Hello everyone !
I am a new member in my fifties, an ex-Peugeot enthusiast. (Getting tired of the occasional lemon and parts availability dramas). I am an experienced home mechanic who has done a lot of work on Japanese cars and Peugeots from the 1980s. Now very impressed with Magna reliability, quietness on the highway, and availability of parts.

I am trying to select the best Magna for my needs, but have not had time to trawl through all the forum to find out a simple couple of questions :

....Basically I'm wondering which models were best (if any) between 1997 and 2005.
......Were there any Magnas post-1997 which had basic faults ? Anything I should look out for ?
I'm looking for a wagon but cannot afford anything newer than 2005. Any general advice greatly appreciated ! Or maybe just direct me to the answers...

Go for a tj or later series. Preferably series 2 (02+). As far as reliability goes, look out for the gearbox. The 5 speed auto tends to cop it worse so go for a 4 speed auto or a manual is even better. In case of any auto model, install a transmission cooler and external filter. Should keep the dramas at bay.

Keep it clean and the paint well maintained as the clear coat tends to come off with the metallic paint.

All in all the engines are as strong as they make them. Theyre super comfortable and they go hard when you want them to.

If you have enough cash get a verada over a magna. Same car with bonus goodies and they are cheap as chips.

Good luck with the purchase and hopefully a friendly moderator will come along and move this thread to the right place :)

Thanks, Dreggsy. I am in fact looking for an automatic. But I thought they came with an external transmission cooler as a standard fitting ? I once went to a wreckers and took the cooler off a Magna (from the early 90s) to fit to a Peugeot. Perhaps it was a luxury model ?
I've heard that Magnas commonly last to over 350,000 Ks, but I've also seen a few advertised with less than 200 Ks and the seller lists a LOT of work which has been done. For instance this one (though it seems like a great bargain with all these parts replaced) :
.................................................. ............................
Only 131,000 KM
Body is in great condition
Cold Air Conditioning
Stereo with audio input
Entire Service History
Timing belt changed within the last year

Most Recent Services:

17/04/2013: Brake Pads and Oil
24/01/2013: Intermediate exhaust Pipe ($130)
13/08/2012: Muffler, etc ($300)
Sway Bar D Bushes ($130)
CV Boot Clamps ($50)
11/07/2012: Tie Rod Ends ($190)
21/11/2011: New Battery ($150)
18/11/2010: Cooling System Hoses ($300)
Radiator ($400)
Crank Shaft Seal ($200)
Harmonic Balancer ($300)
.................................................. .............................
Some of these service parts seem rather expensive. And why should the crank seal and harmonic balancer need replacing at only 130,000 Ks ? Perhaps this car is not typical.....?

A fairly standard list of repairs needed there. lol
Costs seem OK, prices of parts and labour have gone up a lot in the last 10 years.
Look for a low km car, less than 100,000 km with a service record, if you want a good one.
At 200,000 km they are a lot cheaper, but expect to spend a few weekends with a spanner in your hands to keep it on the road.

Thanks, Dreggsy. I am in fact looking for an automatic. But I thought they came with an external transmission cooler as a standard fitting ? I once went to a wreckers and took the cooler off a Magna (from the early 90s) to fit to a Peugeot. Perhaps it was a luxury model ?
I've heard that Magnas commonly last to over 350,000 Ks, but I've also seen a few advertised with less than 200 Ks and the seller lists a LOT of work which has been done. For instance this one (though it seems like a great bargain with all these parts replaced) :
.................................................. ............................
Only 131,000 KM
Body is in great condition
Cold Air Conditioning
Stereo with audio input
Entire Service History
Timing belt changed within the last year

Most Recent Services:

17/04/2013: Brake Pads and Oil
24/01/2013: Intermediate exhaust Pipe ($130)
13/08/2012: Muffler, etc ($300)
Sway Bar D Bushes ($130)
CV Boot Clamps ($50)
11/07/2012: Tie Rod Ends ($190)
21/11/2011: New Battery ($150)
18/11/2010: Cooling System Hoses ($300)
Radiator ($400)
Crank Shaft Seal ($200)
Harmonic Balancer ($300)
.................................................. .............................
Some of these service parts seem rather expensive. And why should the crank seal and harmonic balancer need replacing at only 130,000 Ks ? Perhaps this car is not typical.....?

