Hey, just joined up at these forums and hope to have many enjoyable reads here. I'm about to buy my first Magna. I've paid the deposit and will pick it up coming Tuesday. I been driving sportbikes the last 3 years and its time to get something on 4 wheels again as I need it for my work.

I've been looking at many cardealers and the absolute best one, to my knowledge, in my budget, was a 1997 Magna Altera V6, 3L. Now, shoot me if you want, but I'm one of those impulsive people that often buy things without doing much research. I looked at and tried 5 different magna's last week, and the one that really stood out was this 1997 model, beautiful silver color, 130,000km, one owner (a catholic school!), all services done, looks and felt sweet. The initial price that the trader wanted was 10,999. I got the price down to 9500 drive away (they'll pay reg transfer) + cd player as it didn't have. The car looked just like new, not a scratch inside/outside. I was so happy these few days, but then now, I've done some more research, and read a lot of posts here. This car doesn't have alloys, nor ABS. I tried a few cars that did have alloys and ABS, but they were 96' models, pretty scratched up and worn out. The one I chose looked brand new in comparison. The fact is, it didn't have those precious alloys, and more importantly, not ABS.

A beautiful car, but now that I've done a bit of research on the web on private dealers, I see that I could get Altera's with ABS, alloys, rear spoiler etc for less than what I'm paying. So, do you reckon I'm doing a good deal or should I reconsider???

I find it easy to buy at a trader as you got a few months warranty in case the **** hits the fan etc, so it's quite easy. But yeah, a bit in doubt now.

Comfort me.. I can't wait to pick this baby up, but wondering if I should have gone into the private market for a better deal :nuts:

Found the link to it's online ad: Link (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_vehicle?vehicle_id=2093858&current_rec=2&total_rec=37&sort_type=1&make_id=3&model_id=57&keyword=ALTERA&state_id=-1&search_distance=25)

This is the car that I'm buying. Should I be worried about the RACV report?

It doesn't sound too bad but you know dealers, they like to add a nice markup on cars. Wouldn't be worried about tyres as you would likely put some nice mags and new tyres anyway but the oil leaks and front windsreen damage would be a concern. As for the ABS, some say ABS is overrated but it has saved me an accident more than once so that is convincing enough for me.

I think you could do much better for an extra $2500.00 - $3000.00. Here is a link to an AMC member selling his TH a little while back http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12250 and it has loads more features and is newer.

Mirror loose because body damaged. Sounds like it's been in a bingle and repaired.

Tint distorts rear vision? WTF? :nuts:

Sounds like trouble. Get one that's been loving cared for by an AMC member. :D

Thanks mates. Oh man I'm getting worried my quick decision making may have caused me to make a bad decision. Should have done more research here. A bit late now that I've signed the paper :cry:

Oh well, hopefully it won't be to bad, the car definitley looks very nice, and I chose this one compared to 96 model exec's, but compared to some of your cars, oh man, I got a lot of things to fix first... I'll have to address the issues in the RACW at least.

Thanks for your reply. Not sure what to expect now :nuts:

I think you could do much better for an extra $2500.00 - $3000.00. Here is a link to an AMC member selling his TH a little while back http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12250 and it has loads more features and is newer.

Yeah I think you could of got a bettter car. Have you put a deposit on the car?

It takes time to look for the car you want if you rush it you might kick your self in the ass for making that mistake, I did that I have i learn't to shop around a few car yards.

Did you try the Auctions??

Yeah I think you could of got a bettter car. Have you put a deposit on the car?

It takes time to look for the car you want if you rush it you might kick your self in the ass for making that mistake, I did that I have i learn't to shop around a few car yards.

Did you try the Auctions??


Just paid 300 dollars deposit, but signed the contract so the registration transfer is happening. I do believe I have a 3 day cooling off period though once I pick up the car, so it's not too late if it's too bad.

Didn't try the auctions. I've looked around different car yards aswell. Not private though.

well i paid $9400 for my manual TE Exec with ABS and cruise with 135 000kms over 2 years ago now. Private sale though, dealers were charging at least $1000 more for a similar car. Good luck with it

My TH has oil sweats underneath but doesn't lose oil. It's a common thing on Magnas, I think its cam and rocker cover seals. Not sure how severe/expensive this is, but they are a very well built car. Do a search on this forum for some more clues.

