I am still looking for a black magna and on top of the TJ series am looking at the TL series. Just like your opinions on the TL and tell me, from what i can make out the TL VR-X body kit is much more subtle in diference to the standard body whereas the TJ VR-X kit was much different to the standard magna body. Am i missing something or does the TL VR-X have a much more sublte kit on it?

Pics of TL's with modded body kits would be appreciated but overall just some feedback on the quality of the model. I had a TL as a rental in WA some years back and it was great. Much the same as the previous ones.

Two more things, what are the differences between the TL ES and the TL VR-X? Can i get a TL ES to look like a VR-X (exterior) without much fuss?

Is it possible to put a TJ VRX kit on a TL or would tha just be stupid?

The vrx has a much nicer front bar, the bottom grille is upside down and has foggies, looks much more aggressive. Pretty sure it has side skirts too. The rear bar looks good and it also has a muffler change and tinted tail lights. Colour coded also which makes a huge difference. Definitely a much nicer car if you have the cash and the option. You can buy the kit but it means replacing everything said above. It's not like the TJ where the vrx front kit screws onto the standard bar.

Having said that, the ES isn't bad at all. It still has all the electrics/climate control etc, I can't comment hugely on the interior but I think the vrx is slightly more comfy.

I agree with piv in saying that the ES isn't bad. I've owned mine for about a month, and I've got nothing negative to say about it.

If you look up nepeanmotorgroup.com.au and browse through their secondhand cars you will see a 2005 Black vr-x awd. Click on the big picture and it will go to a slideshow with shots of the front, back, side and interior which will gives you a goood indication of the standard body kit. Then check the standard TL's and you will see a big difference.

By the way, they are asking $23,999 for this one which was an ex-police commanders company vehicle in immaculate condition which they bought for $17,000 at auction.

There is another identical one on the Manheimfowles government auction site for $17,160, this week, check it out on manheimfowles.com.au.

im sorry to all the TL owners but i think the front of them looks like ****

there was a photo chop of a front bar that looked awsome on a TL however there wasnt a demand for it so they never made it (anyone still got the pic of it???). if it wasnt for the TJ front i wouldnt have bought a magna.

saab i think stick with the TJ they r sexy lol

wheres a pic of PHATTL when u need it lol that was one H-O-T TL

www.redbook.com.au

Ive gotta agree with Missbishi and im sorry to TL owners.
But i honestly believe that the TL is the ugly magna and was the start of the downfall of mitsubishi.

Ive driven a TL and felt no difference between the TL awd and my TJ awd but i know that if i had gotten a TL i would always wish i had gotten a TJ.

Think hard befor you pick.

No need to apologise guys in saying the TL is ugly thats your opinion and we are all entitled to that. My wife decided it's time to update her TE which is fitted with a TJ VRX body kit and wheels, i suggested a TJ VRX, why spend all that money on a car that will look very similer to the eleven year old car i'm driving, she asked. understanding the body language, as you do, i bought a TL ES nice to drive, but quite plain exterior. I purchased a genuine TL VRX body kit and BF XR8 wheels on ebay, TW head lights with the colour coded inserts. Window tint, lowewing, colour coding mirors and door strips will also be done. The car i think will look quite smart, i shall post some photo's when completed, you guys may change your mind and realize,who's riding the older UGLY sister.

definitely post pics mate, but how much will all that extra stuff set you back? How much just for the VR X kit? lol my questions must be getting boring, always about the same things lol.

The VRX kit was $850.00 wheels and tyres $1500.00 TW headlights from mits $600.00 fit and paint the kit including colour coding mirrors and door protection strips $900.00. window tint $250.00 lowering $450.00. The cooks happy so it's all good.

i've gotta agree with the comments saying the TL/TW's are ugly, no matter how you dress em up, unless you retro-ize the front to a TJ, they'll still be ugly in my eyes :) even the BMS kit makes it look better, and i'd say passable, but the TJ series makes it pretty easy to make a sexy car, coz u already have a pretty good looking car :) its the whole reason why TL VRX's are similar in price to TJ VRX's, and why everyone comments they pick up TL's so cheaply, coz noone wants them, and its why Mitsu is nearly down the toilet right now! if the magna ended at the TJ's, and then they went to a different car altogether (ie the 380) then Mitsu would be on the up and up.

altho, on a comparison basis, i gotta say an 8th Gen Galant vs a TJ/KJ Magna/Verada competition would really see the divide between people :)

I may be in the minority, but I'm unbiased - I own a Lancer VR-X. I think that the TL/TW VR-X was the best looking Magna produced, especially the Limited Edition with the Enkei's. I rate them above the TJ VR-X because they look sporty in a subtle kinda way. The main downfall is the interior, which by 2003, was looking very dated indeed.

hehehe, I love both TL and TJs, in fact, is the TL that made me bought my Magna today. It was the TJs that it was ugly with the beak bonnet. If not because I seen a VRX TJ or a Ralliart, I may not have learned how to appreciate TJ's design like now.

