Still keen on another 3rd gen and hope someone can provide definite answers.

Which 3rd gens have the strong wave spring?
Is auto fitted to AWD same as FWD, if different does this mean wave spring failure is unlikely?

Hope to get some useful info to help with my decision making.

You want to buy a Magna based just on the type of wave spring used? OK, I'd guess a TW would suit you.

Does that mean the TWs all have the better quality wave spring?? Having had a wave spring go on a good car, I do not want to go through this again.

You can swap out the wave spring as a preventative measure.
A few members here including myself have done so and everyone has been happy since they all came out broken. For one member it broke in his hands when he was looking at it.