I have an 04 TL Magna ES Wagon..

Going to get it services for the first time in about 2 years soon. Been putting it off for a while, went to Europe so was saving for that for a while.

Anyhow, I was wondering if people have any advice for how people go about servicing. Do you just book it in and let the mechanic do it? Or do you buy parts in advance?

I've already bought air, oil and petrol filters for it. Was wondering if there's anything else you would add on? It's done 113,000 k's and last major service was around 90,000 k's (had a minor since).

I have an 04 TL Magna ES Wagon..

...I brought it down to East Brighton Auto Electric (in Bentleigh East, go figure) for a timing belt replacement. He charged me $420 for a timing belt kit. I am spewing after realising that the cost of the timing belt kit is $170 on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Gates-Timing-Belt-Kit-Mitsubishi-Magna-TH-TJ-TL-3-5L-V6-1999-onward-Express-Post-/380510523185?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589831cf31&_uhb=1

Don't ask me why I didn't think about getting the part myself :nuts:

Would be good to grab any high cost parts before I go in, don't want to be ripped off blind again (oh yes, and going to a different mechanic this time. Good rep).

Many mechanics won't fit parts bought by customers. Check your prospective mechanic allows this.

Many minor services (oil, oil filter, air filter, front bank spark plugs, even rear plugs & fuel filter if you're adventurous) can be done by yourself if you have the space and have basic tools/mechanical knowledge.

For your next service, replace the oil, oil filter and brake fluid as a minimum.
Check the condition of your air filter (should have been replaced at your 90k service), replace if necessary.
Check when your spark plugs were replaced (all should have been replaced at the 90k service), consider replacing your front bank plugs.
Check when your coolant was last replaced (should have been replaced at your 90k service), if it is over either 3 years/45k since, consider replacing it.
Check when your fuel filter was last replaced (it should have been replaced at your 90k service). If it is over 5 years since replacement, consider replacing it.
Consider flushing your transmission fluid also.

Did he replace the plugs, leads, dissy cap and rotor when he did the major service,
what about the power steer, a/c alternator belts,
how are your brake pads when was the last time the front ones were done,
coolant,
trans fluid and fluid and filter?

Have no idea why someone would change leads, dist cap and rotor on 100k service.....

Most mechanics will not fit supplied parts, is the case with us as well.

As for servicing, check your book, is all in there

Oh and our timing belt kits cost $142.50 :)

I was given the car at 90,000 k's by my uncle. He has just done a major service and I can't remember where I put the receipt. Had everything on there that was done.

This is what they've ticked off in the service book:

Replace engine oil and filter
Change engine coolant
Replace spark plugs (conventional type)
Replace air cleaner element
Replace brake fluid

@ammerty: Already plan to do everything you've posted on that list aside from spark plugs. Think that's necessary?

@prowler: Going to have to have a dig around and see if that stuff was done.

@Madmagna: Dad just brought down a $120 window winding motor to Brighton Chrysler who happily whacked it in for him (broke the day after :happy:). I did mention it to the receptionist at the place, she didn't say anything. I'll call and make sure though (if not, I'll just go elsewhere, I don't think a 2.5 times markup on a part is fair in any sense of the word). And (about the timing belt kit) god dammit!!!

That is fine that you understand a cheap part failed. Many don't and then would expect the fitter to fit another for free thus if I don't supply it I don't fit it

No way would leads, cap and button be done, is a little like getting chemo in case you one day get cancer.....ie pointless

@ammerty: Already plan to do everything you've posted on that list aside from spark plugs. Think that's necessary?


If it has been over three years or 45k since replacement of the front bank plugs, yes. From what you've mentioned, the rear bank platinum plugs may not have been replaced - if you find the paperwork, check if this is the case. If they haven't been replaced, replace the lot.

@Madmagna: Exactly, it's a risk and willing to accept that. Well you don't have to fit it under (consumer) law so that shouldn't be a worry. I can see why you would avoid the hassle though.

@ammerty: Thanks, 4 months off front bank replacement then, so might do that. Don't think platinum and surface discharge spark plugs would have been replaced (says every 100k in service manual). Cheers.

Any idea where I can buy them?

This it?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MITSUBISHI-MAGNA-SPARK-PLUGS-TH-TJ-TL-TW-3-5L-V6-3924-/250899700705?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6ac99be1&_uhb=1

burson

This it?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/new-BOSCH-PLATINUM-SPARK-PLUG-set-MAGNA-PAJERO-6G74-RODEO-929-/230862371021?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35c07838cd&_uhb=1

Those should be fine if the listing details are correct, get a part number from the seller and compare against the Bosch online catalogue to make sure.
If you're uncertain, Repco or Supercheap would have something similar on the shelf most likely.

From factory the Magnas have copper front bank, platinum rear bank. Many (including myself) fit platinums all round; many, on the other hand, retain the copper/platinum setup. Either way is suitable.

I use standard plugs all round, only takes 15 minutes to unbolt manifold and change plugs.

No way would leads, cap and button be done, is a little like getting chemo in case you one day get cancer.....ie pointless

Fair call MAl they probably don't need to be replaced but I personally like the idea that I have done all I can to make sure the Plugs do their job properly, bit like a woman getting all dolled up, hair done, make up ect but going out wearing a holey tracksuit. ;)

Serious point - get the mechanic to check a few things under the car - drive shaft boots, steering rack boots, general leaks from engine/gearbox/steering rack, condition of the ball joint and tie rod end boots, condition of the exhaust system, etc.