Looking at replacing my TJ Advance with a Verada (KL or KW). Any advice will be welcomed. Not sure whether to go for GTVI or AWD. If I understand correctly, the GTVi has sporty suspension and better brakes. What about the suspension and brakes on the AWD?

My TJ had wave spring go at about 50 000km and this is an issue I want to avoid. Which of the Veradas don't have this issue? Is AWD transmission stronger than FWDs? I fitted a transmission cooler to my TJ and am wondering if AWD will need a cooler.
I assume Xi has softer suspension. Is this is correct? I am leaning away from Xi, because my car has stiffer springs, Boge, sway bar, strut brace etc. Also concerned about performance of AWD compared to mine...AWD more weight and few kW less. Maybe AWD GTV is the go, but hard to find.
Look forward to comments. John

Hi John,

AFAIK, the only Magnas/Veradas with "better" brakes were the AWD and Ralliart. I don't think there's any difference between FWD GTVI and other FWD models.

AWD is probably a bit slower in a straight line in the dry, but water on the road makes NO difference and it then becomes faster than almost any FWD or RWD :D
IMO the performance tradeoff from the AWD is worth it - the stability and balance is impressive.
But then factor in increased fuel costs and if you prefer a manual, there's no factory manual AWD and custom manual conversion costs a bit.

Is a 380 in your budget? This should avoid wavespring and maybe trans cooler issues.

Man, I own and AWD Sports now but used to own a TL GTVi... I miss my GTVi!! I genuinely liked that car.

The AWD, like all Magna's, needs a transmission cooler. Standard Magna brakes are reasonable and with the right pads and fluid they can be pretty damn good. You're only $250-$350 away from a 380 brake upgrade anyway. Cant stress enough that a bigger/better rear sway bar should be the No. 1 suspension upgrade on any Magna. Strut brace yields questionable benefits aside from looking kinda cool.

The additional weight from an AWD isnt much more than a high spec' FWD Magna. Its the drive train loss that makes them feel sluggish. Weight reduction can be made pretty easily on the AWD anyway. Pretty sure mine is at least 20kg lighter than standard now and that's without emptying the boot. The AWD will always feel a little lifeless, but its the price you pay for the extra grip. Having said that the AWD system isnt going to deliver miraculous grip on every corner.

I to have had a 4spd auto die on me, but I'm almost convinced because I serviced it incorrectly. Hence why I always have my transmissions serviced by a specialist now.

Everyone harps on about wave springs, why is this, it is because is about the only term known about transmissions. Wave springs are NOT the only issue and often lack of proper serving is the issue as they are a lot of box in a compact case and they do run very hot. Service the trans, put a filter and cooler kit on it and provided it has been looked after in the past then should be ok. Even if it does go, so what, get another one. So many cars have trans issues, do you really think that transmission shops stay open just to service Mits transmissions.

AWD v FWD, drive both and make up your own mind. AWD is much more stable but is a bit sluggish. FWD is pert but will not handle as well.

Issues, aside from a transfer case, tail shaft and rear diff, are both pretty much the same car, trans in AWD is pretty much the same as FWD except for where the trans case bolts on of course.

You don't have to choose between AWG & GTVi - you can have both in the same car: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Verada-2004/SSE-AD-2425166/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1
IIRC, like the Magna VRXs these have a firmer, lower suspension than std (~2cm). In any event Australian Magna Club members can get a set of Lovell's springs for 1/2 price (see: http://www.lovellsauto.com.au/dist.php?d=9), or $186 plus shipping. Fitting's extra, of course.
Definitely fit a transmission cooler. See my 'how to' at: http://www.4shared.com/office/Bsu_uonN/TW_VR-X_AWD_Transmission_Oil_C.html.
A set of HM headers will also boost performance. See: http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71053&p=1596077&viewfull=1#post1596077

Oggy, Skapper and Mal,
Thanks for the input. Have thought of getting a 380, but don't see the benefit of spending the extra dollars (they just don't grab me....maybe should check them out). Model year etc is not important to me. I am OK with Auto. It is just that Veradas are such good value right now. Gtvi and AWD can be had for amazing prices, it is just a case of deciding which will suit me best and then taking my time to find a good one.

Skapper would be keen to hear why you felt the Gtvi was so good. I do all the maintenance myself and sometimes think Gtvi with less maintenance is better option (also nippier, better on fuel and tyres).

Mal, I understand wave spring is but one aspect of autos, however, if I can get a model where it is not an issue, so much the better. Was more robust spring introduced in later models (KL/KW)?

I would definitely fit a cooler again. Have not considered a filter. Use only Mitsubishi fluid and change it regularly.

Cheers, John

Prices for the luxo-spec 380s are crazy cheap at the moment. I would definitely drive one before committing to a KL or KW. No wave-spring issue on them either.

Prices for the luxo-spec 380s are crazy cheap at the moment. I would definitely drive one before committing to a KL or KW. No wave-spring issue on them either.
AFAIK, there is no "wave-spring issue" on the KL or KW. All the posts I've seen about that issue seem to relate to the TJ/KJ Magnas/Veradas.

...Skapper would be keen to hear why you felt the Gtvi was so good....Cheers, John

I like the features the GTVi had; leather seats and so on. The general feel of the car was what I liked most. Performance wise it was quicker off the line than my AWD, and that traction/trace control was pretty good. The TL style grew on me.

The AWD kinda just feels like a fluffed up exec' - but it's still a good starting point. Blank slate sort of thing. The AWD system is something I don't think I could go without now that I've gotten used to it.

If I had to buy another Magna I'd be chasing an AWD TL/TW VRX.