M35 Model Differences

[PranK]

I have a confession to make .. once I sold my C34 I didn't keep up with the Stagea models and trends. I have no idea about the M35.

Help me try to convince my wife that a Stag is the best family car option.

Likes;

Bluetooth

Screen / reverse camera

Black leather

Front power seats

dual sun roofs

Must haves;

4wd

Power! I notice that the 25t and 35 n/a are similar numbers - is that right? We don't necessarily need turbs so i'd be happy with 3.5 (assuming 350Z / Maxima donk?)

Good towing ability (Do many come from Japan with factory towbars?)

Do any come with 7 seats?

This is to compete with local Liberty, Kluger etc.

Would like to stay under 25k.

What do you think?

Do we have an M35 model differences thread? (for model equipment/features, not necessarily mechanical differences.) I'll add/update one if we dont have one.

C

[Hertz Donut]

An M35 Stagea is the best family car option. It's true, you read it on the Internet.

4WD: Check. Available with 2.5 turbo and 3.5 NA.

Power: Check. Available with 2.5 turbo and 3.5 NA. Lots of 2.5 knowledge on here, 3.5 knowledge is worldwide due to 350Z/G35 link. Popular consensus is 2.5T has more torque and slightly better performance stock but 3.5 is no slouch and a nicer place to be.

Good towing: This is a sticking point. Some have torn rear subframes towing heavy loads, other pull car trailers with no issues. I suspect it comes down to how the bar is mounted but I'm nowhere near qualified enough to speculate. I had a towbar fitted to mine when it came into the country but I only use it for lighter loads (<750kg total) and have a Commodore for heavy stuff.

7 seats: I haven't seen one yet, given the rear layout I can't see how one would work.

Under $25K: Pass. In NZ you'd struggle to pay half that for a decent one. Most expensive M35 on TradeMe at the mo is $NZ14,995 but he's dreaming for the spec.

Specs: Go for broke: http://specs.cars-directory.net/nissan/stagea/2001_431/ - Please buy a 350S. Please.

Considered stuff like the 370GT Crossover? Probably over budget though.

[PranK]

Thanks Hertz.

The towing is usually light. We take a trailer camping with us for bikes, kayaks, tents etc. Currently the Passat doesn't even hiccup and besides the odd small jolt or noise from the back you'd have no idea it was there. This is what I'm looking for. Obv's if I hooked it up behind my Mazda 3 there'd be more tell tale signs that it was there. I reckon its always < 750kg. Def not towing boats or caravans.

7 seats is not a deal breaker. It'd be good for the odd scenario where grandparents and kids want to come.

The Axis looks the business, but the interior is a little loud. I'm sure I could replace the wood grain with back (I did that in My Bora. Best thing I ever did to it) but the seats are just a bit much. Do any Axis' come with black interior?

Do they all have screen / reverse / bluetooth ?

[iamhe77]

Screen / reverse camera was a factory option for M35's.

Bluetooth was not, but can be implemented a number of ways - new stereo being the most expensive, Grom units are cheap and run flash drives for music although they have do seem to have considerable echo during phone calls, or you could just get a generic bluetooth unit as you would with any car that does support it).

If your budget is anywhere under $25k, go with the PNM35. Much nicer car and if you do need more power than standard, you can throw some cash at it with a bolt on turbo/SC kit I suppose.

The only alternative I really see for the price would be a VE wagon.

[PranK]

Great info, thanks iamhe77.

PNM35 looks the goods. And, no lary interior!

[spenceradams]

Do they all have screen / reverse / bluetooth ?

If it helps, I just installed a new head unit in my M35, cost me $120 for the unit, another $40 for harnesses, and took me a couple of hours of fiddling to get the job done (first time cracking the dash open). Includes Bluetooth music and phone calls, as well as complete hands free control if you are a smart (read: Android) user. Bottom line is that the factory Bose speaker aren't too bad, and a new head unit isn't as scary as people seem to think it is.

[PranK]

If it helps, I just installed a new head unit in my M35, cost me $120 for the unit, another $40 for harnesses, and took me a couple of hours of fiddling to get the job done (first time cracking the dash open). Includes Bluetooth music and phone calls, as well as complete hands free control if you are a smart (read: Android) user. Bottom line is that the factory Bose speaker aren't too bad, and a new head unit isn't as scary as people seem to think it is.

What unit is it? Got a link? (Yes, I'm a smart user )

[spenceradams]

I'm pretty sure this is it, I got it on special though. If you didn't live in Sydney, I'd happily drink a beer and point at screws you need to undo.

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/gps-car-audio/kenwood/kenwood-kdc-u563bt-200w-mp3-cd-tuner-with-usb-ipod-bluetooth/694636/

The Aerpro harnesses you can get at Autobarns/Ebay, whichever is your fancy, but don't forget to get an aerial adapter as well. This unit won't play CD's, either, but, who the heck uses CD's anymore, amiright?

[iamhe77]

Of note, Series 2 M35's don't come with a single DIN stereo.

As such, you would need the double DIN interior pieces and either a double DIN unit or the possibly the single DIN cradle from a series 1 M35 as well as as the double DIN interior pieces for the series 2- not that I have seen anyone do this conversion as yet, but I must say that I quite like the idea...

[PranK]

CD?

Like, one of these?

I can't get over how cheap head units are these days. Even at 142 thats a lot of functionality for a cheap price.

[spenceradams]

Of note, Series 2 M35's don't come with a single DIN stereo.

As such, you would need the double DIN interior pieces and either a double DIN unit or the possibly the single DIN cradle from a series 1 M35 as well as as the double DIN interior pieces for the series 2- not that I have seen anyone do this conversion as yet, but I must say that I quite like the idea...

I happen to know that a mob in Campbellfield has a Stagea sitting in the front yard that has been picked clean, save for the dash that includes two single din slots. Mine bolted straight in, and I have the same set up. At least, I'm pretty confident I saw that, I just took the window washer bottle and ran back to the mechanic. Give them a shout:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/campbellfield/wrecking/bb-auto-parts-wrecking-2002-nissan-stagea-m35/1106007411

[spenceradams]

CD?

Like, one of these?

I can't get over how cheap head units are these days. Even at 142 thats a lot of functionality for a cheap price.

My eyes have been soiled.

Edited March 3, 2016 by spenceradams