New Member, Thinking Of Getting An M35

[Cton]

Hi guys,

Ive been checking out the forum over the last few weeks,

I currently drive a 2010 Mazda MPS with a few bolt ons and an Ecutek tune making just over 200kw at the wheels.

I've recently become a father and could really do with a bigger car, ive had a few Commodore wagons in the past but im really loving the look of a lowered M35 with some nice wheels.

The only thing im a little worried about is the fuel consumption in the Stagea. I currently get an awesome 9L/100km around town or about 6.5-7L/100km on the freeway. The 6 speed and Direct Injection and 1450kg car sure help with that.

Is the non turbo RWD version better on fuel? Or does it lack the torque of the turbo version so you need to use more throttle so it uses more petrol?

Going to go have a look at some on the weekend.....

Thanks guys.,

[bigkevracer]

The NM35s are the series 1 Stageas with the turbo 2.5 V6. I find that if I babied it, I could get around 11l/100. At the moment I average out at 12.4 for a mix of driving, but the turbo power and comfort make up for it.

The PNM35s are the series 2 with the 3.5 n/a V6, and I have no idea about economy. Alex on here has one, and theres another couple floating around.

Remember these arent light cars, so you will get an economy hit, but 11-12s arent bad i dont think.

[ironpaw]

pure city driving you'll be looking at 14L+ p/100km

Highway can get as low as 9-10L p/100km

be prepared for the $$$ needed to fill up. What's wrong with the MPS? should be fine for one kid

[Cton]

^Yeah its fine at the moment, but once the prams in the back it leaves little room for much else.

Not very good for going away in.....

[slippylotion]

I get in the 11's lt/100km city with worst low 12's lt/100km and 9.8-10lt/100km highway.

Just get one, you'll love it as we all do

[Dunc]

Not to be too negative but mine runs extremely rich, and my daily commute is constant stop start. Im looking at 17+ lt/100km with city driving without fail; dunno what the MPS takes in terms of fuel but you'll need to run 98 for the M35.. I put in 73L tonight for $110.

[bigkevracer]

Not to be too negative but mine runs extremely rich, and my daily commute is constant stop start. Im looking at 17+ lt/100km with city driving without fail; dunno what the MPS takes in terms of fuel but you'll need to run 98 for the M35.. I put in 73L tonight for $110.

WTF? What's causing that?

Sounds crook...

[Dunc]

WTF? What's causing that?

Sounds crook...

Its always been that way, its fine on the highway (10.3/100) but city driving just kains it. Could be related to the highflow I guess.

[bigkevracer]

Looked rich on the dyno but still made power. Better get that tune mate!

[whitestag]

I boot it heeps and all backstreet so I see just over 400km a tank :S but if I baby I get 500-550. But I don't have the self control for that.

[ironpaw]

I get in the 11's lt/100km city with worst low 12's lt/100km and 9.8-10lt/100km highway.

Just get one, you'll love it as we all do

holy crap how do u manage that? drive like a granny?

Never seen such low figures for city driving before...

[joshm35]

Guess he forgot to mention the hole he cut in the floor to flinstone it around town in idle

[Cton]

I have to run 98 in the MPS anyway, it's had a full custom tune flashed and tuned to run 98 only.

Definitely going to need to figure in the fuel consumption, other than that, they look like a great car to own.

Thanks guys!

[andy65b]

You can offset the extra fuel cost of this car by doing your own servicing as the car very easy to service. No 100k timing chain to be replaced.

Having just had my Subaru in for a 150k service and being stung for $750, I will do my own service on the Stagea that will cost $150 using the best possible oil and a couple of hours.

[Sage222]

mine is on LiLPG and get about 20L per 100 all traffic.. and about 13L per 100 on the freeway.

Though even at 20L per 100 its nearly 70% cheaper for the fuel its ice cold and 105 octane! ($1.55 vs 51c per litre).

So works out about $10 for every 100k's vs $20.

oh btw id never get the non-turbo.. LOVE the grunt!

Edited September 30, 2011 by Sage222

[PN-Mad]

The PNM35s are the series 2 with the 3.5 n/a V6, and I have no idea about economy. Alex on here has one, and theres another couple floating around.

Remember these arent light cars, so you will get an economy hit, but 11-12s arent bad i dont think.

Hi Mate, and Welcome to SAU. Hope you enjoy your stay. If you haven't found it yet - the forum has a great Search function, so utilise it- loads of good info.

I have the 3.5 awd model. Honestly, its about line ball with a turbo model when it comes to fuel consumption. It is just a little bit better, than the turbo, but really its negligible. All the figures above are believable. Depends very much so on the traffic conditions, and how you drive it. On a winding road, with a bit of a squirt here and there i'll get 10l/100kms. Long run freeway, might go a bit lower. Round town its thirsty- 12/13 upto 15 litres is not uncommon.

Rwds could be expected to get a bit better economy - less weight, and drag. But its not going to be drastic. If you have a long traffic filled commute (sydney style!), you'll pay for it.

And forget about M35 2.5 and 3.0 NA models - can't be complied!

Peformance-wise - stock to stock the cars are just about identical. The 3.5 is much nicer to drive around town, better response, better suspension setting, better gearbox settings, and a nicer interior IMO. The turbo car is much easier to extract performance out of if your going down that route (obviously).

I'm heading for the best of both worlds!

[slippylotion]

holy crap how do u manage that? drive like a granny?

Never seen such low figures for city driving before...

Just normal driving, nothing special. Im not up it every time I take off from the lights but I still pull away from most other cars. I did drive it like a granny for nearly a week and got high 10's but very boring to drive like that.

[Cton]

Thanks PN-Mad,

I think I saw your car which made me love the stageas!

Beacon hill on wahringah Rd about a month ago?

Sits real nice with awesome wheels/offset.

[PN-Mad]

Yeah, that would be me- off to see a Mechanic friend at Col Crawford Nissan.

[BensDR30]

I've driven an Axis PNM35 RWD and was very impressed with the power delivery. And the Nismo exhaust sounded just great above 5500rpm

I love my turbo's, but I'd have a 3.5L Stag in the blink of an eye.

There is plenty of room for 2 child seats an a pram in the Stag - it's done on a daily basis in this household!