Hi, I just joined up as I'm looking at buying my first real car (have owned cars in the past, just bombs). Need it for getting to work as of July. 2hrs commuting every day.

I went to a Mitsu dealer (in east Melbourne) the other day and was really impressed with the TL ES magnas for the price. With the 5-10 warranty, around the $16K mark onroad with 12mth rego and RWC.

Anyway, I'm nearly sold, but I would like to know more about these cars from their owners in regards to reliability and driving experience? I've been told the 5spd auto of the VR is better, but I don't like my chances of finding a 2nd hand one at a dealer for a similar price. My budget is 17K MAX. Is the triptronic ok in the ES? Are they responsive? Obviously I'm going to test drive this weekend, but I would like to hear others' opinions.

Also, what sort of prices should I be looking at? I'm looking at actually signing on the dotted line this weekend as I need the car asap.

Any other views/recommendations are welcome.
Cheers,
brent

Try talking them down a bit, I could of got a ES for $13k here in the west, but (if you search my name) I got my AWD for $15k and they were asking for $20k.

But the ES is very nice to drive, when I was driving one (when my old TE went into service) the tippy was responsive and smooth (not as responsive as the manual version).

Does it have to be a "new" car?, you could probably get some rather quite reasonable Sports/VR/VRX models either TJ or TL for that with around 50000-80000 on the clock.

They wouldn't be 'new' TLs for that $16k price. :confused:

Bigeye models were at $24,999 driveaway brandnew last year.
Plus the last Magnas are TWs, not TLs.


Just a headsup...

Alan Mance had a silver/pewter KL Verada Ei with 40,000km stickered at $18k (I think)
when I drove past their forecourt tonight. Ex-company car, looks very clean.

If I were spending 2 hrs a day, I know where I'd wanna park my butt in. :P

You might want to call 'em up to check on the $, not even 20% sure right now.
(dog tired, long bad day at office - you know how it is)


re 5-10 warranty, it only applies to the 1st owner.

Don't think it transfers to subsequent guys. :doubt:

re 5-10 warranty, it only applies to the 1st owner.
Don't think it transfers to subsequent guys. :doubt:

No, it does transfer! Many dealers are trying to charge me an extra grand for the vehicles that have the 5-10 warranty even though one dealer admitted to me that it costs them no extra for a car with the warranty or a car without. Your right that the 10 year warranty on the drivetrain is not transferrable, but the 5 year bumper to bumper is.

Thanks for the replies so far... I really would like to get an idea on prices now. Being able to get a TL for $13K in the West is positive. I see they go for around $12.5K at auction, but I would appreciate more views and opinions.

I'm going to test drive an auto TL ES and a manual TL ES today. Only prob is they're asking $18.5K for the manual and $16.5K for the auto!!!! Insane.

Thanks for ideas, keep them coming!

$16k for a TL Magna is pricey. Heck you could get a VX SS for less than that http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=2985529&current_rec=1&used_rec=47&total_rec=48&sort_type=2&total_rec=48&sort_type=2&make_id=10&model_id=19&badge_id=23615&search_distance=25

I would say it's worth around $13k. In 12 months time the 380 will probably be worth $16k 2nd hand.

SS's never hold their value well either tho. And that's a lot of km's for an almost 6 year old car.

$16k for a TL Magna is pricey. Heck you could get a VX SS for less than that http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=2985529&current_rec=1&used_rec=47&total_rec=48&sort_type=2&total_rec=48&sort_type=2&make_id=10&model_id=19&badge_id=23615&search_distance=25

I would say it's worth around $13k. In 12 months time the 380 will probably be worth $16k 2nd hand.

thats drive away price. plus 3 years warranty and the statutory protections from purchasing from a LMCT.

the 5 part of the 5/10 warranty is transferable , the 10 part isn't. read the owners manual. even the 5 part is conditional after 3 years.

Thanks for the replies so far... I really would like to get an idea on prices now. Being able to get a TL for $13K in the West is positive. I see they go for around $12.5K at auction, but I would appreciate more views and opinions.
re comparing Auctions to dealer sales, remember Auction prices do not include:-

-buyer's premium of $250 to ~$500 paid to auction house

-gotta get your own RWC at auctions

-quite often "Unreg" too so factor in Rego $550 + Vicroads appointment (fee/s? + time)

-and hey, those cars usually need work.. eg tyres, lights, fluids & filters...