External transmission coolers were a standard fitment on all 2nd generation cars from 1992-1996. With the 3rd gen coming out in 96, there was a whole new engine and a whole new gearbox. Just one of those things that they didn't think was necessary. It is.

In the list of parts replaced, it all looks pretty standard. Crank seal is something that is usually done with the timing belt because it is a pain to get to, rather than it actually leaking. They start to harden up somewhere between 100 and 200 thousand k's, so that is to be expected.

Harmonic balancer isn't something usually replaced, probably just a random anomoly. Same with the radiator as magna's aren't typically overheaters unless something has gone pear shaped. Perhaps it was more of a preventative maintenance thing from a previous owner neglecting coolant. Same with the coolant hoses, it's just good practice to replace them after a certain time.

The muffler has an anti-corrosion grounding wire, that has probably come loose somewhere along the line which has rusted out the muffler and intermediate pipe. Shit happens.

Brake pads and oil are just part of the servicing regime. Brake pads should last about 40,000km and oil should be changed every 10 or so if you want to be good (I do mine every 5,000-7,500km).

CV boots break, although it would be worth your while to check them for noise while you're test driving just to make sure the mechanic caught it early. Same with tie rod ends, check em out to make sure there is no damage on the actual tie rod.

Sway bar d bushes are commonly upgraded for best performance from the sway bar, they can also go a bit floppy with time.

The only thing I have left out is the battery. As you would know, they don't last forever. For $150 it sounds like he got a good one.

Sorry my reply is out of order, I just started typing and didn't stop lol.

I would suggest the TW. Despite being the next what people consider to be the ugliest magna. They have a few good things going for them.

Much better headlights over the tj series.
Better steering rack. Better dead center feel. Not a floaty. Better handling.
Rear stabilizer in the sedan. Not sure about the Wagon.
A sorted wave spring. improved gearbox reliability.
4 star an cap. Up from 2.5 in the TJ series . more airbags. Better side intrusion system. I believe they may be stronger around the a pillar. But this needs to be verified . climate control as standard.

There is a VR Wagon that's fitted with the five speed gearbox. It's quicker, but not as fuel efficient as the 4 speed in a standard version.

I agree here. The tw is an awesome car if you can afford it. Much more modern, a lot of though has gone into the design of it to make it more robust. The improved wave spring in the gear box is also a life saver in many cases.

Marty, perhaps you could move this thread somewhere more appropriate? Perhaps 3rd gen tech or general mits chat?

Marty, perhaps you could move this thread somewhere more appropriate? Perhaps 3rd gen tech or general mits chat?
Done! There's more than one forum section so it pays to not just put a thread in the very first section seen.

I agree. tw is the best for an everyday drive, otherwise tj vrx if you want value for money and looks.

The later the model with the least Kms and the highest spec at the cheapest price should be the best buy.

The later the model with the least Kms and the highest spec at the cheapest price should be the best buy.

The best condition example always wins in my book!

And get a white one. No problems with clearcoat peeling.

And get a white one. No problems with clearcoat peeling.

+1 to that.

White looks cool anyway.


http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/mitsubishi-magna-2004-14705795?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=3&eapi=2&__N=1621%204294680280%201246%201252%201247%201282% 204294964597%204294964374%201216&num=15&silo=Stock&sort=default

Thanks to all for your time and interest in advising me. I shall now wait and save some more money to get a lower kilometer one.....perhaps below 100,000. And definitely a light colour, and non-metallic.
In the meantime I shall delve into the forum and soak up some information.


Cheers to all !

