Advice About Best Stag To Get

[Phatboy]

Hey guys

I really need your advice. I am looking to buy a Stag because the GTR just isn't cutting it in the people and stuff moving stakes, and I heard the Stags have massive cargo capacity. I like going camping and to the slopes in winter as well, so I am looking for something AWD. Preferably auto so that I can take a rest in peak hour traffic. Do the rear seats fold down flat?

Would the best Stag be a RS4? The engine and turbo in this - is it the same as that in the 34 GTT? I am looking at some '99 models for 10-12k. What's the standard output? Does it have cruise control?

I would like to hear from RS4 owners - any major problems with mechanical/electronic stuff as it approaches 100,000 kms? I can't seem to find much info on the net regarding full specs. I would like to know how many airbags there are, whether it comes with any traction/stability control or ABS. One last thing - what's insurance like for unmodified versions? I am over 25 with a half-decent driving history. It will be parked on the street.

Thanks for all your help guys.

Much appreciated.

[milkchicken]

Alright...... To start with, Cargo space is awesome. I've helped my sister move house, Tv's and all fit in it easy, I've also fitted a full Mugen exhaust for my civic type r in the back with box and room to spare, so unless you moving alot of stuff you won't have a problem there. Rear seats fold down flat, i can lay in the back of my car and still move around, but im only short.

Ah auto tranny, I can;t really help you with this, I have the rs4s so its a manual. Some of the other guys will be able to help with this tho.

Engine wise, all the series 2's the one your looking at has theh RB25DET from the R34GTT, power out put form factory is 206KW or 280HP. Cruise control will depend on what model you get and if it was put in after market.

Mechanical problems are the same as the GTT, turbos will blow eventually, small oil leaks (im lucky to say i haven't had any yet)

Airbags..... Ah mine has 2 in the front, but i think it depends on the model again.

ABS is standard, and Traction control im not sure on stability control isn't i dont think. Mine doesn't have it to my knowledge. i might be wrong though.... You do however have Hicas just like the skylines and also if you get a 4wd you get Atessa, just like the gt4.

Insurance.... I pay $300.00 but i have a fleet insurance (20 cars or more) but i did get a quote from Just car and i think it was somewhere in the $1500.00 mark, for an under 25 , secure parking, a couple of mods, good driving history and being female, chicks get it cheaper

Also take a good look around the forum there is ALOT of info on here you just need to have a good look around.

Hope that sort of helps

Edited December 16, 2010 by milkchicken

[GoldZilla]

Basic answers:

• Cargo space is great, as already pointed out, and yes, the seats fold flat;
  
• if you want AWD and auto, then an RS-Four is the go;
  
• October 1998 onwards was a series 2 C34, so they all have RB25DET Neo engines (same as R34) - 206kW @ 6400rpm, 333Nm @ 3200rpm;
  
• AFAIK, there's no standard factory cruise control, so aftermarket would be the best bet;
  
• mechanical problems should be fairly rare, but just make sure it's had (and always will have) decent fluids, regular servicing, and make sure the timing belt has been changed;
  
• the car has two front airbags as standard, and I don't think I've seen any C34's with side airbags;
  
• ABS is standard, but traction control isn't (unless that was exclusive to s2's) - it's AWD anyway, so you wouldn't really need it;
  
• insurance is something only you can find out about - everyone is different in this regard, so it's best to make your own enquiries and see what you can get;
  
• oh, and HICAS was only fitted to factory manual Stageas, none of the autos had it.
  

Have a look at the Buyer's Guide I wrote up ages ago: http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/92065-buyers-guide-the-nissan-c34-stagea/

Good luck with the search - you'll definitely love being a Stagea owner!

[KiwiRS4T]

Some S2 have six airbags.

[butcher]

Luggage space in the Stagea is tremendous. In the back of mine I've had two fridge freezers, a futon, a wardrobe, a washing machine..

Not all at the same time of course, but still.

Seats fold perfectly flat. None of this nearly flat stuff. And putting them up and down couldn't be any easier. You could realistically sleep comfortably in the back. And a comfortable car it is. But it's not out of it's depth when you put your foot down either. If you don't mind the extra cost of feeding it, it's an amazingly practical and comfortable car. The AWD has never failed to get me up any hill in the snow - and I do like to test it on the back roads! It's a great touring wagon. Which is something it often doesn't get recognised for.

Other than what's already been said though (mechanically it's a Skyline and you'll be pretty familiar with it, unless of course you're thinking of the M35), the Stagea's are prone to rust under the mirrors, and at there age (and weight..) are often suffering from worn bushes.  

 

[Sunkist]

and unlike M35 with the VQ25DET engines, Parts are piss easy to get for the RB25DET. and a hell of alot cheaper as well.. for efficiency and easier modifications(if you wanted to take it there) I'de get it over any other Aus wagon built.

I only got an M35 coz no one has em. n i like a challenge

[iamhe77]

I only got an M35 coz no one has em. n i like a challenge

Pfffft

Yeah you can get more mods for the C34, but you can't fit as much stuff in it as an M35!