:redface:

Ok, I've got my heart set on a TL ES. I test drove a manual the other day, but it wasn't as good as i'd expected. I then drove the semi-auto and the triptronic in the TL is quite good, so I'll settle for the semi-auto.

I just went to a dealer and spoke prices with him. I was ready to buy if he could get me the price I wanted. It was a June 2004, blue sedan TL ES with the balance of a 5 year warranty. I bargained till it hurt, but I couldn't get him to budge below $16,000. That's onroad, includes RACV inspection, plus 12 months rego from the day I take delivery. He had three others exactly the same in the yard (colour, similar k's and same year). I thought he'd go lower.

I started my end at $14,500, but he showed me the door and said 16k was the lowest he could go. It was stickered at $17. I went to $15k, but stopped there as I've been quoted 15K elsewhere, same car, different colour.

I'm going to go check out a car auction on Tuesday. Not to buy, just to understand how these auction places work and get a feel for the type of car I'll be getting at auction.

I'd much rather buy at a dealer, but $16,000 for a stock standard TL ES I still reckon is too high. I'll do some more ringing around tomorrow when the other dealers are open.

Buy at the end of the month because they have to meet their quota's and you might be able to get a better bargin (I did).

i can get tl magnas at moment for 12990 with 2k trade

H45E,
You got an excellent buy. I saw a white TL AWD yesterday sticker price of $19,990 driveaway. I tried to see if he'd move to $17,990, but no luck. He wasn't going to move from $19990.

Do you reckon I'd be better off buying AWD? There's a chance that I might need to sell in a year due to changing circumstances. I'm thinking both the safety and towability of an AWD plus resale value.

Towability of a AWD is ****, need to get one of those tray tow trucks.

But I got mine at the end of the month, hence $14990 drive-a-way.

H45E,
You got an excellent buy. I saw a white TL AWD yesterday sticker price of $19,990 driveaway. I tried to see if he'd move to $17,990, but no luck. He wasn't going to move from $19990.

Do you reckon I'd be better off buying AWD? There's a chance that I might need to sell in a year due to changing circumstances. I'm thinking both the safety and towability of an AWD plus resale value.

I have a TL AWD and they are awsome. However they do guzzle petrol and resale is crap so if you are going to get it, hold on to it!

usually ppl have end of financial year sales, i reckon if you can wiat a couple more days, then you might gte a much better car for your money.

TFBoy, I would love to wait, but my main problem is exams which start in just over a week. The more time I spend on looking for the right car, the more study time I waste.

TMC, why do you think resale is crap on an AWD? I would have thought it was better than a stock standard TL ES as there are less of them and they have a better gear box (so I've heard).

TFBoy, I would love to wait, but my main problem is exams which start in just over a week. The more time I spend on looking for the right car, the more study time I waste.

TMC, why do you think resale is crap on an AWD? I would have thought it was better than a stock standard TL ES as there are less of them and they have a better gear box (so I've heard).

True but let me put it this way. my TL was bought (with about 3000) worth of accessories for 38000 new in march of 2005. average sell price is now $19,500 - $22,700 for private sale.
Its only going to drop further due to hiking petrol prices.

Dont get me wrong i love my car im just saying magnas are reknown for a) dropping in value like a stone and b)being hard to sell for what they are worth. im just saying if you buy one be prepared to be commited.

Dude from what i understand you have decided what you want. All you have to do is put 1 day aside at the end of the month go in and haggle and then sign paper work. since they quote figures based on commited customers ie signed paperwork you should get a deal and get delivery as soon as possible (salesman wont get commision until delivered) and be able to study in the mean time. Also i would buy an AWD VR-X in a TL or TW if you are going down the AWD road. Better body kit more power, better sterio etc. Have you looked at 2nd hand TW's for price comparison.

Dude from what i understand you have decided what you want. All you have to do is put 1 day aside at the end of the month go in and haggle and then sign paper work. since they quote figures based on commited customers ie signed paperwork you should get a deal and get delivery as soon as possible (salesman wont get commision until delivered) and be able to study in the mean time. Also i would buy an AWD VR-X in a TL or TW if you are going down the AWD road. Better body kit more power, better sterio etc. Have you looked at 2nd hand TW's for price comparison.

