Lately I've been gawking at how awesome magna's look, which is weird because I never used to think much of them - and I've decided to scrap my piece-o-**** Pug for a Magna/Verada wagon.

I have a couple questions about it though...

1. As far as the types go (exec, advance, solara, etc.) what order would they be put in as far as quality goes?
Is there a difference?

2. I am not too interested in doing my car up - or going overly fast in it for that matter - what is the 4cyl like?

3. Is fuel conversion to gas possible (that 2k rebate still around?)


If theres anything I should know about when buying wagons, as opposed to sedans (theres not much info about 2nd hand wagons on this site) then please let me know.

I'm looking to spend from $6-8k on it

This is (http://www.autotrader.com.au/iteminfo/adnumber_WM2533122441_kw_wagon_loc_locRZSQregtAVSC distRZSQAVSCstateRZSQ7AVSCregRZSQ_maxp_9800_off_15 _sect_Automotive_sort_otRZSQ1BJDZfdRZSQSearchDispl ayPriorityIndAVSCotRZSQ1BJDZfdRZSQFirstPublished_s qt_0_srchby_minyrRZSQ1997AVSCmaxyrRZSQ2002AVSCmmbs RZSQMakeAVSCsrchbyRZSQmkmdlAVSCmkdlsRZSQMitsubishi MRFXMagnaMRFXVerada_stpg_1_subs_Used+Cars_) one I noticed the other day that looked decent.

first of all mate, welcome!

im also looking at a wagon in vic, so dont go stealing them until i have bought mine :P

but in all seriousness...

1. As far as the types go (exec, advance, solara, etc.) what order would they be put in as far as quality goes?
Is there a difference?
exec's are usually very basic and most dont come with power windows, after that its mainly trim and other basic features, wheels, body bits etc

2. I am not too interested in doing my car up - or going overly fast in it for that matter - what is the 4cyl like?
the 4 cylinder is VERY slow i would reccomend the 3L if your worried about fuel consumption.

3. Is fuel conversion to gas possible (that 2k rebate still around?)
not sure on this


hope i have helped!!

the 3L is actually better on fuel than 4cyl? :confused:

I deliver pizzas for a job - so low fuel consumption is pretty key.

the 3L is actually better on fuel than 4cyl? :confused:

I deliver pizzas for a job - so low fuel consumption is pretty key.

Yeah it actually is :shock: Most have just put it down to the 4 cyl needing to work harder to get the same results, so wringing its neck while the V6 is just idling.

Solara: 4 Speaker Stereo, Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach, Air Conditioning, Body Colour - Grille, Central Locking - Remote/Keyless, Cruise Control, Disc Brakes Front Ventilated, Disc Brakes Rear Solid, Independent Rear Suspension, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette, Remote Boot/Hatch Release, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Tacho

Advance: 4 Speaker Stereo, ABS (Antilock Brakes), Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach, Airbags - Driver & Passenger (Dual), Central Locking, Cruise Control, Engine Immobiliser, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette, Remote Boot/Hatch Release, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Tacho

Altera: 4 Speaker Stereo, Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach, Air Conditioning, Central Locking, Cruise Control, Engine Immobiliser, Paint - Metallic, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows - Front & Rear, Radio Cassette, Remote Boot/Hatch Release, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Tacho, Velour Trim

Sports: 4 Speaker Stereo, ABS (Antilock Brakes), Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach, Alloy Wheels, Body Kit - F&R Spoilers, Skirts, Rear Apron, Central Locking, Cruise Control, Engine Immobiliser, Leather Gear Knob, Leather Steering Wheel, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette, Remote Boot/Hatch Release, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Spoiler - Rear, Sports Seats - 1st Row (Front), Tacho

Exec: 4 Speaker Stereo, Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach, Central Locking, Engine Immobiliser, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette, Remote Boot/Hatch Release, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Tacho

Those are all the 1998 models BTW.

Awesome! Thanks alot for that.

The different stages of car seem so random... remote/keyless entry for the Solara, but no p/windows?

Is there anything to look for that indicates the car is a piece? My current car (and first car) has been nothing but problems since I got it - I just want something reliable.

At the moment - there are a couple cars I am checking out online.

'98 Verada, $8.5k (http://www.autotrader.com.au/iteminfo/adnumber_WM2533122441_kw_wagon_loc_locRZSQregtAVSC distRZSQAVSCstateRZSQ7AVSCregRZSQ_maxp_9800_off_15 _sect_Automotive_sort_otRZSQ1BJDZfdRZSQSearchDispl ayPriorityIndAVSCotRZSQ1BJDZfdRZSQFirstPublished_s qt_0_srchby_minyrRZSQ1997AVSCmaxyrRZSQ2002AVSCmmbs RZSQMakeAVSCsrchbyRZSQmkmdlAVSCmkdlsRZSQMitsubishi MRFXMagnaMRFXVerada_stpg_1_subs_Used+Cars_)

'98 Verada, $7.8k (http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MITSUBISHI/VERADA/Victoria/csn5523935.aspx?State=VIC)

'98 Solara, $6.5k (http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MITSUBISHI/MAGNA/Victoria/csn5657200.aspx?State=VIC)

Is the Verada worth 1-2k more? What do you guys think is a better option?

I need roof racks for my kayak, so thats worth 2-300 for me on the Verada.

