Hi all,

I am seriously looking at upgrading my TH Sports for a newer car, and everything seems to be pointing to the Series II or III VRX. Value for money they seem brilliant.

But I have some questions... (yes I have spent the last 3 days trolling page by page through the entire 380 section!)

Someone please tell me why I should go to the Series III instead of the Series II?? I like the look of the rear lip better than the spoiler... Whats the extras of the Series III?

Fuel economy seems to be all over the place with varied members, but most are saying the auto gets better. I love manuals, I like to drive my car, but is the manual really going to dent my pocket that much with fuel??

Seeing as I love manuals, if I get an auto will I get annoyed with it? Is it a fairly intelligent box that changes at the right time and doesn't hunt for gears?

Someone mentioned that they had the dealer lower their car... about all I would be interested in doing is lowering and mags on this car (I have a house now which I am renovating so mods are off limits :( ). What springs did the dealer use and how much did they lower it by?

18" or 19" rims... I get the feeling 19" tyres will make me cry with the cost but do they look that much better?

Any other advise/suggestions you have, fire away! :)

take the plunge you won't look back!

1. As far as I'm aware only a few cosmetic changes from series 2 to 3, if you prefer the look of a 2 then get it :)

2. I get about 14L/100k's driving auto, not sure about manual.

3. Haven't had any dramas with the auto, ratio's seem fine. You could always get the Triptronic auto and drive around in manual if you prefer

4. Yes def get 19's, I'm also looking at getting it lowered at the dealer, for reference below is a pic of mine with 20's and no lowering. As you can see lowering is a must!

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4955/dsc00492ik0.jpg

I have a manual, and if I baby it and don't run the A/C I've got it to sit comfortable in the 10.8L/100 range (although managed to REALLY baby it and had it consistantly below 10), having said that, my normal driving style, which does involve giving it a bit of grunt here and there, and occasionally using A/C it sits around 12.5-13L/100.

As for heavy traffic, the 380's manual box is a VERY comfortable box to drive with, clutch has perfect weighting. Even my missus prefers the manual in my 380 VRX to her CH Lancer ES even though hers is pretty decent to drive!

Hi all,

I am seriously looking at upgrading my TH Sports for a newer car, and everything seems to be pointing to the Series II or III VRX. Value for money they seem brilliant.

But I have some questions... (yes I have spent the last 3 days trolling page by page through the entire 380 section!)

Someone please tell me why I should go to the Series III instead of the Series II?? I like the look of the rear lip better than the spoiler... Whats the extras of the Series III?

Fuel economy seems to be all over the place with varied members, but most are saying the auto gets better. I love manuals, I like to drive my car, but is the manual really going to dent my pocket that much with fuel??

Seeing as I love manuals, if I get an auto will I get annoyed with it? Is it a fairly intelligent box that changes at the right time and doesn't hunt for gears?

Someone mentioned that they had the dealer lower their car... about all I would be interested in doing is lowering and mags on this car (I have a house now which I am renovating so mods are off limits :( ). What springs did the dealer use and how much did they lower it by?

18" or 19" rims... I get the feeling 19" tyres will make me cry with the cost but do they look that much better?

Any other advise/suggestions you have, fire away! :)

For fairly decent 19"s your looking at $250 a corner no worries.
TJ Sports has 19"s on his 380 and they look alright, not massive, but alright....these things have MASSSSSSIVE wheel arch's so 18"s will really look like 16"s on these. I'd get 19"s as a minimum!

I have a manual, and if I baby it and don't run the A/C I've got it to sit comfortable in the 10.8L/100 range (although managed to REALLY baby it and had it consistantly below 10), having said that, my normal driving style, which does involve giving it a bit of grunt here and there, and occasionally using A/C it sits around 12.5-13L/100.

As for heavy traffic, the 380's manual box is a VERY comfortable box to drive with, clutch has perfect weighting. Even my missus prefers the manual in my 380 VRX to her CH Lancer ES even though hers is pretty decent to drive!

