Buying An M35 Stagea - Tons Of Questions

[BodenM]

Hey all,

I will be getting my P-plates next year, so my parents are helping (read: paying for 75% of) me buy a new car so I can stop driving my mum's Tiida everywhere (god I hate it, it's like it has no noise isolation in the cabin). I quite like the looks and practicality of the AR-X FOUR, but I have some questions about them:

1. What are the maintenance costs like on a Series 2 AR-X FOUR?
   
2. Do the Series 2 M35 Stageas have any known issues (e.g, weak components)?
   
3. Are there any turbo/twin-turbo kits for the VQ35DE engine that will fit the Stag? (for after the P-plates, stupid nanny-state restrictions)
   
4. is there anything I should be on the lookout for when looking at an AR-X Stag, aside from the usual checks?
   
5. For a stock suspensioned AR-X, what wheel sizes/offsets would fit, and which bolt pattern/size do I need?
   

[BodenM]

After doing a little more reading, I know that I'll need a PCD of 114.3mm on the wheels for them to fit correctly, but looking at the sizing for a set of Versus Turismo Spada Ottimo 18-inchers (http://www.rayswheels.co.jp/cgi-bin/cgi2/english/sizeGuide.cgi?modelName=OTTI_S), I need to know what specific inset/hub clearance I'll need. Also, for an 18" wheel, what tyre size would fill the guards on an AR-X nicely without looking horribly out-of-proportion (too low/high profile)

[iamhe77]

1. Depends if you work on it or pay someone to service it, and how you treat it.

2. No, think of a Series 2 V35 Skyline with a wagon body.

3. Bolt on? Not if AWD. You will need to modify a single turbo kit's piping. TT kits are not possible due to front driveshaft. RWD? Yes, same as V35/G35.

4. Like what? Unusually high water damage?

5. Feel free to use the search button for info regarding this and also for tyre/wheel calculators, You will need the rim width and offset.

[PN-Mad]

1.What are the maintenance costs like on a Series 2 AR-X FOUR?

Not that different to other cars. Other than engine oil/filters brakes and tyres, there isn't that much to do. The initial cost of changing all the fluids in the car is high, as there is a lot to do, but after that its normal servicing. It runs a Cam chain that doesn't need adjustment/changing - not a belt. You will however spend a lot at the local servo on 98. Expect double to what you pay in the tida.

2.Do the Series 2 M35 Stageas have any known issues (e.g, weak components)?

Haven't found any specific to the S2 yet. Normal M35 items are suspension bushes, brakes wear pretty quick, wheel bearings have been known as an issue. The turbo on nm35's but we don't have to worry about that. Oh, and the 6th cylinder plug hole oil leak, they aren't exempt from that either.

3.Are there any turbo/twin-turbo kits for the VQ35DE engine that will fit the Stag? (for after the P-plates, stupid nanny-state restrictions)

Yes the HKS Z33 special single turbo kit will fit on the ARX, but I wouldn't call it a bolt on. There were a few items that needed fabrication / holes made. But still very doable. However it is discontinued, but there are a few floating around. Twin turbo- forget it. front diff, and steering rack on the wrong side means that you won't find anything that fits without major modification.

4.is there anything I should be on the lookout for when looking at an AR-X Stag, aside from the usual checks?

No, not really. ARX's are known to be more used in snow areas than other models. Check the underbody for abnormal corrosion due to salted roads, and steer clear. The trip computer cannot be converted to english yet, and there is no real timeframe on when it will be. Check interior wear is in line with what the odo. reading is saying.

5.For a stock suspensioned AR-X, what wheel sizes/offsets would fit, and which bolt pattern/size do I need?

The wheels you mentioned have terrible offsets. IMO, its hard to put 18's on an stock susp. ARX without it looking a bit silly. Better off keeping the stockies.

Finally, while I'd love to recommend one to you, its just not really a first car. Get a small economical 4cyl hatch. Learn to service it yourself and fix problems, what costs are like for Rego, green slips, comp insurance, running costs etc. Then when your up and running (read- have a decent job) and learnt your hard knocks (ie- crashed the car, yes it probably will happen at least once) think about getting something more suitable to your lifestyle be that sporty or 4WD or whatever.

Finally, the website has a great search function, that will answer most of your common questions. There has been a few prospective owners post up. Sometimes the conversation gets a bit off topic, but the info is there.

[The Stag Wagon]

On a random note, I noticed you are in Brisbane (i think?)

