Hi All
I once owned a Verada sedan long ago, but I am about to buy a 2005 Magna VR wagon- first Magna!

A few questions :
It needs timing belt done in next 5000 or 10000 km- how much is that likely to cost? Possible to DIY?
The remote keys dont work. Owner says its the batteries in remote, but both?- might be something wrong in the car locking mechanism itself?
I dont know much about traction control, when I pressed the button, nothing happened, no indicator light on dash. How can I check it works? Is it an easy cheap fix...or a lot of trouble?

Apart from that it seems a very good car, virtually unmarked inside and out, no leaks, all else working.

Thanks in advance
Gaz

I'll budget $800-$1100 for timing belt and water pump, and labour

With the remote, try programming it again yourself (thread on here i suspect) and if that doesn't work than it'll probably be the battery. If it looks with the key in the door I doubt it'll be the locking mechanism (I may be wrong however)

Mine is meant to come with TC (04" TW VRX) but doesn't have it at all so I can't help you in that department.

Also, I'd get the timing belt done soon rather than later. Just bite the bullet I say, but it's up to you.

inb4; 3.8 conversion possibly?

Welcome! The VR wagon is definitely a nice buy. Plenty of get up!
As for the timing belt service, fordy was bang on. $800-$1100 including genuine water pump is the go!

Thanks for the replies already!

I rang around a few places locally- between $380 and $750 for the belt kit + labour. So maybe thats without the waterpump? Is it best to try for genuine parts, or is there a preferred aftermarket part kit?
I am buying the car Sunday, it will get timing belt done next week! :-)

Gaz

...and of course, any of these costs I will try to negotiate into the price ;-)

Would not waste my money on a genuine pump, they are made by Asian, no better or worse than NPW or GMB

Timing belt kit, if you want to save a few $$ we can supply you with the kit a lot cheaper than most places, just depends if the mechanic is willing to fit it

Only the Auto's came with TCL, being a wagon yours has to be Auto as they did not come in Manual, when you push the bitton the TCL Off light should come on the dash. When you first turn on the ignition all lights (TCL and TCL OFF) should come on a few seconds as a pre check.

The deal may be off now, cant get them to move on price even though I have pointed out some issues not mentioned in their ad. :-(

Also check the rear windows as the seals fail in the wagons. You can check in the recess of the floor at each side for pools of water.