On the brighter note TL IMO looks better than 380, and I feel you have less things you need to mod. I would take the TL/TW.

Great to see some support, i was starting to feel like the LONE RANGER.

Great to see some support, i was starting to feel like the LONE RANGER.

It seriosly down to your own taste for it, If I am given a TL VRX or a TJ VRX, I still go TL, simply because is a newer car, not that it is ugly IMO. If someone gets sick of the parabolic headlights will know they want a TL/W.

I totally enjoyed the ride of TL/W and it is what made me decided to buy a Magna over a Camry.

yeah i wasnt a fan of the TL's when they first came out
but since owning one it has grown on me
with a little bit of work the car has come out pretty nice
but there are some future upgrades in store so it should look even better when done
i guess the reason why i brought the TL was becuase it was cheap, had hardly any k's on it but most important of all it was manual :D
i've had her nearly 2 years and its a very nice car to drive and hasnt had any major problems

^^I'm in exactly the same boat as you.

Wasn't a fan when they came out, but bought one cause they were cheap.

Lowered the car and put some nice rims on it and it looks 100 times better!

Aesthetics are always subjective, like pieces of art. I really like the TL/TW shape and think that its style was probably a bit too early for the consumer market upon release. Now however, i think it looks very contemporary and stylish.

In my opinion, a black TJ VRX had the kind of appeal that the black V8 Interceptor had in Mad Max, looks really muscley and mean. The TL doesn't have the same muscley appeal, its more stealth and robotic, kind of has an intelligent power look that shouldn't be under-estimated.

With the release of the Transformers movie I love the look of TL all the more. Being a fan of Transformers ever since i was a kid the TL looks like a Decepticon in disguise (or Autobot depending on your allegiences) lol.

I was one who absolutley hated the TL look when it first came out. I thought that the Magna shape went a bit too long in the tooth. However, like others have said, I think the TL/TW looks are pretty good. A lot of people have commented that they like the front look now days. I think it was ahead of its time. By the way the TJ was christened by the Mitsu staff at the time of its release .... "Gonzo" because of its beak...:bowrofl:

Most people i know call it a 'hook bill' or a 'hawk bonnet', i like those terms much better.
The TL looks like i was hung in a fridge for 6 weeks by meat hooks peirced through its eye lids.

Well, you can't see the front of the car while you're driving it. TL headlights( with good globes) are excellent too. I wouldn't have bought mine unless it was awd - Where else do you get a big (newish)awd 4 door with some go in it and leather for $25k or under? or whatever it costs for a model- they are better value than the vrx.

Well, you can't see the front of the car while you're driving it. TL headlights( with good globes) are excellent too. I wouldn't have bought mine unless it was awd - Where else do you get a big (newish)awd 4 door with some go in it and leather for $25k or under? or whatever it costs for a model- they are better value than the vrx.

I agree, the car is exelent value for what you pay for it. As i said i have driven both AWD models and could not decide on mechanics or ride feel alone. I chose on personal asthetics, wich is what it comes down to in the end.

And yeah, you dont see the front of your car while your driving but you do have to look at it every day befor work, on the week ends, in every photo you take of it, the guy you race up behind and then tailgate has to see it cos hes doing 20 in an 80. So personal taste eh?

I've never had a comment "i hate the front of your car" but some rather the TJ. With subtle lowering and rims like TL-R said it sets it apart from all the other family magnas.

Besides, personally I think the TJ looks very dated since most people can't tell the difference between that and a TE so you get judged for driving a 10 year old car.

Oh, and the rear end of TLs ****s all over anything else.

Rear end of a TL looks like a TF to me, excepting the lights.

Well I hadn't taken much notice of the Magnas until it came time to upgrade cars, my previous and now second car is an 98 model Camry. I like the TL a lot better as I think they are less dated in appearance and do have a more stealthier look and when lowered looks like its going fast just standing still. Since buying my TL VR-X I have noticed a few at standard ride height and I think that the simple act of lowering them makes them look far better than standard height. I can't compare it to any other model of Magna as I have only driven the TL and I would have to say that I am very happy the TL. If you want to see a photo from the front of the VR-X I have one in my profile, it has been fitted with Lovell super lows.