[RubyRS4]

As the guys have mentioned above ... C34 all the way.

Mine is a series 2, so shares the same RB25DET Neo motor the R34 has. Mine was tiptronic auto, but I've since converted it to manual. The tiptronic box was awesome with a shift kit ... I just preferred manual.

Heaps of room in the back ... I've used my stagea for lots of dirt owrk, large hauling, and interstate trips galore. Great bang for buck for what it offers, and for mods too.

Do it!

[910trx]

almost a repeat of the above

the 4wd although will cost a bit more with running costs is very impressive especially when things to get slippery

i took my S2 to Phillip island from adelaide with a full boot and 3 mates. consumption got down to the 9's. And thets pretty good for a c34!

the 4wd came into its own at the island - rained the whole weekend (except raceday) and by day 3 i was one of a few who was able to drive out the campgrounds through the mud, even 4wd hiluxes got bogged, the stag "sailed through" well 4wd drifted like on ice (diff lock and snowmode FTW) but it was AWESOME fun. when you need the 4wd - especially with off road - you will be happy you have it.

i have aftermarket cruise and will cost you about $600-$800 (as you need the one with the electronic stepper motor) but the throttle has provision for a cruise already

somedays i do miss manual but the tiptronic is pretty good in the s2 - has its advantages - apparently a shift kit is the go to get more out of the auto but i have left it stock as i have to resist spending $$$ and keep it a wife friendly daily.

insurance as mentioned above will vary however look for about $1000 a year

i am trying to convince the mrs that we need a m35 and i want to upgrade because the c43 is getting a little dated but i have driven and owned a few cars in my time and the c34 for the $$$ you cant go wrong. its almost a bargain really.

Happy hunting

Edited December 17, 2010 by 910trx

[bubba]

+11ty to everything said above.

As a practical daily driver, I would have nothing else.

[Phatboy]

Hey thanks so much for your help.

Do all S2 RS4's have Xenon lights?

I would also like to be able to tow a trailer at times. Any one know if it is a pain to install tow bars on? What's the towing capacity and how well does it tow?

910trx brought up upgrading their C34 to the M35. Looking on carsales, it's only an extra 2-3k or so to upgrade from a S2 RS4 to a M35 RS4. I am wanting to keep it stock for insurance and cop purposes. How is the performance difference in stock form? The M35 does look a more modern car and am sure has better electronics, but to be honest I love the look of the WC34s better.

Much appreciated. Sorry, just realised I should've posted this in the buyer's guide, but I can't delete/move the post.

[Sunkist]

Pfffft

Yeah you can get more mods for the C34, but you can't fit as much stuff in it as an M35!

Well said Cam. plus it takes talent to fit them into an M35, thats were scott comes in

[iamhe77]

910trx brought up upgrading their C34 to the M35. Looking on carsales, it's only an extra 2-3k or so to upgrade from a S2 RS4 to a M35 RS4. I am wanting to keep it stock for insurance and cop purposes. How is the performance difference in stock form? The M35 does look a more modern car and am sure has better electronics, but to be honest I love the look of the WC34s better.

Much appreciated. Sorry, just realised I should've posted this in the buyer's guide, but I can't delete/move the post.

Having driven both in stock trim (I nearly bought an S2 C34 a couple of weeks before the M35's were available) I can tell you that a stock M35 has it all over a stock C34's (barring the 260RS of course).

I left disappointed by the power delivery of the stock S2's that I drove (haven't driven an S1 so can't comment).

The M35's do have a throttle restriction below 3000rpm which can be annoying, but the torque is a massive difference, the VQ25det has heaps of it.

I personally like the more moden look of the M35 (obviously) and they do look a lot better in the flesh than in pics.

Interior is nicer, has more room inside (no rear strut towers), is quieter and has a better 2.5L engine

[Sunkist]

I personally like the more moden look of the M35 (obviously) and they do look a lot better in the flesh than in pics.

Interior is nicer, has more room inside (no rear strut towers), is quieter and has a better 2.5L engine

+1

[chuckie]

Do all S2 RS4's have Xenon lights?

NO,

[KiwiRS4T]

I prefer my S1 C34 ( would have preferred an S2) but if you're absolutely determined to keep it stock may as well get an M35 - more modern etc etc but probably not quite as much towing capacity.

[Sunkist]

I prefer my S1 C34 ( would have preferred an S2) but if you're absolutely determined to keep it stock may as well get an M35 - more modern etc etc but probably not quite as much towing capacity.

Why wouldnt there be much more towing capacity? dont they have a higher torque rating which towing needs?

Not having a go, just really curious about it

Edited December 17, 2010 by AaronNM35

[zei20l]

actually more towing capacity!

just cant get a towbar on it to use to the maximum

[pipster11]

Why wouldnt there be much more towing capacity? dont they have a higher torque rating which towing needs?

Not having a go, just really curious about it

alloy rear subframe is weaker and more prone to fatigue

[scotty nm35]

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.