Likes
- A unique performance car yet totally practical
- Huge potential for tuning, especially turbo models
- Cared for examples are showing excellent reliability
- Great community of fans and owners
Chances are that if you’re tyre-kicking Stageas, you’re already reasonably versed on the topic. But many looking for a neat mid-sized wagon out of left field, particularly the late-gen M35 “Volvo-looking thing” occasionally spotted on the road, here’s what it is. And, for any interested parties, it’s worth seeing how they’ve aged and how they might fare today as cut-priced premium family hauler or enthusiast toy.
Nissan’s Stagea, launched in 1996 and surviving just 11 years, is a bona-fide petrolhead cult car and a tale of two halves. Its first WC34 generation (1996-2001) minted its legend, a sports wagon technically amalgamating the humble Laurel with the heroic Skyline with which it shared powertrain DNA, including the GT-R-ified Autech version. Conceived in Japan’s so-called Great Turbo Era, the WC34 offers much to unpack…perhaps for another time.
Here in overview is the second-generation M35. It arrived, in 2001, at the dawn of a huge technical shift for the Japanese carmaker, boasting the then-new FR chassis architecture and VQ engine family that been used by Nissan and Infiniti ever since, including 350Z/370Z and R35 GT-R.
Tamer, arguably more mature, more European, the M35 Stagea, like its predecessor, was a Japanese domestic offering, slipping into other markets in scant numbers via the grey import route. It survived just six years before the nameplate was put to pasture.
At launch, the gen-two Stagea mirrored changes found elsewhere in Nissan’s line-up. It was more solid and measurably more refined than its forebear, not to mention larger and roomier as well. And while both generations of the wagon offered mild to nicely warmed-over variants, the M35 brought a stronger sense of luxury and innate comfort right throughout its range. But unlike gen one’s (GT-R-powered) 260RS Autech Version, a proper fire-breathing high-performer never found its way into the ranks.
Despite being a sole model on a limited lifecycle, the M35 Stagea spurned a dizzying array of variants. Turbo and non-turbo engines, rear- and all-wheel drive, high- and low-riding guises… wading through it appears complicated, until you break down some fundamentals that limit Aussie buyer choice in availability…
The M35 was split into two series. Series 1 (2001-2004) offered both (one) turbo and (three) naturally aspirated engines. Of these four, two engine choices – the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre VQ25DD and 3.0-litre VQ30DD engines – are ineligible for Aussie import compliance. No foul – these are the bread and butter options.
Instead, Aussies get the nicer stuff, notably the turbocharged 2.5-litre VQ25DET petrol V6 outputting 208kW (or 206kW as quoted in some literature) and 407Nm. Torquey and driveable, it’s considered by many as the pick of the M35 Stagea crop.
The other available engine is the naturally aspirated high-revving VQ35DE petrol V6, with an advertised 208kW peak to comply with Japan’s ‘gentlemen’s agreed’ power cap and bringing 353Nm. But, as the ‘350Z’ engine, it was pitched as the flagship choice in the 350S Autech Axis version.
The ‘early’ turbo M35 Stageas, all AWD, are quite prolific in Oz. Choices include the regular 250T RS Four V model and a version with Nissan’s Hicas four-wheel steering system, as well as a 250T RX Four with improved niceties such as dual-zone climate and high-grade audio.
For a bit of European soft-riding vibe, Series I brought the ride-jacked 2.5-turbo-powered AR-X Four, complete with greyed out plastic over fenders and specific 18-inch wheels.
Then Series II arrived, in August 2004, with Nissan dropping turbocharging from the range completely.
There were five core models to the latter-day line-up and ineligible for import are the 250RX variants with their humble naturally aspirated 158kW 2.5L V6s.
Aussies do get access to a fresh-badged 350RX and 350RX Four – rear and all-drive respectively – using the VQ35DE, though power was pegged at 200kW. And the high-riding AR-X Four returned, albeit with turbocharging ditched in favour of similarly neutered 200kW 3.5-litre natural aspiration.
Meanwhile, the fancy Axis by Autech package, with specific styling, suspension and 18-inch wheels, can be had in turbo AWD or with 3.5L N/A motivation in a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. A unicorn six-speed manual version of the Axis was offered for just one year (2003-2004) and is ineligible for import – all available Stageas in Oz will have five-speed automatic transmissions.