AFAIK you get a 3 day cooling off period from the day after you sign, regardless of what else is happenning. Don't let the dealer browbeat you. Tell them you're concerned about the items listed in the report, and ask if they can be fixed. At least you get some warranty from a dealer, so it may not be too bad.

That's a classic though, one owner, a Catholic school. Driven by a little old nun who only took it too church on Sunday! :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

My TH has oil sweats underneath but doesn't lose oil. It's a common thing on Magnas, I think its cam and rocker cover seals. Not sure how severe/expensive this is, but they are a very well built car. Do a search on this forum for some more clues.

AFAIK you get a 3 day cooling off period from the day after you sign, regardless of what else is happenning. Don't let the dealer browbeat you. Tell them you're concerned about the items listed in the report, and ask if they can be fixed. At least you get some warranty from a dealer, so it may not be too bad.

That's a classic though, one owner, a Catholic school. Driven by a little old nun who only took it too church on Sunday! :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

Thanks mate. Yeah, I'm planning to bring the report on Tuesday and demand a look into it. That's what the warranty is all about. It's free service within the first 3 months to fix issues. I'll bring my bat and kneecap the bugger. :D

Yeah, I'm pretty lucky with the owner. I doubt this car has been over a couple revs :badgrin: Although, that also means that they don't give the car much love you know. That's important. I give my hayabusa the greatest care, and it never fails.. :D

Thanks mate. Yeah, I'm planning to bring the report on Tuesday and demand a look into it. That's what the warranty is all about. It's free service within the first 3 months to fix issues. I'll bring my bat and kneecap the bugger. :D

Yeah, I'm pretty lucky with the owner. I doubt this car has been over a couple revs :badgrin: Although, that also means that they don't give the car much love you know. That's important. I give my hayabusa the greatest care, and it never fails.. :D

I think Mulga was actually doubting the owner was a catholic school!

The price isn't that bad, but it does look like there're a few problems with it. Get the dealer to look into it and get them fixed before you receive the car if possible. If not, once you get it, bring it to a mechanic asap for a good look at the problems and see what needs to be done. The dealer has to offer a 3 month warranty on the car. By the looks of the RACV report, it's not too serious but better safe than sorry so don't waste too much time.
Once that's been resolved, time to get some new wheels and tyres. :badgrin:

RACV reports are usually WAYYYYYYYYYYY over the top.......even if their is signs of oil which may have leaked a long long time ago they write it down.... They go into such detail as when a customer goes to buy the car they cant buy it then go to the racv and say "oh this is wrong with it, didnt say anything about it on the report" .

The fact the report doesnt mention any real major problems or anythign requiring IMMEDIATE attention (indicated by the letter I on the report) this looks like a great car.

Going by that report compared to some other i've seen and the car was still in perfect working order, this car should drive like a dream. Don't regret the decision u've made.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I must admit I'm really looking forward to get the car :)

Jegi#5: I checked the paper work and the service books states that the owner was a certain Catholic school of name I can't recall at the moment. It's had every service so far.

Mad iX: Thanks, I will definitely check all the issues asap. That's the advantage of buying from a shop. :)

Samurai: Thanks mate! Let's hope so. It's far from my first car, but first Mitsubishi. I'm from Norway, and there, a 99 model like this would cost like 35K, so I should be happy ;)


In terms of wheels. Let's say I'm on a budget, what would you recommend? (I'm in Melbourne). I'll do some searches here too by the way.

Thanks heaps fellas. I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I must admit I'm really looking forward to get the car :)

Jegi#5: I checked the paper work and the service books states that the owner was a certain Catholic school of name I can't recall at the moment. It's had every service so far.

Mad iX: Thanks, I will definitely check all the issues asap. That's the advantage of buying from a shop. :)

Samurai: Thanks mate! Let's hope so. It's far from my first car, but first Mitsubishi. I'm from Norway, and there, a 99 model like this would cost like 35K, so I should be happy ;)


In terms of wheels. Let's say I'm on a budget, what would you recommend? (I'm in Melbourne). I'll do some searches here too by the way.

