I have been happy with my Magna TL which I have had for about 7 years now so am looking for a 380. Are there any inherent problems, issues etc, I would prefer LPG and/or a manual but it isn't a prerequisite. Any advice would be appreciated.

There's one available in Tasmania . . .

Usual thing with buying second hand, go for low km, service history, tidy interior, look for options you want like leather. Check condition of tyres and fluids, clear trans oil, no corrosion in cooling system, etc.

Above 150,000 km look at exhaust system and oil leaks form engine/trans/steering rack/power steering pump/rocker cover gaskets, see if driveshaft and steering rack boots are undamaged, no blue smoke from exhaust, condition of interior, functioning of heating and cooling, abnormal tyre wear, shift quality if auto, clutch for slipping if manual, etc.

If buying private, check the value of your TL as a private sale, ask yourself if the change over price is worth it, then consult your bank balance if it is viable financially. ((lol ??))

Thanks but I am after more information related specifically to Mitsubishi 380 issues etc, so far I know about the power windows but more info on other issued would help. I am keeping the TL that will be the wife's car.

I've had my 05 380 VRX series 1 since early 2012 (second owner), replaced rear window regs (as you've mentioned) indicator stalk common problem (Mitsifix MadMagna helped with these), have a ticking noise from engine done 83,000km's mentioned by others on the forum regarding canister purge valve replacement/Emission Control Valve or type of engine oil used as a possible fix. Other than the problems mentioned 380 drives like a dream for me and very happy with my purchase, Love That Car.

Window regulator failure is the only common 380 problem I know of.
Other than tiny little things like the screw hole tabs that hold the front edges of the front seat plastic surrounds often crack through. Easy repair with a small washer and some super glue.
I've had my 2005 model for nearly five years now, and the one and only 'failure' I've had was the thermostat conked around the 120,000k mark.
Spark plug tube seals and rocker cover gaskets can start leaking around the 150,000k mark, but from my experience not as badly as 3rd gen Magnas.
Although mine is a manual, it seems that a regular complete flush of the auto trans fluid is a good idea. And fitting an auto trans cooler, especially if you do a bit of towing.
Last but not least, it's important you have a healthy battery, as the ECU and other systems start misbehaving if the battery is weak or dodgy.
Edit - Jazzy beat me to it - forgot to mention the purge valve often fails and starts to make a loud ticking noise. Only fix is to replace it with a new one, around $70 from the dealer and a very easy DIY job.

I’m not really aware of any major issues or problems which affect the 380.

I’ve owned my Series 2 GT since late December last year. So far, I haven’t experienced any mechanical problems at all. Aside from normal servicing, I’ve replaced the emissions control valve and changed the oil to a quality Penrite blend get rid of a ticking noise at idle. My front sway-bar bushes also need replacing soonish.

That’s pretty much it. Some have had trouble with dodgy window regulators but mine have been fine.

Bought my 05 GT in 2009. The only mechanical issues have been 2 window regs and indicator stalk (replaced under warranty)
My paint has been an issue though. I have resprayed bonnet and roof and am getting bootlid redone soon with clearcoat failure

Sunroof creaks going over humps and bumps. Otherwise a great car
380's also wont tolerate poor batteries

I've seen a lot of them for sale where the side airbag cover has come away from the driver's side seat fabric and it looks terrible. Is that an easy fix?

Thanks but I am after more information related specifically to Mitsubishi 380 issues


ok then. lol I was thinking more along the lines of what to check if you go shopping for one.

Have a good read through all the 380 threads and you soon see what problems people have.

Are people forgetting about the indicator stalk issues? Or is that not that common?

Bought my 05 GT in 2009. The only mechanical issues have been 2 window regs and indicator stalk (replaced under warranty)
My paint has been an issue though. I have resprayed bonnet and roof and am getting bootlid redone soon with clearcoat failure

Sunroof creaks going over humps and bumps. Otherwise a great car
380's also wont tolerate poor batteries

My bad

Are people forgetting about the indicator stalk issues? Or is that not that common?

What's the issue with the indicator stalk?

I've had both my rear window regs go on me, other than that she's been great.

In my case indicators became erratic then lights would flicker. Dealer didnt query it when I took it in. 10 mins to replace and new one has much better feel

Replacement indicator stalk seems like a better quality unit - has a slightly different feel. Not overly expensive new.

Our 2007 380 GT also had a dodgy wheel bearing that took a while to track down.

No window problems yet.......

Also replaced front sway bar bushes at 65000km. Common issue. Less then $10 each but a fiddle to change.

Other common issue is automatic transmission backlights (around auto lever).