What do you need to look out for when shopping for an M35 Stagea? Let’s find out…
Well before we answer that, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be mentioned.
It’s important to know that being an import, it can be something of a gamble when it comes to the car’s history. Some importers are fastidious and genuinely do their best to source the most perfect examples they can but, there are some dodgy operators out there so make sure you do your homework not only on the car itself, but on the person selling it to you.
But if you’ve found a Stagea that mechanically checks out, that has a great service history and an owner that, to the best of your knowledge, is honest and telling the truth, then yes, 100% you should buy a Stagea.
The Stagea is incredibly practical, super comfy, easy yet very interesting to drive, it’s genuinely fast, it’s fun through the corners and with all wheel drive is relatively safe, it looks funky, quirky and almost European or Scandinavian yet it was built in Japan so the build quality should be excellent and as many of its parts are shared across other Nissan models, it hopefully won’t cost a fortune to maintain and finally at the prices the Stagea are currently asking, these are an absolute bargain, and those prices will most likely only increase.
Yes the Stagea can guzzle petrol at an alarming rate and it’s by no means perfect but there are very few other cars available for this sort of money, that can
Well before we answer that, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be mentioned.
It’s important to know that being an import, it can be something of a gamble when it comes to the car’s history. Some importers are fastidious and genuinely do their best to source the most perfect examples they can but, there are some dodgy operators out there so make sure you do your homework not only on the car itself, but on the person selling it to you.
But if you’ve found a Stagea that mechanically checks out, that has a great service history and an owner that, to the best of your knowledge, is honest and telling the truth, then yes, 100% you should buy a Stagea.
The Stagea is incredibly practical, super comfy, easy yet very interesting to drive, it’s genuinely fast, it’s fun through the corners and with all wheel drive is relatively safe, it looks funky, quirky and almost European or Scandinavian yet it was built in Japan so the build quality should be excellent and as many of its parts are shared across other Nissan models, it hopefully won’t cost a fortune to maintain and finally at the prices the Stagea are currently asking, these are an absolute bargain, and those prices will most likely only increase.
Yes the Stagea can guzzle petrol at an alarming rate and it’s by no means perfect but there are very few other cars available for this sort of money, that can do what a Stagea does.
Well before we answer that, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be mentioned.
It’s important to know that being an import, it can be something of a gamble when it comes to the car’s history. Some importers are fastidious and genuinely do their best to source the most perfect examples they can but, there are some dodgy operators out there so make sure you do your homework not only on the car itself, but on the person selling it to you.
But if you’ve found a Stagea that mechanically checks out, that has a great service history and an owner that, to the best of your knowledge, is honest and telling the truth, then yes, 100% you should buy a Stagea.
The Stagea is incredibly practical, super comfy, easy yet very interesting to drive, it’s genuinely fast, it’s fun through the corners and with all wheel drive is relatively safe, it looks funky, quirky and almost European or Scandinavian yet it was built in Japan so the build quality should be excellent and as many of its parts are shared across other Nissan models, it hopefully won’t cost a fortune to maintain and finally at the prices the Stagea are currently asking, these are an absolute bargain, and those prices will most likely only increase.
Yes the Stagea can guzzle petrol at an alarming rate and it’s by no means perfect but there are very few other cars available for this sort of money, that can do what a Stagea does.
Body Style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Fuel Consumption:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Kerb Weight:
Body Style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Fuel Consumption:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Kerb Weight:
Body Style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Fuel Consumption:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Kerb Weight:
Warranty:
As this vehicle wasn’t imported by Nissan Australia, it is classed as a grey import and therefore usually came with no warranty or unofficial warranties offered by JDM importers.
Servicing:
12 months or 10,000km
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of January 14, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
You are the best, the content in your videos is so helpful, delivered in a great way. Please keep going as for sure you are unique in every way. All the best from Guatemala
L. G. - YouTube
You guys have truly found something wonderful… Loved this channel ever since from the beginning… Will support you guys as long as you guys keep making these wonderful car reviews…
Calvin - YouTube
This is probably the best channel I have ever seen when reviewing vehicles. New or old. The honesty is so appreciated. I’ve been a mechanic for 20 years and I find it very informative when looking for a vehicle for my daughter. Keep up the awesome work.
Jason T. - YouTube
© 2025 ReDriven All Rights Reserved