Thanks heaps fellas. I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up.

I wasn't mocking ur purchase there mate, i was just stating that i think you might have misinterpreted what mulga was saying. If you are happy with your purchase thats all that matters mate magna's are great cars. However i'd imagine going from a Hayabusa to a car short of a supercar would be a rather less frantic experience.

I wasn't mocking ur purchase there mate, i was just stating that i think you might have misinterpreted what mulga was saying. If you are happy with your purchase thats all that matters mate magna's are great cars. However i'd imagine going from a Hayabusa to a car short of a supercar would be a rather less frantic experience.

Oh I wasn't meaning that you were mockin' me :D

Yeah, well, I'll keep my busa so life's good. But as I'm a business owner (webdevelopment and graphic design), it seems a bit unprofessional to come on a hayabusa as I sold my old car a year ago. The Magna looks not only sporty but very elegant as well I think. Lovely company car. :)

I wasn't doubting the history of the car, although used car dealers are normally as shifty as shythouse rats, like poiticians and real estate agents. :badgrin:

It's just that when selling a used car, the classic joke is that the vehicle has only had one owner, and she was a little old lady who only ever drove it to church on Sundays, indicating that it's the biggest bargain you'll ever see. :D

Anyway, good luck with your purchase and welcome to the Magna world. :cool:

Well, I picked up this beauty today after all the issues in the RACV report was fixed, so now I'm smiling from ear to ear. The car is a beauty and a ripper to drive. Love it already. The Magna's are truly great mate, elegant, sporty and fun to ride. That's what a car is all about.

Now, I just gotta get some proper rims on this baby, and perhaps lower it a bit. Any major disadvantages by lowering it let's say 3cm?

Well, I picked up this beauty today after all the issues in the RACV report was fixed, so now I'm smiling from ear to ear. The car is a beauty and a ripper to drive. Love it already. The Magna's are truly great mate, elegant, sporty and fun to ride. That's what a car is all about.

Now, I just gotta get some proper rims on this baby, and perhaps lower it a bit. Any major disadvantages by lowering it let's say 3cm?

3cm??? Buddy get some superlows on there which are about 50 - 60mm i can't remember, stock magna's look like 4wd's otherwise! U will lose a bit of ride comfort when u put lower springs as the springs will be stiffer. Gotta watch out for steep driveways and anything else u can whack your front bumper on. But on the plus side it will handle like its on rails well not really but u get what i mean, sit flat while cornering etc. A cheap mod u oughta do is get a strut bar to compliment those lowering springs!!! Oh and you might as well consider changing the shocks cus the stock shocks will wear out in no time once u lower her, so get some Gas shockies and ur ride will be handling and looking SCHWEEEEEEEET! :thumbsup:

My TH has oil sweats underneath but doesn't lose oil. It's a common thing on Magnas, I think its cam and rocker cover seals. Same for me too,it's the Cam and Rocker Seals for sure.
Best to be done at the next major Service i'd say:cool:

3cm??? Buddy get some superlows on there which are about 50 - 60mm i can't remember, stock magna's look like 4wd's otherwise! U will lose a bit of ride comfort when u put lower springs as the springs will be stiffer. Gotta watch out for steep driveways and anything else u can whack your front bumper on. But on the plus side it will handle like its on rails well not really but u get what i mean, sit flat while cornering etc. A cheap mod u oughta do is get a strut bar to compliment those lowering springs!!! Oh and you might as well consider changing the shocks cus the stock shocks will wear out in no time once u lower her, so get some Gas shockies and ur ride will be handling and looking SCHWEEEEEEEET! :thumbsup:


Yeah it does look a bit like a 4wd sometimes :rant: I'm just a bit worried about killin' my front bumper you know. Do you often scratch up your front after lowering it 50-60mm? On my sportbike, I sometimes scratch it up in the middle over these bloody iron bumbers at shoppingcentres. Drives me nuts, and I wouldn't want to leave my bumper there. But you're saying 50-60mm is generally no worries ey?

I gotta get some 18" alloys aswell mate. Oh I can't wait :D



Same for me too,it's the Cam and Rocker Seals for sure.

Yeah, that was the problem. I've got all of that fixed now. Lovely. :cool: