Hey guys, just got my licence (P) and now need a car. I want a tr or ts magna, manual obviously. Can someone please tell me how reliable you find these cars and petrol consumption(v6 and 4). When thing go wrong how hard are part to get from wreckers. Also how much does the timing belt or chain cost to replace.

What do I need to pay for a nice magna (in vic) about 160k-180k, manual, good service history, mint to average condition (v6 and 4)

Hi mate,

I'd go for a TS as they are more refined with a few extra's for around the same price
good cars with about 10litres/100km in city with 7/100 driving on freeways avg km would be around 200ish so anything under would be great
id expect to pay about 3,000 for a decent realiable one also they look nice done up

v6 5speed are nice 115kw while the 4cylinders are 97kw

Keep an eye out for the KS verada. Available in auto only (i believe) but the equipment levels are very good and mine has been faultless. (barring one electrical system malfunction)

ABS, electric everything, sexy headlights, color coded sex appeal

I got mine with 110,000 on it. $6500.

Go the V6 and don't waste your time with the 2.6L Astron 4 cylinder. I have a Astron 4 but should have bought a V6. The 4 uses more petrol and has less power.

Things to watch for body wise are the inside of the headliner at the front where it joins the windscreen. If it has been water damaged it looks like wet cardboard and should be avoided. This is as the inside of the cars body where it joins the windscreen is starting to rust. Otherwise the body is pretty solid and rust free compared to Falcadores.

Motor watch for noisey tappets and water pump. Milky oil and bubbling coolant when the radiator cap is opened (when the engine is COLD and running) and noise coming from the timing belt area.

The problems with the autos where sorted on the TR's so if you must get an auto look for the tell tale signs of wear and abuse.

CV's are nothing to worry about and cheap to replace as with any other FWD car. So if the rest of the car is OK haggle them on this for a cheaper price.

Suspension noise should be checked by a pro, unless you know what your doing as it can be expensive.

Otherwise they are the best put together car built in Australia.

My Advice..Go the V6 and a 5 speed and happy cruising :D

Hi mate,

I'd go for a TS as they are more refined with a few extra's for around the same price
good cars with about 10litres/100km in city with 7/100 driving on freeways avg km would be around 200ish so anything under would be great
id expect to pay about 3,000 for a decent realiable one also they look nice done up

v6 5speed are nice 115kw while the 4cylinders are 97kw

i looked in the car manual ages ago said the V6 is 124Kw?...or is this for auto? im lost

i looked in the car manual ages ago said the V6 is 124Kw?...or is this for auto? im lost
yeah your right pal,vl is 115 kw

So you boys recon for a about 4 grand i should get a v6 man in okay condition. It should be sweet then, thanks. Oh if anyone has recently replaced the timing belt tell me how you went and the cost.

bout 300$ for timing chain

Is it common to get problems with the second gen magnas. 2 of my mates have them and just complain about the constant problem. Is this just an unlucky case or should i expect this?

i dont think u would expect this, depends on the problems they have, theres the occasional oil leak and rattle of the timing chain in the 4cyl, not too sure bout the problems of the v6 though...
u would expect more problems with a 1st gen than a 2nd

yeah your right pal,vl is 115 kw


wait wait, so am i right, cause wtf is a VL?

about 10litres/100km in city with 7/100 driving on freeways

Where did these figures come from? Most posts that I've seen regarding economy (well, V6 at least) are maybe 12.5l/100km for city (8k's a litre) and 10l/100kms (10k's a litre), though this depends on condition of course.
My averages have varied from as low as 350kms off 45litres (my standardish fill), to maybe 500+kms off 45. I've seen some say they get 600+ off a fill, but I believe those fills were around 60litres.

wait wait, so am i right, cause wtf is a VL?

erm isnt VL a commondore?