Hey all,
Just after a bit of advice. I'm looking at getting a 3rd gen in the next month or so and am a little unsure on the difference between models.
I'm looking at spending max $9500 on purchase and stamp duty/rego transfer. Insurance + rego renewal can be on top of this. So far I've been looking at either a KJ Verada Ei (8-10K) or a TJ advance (6-7K) but am struggling to see the point in spending extra for the KJ. My understanding is the extra ~$2000 gets me

16" Alloy Wheels
Chrome Grille
Traction Control
Fog Lamps
woodgrain inserts
different front bar

On the other hand the cheaper advance still gives me power everything, trip computer, climate control and most likely a car in better mechanical condition (at the end of the day this is most important).

Just interested in hearing from magna and verada owners if they think the verada is worth the extra cash or if I should just save the money?

There is also:

- Velour Interior ($1000+)
- Softer/More comfortable suspension ($400+)
- Parabolic headlights ($400)
- KJ taillights with seperate reverse lights ($275)

When you work it all out, its better value for money to get the KJ

i vote TJ Sports (which is what i bought) mine was 7,000

and life, thats a stupid point to make considering:

velour interior nobdy would want, blackmans does leather (not vynil) seat covers for $1200

softer suspension? who calls that a bonus, i call it a downgrade lol




in realtion to the tj sports, get either a manual or an AWD, both can be had for 7-10k if you look hard enough :)

There is also:

- Velour Interior ($1000+)
- Softer/More comfortable suspension ($400+)
- Parabolic headlights ($400)
- KJ taillights with seperate reverse lights ($275)

When you work it all out, its better value for money to get the KJ

On average I spend 12 seconds a day looking at the outside of my car while I spend close to an hour looking at the inside, from that point of view I understand the value in the different interior but paras and different tail lights are somewhat of a huge wank. So verada suspension is definitely different?



i vote TJ Sports (which is what i bought) mine was 7,000

and life, thats a stupid point to make considering:

velour interior nobdy would want, blackmans does leather (not vynil) seat covers for $1200

softer suspension? who calls that a bonus, i call it a downgrade lol




in realtion to the tj sports, get either a manual or an AWD, both can be had for 7-10k if you look hard enough :)

Yeah not really interested in sports models, I just wanna get from A to B in as greater comfort at possible.

Thats $1200 for just seats? extra for door cards etc?

i vote TJ Sports (which is what i bought) mine was 7,000

and life, thats a stupid point to make considering:

velour interior nobdy would want, blackmans does leather (not vynil) seat covers for $1200

softer suspension? who calls that a bonus, i call it a downgrade lol




in realtion to the tj sports, get either a manual or an AWD, both can be had for 7-10k if you look hard enough :)

Sigh. You're as bad as Lucifer. Anyways, not all people want to drive a stiff car (re: suspension), some people like comfort and we are talking about factory things here, not modifications. Maybe the guy doesn't want to modify it and halve its value?

the difference between all of the 3 suspension levels i have tried (everything but ralliart) isnt huge, its seriously not a massive difference, but i guess if your driving a long way it might make a difference, my sports suspension is fine on average roads, however i will be going lower (not as low as my old car though) because it doesnt worry me


modfying halving the value? That makes no sense at all.... so your saying if i bought a ralliart and lowered it, its worth around 8 or 9 grand? Thats awesome, can you find me one?

re door cards: no this doesnt include door cards, leather is extremely expensive (the actual hides) but i think from memory they said another $200 for the door cards

On average I spend 12 seconds a day looking at the outside of my car while I spend close to an hour looking at the inside, from that point of view I understand the value in the different interior but paras and different tail lights are somewhat of a huge wank. So verada suspension is definitely different?

Yes it is, IIRC the springs and shocks are the same, but there are softer bushes allowing for a smoother softer ride.

On average I spend 12 seconds a day looking at the outside of my car while I spend close to an hour looking at the inside, from that point of view I understand the value in the different interior but paras and different tail lights are somewhat of a huge wank. So verada suspension is definitely different?




Yeah not really interested in sports models, I just wanna get from A to B in as greater comfort at possible.

Thats $1200 for just seats? extra for door cards etc?

In that case, the verada also has auto dimming (auto-chromatic interior and drivers reverse mirrors) and high contrast dash. The bigger reverse light also light up the rear better at night. Don't dismiss the bigger front and rear bumpers. They are there for a purpose. They protect the car in slow speed impacts. I've seen plenty of magnas and other cars where they reversed into a pole where the most amount of damage was to the boot lid and lights. I have reversed my old KS Xi into my gate while if was open and split the 75x75mm post and the only damage to my car was a bit of abbrassion to the bumper surface. The gate did not even touch the boot lid.

if u can find a KJII it has the 5 speed tranny

Yeah I've seen a few but for my budget its not really practical. Whatever I get it'll be a 4 speed although the Verada has tiptronic vs the standard shifter in the advance.


In that case, the verada also has auto dimming (auto-chromatic interior and drivers reverse mirrors) and high contrast dash.

Actually the high contrast dash is something I would really like, how effective are those auto dimming mirrors?


the difference between all of the 3 suspension levels i have tried (everything but ralliart) isnt huge, its seriously not a massive difference, but i guess if your driving a long way it might make a difference, my sports suspension is fine on average roads, however i will be going lower (not as low as my old car though) because it doesnt worry me


The Verada suspension is really nice but maybe the advance is a good compromise between comfort and body roll control. I'm just wary with suspension cause my current car has king lows and driving down riversdale road over the tram tracks is like spending the night in a prision cell with the guy they call mr tiny, its FREAKING UNPLEASANT.

The Verada suspension is really nice but maybe the advance is a good compromise between comfort and body roll control. I'm just wary with suspension cause my current car has king lows and driving down riversdale road over the tram tracks is like spending the night in a prision cell with the guy they call mr tiny, its FREAKING UNPLEASANT.
In regards to body roll, it can mostly be removed without lowering, simply install f&r sway bars, and a strut brace, you'll notice a major difference... If anything, go with something like Sports/VRX springs, not too low, and still comfortable.

In regards to body roll, it can mostly be removed without lowering, simply install f&r sway bars, and a strut brace, you'll notice a major difference... If anything, go with something like Sports/VRX springs, not too low, and still comfortable.
wait.... i thought you said that sports suspension was no good like.. 5 posts ago?

Yeah I've seen a few but for my budget its not really practical. Whatever I get it'll be a 4 speed although the Verada has tiptronic vs the standard shifter in the advance.



Actually the high contrast dash is something I would really like, how effective are those auto dimming mirrors?



The Verada suspension is really nice but maybe the advance is a good compromise between comfort and body roll control. I'm just wary with suspension cause my current car has king lows and driving down riversdale road over the tram tracks is like spending the night in a prision cell with the guy they call mr tiny, its FREAKING UNPLEASANT.

Very quick response and very affective. I don't get annoyed by people flashing their high beams from behind anymore.

Verada do have a slightly softer spring and also more forgiving damper. It has nothing to do with bushes, they are the same. A rubber bush will not give a softer ride.

The Verada is a better buy for comfort, nothing wrong with the advance but at least with the verada you do get better bang for buck.

They Veradas just have a nicer, more comfortable feel to them. Features like the autodiming mirror and high-contrast dash aren't necessary, but are nice to have.

I miss my Verada's cruising ability, it was just so comfortable for long stretches, my TL doesn't feel that way.

I reckon you could get a KJ Xi for the kind of money you're thinking, there's a nice looking one on CarSales atm

http://carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=6666775&__Ntt=verada%20xi&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_Price_Decimal%7c0%7c%7cpCar_RankSort_Int 32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_S tring%7c0&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&silo=1011&__No=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&__Ntk=CarAll&seot=0&__Nne=15&trecs=38&__D=verada%20xi&__sid=11B6B1BA2670

They Veradas just have a nicer, more comfortable feel to them. Features like the autodiming mirror and high-contrast dash aren't necessary, but are nice to have.