As dreggzy said, be sure to search for Veradas as well as Magnas. I might be wrong but I suspect that Veradas are harder to sell because not many buyers would think to search for one. Some wouldn't know what a Verada was if they came across one listed.

A dealer told me that, in the last few years, only 1 in 8 Magnas was a wagon.

Actually TL and TW were 3 star although rate pretty well in used car crash statistics.

http://www.ancap.com.au/results?make=13&model=332&vehicleyear=0

I don't know what your budget is but this is a good example of what you can get in a Verada Wagon.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mill-park/cars-vans-utes/2002-mitsubishi-verada-wagon-sunroof-leather-rwc-long-rego/1017714119

Thanks to all for your time and interest in advising me. I shall now wait and save some more money to get a lower kilometer one.....perhaps below 100,000. And definitely a light colour, and non-metallic.

I wouldn't go that far, a sub-100k km car will need the timing belt done soon (at 100k kms) and that can be fairly expensive job,

Find one about the 120k km mark that has had the major service and you will be good for a long while.

Actually TL and TW were 3 star although rate pretty well in used car crash statistics.

http://www.ancap.com.au/results?make=13&model=332&vehicleyear=0

Thanks. Apologies. I stand corrected.

I have a TW wagon, 4sp auto, bought it 5 yrs ago, v happy with it. Reliable, drives well. One issue is that the factory dual fuel uses a lot more gas than many people on this forum report. I've taken it to numerous gas people who say it's fine. i get about 18-19l/100km. These cars are IMHO much improved by fitting 16" wheels, decent tyres, and AWD or 380 front discs. The original B'stone 15" tyres seemed to be designed purely for long life. Make sure the timing belt has been done, and get the trans serviced. K-mart does a timing belt for about $350. Check the PS fluid, replace all the brake fluid (some owners never do). I fitted Philips +100 headlight bulbs which make for an excellent low beam. Oh, and the std radio is crap, but that's easy to fix. Great car.

Excellent advice from all. I see the logic in it.
BTW, does anyone know offhand when anti-intrusion bars came in ? And at which model/year did they stop fitting the auto transmission oil cooler ?

And Prowler, that Verada wagon is rather impressive. With Traction control ! I'd be looking at.....maybe 8 or 9 litres/100 Km ???

8 or 9 km/100 km is the best you will get out of the 3.5L engine, that would be steady cruising on the open road. Around town, with short trips, more like 14 - 16.
Anti intrusion protection for side doors came in a long time ago, any Magna of any age will have them.
The second Gen TR and TS Magnas had a proper oil cooler for the trans, the third Gen has a simpler setup in the bottom tank of the radiator. Debatable which is better.

Hey Max wasn't the TL the first to get an improve improved Side intrusion system, in addition to other safety upgrades?
I don't think the TL got the better wave spring, but I've never pulled one apart, so I'm only repeating general consensus..

All third generation cars have intrusion bars in the doors. The strength of the body was improved a lot from the TL onwards. Side airbags helped too. This is why they rate better in real world accidents.

Find one about the 120k km mark that has had the major service and you will be good for a long while.

My update :
Well, I bought a beaut I'm very happy with. ...a 2000 model 4-speed auto Solara (which I guess makes it a TJ). It has only 120 Ks on it and the service records to verify that. It's a white wagon. Very well looked after. I intend to install a transmission cooler and external filter as suggested on previous page. Prior to this I shall of course give it the 120K service, which seems to include a complete brake fluid change. The auto transmission oil is Dextron 3 ? I must now buy a workshop manual. Haynes or Gregory ? Any preference, dudes ?

if you were wondering about fuel...
my tw vr wagon (5spd unleaded) around town gets anywhere from 12.5 to 14l/100k,. Driving in grandma mode.