Most driving is down Main North Road at 60-80kph to and from work. Most of the time its reasonably consistent though there are a few stop start days. The TH manual sits on low 10s...

the series 2 vrx had leather standard but went back to cloth with series 3. i get around 12l 50-50 city freeway driving with the auto.

Here is a problem... I love the leather interior, but my wife doesn't! lol Reckons she will slide off the seat of something silly like that.

']For fairly decent 19"s your looking at $250 a corner no worries.
TJ Sports has 19"s on his 380 and they look alright, not massive, but alright....these things have MASSSSSSIVE wheel arch's so 18"s will really look like 16"s on these. I'd get 19"s as a minimum!

Well it will be 19" maximum as that's all I can go legally without getting it certified and I can't be bothered with the paperwork!

I was just looking at one with 18" rims on carsales... they do look damn small...

Well it will be 19" maximum as that's all I can go legally without getting it certified and I can't be bothered with the paperwork!

I was just looking at one with 18" rims on carsales... they do look damn small...

There's no longer the 2" upsize law in SA. The important bit is the overall diameter must not stray from the OEM one by some percentage. Offset, on other hand cannot change by 12.5mm as the track cannot change by 25mm. This pretty much limits the offset/width combination of wheels you can get.

There's no longer the 2" upsize law in SA. The important bit is the overall diameter must not stray from the OEM one by some percentage. Offset, on other hand cannot change by 12.5mm as the track cannot change by 25mm. This pretty much limits the offset/width combination of wheels you can get.

Oh that is a good bit of news!!! Thanks :D

Ok so for 19" tyres about $250 each... how long do they generally last with normal to/from work driving... 30,000km?

Get the manual mate, Yes the auto works very well in the 380 but the fun factor of driving a manual is priceless. The tiptronic will never be a substitute for a real manual gearbox DONT KID YOURSELF like I did.:cry: I bought an auto and its a very nice drive but my car just feels like there is something missing? But I suppose it comes down to what you are use to. In hyndsight I wish I got a manual.

I sold a manual TH Sports and bought a manual 380VRX. It uses a bit more fuel than the Magna but not that much. On a country trip I have got 8.5l/100kms which is pretty good. I would think the autos would only get a bit better fuel economy when travelling at freeway speeds as they are taller geared. The manual box/clutch is a delight to use so go for it!!!!

As far as wheels go, I originally bought 18's and regretted it from day 1. I ended up selling them and going for 19's so dont make the same mistake I did, go 19 inch.

I got bought an ex-demo auto, mainly because my wife wanted to be able to drive it (but never did anyway :rant: ), so I missed out on a manual too - but I have driven Blue380's and they are very nice to drive. If you can get your hands on one, go for it!
Regardless of that beef, the auto is very smooth to drive - and you have the manual shift too (cannot be compared to a real manual, but at least it better than a permanent auto).
I average high-10s per 100km as I do a lot of motorway driving, so for me there's no complaints with the economy.
As for wheels, I definately recommend 19s - that's what I've got, and if anything I wouldn't mind 20s (maybe in the distant future). As the 380 panels are very expansive and those wheel arches so wide, 18s will look really small. Even my 19s don't look super large - but I do reckon they suit the car. (Check out MCHenry's massive 22s!).
As for mods, if you can spare a couple of hundred bucks follow our mods... you will get good gains for very reasonable outlay.
Lastly I like the lip spoiler of the series 2 and not that high-rise wing on series 3 - but that choice is yours.

EDIT: (This just in...) I just remembered something I do dislike with the 380... that steering wheel!!! On the motorway when I settle in for a cruising 110 (at 5am), there's no good spot on that wheel to hold without a spoke getting in the way... very annoying - but other than that, great car!

well, all i have to say really is the car speaks for itself - if your unsure whether you would be happy to settle for an auto - decide for youself by test driving one! - ive become lazy over the years and have come to prefer auto - i do enjoy the fun of a manual however, just my preference is now auto......the auto box in these are is sooo silky smooth, if you just drive casually around town, you can go from 1 to 5th and barely notice a change, actually, the change from 4th to 5th can go unnoticed, i havnt had any issues with hunting for gears, only thing ive ever picked on is travelling up steep inclines on the highway, the auto's do have to work harder to get there, due to thier ratios

fuel economy for me is nearly always just under 10l/100km, its really only if i am towing or having a bit too much fun it can creep up, i have only had it go over 12l/100km when i am towing

great car mate, you wont be dissapointed!

Sound like the descision is made then! :D
Now I just have to find a manual Series II VRX in white, dark siler or gold (not sure what the proper colours names are!). Sunroof will be a bonus! :D

Sound like the descision is made then! :D
Now I just have to find a manual Series II VRX in white, dark siler or gold (not sure what the proper colours names are!). Sunroof will be a bonus! :D
I was lucky getting a manual VRX with leather & sunroof, they are pretty rare!!! Check out this link for manual 380's in SA:
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?N=1216+1247+1282+1252+1246+4294964597 +4294964376+901+1622&Nne=15

if you like manuals and can find one get it as they are rare. i wouldve loved a manual but i couldnt get one in ralliart red. i wasnt going to get a 380 unless it was ralliart red.

i average 13l/100 thats driving in mostly 60km zones and not babing it.

Sound like the descision is made then! :D
Now I just have to find a manual Series II VRX in white, dark siler or gold (not sure what the proper colours names are!). Sunroof will be a bonus! :D

Managed to track down a series 1 VRX with leather, roof and active mirror optioned on. Was the only one in any series with that option pack when I was looking. My advice is be patient, they exist, you just have to wait for em to pop up.

What I want to know is when's someone gonna tweak a manual? If I can get 163kw atw N/A what will a manual do? Come on boys :badgrin:

Poita,

The 380 is a great package, as all on this forum appear to agree. Their reliability, reasonable servicing costs and the numerous awards and glowing reviews such as the VR-X out handling metal almost twice the price from Holden all prove.

My 380 has the auto and it’s a very good box, as others on here have stated, it is very hard to tell when it changes gear, it is so good in adaptively programming its shift points.

I believe you should seriously test drive the 5 speed auto, the auto is so well matched to the 3.8. At highway speeds the auto 380 revs a few 100 rpm less than the manual equivalent.

To put the above into perspective the Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide web site claims the Auto gets 10.8 L/100Km v the Manual at 11.4 L/100Km.

If you want to know the proper colour names re post 15, they are:
White = Mawson White
Gold = Adrenaline
Silver = Platinum
Dark Silver or Grey = Storm

In Comparison to the TH you will find rear visibility when parking is not as good as the TH, I recommend you fit the Mitsubishi parking sensors.

Ricbec noted that the “auto's do have to work harder” going up steep hills I found that was fixed by fitting the US 3.8 Galant intake.

The other interesting thing to note, I moved from a TJ to a 380 and my insurance premiums are now cheaper. A family member went from a TL to a 380 and their premiums also reduced.

What I want to know is when's someone gonna tweak a manual? If I can get 163kw atw N/A what will a manual do? Come on boys :badgrin:
Yeah I know, we are letting the side down!!!! lol

From time to time I think extractors and/or chip but a combination of the cost plus possible drama's (CEL, lumpy idle, BloodAsp's result of no power gain for $1600 outlay) makes me wonder if I want the extra power that bad.

Yeah I know, we are letting the side down!!!! lol

From time to time I think extractors and/or chip but a combination of the cost plus possible drama's (CEL, lumpy idle, BloodAsp's result of no power gain for $1600 outlay) makes me wonder if I want the extra power that bad.
Mine runs as smooth as silk & no CEL (it took a while to solve but I will part with the info from my experience).
Soooo ......... you're not interested in maybe ~?? 175 kw atw which is what the stock 380 produces at the flywheel? :badgrin: :nuts:

TYPE40 had a manual he believed the power output on the manuals was restricted some what at the top end. Possibly governed by the ecu factory programming. Im sure he will chime in if he sees this.
Something to think about the auto may be a better alternative.

Regards

Hi Poita,

Better get my opinion in while I can!

Even tho I drive an auto and am very happy with it, if you are coming from a manual, don't worry about the slight difference in fuel economy - Just get the manual. It will be busier at hwy speeds but you'll be overrall more satisfied if you are city driving and prefer manual.

Re Wrexed comment - Type40 believed there was a restriction in first gear at hi revs - maybe to help conserve the drivetrain/crank.

Make sure you mod the car as we have. Maybe not necessarily going to extractors but definitely everything else and you'll be very happy with the result.The cars feel much more lively after the mods. Just remember no-one (until Foozr/BloodAsp have finished) has seriously modded one yet and we are getting good results right now.

I had my car off the road a couple of days and got it back yesterday and, boy, I really enjoyed giving it some good squirts up the freeway. If you get a good sports system it really wails in the mid - hi end :drool:

The handling is really good with the sports suspension; streets ahead of the stock Magna, it's a very chuckable car despite the weight.

Re II or III series; obviously my preference is the II with the lip but I have to admit I saw a Molten III VRX the other day with wing and it looked great.

As opposed to Grubco, I actually love the steering wheel (mine's leather) but then I had a Verada before so big improvement.

The only drawback is the crappy rear vision so rear sensors are a must.

Soooo ......... you're not interested in maybe ~?? 175 kw atw which is what the stock 380 produces at the flywheel? :badgrin: :nuts:
Stop teasing me!!!!!!

...And better fuel economy :D ! Win, win!

Seriously, I haven't had any issues re rough idle since chipping. It's been great.

I'm really narked when I get over 9L/100KM :P


maybe ~?? 175 kw atw

Gee...maybe 180????

:badgrin: :poke:

We own a Black manual Series II Platinum (pretty mush the VRX without the leather seats).

She is a DREAM car to drive! As Grubco said we are rolling on 22" slippers.

Our fuel economy is pretty high for most 380's (high 15's), but thats because my foot NEVER comes off the 'Go-Fast' pedal.

The only thing im not to fond of about the 380 is that in the manuals they rev WAY to high for highway driving (around 3000rpms at 100km/h). This can really chew the fuel.

I test drove both the manual and the auto (even though I will ALWAYS choose a manual) and found the manual has better pick up through the gears (obvioulsy). The auto does have the sequencial gears, but found them to be not as responsive as I would have liked.

All in all, they are a fantasic car. Just a pity that they have stopped making them. We dont know what to get next!

SO GO OUT AND GET IT!!:tantrum:

...And Gee...maybe 180????

:badgrin: :poke:
....... or with CAI hmmmmmm maybe 185????:shock: ....... so Blue what you think???? :badgrin: :badgrin:

....... or with CAI hmmmmmm maybe 185????:shock: ....... so Blue what you think???? :badgrin: :badgrin:
Hoping to get mine done while im home....just to see.

Hoping to get mine done while im home....just to see.

That'd be good; especially re the pod.

I have a Series 2 380 VRX in Storm Grey, and find the only real appeal in a Series 3 is that it is newer. Originally I told myself I did not want to own a car with leather, but it has grown on me and now I love it. I had a TL Exec before and a TH Advance before that, and the 380 does use more fuel than both. On the highway I am getting about 9 litres per 100km, but it can get up to around 15 litres per 100km in peak hour city traffic, and everything in between. It all depends on how and where you drive it. Mine is an auto and have no problems with it, although they all seem slow to select reverse even from new. For the sort of car it is I believe auto is the best choice, and that it will be easier to sell when it comes to that time. If you want to give it **** all the time though, buy the manual, as even in sequential mode in the auto it is a waste of time trying to change gears yourself. I only ever use it to lock it in a certain gear for a while. What ever you buy in a 380 though, I am sure you will be happy with your purchase.

That'd be good; especially re the pod.I got mine sitting in place but cant go any further until the supercharger & throttle body is in place to check alignments

....... or with CAI hmmmmmm maybe 185????:shock: ....... so Blue what you think???? :badgrin: :badgrin:
What I think is 185 kw ATW sounds incredibly appealing!!!!:cool: :cool:

Did we find out if BloodAsp ever got his tuning drama's soughted out?