I miss my Verada's cruising ability, it was just so comfortable for long stretches, my TL doesn't feel that way.

I reckon you could get a KJ Xi for the kind of money you're thinking, there's a nice looking one on CarSales atm

http://carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=6666775&__Ntt=verada%20xi&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_Price_Decimal%7c0%7c%7cpCar_RankSort_Int 32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_S tring%7c0&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&silo=1011&__No=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&__Ntk=CarAll&seot=0&__Nne=15&trecs=38&__D=verada%20xi&__sid=11B6B1BA2670

Yeah i guess theres loads of features that you don't notice but are really good to have.

Yeah I just saw that one and am planning to go have a look see this sunday.

Yeah i guess theres loads of features that you don't notice but are really good to have.

Yeah I just saw that one and am planning to go have a look see this sunday.

I didn't realise just how nice those things were until they were gone ;)

This one might be worth a look too, it's a SII so has the 5sp auto.

http://carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=6737326&__Ntt=verada%20xi&__Qpb=true&Cr=12&__Ns=pCar_Price_Decimal%7c0%7c%7cpCar_RankSort_Int 32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_S tring%7c0&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&silo=1011&__No=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&__Ntk=CarAll&seot=0&__Nne=15&trecs=38&__D=verada%20xi&__sid=11B6B1BA2670

wait.... i thought you said that sports suspension was no good like.. 5 posts ago?

Well, if he was go to lower Sports suspension is much more forgiving then King Low's, or Superlow's...

I would never touch a magna. Verada is where it's at. Also don't forget climate control, premium stereo, stereo controls, sunroof, and the LOOKS. The verada always looks more expensive than it actually is while the Magna looks cheaper.

In the end it's all about the looks! Plus Verada has some nice colour choices.

I would never touch a magna. Verada is where it's at. Also don't forget climate control, premium stereo, stereo controls, sunroof, and the LOOKS. The verada always looks more expensive than it actually is while the Magna looks cheaper.

In the end it's all about the looks! Plus Verada has some nice colour choices.

Never mind that premium stereo and stereo controls go out the window when you upgrade the H/U, and when you take into account the Sunroof was optional. Climate...you can find them on certain VRX models.

Looks...are a matter of personal preference.

Never mind that premium stereo and stereo controls go out the window when you upgrade the H/U, and when you take into account the Sunroof was optional. Climate...you can find them on certain VRX models.

Looks...are a matter of personal preference.

Sunroof was standard from KH onwards on the Xi model.

My sisters TJ Advance has climate and 6-speaker stereo, but it isn't as nice as inside a Verada.

Never mind that premium stereo and stereo controls go out the window when you upgrade the H/U, and when you take into account the Sunroof was optional. Climate...you can find them on certain VRX models.

Looks...are a matter of personal preference.

The one I'm going to look at has both.

Does anyone know if the sunroof has a cloth cover aswell as the electric glass?

With ur budget and what u want from it mate, i would be looking at a KJ Xi verada as new as possible. The sports/VRXs dont have anything more than the Verada in terms of what u are looking for

Soundproofing is another noticeable advantage of the Verada - have a KJ (Series I) and a TJ Sports - plus a a TJ Executive in the family. Noise in Sports & Exec is very intrusive. Verada soooo much quieter, esp on rough or dirt roads.

The response of Manual Sports is much fun (gruntier), and the standard rear sway bar of Sports makes for great feel to handling..... adding a Whiteline rear sway bar to Verada made a positive improvement, but had to have Whiteline/Redranger modify the bar to avoid it banging on the standard rear suspension. Result good, getting there was some hassle.

