I have recently purchased a 1998 Magna TF 120,000kms which is (what I believe to be) of good value for $6500. I had Repco do a 150-point check and the only problems were:

1. heater isn't working but cold air is
2. weepage in the timing seals
3. steering rack boots need replacing
4. front tyres need replacing

I know the heater would cost me around $800 so I'm not gonna have that done for now. I'm not really into cars so would someone please kindly explain what #2 and #3 are? Also, a mechanic quoted $350 for a full service plus #3. Is that ok? I'm getting the tyres done elsewhere for $65 a pop. Sorry for the totally noob questions. Thanks!

first off, congrats on the price and the car :cool: - it feels like i got ripped off for my car :(. but anyways!


$65 for tyres.... thats cheap... is that including fitting and balancing?

#2 -> The timing seal is the cover that seals the timing belt {correct me if im wrong} and from what your saying, im assuming that its cracked, and you probably need it replaced.... what is it leaking exactly? do you know?...

#3 -> The steering rack boots are the rubber boots/sleeves at the ends of the steering rack. that have grease/oil in them to lubricate the "knuckle joints". These have been split, and in this case, im guessing that it is leaking grease/oil when you are turning corners. These will have to be replaced also.

unfortunaly, im unsure on the prices on these 2 parts.

i hope what i have said will help you understand a little bit more about what your asking. :)

hey man congrats on the buy......but truely who needs a heater :badgrin: i honestly dont think iv used my heater yet...lol and yes the last 2 are a bit expensive...and bonus on the tyres great buy nice and cheap..what brand r they? r they tornados? i know there cheap

Unfortunately I don't know much about what's going on with the timing seals. All I can say is that the Repco guy told me it was a very good buy. I haven't bought the tyres yet so I don't know about the brand. The mechanic offering to do the service for $350 wants $110 for each tyre so hell no, there's no way I'll have them done for $220 when I can get them for $130.

Also, is it possible to duplicate Magna keys? If so, where?

Also, is it possible to duplicate Magna keys? If so, where?

probably a mitsubishi dealership, as the keys are specially designed, and also need to be programmed into the ecu for them to work :).

i doubt your local key cutter can do the job.

Are all 1998 Magnas fitted with these ECU thingies? And do they all have immobilisers? Mine seem to have an LED beside the wheel which doesn't light up at all. Does that mean my immobiliser is turned off??? Again sorry for the ultra noob questions...

all 3rd gen got immosblisers in them, $75 per key i think, $20-25 alone for them to make it work for you some computer thing.... i only got 1 key for my magna lol

also if you drive your car early in the mornign these days like 5-6am, you DEFINATELY need the heater :D

all 3rd gen got immosblisers in them, $75 per key i think, $20-25 alone for them to make it work for you some computer thing.... i only got 1 key for my magna lol

also if you drive your car early in the mornign these days like 5-6am, you DEFINATELY need the heater :D
Haha! Work starts at 7:30am and an extra jacket would suffice. I only got 1 key for my magna as well and no manual. :doubt: I stay close to Northshore Mitsubishi so I'd probably give 'em a call tomorrow...but does anyone know if I have to leave my car with them? I've been reading some of the past threads regarding duplicate keys...so can I just ring them up and give them my VIN number or do I have to actually physically show them my key/car/rego?

It may be different, but with my Uncle's EL Fairmont (ford) they took about 5 minutes to do the key's its just a simple "push a few buttons" trick...

Ok I've given Northshore Mitsubishi a call and they're charging $42 for the blank key and $72 for the remote. They want $30 for the programming and told them I'll do it myself. I just want to clarify that keys don't need programming??? Just the remotes??

yeh, keys need programming too .... so you can start the car and all.... cos if they wernt programmed, then you can start any magna, right? :P.

i work at holden and have programmed a few keys... its nothing hard, but you cant do it at home, as the programme that you need is at dealerships.

yeah, keys need to be programmed, or it wont work

yeh, keys need programming too .... so you can start the car and all.... cos if they wernt programmed, then you can start any magna, right? :P.
No I thought since they asked for my VIN number there is a particular code that the key contains that'd only work with the engine with that particular VIN. I just found out (after another call to Mitsu) that the VIN is used for carving the key.

Ok a few more things I need sorted out...

1. I've got small scratches and stone chips throughout the car and would like to have someone do touch ups and possible have the car detailed afterwards. What price range should I be looking at? Are these guys any good? http://www.touchupguysliverpool.com.au/

2. While attempting to dismantle console of my Magna I noticed that one of the the clips of the top console (the one with the air con blades) is broken, therefore it does not really snap into place. I've only recently noticed that the right side is portruding a bit and I feel I need to replace the top console. What do you guys thing? How much would this cost?