Hi guys,

I'm looking at buying a TN Elite wagon, anything in particular I should look for in terms of known issues/regular faults?

I've done a bit of research (google) and can't really find much outside of early vehicles having dodgy auto transmissions and rust.

Outside of the above is there anything else to look for? How do the electrics hold up on these cars given the age?

Cheers,

Marsh

Hi Mash85, I know they had problems with the TM model but I think it pretty well fixed for the TN-TP, auto trans I'm talking about , I don't think they had to much of a problem with rust, in doors mainly. Electrics, maybe some other member can help there

TN elite has the usual first gen magna faults listed in this forum

the wagon is the best handling platform you can have -in its class and good to tow with

that model has climate control with the air con system
the cruz has never been a problem in the first gen range
all electrics are quite sound for the age of the car

be aware of these things

hard to find steering wheels with the controls also the factory radio
and digi dash senders are hard to find it has special oil pressure /speedo and petrol senders
metalic paints on the Elites do fade once the clear coat has been compromised

you must use the mitsubishi tranny oil fluid for this box
take care of the auto service once a year and filter
after about 250,000 -300,000km they get tired (time for a rebuild )
Some of the TN auto have a fault with the torque converter to oil pump bush -- that tranny has the round plug connection ...and they are gettting harder to find

fitting a TP auto- is well worth doing - it just requires a TP tranny computer and a wiring change in the engine bay (gearbox just bolts in )

That's awesome, thanks Magna buff! Much appreciated.

It seems these cars hold up pretty well compared to the Fords and Holden's that were manufactured in Australia at the same time

I've had a TP Elite wagon for about 18 years now....she's been a good old beast. Most things you need can be sorted out one way or another. The fuel senders are a bit dodgy for the digi dash,got mine rewound and it's good. Tailgate struts are easy to get remade..these cars were made in an era where things were able to be maintained,so you can do most things at home with a bit of info from this forum and basic tools. I look after my old beast,it's my daily transport so it gets what it needs when it needs it. All the info above is spot on in my book,these guys know their old Magnas! I've rebuilt the engine,trans,done cv joints,ball joints and struts...not much else left that's original after all that! Be aware of worn engine mounts and the chain wear and rattles at idle,the timing and balance chains and guides do wear out. I fitted a later TR engine that has improved guides and a ratchet type adjuster and it's been very good. All in all,they are no performance machine,not too flash on fuel around town,but they are an honest,solid old thing that still does the job very well !! I even bought an iphone adapter that's fits into the antennae cable,tune the appropriate frequency,plug your phone in and it gets charged while you play tunes from you phone.....not bad for an old 80's era cassette deck.....Like the rest of the car the old radio just keeps going....that's one more thing,the TN Elite had a digital display radio,they can fail sometimes...Hope all that helps. Cheers.

Thanks tpwagon! This will be my daily so good to know I should be able to sort out most stuff myself

written 2009
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-car-review-mitsubishi-magna-tn-1987-1989-13310#.U7KYbZSSzDs

you wouldnt want to pay more that $1200 - for it with rego and safety

there is no longer a red book value for them ..insurance wise

they are crushing the first gens in every state ..

current prices to compare

TN elite sedan $ 3500 and only 60,000 kms is way over the top
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/liverpool/cars-vans-utes/magna-tn-elite-60000kms/1043391627

this is a TP wagon carby auto with 300000 km at $1900 should be $800

1990 Mitsubishi Magna Sedan Auto carby 170000 ks $850.00 2 mths rego

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1991-Mitsubishi-Magna-TP-GLX-White-4sp-A-Wagon-/190899868340?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item2c7284d2b4&_uhb=1

this is a Rare GT TP elante for $2500-- think 2000 is the price for what it is

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/north-adelaide/cars-vans-utes/rare-tp-magna-elante-gt-/1050511509

Thanks again Magna Buff! I'm going to look at it on Saturday, I'll keep you posted.

As a side note, how much are you guys paying on insurance annually?

Qld only went third party theft and fire (no cover for own car ) $25/ a month no excess because of my age

worth shopping around for sure

depends on age for excess - to pay for any claim made

Not sure what Victoria has -- with insurance packages . but when you go comprehensive-- the car will only pay out to current market value or agreed price

Yeah, looks like its about the same down here, anywhere from about $25 to $30 for third party fire and theft.

Doubt I would go full comp, in this price range it's just not really worth it.

Thanks again for your help!

if you go ahead
the Active First genner owners in this forum can help you with anything

they are be a great car if well maintained

how did it look ?

looked great...so good even I left a deposit and bought it :-)

it doesn't have any rego, so I've got to organise a permit to get it back home. Hopefully ill have it within the next few days. But yeah, its in great nick. One owner, full history, its clearly been looked after.

Pics to come once I've got it home :-)

Thanks for your help thus far, I'll no doubt have lots more questions once I've got my hands on it lol

a permit or a car trailer

this is a good start for you

I would put a change of coolant and oil at the top of your "to do" list once you have it home.
(Unless up to date on the service history)

organised the permit today, picking it up after work tomorrow :-)