Rear end of a TL looks like a TF to me, excepting the lights.

You're not looking close enough then.

You're not looking close enough then.
Lmao... dont really wanna look either.

Finally should be getting my TL tomorrow. I love the look of the TL, but they are not common on the road. Went for a drive from the Dandenong Ranges to Mornington and back and saw three TL's and i was looking. But tonight I went to the video store and parked right next to a black TL ES that had 17"s on it and was lowered the standard depth. Man it looked fantastic. Can't wait to get mine! It was so good to see this because mine is black with a spoiler and just needs lowering and some 17"s, so was nice to see what the outcome would look like and i am very impressed. Come on clock speed up dude!

Finally should be getting my TL tomorrow. I love the look of the TL, but they are not common on the road. Went for a drive from the Dandenong Ranges to Mornington and back and saw three TL's and i was looking. But tonight I went to the video store and parked right next to a black TL ES that had 17"s on it and was lowered the standard depth. Man it looked fantastic. Can't wait to get mine! It was so good to see this because mine is black with a spoiler and just needs lowering and some 17"s, so was nice to see what the outcome would look like and i am very impressed. Come on clock speed up dude!

congrats on the buy, as i said earlier TLs arent my thing, but theres a small chance u could make urs turn heads *jokes* :) imo i wouldve gone higher than the ES, just base model plastics are tacky!

and u'd want more than 17s in those guards, 18s minimum man! 18s and lows and u'll b in business, then 20% or 35% tint :)

Well done you've made an excellent choice.
Post some pics (before,after, and during your mods)
Let us enjoy your ride.

Hehehe. Haven't been on the forums for a while. Good to see the good old opinions/debate on which model looks better is still going on. I was one of the first to get a TL when it first came out. Never had any major problems with it. Its an excellent car and still is to this day.

Looks are always subjective ofcourse. Compared to the TJ, the TL is more modern looking IMO. The TJ VRX still looks good but so does the TL VRX. Its the same with any generation, sports model always looks the goods while the base models etc. look plain and boring unless done up.

If I were to strictly compare the TJ and the TL, I think the TJ now looks very dated. The TL on the other hand has a more modern look to it. I myself have the TL VRX model lowered on big wheels and it sure turns a lot of heads. Most people don't know what it is when they first see it. They normally have an intrigued "what the f#%$ is that?" look on their faces and when I tell them it is a magna they are shocked to know a magna can actually look good.

The fact that they aren't too many done up TLs around, if you do have one it will certainly be unique. Till this day I still enjoy shocking people on how good a magna can be made to look with simple mods.

Finally should be getting my TL tomorrow. I love the look of the TL, but they are not common on the road. Went for a drive from the Dandenong Ranges to Mornington and back and saw three TL's and i was looking. But tonight I went to the video store and parked right next to a black TL ES that had 17"s on it and was lowered the standard depth. Man it looked fantastic. Can't wait to get mine! It was so good to see this because mine is black with a spoiler and just needs lowering and some 17"s, so was nice to see what the outcome would look like and i am very impressed. Come on clock speed up dude!

Will look nice... because of the reshaped exterior, they still look quite modern.

The fact that they aren't too many done up TLs around, if you do have one it will certainly be unique. Till this day I still enjoy shocking people on how good a magna can be made to look with simple mods.

Here Here!

Wohooooo! Well everyone i finally have my new Magna TL (well new to me anyway). It has 16" Mitsubishi alloys on it, spoiler, sports steering wheel and i think a sports exhaust. Its black and freakin beautiful. Will lower it in the next month and get some 17"s on it.

Would love to whack some 18"s on but that won't happen. Will also put fog lights in, are the Shark lights the way to go, plus is it extra to get the black plastic fog light trims (i am sure the answer will be yes) or is that part of the deal?

But hey me mates, the search and purchase is over. I started out on this board a month or so ago asking about a TJ VRX and now i have my TL ES.

To get a more upsec model wouldn't have suited my budget plus c'mon, the TL ES comes loaded with stacks of great features for what you spend these days. Ultimately a black VRX AWD would have been the Megatron of Magnas but i didn't have a budget that could make that happen.

