Hey guys,

I've just gotten my red P's and have saved up enough to finally buy my first car, just wanted some advice from you folks.

I've been looking non-stop for a LPG-fitted (~100kms to/from work + uni $$$) 3rd gen Magna/Verada and am having tough luck finding the right one.

I'm currently looking at a 2002 Verada with 220k kms on the clock and was wondering if the mileage is something to be wary of. I am mainly worried about the 5 speed auto tranny as I'd imagine that after this many kms on the road, it'll probably need some attention soon -- is there anything I can look for?

Whilst I may have read quite a bit about cars, I'm much too inexperienced to be able to identify or even look for issues -- would a pre-purchase car inspection be enough to provide me peace of mind?

I've asked about the timing belt and it was apparently done a few months back by the previous owner -- so that's at least one of my worries gone.

I'm planning on keep the car for around 3 years (till I get my fulls, or at least till I'm on my green so I can switch to a stick) and will probably be driving 20-25k kms per year.

Thanks,

EDIT:

Any recommendations for mechanics around northern Sydney (where the car is located -- Marsfield to be exact) to inspect the car? Somebody that could put me at ease with my biggest expenditure yet.

You are taking a risk at such high km, but as a young bloke looking at the low end of the car market, and no mechanical skills, you are leaving yourself wide open to some expensive bills. But as long as you have the spare cash to fix any problems that crop up, I'd say go for it! We all started off like that. It's a good way to learn.

it'll probably need some attention soon -- is there anything I can look for?

I've asked about the timing belt and it was apparently done a few months back by the previous owner -- so that's at least one of my worries gone.


Look for drive shaft and steering rack boots split, oil leaks from the rocker cover gaskets, general oil leaks, how clean the engine oil, transmission oil and coolant are.
As for the cam belt - any evidence it has been changed? sticker on the engine, receipt for the purchase of the belt? Any service records at all?
I'd be wary of the owner saying the belt has been done, it might be a little lie on his part in order to sell the car!

Definitely get it inspected. With a 13 year old car and 220,000 km on it, current condition and past service history is everything.

As you are planning to do high km in the car I'd go for something younger, to be honest.

Certainly would be wary about timing belt without any proof, best prices to fit one with new water pump and tensioner will be $800 - $1000 so keep that in mind. I would get it inspected. If all good then I reckon you will be ok, I have a TL wagon with over 250,000k's and it drives very well as it has been looked after.

Yep what Barry said ... Get it inspected , check timing belt , auto , rest of stuff will be noted on the rwc , still plenty of life left in her.

Thank you very much for the input guys, really appreciate it.

The seller's told he had the service logbook -- hopefully the timing belt (+ water pump and the lot) has been done and is noted in it.

I'm definitely going to get the car inspected by a qualified mechanic, I'm just not sure whether or not the I'll be able to check the things that can't really be seen mechanically (i.e. the transmission). Any advice on how I should approach checking the transmission? I guess I could ask the mechanic to have a look for me ...

Will the RWC/pre-purchase inspection catch most of the potential issues with the car? Do I need to tell him to look at specific things?

In regards to checking the drive shaft and steering rack boots, I'm guessing those are things that will require a hoist and that I should leave to the mechanic?

Any averages for the 5-speed auto's lifespan?

Cheers,

My 2003 Verada has 203,000km on it and people are surprised by how smooth and well it drives

Just ask the mechanic for a thorough pre-purchase inspection. They do these for a living and 99% chance its not their first Magna/Verada. Take it to a Mitsubishi dealer if you're concerned with a mechanic not being versed with Magnas/Veradas.

My TJ sedan has 267k on it and drives like it has half the mileage (and better than when I bought it at 179k), as does my TJ2 wagon with 222k.
The key is regular maintenance and replacing what needs to be replaced.
I believe the sedan is on its original transmission, and the wagon had its one reconditioned at 167k, though both are 4-speeds, which are also known to fail from similar gearbox issues.


Theres not much you can check regarding the transmission without pulling it apart. Check the fluid for colour, smell and consistency (should be red, not smell burnt and have no particles in it); check for smooth gearchanges, if it harshly jolts into any gear, including reverse, steer clear.
Short of draining the transmission oil or something showing on the dipstick, a broken wavespring isn't really evident by basic visual inspections, and its not the only issue with these boxes (planetary gear failure, oil pump failure, etc.)