Im not sure of the P plate laws up there, but here in vic, every variant of the m35 Stagea is ruled out for P platers apart from the nm35 250RS (2.5 n/a variant)

[PN-Mad]

Probationary drivers can drive PM/PNM35's legally.

They are not on Vic roads, or RTAs prohibited cars list.Doesn't even exist on the list, which means its acceptable in Vic if it has

[PN-Mad]

more than or equal to 8 cyl, turbo or s/c, or modified.

sorry about the double post- bad computer.

[The Stag Wagon]

learn something new every day

[PN-Mad]

No Dramas.

I had to explain what it was to my insurer, as they didn't have it on their "list", even though they had NM35s. I got the "are you sure it isn't a ARX?" thing.

Which brings me to OP- Insurance will rape you. Hard. Get a quote.

[ClassOne]

Yes yes insurance.... Import, your under 30, your under 25, and your under 20, your on your P's

Due to your age you won't have a no claim bonus..

Just be perpaired to be raped for full comp insurance, I'd expect you will be paying over $2k full comp/yr or there abouts.

So shop around.

As you said the biggest engine you can drive is an N/A 6 cyl on P's.

Bloody heck I brought all my cars including my 1st... Go buy an r31 or an NA s13 for a few grand.. Leant about them.

Even Better something with carbs to learn the basics. Nothing wrong with simple old school

1st car, man

[BodenM]

1.What are the maintenance costs like on a Series 2 AR-X FOUR?

Not that different to other cars. Other than engine oil/filters brakes and tyres, there isn't that much to do. The initial cost of changing all the fluids in the car is high, as there is a lot to do, but after that its normal servicing. It runs a Cam chain that doesn't need adjustment/changing - not a belt. You will however spend a lot at the local servo on 98. Expect double to what you pay in the tida.

2.Do the Series 2 M35 Stageas have any known issues (e.g, weak components)?

Haven't found any specific to the S2 yet. Normal M35 items are suspension bushes, brakes wear pretty quick, wheel bearings have been known as an issue. The turbo on nm35's but we don't have to worry about that. Oh, and the 6th cylinder plug hole oil leak, they aren't exempt from that either.

3.Are there any turbo/twin-turbo kits for the VQ35DE engine that will fit the Stag? (for after the P-plates, stupid nanny-state restrictions)

Yes the HKS Z33 special single turbo kit will fit on the ARX, but I wouldn't call it a bolt on. There were a few items that needed fabrication / holes made. But still very doable. However it is discontinued, but there are a few floating around. Twin turbo- forget it. front diff, and steering rack on the wrong side means that you won't find anything that fits without major modification.

4.is there anything I should be on the lookout for when looking at an AR-X Stag, aside from the usual checks?

No, not really. ARX's are known to be more used in snow areas than other models. Check the underbody for abnormal corrosion due to salted roads, and steer clear. The trip computer cannot be converted to english yet, and there is no real timeframe on when it will be. Check interior wear is in line with what the odo. reading is saying.

5.For a stock suspensioned AR-X, what wheel sizes/offsets would fit, and which bolt pattern/size do I need?

The wheels you mentioned have terrible offsets. IMO, its hard to put 18's on an stock susp. ARX without it looking a bit silly. Better off keeping the stockies.

Finally, while I'd love to recommend one to you, its just not really a first car. Get a small economical 4cyl hatch. Learn to service it yourself and fix problems, what costs are like for Rego, green slips, comp insurance, running costs etc. Then when your up and running (read- have a decent job) and learnt your hard knocks (ie- crashed the car, yes it probably will happen at least once) think about getting something more suitable to your lifestyle be that sporty or 4WD or whatever.

Finally, the website has a great search function, that will answer most of your common questions. There has been a few prospective owners post up. Sometimes the conversation gets a bit off topic, but the info is there.

Thanks for the helpful info PN-Mad. I thought that the stockies on the AR-X were 18"?

No Dramas.

I had to explain what it was to my insurer, as they didn't have it on their "list", even though they had NM35s. I got the "are you sure it isn't a ARX?" thing.

Which brings me to OP- Insurance will rape you. Hard. Get a quote.

I know that already, my uncle got raped repeatedly for insurance on his old C34 Stagea a few years ago, it used to cost him more to insure it than it cost my dad to insure his HSV Avalanche

[PN-Mad]

Yes mate, they are 18's. Problem is people buy aftermarket wheels and go low profile. Makes em look silly. You have to work hard to find something that looks good and fits. Even my 19s look small sometimes, you park it next to a R34 GTR with 19s and my wheels look tiny! They swallow wheels.

