Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Absolutely nothing.
This car is an absolute diamond, it handles extremely well, it gives plenty of feedback through the steering wheel and it sticks to the road as if the tyres were made of glue.
Performance is excellent, outraces any car - anyday. It even works like a charm in winter conditions too.
A rare car! Hard to get a hold of and impossible to get used. Perhaps a little overpriced.
Interior design however, is a little boring. The seats are OK, but the dashboard could do better with more adjustments to the steering wheel and a better looking centre console.
An interesting appraisal.
I am in England and recently bought one of the three known Stagea Autechs in the UK. The road handling is impeccable although on the limit one has to learn to keep the foot down when you are sure the back end is about to go - and sure enough, the fwd kicks nicely in and and you come out feeling like a million dollars! The car is currently 'Autech-standard' except for 18" alloys.
Compared with my son's Skyline R33 GTR V-Tech, I find the front view of the Stagea rather boxy and lacking in the wing flare department. So I intend to fit a pair of aftermarket flared front wings plus a vented bonnet which should perk it up a little.
Also the latest HKS SS Sport Turbos will be the basis of an improvement in the grunt department, keeping good torque relatively low down the rev range, plus a substantial increase in power for track days. Gotta keep up with those youngsters...
Have just recently imported a 1996 Nissan Stagea RS Four and I honestly could say that the car is the ultimate performance wagon whilst still being the family get around. Even though the car is rather heavy, lowered with mags and exhaust it still has enough grunt to get up and go. I feel safe in knowing that you can throw it around as much as you like and it still sticks to the road. Fuel economy is rather good. Whilst body and interior may not be to alls taste, but honestly what more could you ask for. We imported our own for under $20k fully insured. Overall I would have to give the car a 3 thumbs up. Perfect family wagon...
I have just swapped my heavily modified Nissan Silvia for a 1996 Nissan Stagea RS Four. I must say, it is a revelation. It has Tein coilovers, a front mount and and exhaust, but is otherwise stock. It handles like a 33GTR and goes like a GTST! I love it. In the looks department, it is a bit Volvo 850 wagon, but the stunned looks from bystanders when a corner comes up is well worth it. I will use the spacious rear for my work stuff, and arrive on time, in style. Highly recommended! (especially if you need to play the "family car" angle!)
I am thinking of purchasing a Stagea. What sort of fuel economy are people getting? I am not much of a rev head, but I am interested in the Stagea for its value, practical shape and it stands out from the crowd. Is the later NEO engine worth paying a premium for?
In regards to the fuel ecconomy. My rs four on the highway and freeway will get 600k's to a tank. But round town maybe 350 450 depending on how you drive. Don't know bout anyone else, but I hav a lead foot. Can't resist the urge to burn off the unsuspecting commodore or ford owner. The shocked look on their face is priceless.. Overall I think it's pretty good fuel ecconomy for me anyway..
How big is the fuel tank I'm thinking about buying a stagea myself they seem to be hard to come by in Australia. How long does it take to import one.
Thanks regards Karl.
If you check the trading post then you should be able to find one on the online version, they are mostly located around the Sydney area, presumably where they are imported to.
Checkout http://www.autowholesale.com.au/ for stageas in perth australia, they are 1 of 3 importers in Oz currently and offer great service and good prices, highly reccomended!
For more stagea information checkout one of the largest stagea dedicated msg board at http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/index.php?s=af56fac212b6b52c3c509fa418841505&showforum=82.
Stageas are a great car all round, and the only minor downfall is the pretty bad fuel economy figures, of around 400km or so to a 60L tank (rs four auto).
Good luck in the search :)
Hey peoples
I am looking at a Stagea, but the only trouble is that I live in SA so I don't know what would be easier to buy one from overseas or get one in Australia, but I'm not sure what the steps are for bring a car over from another state in Australia what happens if I buy it then can't get it Rego in SA
thank you.
I'm interested in the nissan stagea. Only thing that puts me off is I can't find a manual version. Were they ever available? is a manual conversion possible?
I really need manual to feel the power thru the gears and to make it the ultimate driving experience.
Mate Check out carpoint.com.au They have a few manual stageas in there. The more I research these cars the more I think I need one.
The first model Stagea (1996-98) was auto only, but came in RWD or AWD with a choice of engines from 2 litre naturally aspirated to the 2.6 litre twin turbo out of the Skyline GTR, and several in between (notably the 2.5 litre single turbo, out of the Skyline GTS-T).
The second series (1998 - 2001, the obvious difference is in the headlights) did feature a manual version of the 2.5l turbo).
From 2001 a new shape was released, with a new family of V6 engines, replacing the previous straight 6s, and a 5 speed auto (previously 4-speed) but no manual version.
They all have a great reputation for practicality, handling & reliability, as well as being something a bit different.
For everyone in SA check out Synergy motors on main north rd by Scotties corner.
They have various different levels of trim available, inc leather, but no manuals,, I drove past today (1/6/7) and saw 2 silvers a white and a yellow.. hope this heaps.
Hi guys
I have just bought a 97 rs4V Stagea with 120k in pretty good condition. These cars are virtually unknown here in N.Z. and I paid $5500.Wouldn't that ruin your day. Totally bog stock down to the Tokyo tv.
Good things do come to those who wait.
Kiwi Mick.
Hi! Stagea nuts.
I'm in Auckland and have just bought a 1997 Stagea automatic with a 2.5l Skyline 6cyl motor.
I'm not a rev head either, but was attracted to the good looks plus the space (my previous car was a Volvo - I know you Victorians'll laff at that).
Some questions:
1. I'd like to replace the touch screen, TV cum air con controls on the centre dash console with some functional knobs and buttons (sans TV). Is this possible and from where can I get the bits?
2. I'm keen on a manual (book) about the car that I can actually read (in English) - any advice from where?
Cheers
Norman.