Let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew, and I am a 6 Foot tall P Plater in NSW. I have the need for a car which has the interior size of a large car, but with a reduced fuel bill. This is where a Magna comes in. I am looking for a TE Altera or Advance, but only know minimal things about the two cars. The Altera seems to be the most popular of the cars in the second hand market, but the Advance is there, but is harder to find. This leads me to my question. What do I need to look for in the two cars, to make sure I am getting what I have worked so hard to achieve. I mean mechanical, and cosmetic. I would also like some information on what the cars have as interior 'inclusions'. I mean Power Windows, Cruise etc. I look forward to driving home with my new car.

Any help in the decision making process is appreciated, as I plan to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years, and I don't want to think I have made a 'blind' decision, which will turn out to be an expensive mistake down the road. Please be nice, as I am only new to the world of Magna, and it will take some time to learn the terminology and the model codes.

-Andrew

Hi, and welcome. You might find www.redbook.com.au handy in comparing specs. It's not always 100% accurate, but pretty good for comparing which models have what standard equipment.

All the guys on here with MANUAL 3.0l V6 seem very happy.
If you don't have a reason for getting an auto definately get a manual.

All the guys on here with MANUAL 3.0l V6 seem very happy.
If you don't have a reason for getting an auto definately get a manual.
I'm happy with my auto, although it is a tippy. There's a lot of unwarranted auto-bashing on here - honestly the 3rd gen (from TE onwards) autos are very good. Just go with what you prefer.

I love my Manual 6G72.. Simply a Dream to drive... I still think the Tippy 6G74's would be Alright aswell...

Mate if u can find one, go a 3.5litre manual....

im on my 3rd V6 magna and i can tell u right now anything but a 3.5litre manual is a compromise... 3litres are also good though so dont knock one back if u find a nice one...

It seems the Manual is the goods, which is no problem for me, because unlike many of my friends I was forced to learn on a manual. For a Manual V6, what models am I limited too? I am after something with PowerWindows if possible, but not a necessity, however Cruise Control is, due to having relatives over 100Ks away, and the drive without Cruise is painful to say the least. A quick look on carsales for third gens have come to nothing, especially because the Manuals seem rare in Advance spec. A more extensive search should come up with something.

-Andrew

In Magnas, manuals are much less common than autos, and it's even moreso as you go up the models. Veradas for example don't come in manual at all, and possibly the Alteras didn't either (someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Advances were pretty well equipped, and you might be lucky to score a manual one. Also look for Sports models - you can sometimes score those in manual and they were more or less equipped the same as the Advance in terms of interior gadgetry.

I own and love my 96 TE Altera came with every thing bar an airbag which is good...
P/S, P/W, E/M, C/C, C/L And got it for real good money too Under $10k....

you'll have more chance running into a manual sports or VRX than ya would a manual executive or advance

It depends what your really after in a car. If you really want a manual make sure thats what you get so u enjoy the experience more. This is the main point you munt enjoy driving the car. and make sure you get everything u want in it like cruise if you want.

My oppinion is it doesn't matter. They are great cruising cars (well mine is) I got a verada with everything i want and need and its an auto. 1st auto i have owned and it doesn;t bother me cause i drive alot in peak houir traffic so am over the changing gears all the time.

Ite personal preference tho.

Go for the car with the least klm,s & years that you can afford, Fast glass & cruise are fairly common in latter models, good luck and remember if it looks and sounds to good it probably is GET it checked out.

Whats your budget?, if it is say around 10g in my opinion i think a TF Sports in manual would suit well, if i did not already have my manual TS, i would have bought one of these instead of my verada.

I'm 6'3" and 100kg. I fit in nicely with the seat right back in manual and my auto (I own 2 x 3rd Gens). Fuel economy in the Manuals is better of course, 3L more so. Can be worked heavily for big gains as Booya did before his twin-turbo setup. Stock internals are strong, good for 10psi apparently.

My TF is for sale most days of the week, just waiting for the right bid.

Yep, same here - 6'3" and 92Kg. No problems with leg room or interior comforts.

Drive a 2001 TJ 3.5L auto, and get pretty good economy (would be better if I stopped wringing its neck as often). 7.6 L/100K highway, 11L/100K mixed, 12-13/100K city (beaten senseless) or 11/100K driven carefully(ish).

Cheers
Heath Young

5 minute search on www.tradingpost.com.au revealed:

Mitsubishi Magna Advance 1997 V6 manual 5 spd, 1 owner, 105458kms, grey duco with contrasting velour trim, air, steer, cruise, airbag, log books, AE-88-AE, $9500. See photos @ everestcars.com.au, DL-14763. Everest Cars LIDCOMBE 02-9648 2808.

http://www.autotrader.com.au/photos/W57758198621.jpg

grey duco with contrasting velour trim
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"Duco" was actually a brand of paint, and hasn't been available since the 1950's.

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I suggest you give Fowles Austions a go
Got my 2002 Advance with 12 months rego and still had 1 year factory warrenty for $14.600
But ya got to be careful as you do not get to test drive and can only do a visual inspection.