Thats what I did, went in looking for quotes came out with a new car. I was actually going to get a TL 2003 VR but it wasnt AWD and it did the same kms for $18990 (different car yard), so I thought I did a good deal for my car, plus I am going to upgrade the sound system put in some spots and put a vrx spoiler (i like it). Plus the "Map lights".

Dude from what i understand you have decided what you want. All you have to do is put 1 day aside at the end of the month go in and haggle and then sign paper work. since they quote figures based on commited customers ie signed paper
.... Have you looked at 2nd hand TW's for price comparison.

tmc, I see what you mean about buying at the end of the month, but I'm not the kind of person who can just leave a project hanging. I won't stop thinking about it until it's done and that's not a good thing during exams. Also, I looked at www.redbook.com.au and figured out that trade in prices for 2003/4 TL ES Magnas are around the 12-13 mark, so if I can get the car for 15K (in the right colour (Blue) and with a good service history) then I'd be happy. I'd rather pay a bit extra for a traded-in car or fleet than an ex-rental. Just to be safe.

Ok, I think I've found the right car.
It's a Blue TL ES (2004) Magna with:
- Premium sound system
- Towbar
- 38,000kms on the clock
- 3 year Mitsu warranty extension
- 101 point inspection (Diamond something)
- rego for another 9 months

It's an ex-fleet car (reputable charity) that was bought at this particular dealer and serviced there regularly. Last service was in the last 500kms.

The dealer wouldn't budge on price initially, although I beat him down to $15,990 from $17,990 when he saw I was serious. That's a driveaway price.

I think it's much better than the $15,500 ex-rental cars that I've seen with the books tampered. Plus, I need the towbar and the premium 6-stacker Cd is a bonus. It's not the best price, but it's worth the extra just knowing where it's been and the people that have serviced it.

what do you reckon, should I buy it tomorrow?

If the car feels "right" to you then go for it! The dollars they are asking for the kms on the odo i think its a bargain! TL's here with similar kms are @ $19990!

I agree good value!

Ok, I think I've found the right car.
It's a Blue TL ES (2004) Magna with:
- Premium sound system
- Towbar
- 38,000kms on the clock
- 3 year Mitsu warranty extension
- 101 point inspection (Diamond something)
- rego for another 9 months

It's an ex-fleet car (reputable charity) that was bought at this particular dealer and serviced there regularly. Last service was in the last 500kms.

The dealer wouldn't budge on price initially, although I beat him down to $15,990 from $17,990 when he saw I was serious. That's a driveaway price.

I think it's much better than the $15,500 ex-rental cars that I've seen with the books tampered. Plus, I need the towbar and the premium 6-stacker Cd is a bonus. It's not the best price, but it's worth the extra just knowing where it's been and the people that have serviced it.

what do you reckon, should I buy it tomorrow?

Damn good deal! I would be supprised if you got a better deal then that else where. :)

I picked up an 04 TL ES with 39,000ks a couple of months ago for $14750 drive away. It was an ex-fleet vehicle.

Originally Posted by Magna-Mad
Damn good deal! I would be supprised if you got a better deal then that else where.


^this guy sound like a dealer :badgrin:

Thanks for all your help fellas... I've bought the car. I took it for a test drive today (for over 40mins) and it performed very well. Taking it fast over speed bumps, the rear suspension made a bit of noise but that ironed out with a bit of driving. Similar to what's mentioned in the other thread I think. The dealer said that it had been sitting around in the dealership (indoors actually on the showroom floor) for a while so it's probably a bit stiff. He'd also put detergent in the windscreen water which is frustrating, but he said they'd change that over if I liked.

Anyway, everything else worked beautifully and the motor idled brilliantly. Body is fantastic... no scratches at all! I made mention of the noise and the dealer's going to get the mechanics to look at it tomorrow and lube it up a bit I think. I pick it up on Saturday!!!

Now I've just got to find the cheapest insurance....

congrats!! the TLs are beautiful to drive... great deal u got as well!

^this guy sound like a dealer :badgrin:

No thanks, I like the fact that I can go home and sleep at night lol

^this guy sound like a dealer :badgrin:

I'm also blown away at the fact that 2 and 3 year old cars are getting purchased so cheaply!

I'm pretty thrilled with what I got! It just looks so nice in the carport.... it looks really good in blue, I'll get some photos up when the weather clears and I can actually get some!

just need to get a steering wheel cover (too slippery) and floor mats and I'm happy.