Ours is running better then it ever has. Happy overall but was not that pleased with the local dealer. Out of warranty so don't have to go near them now.

Leather is a bit hard and uncomfortable. Go with cloth is my advice. Leather is overrated (my humble opinion).

Indicator stalk is common to the 380 and Lancer, as well as other Mitsu models. Simply plugs into the side of the steering column.
They can be a problem with indicators being eratic, head light switch malfunction. About $200 new.

Indicator stalk is common to the 380 and Lancer, as well as other Mitsu models. Simply plugs into the side of the steering column.
They can be a problem with indicators being eratic, head light switch malfunction. About $200 new.

$285 if you get it from Mitsubishi but $135 if you get one from me, still genuine new unit. Even some dealers purchase them from me as I get them directly from Japan

Main issues are regs and no so common stalk

One more thing.


Series 1 and 2 VR-X and GTs have dangerously invisible rear indicators. Design fault but worth knowing...... Probably shouldn't have been givens ADR approval?

One more thing.


Series 1 and 2 VR-X and GTs have dangerously invisible rear indicators. Design fault but worth knowing...... Probably shouldn't have been givens ADR approval?

Mine doesnt anymore. Best mod I did

I'm with chrisv on that one best change over mod for rear clear tail lights cheaper than Galant Ralliart tails (although they look really cool) from the States and better side illumination in reverse for tight drive ways fences etc.

I have been happy with my Magna TL which I have had for about 7 years now so am looking for a 380. Are there any inherent problems, issues etc, I would prefer LPG and/or a manual but it isn't a prerequisite. Any advice would be appreciated.

I've had my 2005 380 VRX since Dec. 2008 and the only item that I've had to change is the battery, not too bad, 4.5yrs of trouble free motoring. (bought the beast with 59K and now have 90K on it so I guess the low kms have helped)

Haven't had any issued yet with the windows.

The tappet noise on a cold startup is really the only problem which doesn't worry me as it's quite common with Mitsubishi engines, even my fathers aurion has a little tappen noise on very cold mornings.

Try and get one with under 120,000kms on the clock, safer buying and check the service history; if the engine oil hasn't been changed regularly enough, it might be a worry. lol

Thanks all appreciate the advice!

I have a choice between two and would like opinions/ideas . I have found a 2006 380 DB series 2 SX with 65,000km, receipts but incomplete logs 1 owner, tint, towbar immaculate for $8700 or a 2007 380GT 129,000 km, full log book good condition especially inside but has had a rear bar repair at some stage (barely noticeable) for $7950. what would you buy?

I would go the GT but then I am biased
I assume it has all the GT bits, leather plus sunroof?

If it the logbook is missing but there's receipts, I wouldn't be concerned.

I'd be taking the GT. Again, I might be biased, but yeah....

I would go the GT but then I am biased
I assume it has all the GT bits, leather plus sunroof?

All the GT bits but no sunroof

Something less to go wrong
After a while you dont use it much
All the GT bits but no sunroof

I would definitely go the GT if you prefer the extra luxury bits. kms are nothing to worry about on both cars, still plenty life in them if they've been serviced.

Had my GT for 5 years. Still drives like new. Interior holding up well. Leather is very tough but not that comfortable (hard). I actually prefer the cloth seats as my dad has a VRX. Just my opinion.

Great car. Just expect the odd window (easy to DIY) and always have a decent battery - 600cca. Not much else goes wrong unlike our Hyundai i40. Don't buy one of those!

Definitely agree about the battery.

Well I bought the 2006 SX today, absolutely immaculate car 1 owner FULL logbooks receipts and garaged from new. Great car, the GT was cheap as well and almost bought a 5 speed manual 2006 es with 71,000km on it If anyone in QLD is after one it is $7990 on Car Sales.com.

I have a choice between two and would like opinions/ideas . I have found a 2006 380 DB series 2 SX with 65,000km, receipts but incomplete logs 1 owner, tint, towbar immaculate for $8700 or a 2007 380GT 129,000 km, full log book good condition especially inside but has had a rear bar repair at some stage (barely noticeable) for $7950. what would you buy?

Great buy. Congrats. What do you think of it compared to your Magna?

Great buy. Congrats. What do you think of it compared to your Magna?

Thanks, better brakes, cruises better(tall gears maybe) more refined inside , worse rear vsion though. Overall a step up from the magna and I rate the Tl magna a great car way ahead of the holden & ford brigade in that era. The manual was great fun to drive I drove some Bf Mk11 Falcons & an Fg even a Ve Commodore (for laughs) what a piece of garbage the commodore is. The Fg was a nice car to drive but overall the 380 was my pick and I am happy.