My update :
Well, I bought a beaut I'm very happy with. ...a 2000 model 4-speed auto Solara (which I guess makes it a TJ). It has only 120 Ks on it and the service records to verify that. It's a white wagon. Very well looked after. I intend to install a transmission cooler and external filter as suggested on previous page. Prior to this I shall of course give it the 120K service, which seems to include a complete brake fluid change. The auto transmission oil is Dextron 3 ? I must now buy a workshop manual. Haynes or Gregory ? Any preference, dudes ?

NOTE: **** DO NOT put Dextron 3 in it ****

The auto transmission oil is SP3.

Workshop manual download links are in my signature.

Cheers

Thanks, Karj. I've decided to buy the Penrite oil which is recommended for Magnas. A good investment.

Prior to this I shall of course give it the 120K service


Don't for one minute assume you bought the car with all prior services up to date.
Check that the expensive service has been done - spark plugs, timing belt for example. Check the service records for these items.

I bought a TJ sedan at 111,600 km and a TL wagon at 136,000 km. Neither had the plugs or timing belt done. The TL was also afflicted with leaking rocker cover gaskets and tube seals.

(As above, use the right auto trans fluid.)

8 or 9 km/100 km is the best you will get out of the 3.5L engine, that would be steady cruising on the open road. Around town, with short trips, more like 14 - 16.


I just did a long trip in my TJ II 4sp auto from Frankston to Dubbo (906km). Got there on one tank, worked out to 7.5 L/100km.

I just did a long trip in my TJ II 4sp auto from Frankston to Dubbo (906km). Got there on one tank, worked out to 7.5 L/100km.

O.o 900 to a tank?

Best, BEST, I ever saw in my Magna was 600km to a tank - until fuel light on. Not sure how you managed that 900km effort.

O.o 900 to a tank?

Best, BEST, I ever saw in my Magna was 600km to a tank - until fuel light on. Not sure how you managed that 900km effort.

From what I've heard people say on AMC, the later 3rd gens are a fair bit better on fuel than the earlier 3rd gens.

Even on long trips, I can't get anywhere near 900 from one tank in my KF... and I drive like a granny lol

Even on long trips, I can't get anywhere near 900 from one tank in my KF... and I drive like a granny lol

When I drive like a granny I can barely get 550 from a tank in my TE.

I reckon if I drove at 90km/h instead of 110km/h I would get over 1000km from a tank. Once past Dubbo it gets a bit hilly so consumption goes upto 8L/100KM.

Driving around the south east suburbs of Melbourne I can get it under 10L/100km, but that is driving really carefully trying not to use brakes unless nessacerry. Normally I get around 11L/100km or more if I've been in a hurry.

... and I drive like a granny lol

Oh, there... right there, THAT's where I'm going wrong.

How "granny" is your granny but man?!?

Best, BEST, I ever saw in my Magna was 600km to a tank - until fuel light on. Not sure how you managed that 900km effort.

Is this in the AWD? I could see 600km being the high end on a four paw, but I see 600km pretty regularly out of my TJ1 Advance.

Is this in the AWD? I could see 600km being the high end on a four paw, but I see 600km pretty regularly out of my TJ1 Advance.

That was in the TJ Magna - 4spd Auto - on a highway drive.

The AWD? I haven't done a long drive yet. My mundane drive to/from work yields 380 to 420 before the fuel light comes on. It was actually getting better, but I disconnected the battery a while ago and the fuel economy took a big hit.

I drive like a granny who had her estrogen switched with Ritalin; sedate and civil.... just a little quick off the line and assertive.

My daughter regularly drives my TJ between Waikerie and Adelaide. Last time I looked it was on 8.8 L/100 km. Pretty impressive to me anyway. No idea about the speed she does though.

Gone up since then, seeing I'm driving it around town. Just put a new exhaust on (rusty pipes), now quiet as anything, wonder what that will do to the fuel consumption?

My KH will do 7.5 just after a service and when driven sedately at hwy conditions.
Goes as high as 10.8 average city cycle or even 11.5 if i drive it, lol.
KL does an average 12.5 city/combined hwy cycle but if using air-con will typically climb to 12.8.