Hi Guys,

This is my first post and I have really enjoyed reading the forum over the last couple of months.

I am finally in a position to purchase my first magna and have been reading and looking at a VRX and would like some advice on buying one. I am looking at a model between silver 2001 - 2004 (the old shape) and was wondering if someone could help with the following:

1. What is the main differences between the different Series, say Series I to Series II and then the different models?
2. Is there any areas on the car that I should look for when buying, eg. the ball joints?
3. Has anyone had any major problems with them?

My budget it approx $25K

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers! Evan

Go to pickles in canberra. There is a company which leases VRX's up there and they go threw often. Just keep an eye on the pickles site. I saw a 2002 white vrx manual with 40000 kays go under the hammer for 19 grand, and that was june 2004. So you should only need about 17 grand now I would think. www.pickles.com.au (you can buy the cars on friday for a fixed price also)

If you find a series II that would be the way to go, they have suspension upgrades from the first series. They have better shocks and bigger spring and sway bars. And those rims... you cant go past them...... :D

You shouldn't have any trouble picking up a TJ Series 2 for that money - as well as the wheels etc they also get the nicer climate control and upgraded stereo - all well worthwhile in my opinion.
Depending on where you're located there's some good buys privately on carsales.com.au at the moment. The main thing I would suggest is make sure you drive a few. And if you're buying an auto, take note of the gear changes - When I was shopping I drove a few that were a bit dodgey which I probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't driven so many. Otherwise good luck.

if ur lucky you might be able to pick up a limited edition vrx. Heaps of them are manual too!! i think they only came out in series 2, so they have the 17" mags, plus red or blue leather interior, matching coloured dials and some have sunroofs. And you'll be able to get one of these for under 20K so make sure u spend the rest on some nice mods :)
good luck with ur purchase and welcome to AM!

if you see a manual limited edition VRX, get it straight away! i miss one by half an hour, they are fantasic, and sunroof too!!
but with that budget, look for a very low kms one, there might be a few still around.i got my 7 months ago with 9000km on the clock with no much more than what you are going to spent. if you are after alot of go, get the manual, you just cant beat the manual feeling, but it's very hard to find, but if you want the auto, there should be plenty of nice ones around and are more common in the limited edition.
take it for a test drive when the car is COLD, because changing from 1st to 2nd can be abit hard when the car is cold, manual that is.
avoid the 16s and find one with the 17s!
good luck

Thanks Guys,

All your information is and will be very helpful.

I will let you know how I go.

The searching begins.

Cheers! Evan

Vehicle Details
Compliance Date 09/02 Make MITSUBISHI Model MAGNA, TJ MY02 VR-X,
Sedan Description SIENNA RED, SEMI AUTO, 3.5 ltr, 6 cyl, Petrol, Multi-Point InjectedRegistration NoYBK39KStock No6053472 Odometer 6,929 kms.
showing on Registered Until24/04/2005 ExtrasBLACK, Airbag Dual, P/Wind, Cru. Cont, CD Player, Traction Control, CLOTH, Aircond., P/Steer, ABS, Cent.Lock, Radio, Alloy Wheels No. Of Seats5No. Of Doors 4Log Book Partial Service History No. Of Gears5
Damage Details Chip Left Front Door , Light Scratches Left Rear Door , Light Scratches Right Front Door , Light Scratches Right Rear Door
Sale Details
Lot Number 112
CANBERRA - FYSHWICK: 07/05/2005
Government, Fleet & Repossessed Vehicles
179 Gladstone St
Fyshwick ACT 2609

I told you a VRX would come up here. This just got listed today, only 7000 kays. I reckon it will probarbly go for around or under 25k. You can inspect and buy the car outright this friday. I will let you know what the fixed price is. (factory warranty is transferrable)
The company which leases these cars can be a bit rough, nothing what a small wax or polish wont get out though.

That is excellent news, I will be heading out this weekend.

I will let you know how I go.

Cheers!

If you don't want the bodykit (which you probably want), you should also consider the sports - which is exactly identical to the VRX except for the missing bodykit and 16s rather than 17 inch wheels.

Incidently, from my understanding of the mitsubishi service manual, the VRXs and Sports share the same model code on the vin plate. The VRX bodykit and wheels are put through on the compliance plate as a model option.

Also don't forget the AWD Sports options - not as fast straight line speed (heavier) but do they go around corner's well! And in the wet - the fastest off the line.

Of course I may be biased - but they go for about $22 000 for 25-40k :D

have you found a car yet? I noticed that red vrx has sold