The longevity of the F4A51 and F5A51 gearboxes relies as much on maintenance as it does on chance.

Because I'm restoring an admittedly almost 10 years older magna, as I'm stripping it down I'm finding rust spots that a cursory examination missed. I'd be concerned about signs of collision damage repairs, rust spots and dodgy resprays. (n 3 years a 'look ok now' because of a coverup 'repair') can very well become a major headache. Particularly if you're planning to resell.

I wouldn't be concerned about the Kms. I bought my TH magna in 2005 with 240,000 on the odometer. Still going strong at over 450,000. I've just had regular services done, I'm on the third timing belt which was done about 18 months ago.

Things that have failed on mine over the last 9 years:

Heater core - replaced by Mal (2012).
Drivers side window motor/drive (2008).
ABS (2012), replaced by Mal with a good used one.
Starter Motor (2011).
Car runs perfectly.
Exhaust is original except for hot dog replaced.

Best car ever!

Mine is dual fuel.

True peace of mind is an unachievable goal in the used car market, and to be honest some new cars are a bit worrying (I'll name no names). All you can really do is take a punt on a car that you can afford (both up front and ongoing, including parts and servicing) and does what you need it to do. The 3rd Gen Magna is, to my mind, a lot of car for your dollar. Parts aren't hard to find or overly expensive, they're comfortable, have a bit of go, and are reasonably economical. 220,000 isn't necessarily a bad thing, a history of regular servicing is more important. My own TJII has just ticked over 300,000 (100,000 of those are mine) and as a chariot is still getting along nicely. Definitely get it checked out by a trusted mechanic (preferably one who knows Magnas well, they do have some quirks that general grease monkeys sometimes aren't aware of), but in your position I'd be looking for a service history and some straight answers from the seller.

Here's the additional info I have on the car:

The car was purchased new from a dealer in 2003 by a company with 5 employees (he sent me the purchase receipt for some reason). He claims he didn't know what that was till I pointed it out to him.

He cannot give a clear answer as to whether it has been regularly serviced. I've asked him many times to provide me the last three most recent pages from the service logbook but the closest thing I got was an empty 45k service page ...

I'm starting to lose my patience as he either is lacking some common sense or is playing me ...

He hasn't owned the car for long from what I can see and his excuse for selling is that he is leaving to study abroad soon.

I really want to pass but LPG Veradas are so hard to find!

Never buy the first car you look at . . . .

From post #1: I've asked about the timing belt and it was apparently done a few months back by the previous owner -- so that's at least one of my worries gone.

Now we have:
He cannot give a clear answer as to whether it has been regularly serviced. I've asked him many times to provide me the last three most recent pages from the service logbook but the closest thing I got was an empty 45k service page ...


Walk away! (Or offer him a really, really low price. If it has LPG the system needs to be tested every 10 years, plus the cam belt job.)

Yup, offered him a lower price and told him I wasn't interested otherwise.

I've actually been looking for almost a month now; haven't actually visited any (mostly because I didn't even have my licence back then) but have yet to have found THE ONE.

I wish the process wasn't as stressful :'(.

Fell in love with the Magnas/Veradas but may have to do with a crappy Ford if I insist on LPG.

Sounds like he is flipping cars, has he got other ones for sale? When ringing up about a car I just say "I'm calling about the car", if they say which one then it's pretty obvious.

Given this new information I'd say the timing belt has not been done. I'd suggest having a good look at the car and seeing what the general condition is. If it appears to have been well maintained and runs well then get it checked out by a mechanic you trust to see what else needs doing to it. If it is cheap enough it might be worth a shot. Most cars of this age will have a patchy service history, so you can only really go on condition.

Don't think he's a car flipper, doesn't look like he's selling more than one and he sounds like a very young and inexperienced bloke (although I'm one too).

One of the pictures he sent me was a SnapChat of him holding the keys with the text "going out for a ride" and another of the car wet with the text "she's wet" ...

He lives somewhere that's quite difficult for me to get to but I'll try and find time to check it out (I work or have uni everyday including the weekend).

Can't believe taking a few pictures from the service logbook can be so difficult.

This line made me smile. It is one often used by sellers, using this line in itself indicates the seller is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.


He hasn't owned the car for long from what I can see and his excuse for selling is that he is leaving to study abroad soon.

TRANSLATION: "I bought the car a while ago but it turns out to need a lot of work and I dont think it is worth it. I'm trying to offload it so at least I get some of my money back."

He lives somewhere that's quite difficult for me to get to but I'll try and find time to check it out (I work or have uni everyday including the weekend).

Can't believe taking a few pictures from the service logbook can be so difficult.

Another good reason to get something younger - you just don't have the time to get it sorted!
As for a few pictures - impossible to photograph something that doesn't exist!

TRANSLATION: "I bought the car a while ago but it turns out to need a lot of work and I dont think it is worth it. I'm trying to offload it so at least I get some of my money back."

Sometimes a lot work really means that a mechanic has found a whole heap of little jobs such as minor oil leaks and has quoted an excessive amount to do the work.

Haha, that's also what I've been thinking. I guess a look at the car and person will give me the truth. He's already tried other lies on me ("I've got an offer for X but only at the end of the month, need to sell it asap so I can do X if you buy soon". Gave him my goodbyes but he came back to me.

Almost fell prey to an 80 something year old "ex dealership owner of fifty years". Was about to take the plunge (2001 Magna) but was refused permission to have the car inspected from my own pockets lol.

This is difficult.

This is difficult.

Think of it like getting a girlfriend. Take the first one you find, and you may end up in a world of grief.
Be selective, picky, critical, and ask questions, and you may end up with a good one!

Buying a car . . . . it is Zeriouz buzinezz!!

That's a great analogy, haha.

Time to sleep, will keep you guys updated on what I end up doing.

I flew to Adelaide to get my Verada Wagon on LPG. Mine had just over 200,000kms but had a fresh lower kms engine installed, I called the place that installed the engine and they confirmed the engine was checked thoroughly and the warranty covered me. So far I've had no drama's with mine I would concern myself with.

What your buying is NOT a new car ...... so things will go wrong.
If you're thinking of a ford drive one then drive a magna/verada and you'll feel the difference.

The guy's came back to me with a $3k offer if "I can buy it today".

I rang the nearest Mitsubishi service center who quoted me a couple hundreds for an inspection but who recommended against buying the car when he heard the mileage and the price.

Just told him I wasn't so interested anymore and that I would take it for the $3k if he gets it inspected by Mitsubishi (@ Ryde) and it returns mostly positive.

Walk away.

Even if you pay half what he is asking you will get burned.

He's not sending the service records because he doesn't have any.

The thing hasn't been serviced very well -if at all. Absolute best case is $1000 for the timing belt, drive belts, oil and filter and everything else happens to be in great nick.

Worst case it could be an absolute money pit. New engine/trans/suspension could be looking $5k+ just to get it safely on the road.

He's showed me he had the service logbooks (showed me a picture of the cover as well as the empty 45k service page). Told me he didn't understand what I wanted and to have a look at the documents myself.

I won't touch the car unless the documents satisfies me so I may be taking the gamble by skipping my classes today to check it out.

He's showed me he had the service logbooks (showed me a picture of the cover as well as the empty 45k service page). Told me he didn't understand what I wanted and to have a look at the documents myself.

I won't touch the car unless the documents satisfies me so I may be taking the gamble by skipping my classes today to check it out.

Oh, he knows what you want - a view of the logbook for that car filled in correctly.
Instead, he is showing you the cover of any old log book and a blank page! Conclusions are obvious!

I wouldn't even go look at the car. He would have lost me at the "It's wet!" bit.

As a DIY proposition, I'd be wanting to buy it for $1K sight unseen knowing it probably needs $2K spent on it to get it into reasonable shape. As you are skills and time poor, you are asking for trouble in terms of inconvenience and money that needs to be spent on it.

Save up some more money and look for something better, with a log book filled in correctly, or at least some evidence of servicing.

Yes, it is a Verada. It is also 13 years old with an unknown service history.

Shop around.

As comparison, I bought a TL Magna wagon in good condition 2 years ago, 136,000 on it for $6.5K
I also bought a TJ Magna sedan 5 years ago at 111,000 km for $1.5K - mechanically perfect, but needed a lot of DIY on the bodywork. (hail damage)

You're right, I 've just ended giving up on the car. Time to continue looking around. I'll probably give up on LPG as that limits the range too much.

Thanks.

You now have some experience with a conman trying to bait you. lol

had some similar experience with the 380 i bought 3 months ago. looks all shiney on inspection and seems to run fine... but because i was impatient, and didn't get it properly inspected (the two price drops over time should have rung more warning bells) a $6600 car ended turning into a $11600 car! Imminently dying water pump, broken engine mount, nearly empty trans, negligent previous owner... runs good now, but was burnt by the conman's smile.