Auto (even tho I have 4-sp tippy) cruises at lower revs compared to the manual car. Would love to compare 5-sp tippy, have read here (and accept) that 5-sp tippy is a better thing.

Lots of Verada features are appearance/wank-factor, but that doesn't stop me liking them. Verada has standard fog lights, if that's a consideration for where you drive. Auto-dim mirrors very good. Climate definate appreciated. I like power windows, which plenty of Magna's got too. Traction control - dunno, hope it may help me one day. Two airbags - definate advantage (our TJ Exec only has Driver Bag).

Verada GTV .. all the comfort levels of a verada with sports/vrx running gear plus black leather, 17" alloys, and woodgrain wheel and gear knob :D

Verada GTV .. all the comfort levels of a verada with sports/vrx running gear plus black leather, 17" alloys, and woodgrain wheel and gear knob :D

Definitely the best of both worlds ;)

Get a Verada mate & this is from a TF sports owner which is flawless itself but as mentioned above, with a Verada you will get a nicer smoother car

I'd be going the KJ for both the comfort and feeling inside. I personally think the seats are much better than the Magna seats, and there are plenty of people who can vouch for that, the sound deadening is superior and the little extra bits and bob's don't hurt, like the woodgrain, climate control, 8 speaker stereo, tinted cluster, cd stacker, traction control, the better map lights and rear map lights, auto dimming mirror. Get yourself a series 2 and you do get the 5sp auto as mentioned and a power drivers seat too!

The only thing that would get me into a Magna is the manual option, or if I genuinely wanted a sporty looking car.

Edit: And speaking of a better car mechanically, usually the Verada is the better option if you looking for that purely because the people they usually attract when new don't thrash the living daylights out of them.

A manual Magna will bring a smile to your face - fun to drive!

For me the Verada is like a softer version of a Magna, in both seating and suspension. So if you want to 'cruise' rather then 'drive' go the Rada.

My KJ is no quiter than my old TE Exec or TH Advance, I still have wind noise around the pillers, mirrors and door seals, the signature metallic engine/exhaust note and very little underfloor padding allowing tyre roar and road noise to intrude, time to turn the stereo up!

TJII advance picked up climate control as standard.

my MY02\S1.5 or whatever it is advance has climate. Also has 6 speakers, door courtesy lights and front map lights like the veradas.

Does anyone know if the sunroof has a cloth cover aswell as the electric glass?

YES!, in my KH XI, the headlining will appear thicker and moulded around the sunroof opening, Rolled edges I think the term is.
The Sunroof is always Tempered glass if it is factory system (on a KH-KW it will be). It tilts and slided open.
The sunshade is matched to the headlining and the whole system has no seams or trim seals. Easiest way to tell if the roof is factory is where the switch is. If it is directly next to the map lamps with a single, illuminated button, then it is factory. Anywhere else and it could be aftermarket.

XI Veradas also add little things like boot lid carpet, pillar covers to match the headlining, leccy seat/s. Its the little things which add up to the difference. Suprise and delight.

As said above, the TJ 1.5 Advance is excellent. I was looking for a verada, but got the TJ. The Verada XI is worth consideration, but why bother with the EI. My Advance 1.5 has climate, Cruise, 6 speakers, ABS, 2 airbags, Remote central locking.The 4 speed auto (non-tippy) has the best final gear ratio of all the Magnas/Veradas and it is relatively light, so excellent fuel consumption. I just wish it had leather steering (which my old TS Advance had) features I would like on my Adance are, Foggies. Steering audio controls- no big deal and leather is nice, but slippery on corner, needs more maintenance, can be hot and can be cold. I remedied the things that were shortcomings and some of these Xi also needs. I put mags on my TJ Advance, added tranny cooler and rear sway bar. Also replaced standard CD PLAYER with one that has input for my Ipod. So why don't you get Advance, add mags you want and good tyres. Does Xi have Ipod input, rear sway bar??