What I think is 185 kw ATW sounds incredibly appealing!!!!:cool: :cool:

Did we find out if BloodAsp ever got his tuning drama's soughted out?
Now his ears are pricked up lol lol

Bloods been in hiding I sent him a PM about a week ago to get an update on his supercharger path.

Re his tune I think the guy he got to do the install wasn't the best with the Unichip although when I asked him seat of the pants was it hauling **** & burning rubber he said yes. So I'm guessing he maybe a little bit down due to his tuners lack of knowledge or interest in the Unichip but I also think the dyno he used maybe reading lower than say mine & Knotcheds. Knothed had his 380 on my guys dyno & it was within 1 kw of Chiptorques I think I remember, so that may indicate that CNJ & Chiptorque are pretty accurate.

LOL 2 convo's going on at the same time in this thread! :P

Went and had a look at a Mawson White Series III VRX tonight. Factory lowered 0.5" all round and 18" rims fitted just that day, 36,000ks for $22,000. I think he is asking a little too much judging by most dealers on Carsales. But it was a VERY nice car. Besides that he rubbed me the wrong way, I hate arrogant pushy salesmen.

0.5" wasn't enough at the front but looked ok at the back. 18" mags are tiny LOL I think I am going to have to convince the wife to let me get 19s :cool:

Just need to take a couple for a test drive.

Tell me... Series II VRX came standard with leather and they changed it back to an option in Series III right??

MCHenry reckons 3000 rpm @ 100km/h in 5th gear for the manual.

I have a manual and I can tell you for a fact that 3,000 rpm in 5th = 113 km/h.

That's per my very accurate satnav.

Speedo says exactly 120km/h, that's with 245/40 18s, which I reckon have pretty much the same overall rolling diameter as the stock 16s.

Maybe MCHenry's 22s throw his speedo out a long way?

Instant fuel consumption readout on the flat with the cruise set at 120 (real 113) is 8 to 9l/100km.

Yes, it could do with a 6th gear, but the revs & fuel consumption aren't that high in 5th at highway cruising speeds.

I've driven both auto & manual 380s, both have their pros & cons, but if you like driving and you do more than just stop start city traffic then manual is the way to go.

KJ.

Tell me... Series II VRX came standard with leather and they changed it back to an option in Series III right??
Yep that's right.

hmmm been looking around and trying to find a 2006-2007 VRX manual is going to be very had a quite a bit more expensive :(

Yep that's right.

hmm another reason why the salesman was a retard... I mentioned that and he was adamant that leather was an option in both. And he worked for Mitsubishi?????? :doubt:

I have never liked autos, but the 380 auto is sweet. yep still a bit doughy compared to a manual but its a nice drive with a bit of extra go behind it :D

MCHenry reckons 3000 rpm @ 100km/h in 5th gear for the manual.

I have a manual and I can tell you for a fact that 3,000 rpm in 5th = 113 km/h.

That's per my very accurate satnav.

Speedo says exactly 120km/h, that's with 245/40 18s, which I reckon have pretty much the same overall rolling diameter as the stock 16s.

Maybe MCHenry's 22s throw his speedo out a long way?

Instant fuel consumption readout on the flat with the cruise set at 120 (real 113) is 8 to 9l/100km.

Yes, it could do with a 6th gear, but the revs & fuel consumption aren't that high in 5th at highway cruising speeds.

I've driven both auto & manual 380s, both have their pros & cons, but if you like driving and you do more than just stop start city traffic then manual is the way to go.

KJ.
Yeah the 22"s definately throw the speedo out by a bit. Only by 6km/h, well thats what the Sat Nav says. We still get approx 9 - 9.5l/100 km/s tho, so not to bad.

MCHenry,

Looks like your speedo underreads by a fair bit. Which makes sense assuming your 22s have a significantly greater rolling diameter than standard. You reckon only by 6km/h, but then 3,000 rpm in 5th in your car = 100km/h (I'm guessing per your speedo, not your satnav) whereas in my car it's 113km/h per the satnav and 120km/h per the speedo. That's a pretty big difference, so maybe one or both of our satnavs are out a bit? I doubt it though, as most modern satnavs are very accurate.

