobs power and handling is compared with the Stag? I haven't driven the Scoob or the Stag yet so I don't know, but I've driven the 350 GT-8. Is the Scoob similar to the 350GT-8?

If you want room and performance, then there is no contest. Go with the M35.

I think you are confusing the GT-8's CVT8 transmission with the M35's 5 speed.

The NM35's that can currently be complied in Australia only use a 5 speed auto. Easy to service and not expensive to replace if need be.

I would recommend that you drive both (obviously) and compare them directly.

You cannot compare the Subie with the 2-door, 8-speed, RWD V35. Completely different cars.

Also, which is the better Stag; the 250T RS four, the AR-X, or the Axis?

Well, as standard the ARX has the most equipment, but you can get all of it in the other models too... except the poxy 180mm ride height

Edited October 27, 2009 by iamhe77

[andy65b]

Also, which is the better Stag; the 250T RS four, the AR-X, or the Axis?

All depends what you need and value.

ARX has a bit more clearance (but mine is now the height of a 250T), 18" wheels, LSD, Super HICAS and nice leather interior plus the track is 10mm wider.

AXIS is much the same but better suspension, slightly lower, NO LSD, NO Super HICAS but better quality leather interior.

250T RS can also be leather, lower suspension, 17 inch wheels.

My pick is between ARX and AXIS. Wish I got the sunroof.

The gearbox problem is to do with the V35 GT8 which has the CVT 8 speed gear box.

Cheers

Andy

[iamhe77]

2 years later and I have absolutely no regrets.

Cheers

Andy

+1

Just with more time and more km's

Edited October 27, 2009 by iamhe77

[pixel8r]

RS is the base ('Sports') model - which has 3 DIN guages in the centre console, usually cloth seats and is the cheapest of the range. (Still a very nice car - I have this model).

RX is the luxury model - including a popup screen, optional leather interior (can possibly get leather in the RS too but i've found it to be more common in the RX), electric front seats, and a few other differences, only slightly more expensive than the RS (difference at auction was around 1-2K when I was looking).

AR-X is the one with the raised height (ie. All Terrain) and flares etc and also has more options than the RX.

AXIS is the Autech model, with bodykit, different grill, heated front seats, and many other extras. This is the most expensive in the range...

someone else may be able to fill you in with more details...

On the topic of which one...I would go the stag purely for the extra space, if not the turbo (although you can get a liberty with a turbo too i think). The boot shape of the subie's cuts out so much boot space you really aren't getting much more than a sedan. Depends on which way you look at it. The subie has full support for parts, insurance, any mechanic can work on it (but who'd let them?) etc.

The M35 has some parts available here (most if not all of your regular maintenance items are available) but if all else fails you can order stuff from japan through any nissan dealer (1-2 weeks delivery).

If you're talking a liberty of equivalent year to the M35, then the stagea is a much nicer car - no question. However the newer libertys might be more even, but then the price goes in favour of the stag...

How many other luxury performance wagons with low kms can you get for under $20K?

[jaxt]

RS is the base ('Sports') model - which has 3 DIN guages in the centre console, usually cloth seats and is the cheapest of the range. (Still a very nice car - I have this model).

RX is the luxury model - including a popup screen, optional leather interior (can possibly get leather in the RS too but i've found it to be more common in the RX), electric front seats, and a few other differences, only slightly more expensive than the RS (difference at auction was around 1-2K when I was looking).

AR-X is the one with the raised height (ie. All Terrain) and flares etc and also has more options than the RX.

AXIS is the Autech model, with bodykit, different grill, heated front seats, and many other extras. This is the most expensive in the range...

someone else may be able to fill you in with more details...

On the topic of which one...I would go the stag purely for the extra space, if not the turbo (although you can get a liberty with a turbo too i think). The boot shape of the subie's cuts out so much boot space you really aren't getting much more than a sedan. Depends on which way you look at it. The subie has full support for parts, insurance, any mechanic can work on it (but who'd let them?) etc.

The M35 has some parts available here (most if not all of your regular maintenance items are available) but if all else fails you can order stuff from japan through any nissan dealer (1-2 weeks delivery).

If you're talking a liberty of equivalent year to the M35, then the stagea is a much nicer car - no question. However the newer libertys might be more even, but then the price goes in favour of the stag...

How many other luxury performance wagons with low kms can you get for under $20K?

there's a couple more out there...but yeah not too many.

[Stooge007]

if you're a mechanic, Stag for sure!

[iamhe77]

if you're a mechanic, Stag for sure!

Even if you aren't a mechanic, they are a great car to learn on.

[skyline_man]

How does the automatic feel on the Stag and how is the boost response? Does the turbo kick in suddenly or is it linear like the RB25DET?

Does the AR-X have full time AWD or does it use the ATTESA-ETS?

Do Stags have dual zone climate control aircon?

I have to agree that the Stag has way more space than the Liberty. The boot alone is enormous. I had a look at one at the dealer the other day and the thought of putting in 2 subs with a few amps in the boot and still have plenty of room is almost a deal maker for me already.