Theres one in Randwick NSW for 5000 ono on carsales

fly up $69
train to destination $15
fuel to drive it back $120

I've bought my last 4 cars from sydney, vic people dream and over price there cars
However if this doesn't appeal you can always get it checked out and bought down on a car carrier, around $280 from Syd to Melb is the going rate. (what i've paid before)


Funnily enough one of my mates took my advice and flew up today and bought a car I found him, the tyer blew out and he is now sleeping in it, next to a tyer joint half way between sydney & melbourne :redface:
Oh if your wondering why he didn't use the spare, well he did. That blew out too, Meh

Heres a Kit listing for Car Manufacturer models
http://www.lpgautogas.com.au/images/LPG%20Kit%20Listing%2015Aug06.pdf

Looks like the V6 is supported, Good thing the 4 Banger is a bit small, very torquey though, you got to spin it much to get her movin....

I would talk to a trusted LPG fitter before buying, and ring MMAL for compatible VIN codes ( if any), or an LPG compatible engine stamp, if any....... They are on the TL-TW, not sure about earlier though.


I love the wagons.... to go to LPG, I would get a doughnut tank, fits in the spare wheel well and vertically mount the spare in the rear. This looks the neatest IMO.

Its a dunnydore, but you get the idea
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i15/1588_3lo.jpg

And try to get a country used vehicle, more highway K's and less Salt air, cars rust fast in seaside towns......

The different stages of car seem so random... remote/keyless entry for the Solara, but no p/windows?
Every 3rd gen has remote/keyless entry.

Its fairly straight forward, the exec is the pov pack with the least you can have in the car. The Solara is a limit run model which is esentially the Exec with a few extras (like a Commodore Exec + Lumina), the advance is the next model up, few extra bits and pieces again, then the sports which obviously has sporty trims bits and a tiptronic automatic (should you go auto) and then the Altera and Altera LS which are more or less the top of the range magna's before you go verada.

One thing you have to bear in mind is the Verada's only come in the 3.5L V6 variant, so if you want the 3L for the extra fuel economy you can rule the Verada out straight away. Otherwise, they'd be the best value option I think.

I found the 3.5L more economical then the 3.0L when both where driven sedatelly.lol

buy this one ;) all the hard works been done!
and thats and old pic, plenty more mods pretty things now :)

i get about 700km out of a tank onhighways with mine, its faster that any eco tech commo (up to 03). i got verada interior so it has better interior then any other brand wagon, good choice if ya get one is what im trying to say :D

you won't go wrong with a wagon mate, good luck with it

Theres one in Randwick NSW for 5000 ono on carsales

And try to get a country used vehicle, more highway K's and less Salt air, cars rust fast in seaside towns......
The problem with this is, I know sweet FA about cars, so I need my mate to come with me. He is the car whiz.

He is busy enough to go looking at local places, let alone Sydney or Shepparton!

Good pick-up with the Sydney cars though, theyre 2k cheaper across the board!


Looks like the V6 is supported, Good thing the 4 Banger is a bit small, very torquey though, you got to spin it much to get her movin....
Thanks alot for that!

It doesn't say anything about the Verada, I assume these can be converted too?

You don't need to know anything about cars, there's plenty of people out there who do vehicle checks. Some cost as much as $200 but give you a 300 point check on the car.
They will tell you the wear of everything, how much life is in stuff, if it's been in accident etc

Best part is they always pick up on things you wouldn't of, so more dollars of the asking price :-)
They fax you the report, so it doesn't matter if your interstate either.


I would also skip the KF verada idea, there getting old and there heavy.
Your better off with a late model advance or similar, the suspension wear is going to be allot worse on an older vehicle which weighs more. (eg. shocks, springs and bushes around 1500)

I'd be looking at a Magna Sportswagon, there verada spec and look good (priced around 10k)

Most people will take up to 2k of there asking price, you just gotta keep at them and learn which have been sitting on the market for a long time.
Ebay is a great place to look, it's usually the sellers last resort so there usually desperate

Good point with the vehicle inspection... I'll look into that if my mate can't join me.

Just because the Verada is getting old, does that make it that bad? I can't go and buy the best model out there, simply because I can't afford it. I don't plan on doing any mods or revving it too hard either.

As for the Sportswagon, I have a family friend who may be selling his for 10grand. The thing is, I didn't want to spend much more than 8k...
If I decide to spend that much, he would be the first person I buy from. (There's not much choice, there are none 2nd hand online)

Altera's came out with the LPG ready engine. It's stamped on the block, I can't remember exactly but maybe someone will know.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43011


In the Magna 3rd gen series, all models with "N01" option on the data plate are LPG compatible.
Some models without the "N01" option on the data plate MAY be LPG compatible. To verify, confirm the cylinder head pad on the rocker cover surface on the RH end of the exhaust port side of each cylinder head is marked "LPG"

There's not much weight difference between the Verada & the Magna, about 60kgs (http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/comparespecs.php?id2=89798&id=89805)

I find the 3.5l gives me very similar fuel economy as my 3l did, on LPG. I've now had 3 Magnas on LPG, none of which were compatible, according to Mitsubishi, the TE still going strong till I sold it at 220ks.

There's not much weight difference between the Verada & the Magna, about 60kgs (http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/comparespecs.php?id2=89798&id=89805)

I find the 3.5l gives me very similar fuel economy as my 3l did, on LPG. I've now had 3 Magnas on LPG, none of which were compatible, according to Mitsubishi, the TE still going strong till I sold it at 220ks.
Thats interesting... that cars that aren't compatible still work... Is yours a one-off or does this happen alot?



http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43011
Thanks alot for that.

Where abouts is the data plate? :confused:

Theres a KJ Verada Wagon on carsales wih 84 for 7900, you better get in quick

Thats interesting... that cars that aren't compatible still work... Is yours a one-off or does this happen alot?


It's 3 non compatible magnas that I've had converted. I think there are others here who've done the same.

Mitsubishi says they're not compatible, not the companies that develop the kits. Since your looking at an older Magna/ Verada you don't have to worry about warranty issues, just reliability issues with the install.

Call a few installers in your area and ask them what they recommend.