Listen to these guys Yano :) they're knowledgeable people. you'll find the one :)

Buy something newer with lower milage. Old cars with a few kms generally need some things fixed, even if well maintained. If you're not handy to fix yourself, it can get expensive. I bought my 2003 TL wagon for $3800 with 167kms on the clock, and I've had to fix a bunch of niggly things (rocker cover leaks, rear bank spark plugs, brake discs and pads, TCL and purge solenoids, power window failure) that would have cost a bomb if I went to a mechanic each time. Lucky parts are cheap and available on a magna and they are relatively easy to work on.

Also, looking for a good car with LPG will be a needle in a haystack. People fit LPG with a view to get return on their money, so most used systems would have done a fair few kms before becoming second hand. These systems need a bit of maintenance and tuning to run well, particularly the older mixer systems. My dad has one on his 3L V6 Delica and it took the first 6 months of fine tuning (taking it back to the fitter) to get the mixer to work right. Also, if the owner soley used the LPG and didn't run much petrol, the fuel injectors tend to seize up and the car never runs well on petrol again.

With the risk of being shot down, if your heart is set on LPG on a big car, I dare suggest looking at a low milage dedicated LPG Falcon. But then you end up having to drive a Falcon...

Really appreciating all of your very valuable advice, I will surely take all of them into consideration.

I don't have to be in such a hurry since public transport to work is possible (albeit very inconvenient). I'll take my time and make the best possible decision.

I'll take my time and make the best possible decision.

Always the best course of action :). The biggest 'tell' in whether a used car is good value or not is usually the attitude and behaviour of the seller. As much as public transport can suck, buying a money pit sucks a lot harder.

Currently eying this Verada:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/windsor/cars-vans-utes/2003-mitsubishi-verada-leather-sunroof-v6-rego-low-kms/1076028766

I called the guy a couple of weeks back but he wouldn't budge pass $4.7k. If I can grab it for around $4k I'd be happy. Not sure if I'll be successful in haggling this time around ... the car is very close to work (I work at UWS Hawkesbury i.e. Richmond) so hopefully I can arrange sometime to see the car.

Not sure whether the fact that the he is selling more than a car is something I should be wary of, or, if it is a positive since it looks like he is mechanically minded (based on his other items for sale).

If it is the car you want, I wouldn't haggle too much. Someone else may snap it up instead.
Get it inspected, of course!
And check the service records.

I've arranged a date with him this Saturday before/after work :).

I've asked him for the VIN number and will give it a quick check. If I like the car, I'll arrange to have the car inspected and hopefully I'll have a car by next-next weekend :D:D:D:D!

Looks like a nice one, at least from the pics. If it has a decent service history and passes inspection it'd be a good buy at the price. Good luck!

Good luck, I hope the car checks out and if it does and you care for my advice..... here it is.

I'd suggest take a $1000 CASH deposit with you and start by offering him $4000, unless you wanna carry around $4000 with you then pull that out as the sight/smell of cash often gets a sale over the line. Play the old "but it's a magna" line as unfortunately they don't hold their value.

Good luck and when you get it, post up heaps of photo's ..... including the boot I like to see how people have their tanks set up.

My plan was to bring $1k cash with me and ask him to take me to an ATM so I can withdraw the other $3k when we have the deal (that's my daily limit at Citibank).

I'll see how it goes -- don't think I'll do a very good job negotiating and will probably be very nervous ... lol.

Will definitely post up photos when -- if -- I do get it.

EDIT:

Bad news everyone: been in two accidents; it was deemed a write off ... no way I'm buying it now. Can't believe the seller wouldn't note that!

My plan was to bring $1k cash with me and ask him to take me to an ATM so I can withdraw the other $3k when we have the deal (that's my daily limit at Citibank).

I'll see how it goes -- don't think I'll do a very good job negotiating and will probably be very nervous ... lol.

Will definitely post up photos when -- if -- I do get it.

EDIT:

Bad news everyone: been in two accidents; it was deemed a write off ... no way I'm buying it now. Can't believe the seller wouldn't note that!

No good buddy, how did you find that out?

Got the VIN number checked :(.

So it is unregistered and on the written off vehicle register, or has it been repaired badly?

If they were minor accidents, and the repairs were done correctly/professionally, and it is registered and passed a roadworthy, I would not be put off buying it.