Hope to get involved in some cruises with you guys and i will try and put some pics up too.

congratulations man, good to see you chose a tl and not the buzzard beak, a few minor mods and you will be flash as a rat with a GOLD tooth

people confuse the TL's styling with its ability, they think just cos its ugly its "DA WORST MAGNA EVA MAN!!!11!"

in actual fact the TL/TW magna is quite easily the best magna ever made, its quite surprising how much better it feels over a TJ model when you drive the two back to back. The TL feels much more "solid" if you know what i mean, comparing base model to base model it handles quite alot better, much improve steering, nicer interior, etc. It's just perhaps not the best looking magna ever, but even then, thats only a subjective thing

picsorban :)

haha @ Spacbase, does that mean i will be kicked if no pics are put on the boards? Crikey i better get on with it thenlol.

Really do hope to take some shots tomorrow bro. If it stops raining that is. Sheesh man get this. I took care of the transfer papers at Vic Roads in Seaford which was near where i picked up the car and as soon as i took the keys it started pouring and didn't stop till i reached Mooroolbark (just near Lilydale if anyone is wondering). I stop to get some petrol, just a splash cause UL is at 139 cents/litre and the attendent says its only been raining here for 5 mins. I must have driven under the rain cloud all the way from Mornington to the Dandenong Ranges! Now my car has been sprayed stupid with road crap from all of those honking big semi's running the freeways!

Wohooooooo i got me a TL!!!! This car will make trips to the G to watch Richmond get done each week that much more comfortable.

congrats champ. great car you'll love it

Thanks Nos man, I do love it mate.

Had my car one week and love it, still trying to get photos though, the rain has not helped but its sunny today. But can someone tell me, can you put TJ VRX sideskirts and rear bar on a TL?

Ive been told that the rear bar sits further out from the frame on the TL (or possibly vice versa) making it difficult to fit, and leaving a gap. Dont quote me on this.

As for the skirts, i dont know either.

as far as i know the only body kit that will fit a TL
is the TL VRX body kit

OK, i have noticed that the TJ has two pieces that make up the rear bar whilst the TL has one. On the TJ and prior models the bottom half of the rear bar has a more bulky, protruding look on the sides, the TL is much more slender.

From a cursory observation it looks like you would have to remove the one piece TL rear bar and replace it with the two piece TJ rear and then somehow apply the TJ VRX rear kit to it as you would normally to any TJ.

Does this sound about right? Anybody reckon i would wreck the styling of the TL by putting TJ clothes on it, would it look out of place?

Are those Lancer VR-X rims? lol

The rear of the TL is one of the better looking things of the redesign, don't retrofit it with TJ stuff!

OK, i have noticed that the TJ has two pieces that make up the rear bar whilst the TL has one. On the TJ and prior models the bottom half of the rear bar has a more bulky, protruding look on the sides, the TL is much more slender.

From a cursory observation it looks like you would have to remove the one piece TL rear bar and replace it with the two piece TJ rear and then somehow apply the TJ VRX rear kit to it as you would normally to any TJ.

Does this sound about right? Anybody reckon i would wreck the styling of the TL by putting TJ clothes on it, would it look out of place?
I dont think that this will work. The lower edge of the bootlid is different between the TJ and TL. I mean the bit that almost kisses the bumper. Not sure however as this is just an observation!

Hey rejectofgeeks, the wheels came with the car when i bought it. You may be right about them being Lancer wheels, i saw a lancer with a smaller set at Eastland the other day. The previous owner just put new tyres on so i am keeping them for a bit and then i will swap them off for 17". First things first though, will be lowering the car in August.

people confuse the TL's styling with its ability, they think just cos its ugly its "DA WORST MAGNA EVA MAN!!!11!"

in actual fact the TL/TW magna is quite easily the best magna ever made, its quite surprising how much better it feels over a TJ model when you drive the two back to back. The TL feels much more "solid" if you know what i mean, comparing base model to base model it handles quite alot better, much improve steering, nicer interior, etc. It's just perhaps not the best looking magna ever, but even then, thats only a subjective thing

Yep, TL's rule. And yes, I have previously owned a TJ!

saab the car looks great man:D . i'm all for the vrx bumper swap but go for the tl one. will look so much better. just my two cents

Cheers NOS. Actually this morning was the first time i got a good look at the rear of my TL whilst it was moving. I am putting it on LPG today (ready by 6pm) and my wife drove it and i followed in the TH. Man, i really like it. I must seem pretty fickle but i have changed my mind, i aint going to swap it.

My two hopes are to lower it and add on some 17"s. I think this will make enough of a difference to the car for me. Tending to agree with others that have posted elsewhere on these boards, sometimes adding just a little makes the biggest change.