Concentrate more on if the car is suitable first before thinking about wheels. Your mates will go out and buy little sports cars on their "p"s, and you've got a wagon. You gunna be Jelly?

[BodenM]

On a random note, I noticed you are in Brisbane (i think?) Im not sure of the P plate laws up there, but here in vic, every variant of the m35 Stagea is ruled out for P platers apart from the nm35 250RS (2.5 n/a variant)

I just double checked, in QLD, I can drive any N/A Stag without worries, and I can apply to drive a turbocharged Stagea after getting an application form from TMR. The M35 Series 1 AR-X (with it's extra 110kg over the other models) makes its power-to-weight ratio 121kW/tonne, which just sneaks under the limit of 125kW/tonne for the moderately-powered turbo/supercharged vehicle exemption (http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Getting-a-licence/Car-licence/Provisional-licence/Restrictions/High-powered-performance-vehicles.aspx), and it has less than 210kW.

[BodenM]

Yes mate, they are 18's. Problem is people buy aftermarket wheels and go low profile. Makes em look silly. You have to work hard to find something that looks good and fits. Even my 19s look small sometimes, you park it next to a R34 GTR with 19s and my wheels look tiny! They swallow wheels.

Concentrate more on if the car is suitable first before thinking about wheels. Your mates will go out and buy little sports cars on their "p"s, and you've got a wagon. You gunna be Jelly?

I'd probably go same/similar profile, small wheels and low profile tyres on something with as big wheel arches as the AR-X would be ugly as. Also, I've never really been the type of person that gets what everyone else does. I mean, when other silly people buy Beats, I always bought headphones that were better and cheaper. Also, I can always tell them it's pretty much a Skyline wagon (which it kinda is, same engines and similar base platform).

PS: Stop posting when I'm typing a post, xD

[PN-Mad]

I won't lie, I had to google wtf a beats was... Feelin old now....

Look, I still don't think it's a great first car. Most of us here got some form of shitbox first car. We worked on it, and learnt heaps because we fixed it every weekend. Even if it's for a year or so. It's a good idea, think it over.

[bigkevracer]

My first car was the worst of the N13s, the 1.6. Manual though, and I had a great time in it!

These days, get an N13 SSS, or one of those N15 Autech's that iron chef is bringing in. you'll have a great time and it'll be cheaper to fix.

Car I miss the most is still my R31 though. :-(

[WAGON_BOY]

No Dramas.

I had to explain what it was to my insurer, as they didn't have it on their "list", even though they had NM35s. I got the "are you sure it isn't a ARX?" thing.

Which brings me to OP- Insurance will rape you. Hard. Get a quote.

i had the same thing when getting the AXIS insured etc they didnt know what it was......... i'm like NO it isnt an ARX

[WAGON_BOY]

Yes yes insurance.... Import, your under 30, your under 25, and your under 20, your on your P's

Due to your age you won't have a no claim bonus..

Just be perpaired to be raped for full comp insurance, I'd expect you will be paying over $2k full comp/yr or there abouts.

So shop around.

As you said the biggest engine you can drive is an N/A 6 cyl on P's.

Bloody heck I brought all my cars including my 1st... Go buy an r31 or an NA s13 for a few grand.. Leant about them.

Even Better something with carbs to learn the basics. Nothing wrong with simple old school

1st car, man

i'd be guessing over the $4000 mark LMAO

[PN-Mad]

i'd be guessing over the $4000 mark LMAO

Lol... out of interest I did a quote online just car- Comprehensive. 17yo male, morningside (I have no idea if thats a dead shit suburb or not) $22k purchase price. Just got licence. On a 2003 Stagea- $3605

Thats enough to buy my Mazda every year! lol.

[BodenM]

Lol... out of interest I did a quote online just car- Comprehensive. 17yo male, morningside (I have no idea if thats a dead shit suburb or not) $22k purchase price. Just got licence. On a 2003 Stagea- $3605

Thats enough to buy my Mazda every year! lol.

Speaking of which, what would it cost for a N/A 2+2 300ZX? Was looking at a couple on Carsales instead of Stags for a change, xD. Seems like it would be a better first car than the Stag, plus I can always retrofit twin turbos later (with some difficulty).