But I'd be checking it very carefully and negotiate the price downwards if there are any problems with the repairs, as punitive damages for not telling you. Offer him $2K after it passes an inspection and walk away rapidly if he hesitates!

He says he bought the car off a yard and was told it was clear.

I'm not gonna risk it and am going to give up on it.

My colleague's friend did the check (works for RAPCO I think) and said to stay away from the car.

He says he bought the car off a yard and was told it was clear.


If that is true - which isn't likely - he should take some action!
Sounds like another scam attempt to me though.

EDIT:

Bad news everyone: been in two accidents; it was deemed a write off ... no way I'm buying it now. Can't believe the seller wouldn't note that!


Damn Damn Damn and double DAMN!

My plan was to bring $1k cash with me and ask him to take me to an ATM so I can withdraw the other $3k when we have the deal (that's my daily limit at Citibank).

I'll see how it goes -- don't think I'll do a very good job negotiating and will probably be very nervous ... lol.

Will definitely post up photos when -- if -- I do get it.

EDIT:

Bad news everyone: been in two accidents; it was deemed a write off ... no way I'm buying it now. Can't believe the seller wouldn't note that!

If it was written off in the last few years does mean the accident damage was bad, sometimes older cars are repairable write offs with not a great deal of damage, but don't blame you not wanting to buy it knowing that

https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/65558_10200761178494450_134561294_n.jpg?oh=cd1ca40 c1ecc4ad378d862bc8716aa23&oe=55D2A04E

We bought this VT commodore for the step daughter and found out it needed a VIV check it was a repairable write off because the paint was stuffed front and rear panels needed repainting to get it passed

Are magna's and Verada's more expensive interstate?

I paid 4k for a GTV with 120,000kms and a brand new set of potenzas.

Had it serviced at 122,000 and now it's going in a fortnight for it's 131,00 service?

Besides having some paint repaired it's been fine.

So it is unregistered and on the written off vehicle register, or has it been repaired badly?

If they were minor accidents, and the repairs were done correctly/professionally, and it is registered and passed a roadworthy, I would not be put off buying it.

But I'd be checking it very carefully and negotiate the price downwards if there are any problems with the repairs, as punitive damages for not telling you. Offer him $2K after it passes an inspection and walk away rapidly if he hesitates!

Like Max said, it could be fine, if the repairs were done through an insurance agency then I'd say go for it and use it to your advantage, offer 2k.

However try selling a Verada with a history of collisions in a few years, you'll get nothing at all for it. No body wants these cars because they're of a by gone era, you're buying a car set for the scrap yard once it's older. It's not an XB GT, it won't be put in a motor museum, so keep that in mind.

If I was you I would get 2-3k and look for a decent Verada with an LPG system and stick my guns of that type of money, there is no demand anymore for these cars as I earlier stated. Keep using public transport until you find that car, buying second hand cars is a buyers market. Here in SA you can buy a BA XR6 with 150,000kms for $5k! the market is huge with the RWD/FWD sedans, keep your options open and shop around :)

Also, there's nothing wrong with a Falcon or a Commodore, I plan to get back into in the near future.

Not sure but I can't find any good ones in NSW. Plenty in VIC for example.

Doubt I'll be able to find a nice Magna/Verada on LPG with 3k, they all seem to be at the 4-5k range minimum (and there aren't many of them).

I'm just waiting for any decent car to come into my view.

Not sure but I can't find any good ones in NSW. Plenty in VIC for example.

Sounds like you could make an adventure in your uni holidays by getting on a cheap flight and buying a car interstate!

You get a holiday and a car! You'll probably save some cash too.

Haha, wish I could.

I'll be working during the holidays too.

Adelaide seems to be the best buying for a Verada/Magna on LPG.

What about this one in Bligh Park:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Magna-2004/SSE-AD-3381473/?Cr=8

What about this one in Bligh Park:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Magna-2004/SSE-AD-3381473/?Cr=8

Been speaking with the seller recently, not sure yet if I want the AWD version + it doesn't have stamped logbooks as the seller tells me he is a mechanic and does everything himself.

I've been leaning towards getting something cheaper (i.e. an old Corolla), I'll see how much this guy wants for it and go from there.

would not be worried about the mileage
simply a case of keeping on top of it all > mines close to 300k now (KL verada) and drives better than or as good as new models out now that i drive regularly....honest opinion and comparison