Thing is, if your speedo underreads by as much as it seems to, you run a big risk of copping speeding tickets when you didn't realise you were exceeding the limit.

KJ.

MCHenry,

Looks like your speedo underreads by a fair bit. Which makes sense assuming your 22s have a significantly greater rolling diameter than standard. You reckon only by 6km/h, but then 3,000 rpm in 5th in your car = 100km/h (I'm guessing per your speedo, not your satnav) whereas in my car it's 113km/h per the satnav and 120km/h per the speedo. That's a pretty big difference, so maybe one or both of our satnavs are out a bit? I doubt it though, as most modern satnavs are very accurate.

Thing is, if your speedo underreads by as much as it seems to, you run a big risk of copping speeding tickets when you didn't realise you were exceeding the limit.

KJ.
Well when we first brought the car the speedo was out by -6km/h and now withthe 22"s it reads +6km/h (at 100km/h). Our OVER ALL rolling diametre is +36mm than standard rims and tyres. Oh and sorry, I ment to say it revs 3000rpms at 110km/h.

Well when we first brought the car the speedo was out by -6km/h and now withthe 22"s it reads +6km/h (at 100km/h). Our OVER ALL rolling diametre is +36mm than standard rims and tyres. Oh and sorry, I ment to say it revs 3000rpms at 110km/h.
For whats its worth, mine is 2500 rpm at 100kmh.

For whats its worth, mine is 2500 rpm at 100kmh.
Geez thats not bad....

A question... just went and had a look at some more...

Is there much difference between the SX and the VRX apart from the bodykit and mags?
The interior looked identical and the side skirts are the same.

A question... just went and had a look at some more...

Is there much difference between the SX and the VRX apart from the bodykit and mags?
The interior looked identical and the side skirts are the same.
Suspension. I think (as I don't have one) that the VRX & GT have better shocks than other models, but spring height is the same. And the headlight+taillights will be the standard ones on SX.

LOL 2 convo's going on at the same time in this thread! :P

Sorry mate lol We can't help razzing the slack manual guys in here.



Tell me... Series II VRX came standard with leather and they changed it back to an option in Series III right??

Definitley.. I have the leather and it's what swayed me to wait a little longer for a new 2006 VRX.

I wouldn't get the 18'' wheels, they are just too small. Also, I found the 19s with 45 series rubber corrected my speedo which is now within 3kmh (checked by speed camera :badgrin: :cry: ).

The only thing I don't like re the SX is the headlights not being darkened. Tail lights are a personal choice methinks.

A question... just went and had a look at some more...

Is there much difference between the SX and the VRX apart from the bodykit and mags?



The interior looked identical and the side skirts are the same.

There is very little between the SX and VRX. They both have the same sports suspension.

From memory the VRX had these extras over the SX:

Series 2 had standard leather.
Electric Chromatic Mirror (auto dimming)
6 spoke alloys on SX, 8 spoke alloys on VRX
Different front and rear lights
Rear lip spoiler
Driver and passenger sun visor with extension and with illuminated vanity mirror.

The SX is great value for money and if you get a Platinum series 2 it included Bluetooth, sunroof, 2nd centre console 12 volt socket and rear parking sensors.

For whats its worth, mine is 2500 rpm at 100kmh.


Mine too. But that's per the 6km/h overreading speedo (just like MCHenry's before he stuck 22s on), and per the satnav it's really only 94km/h.

I wonder if the speedos on manuals overread more than those on autos? Can't see why, but it is possible.

KJ.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your Insurance company?



Poita,

The other interesting thing to note, I moved from a TJ to a 380 and my insurance premiums are now cheaper. A family member went from a TL to a 380 and their premiums also reduced.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your Insurance company?
My insurance company is GIO and I always go for agreed value and list all my options on the policy.

Now that 380 resale is shagged (for those who bought them when they cost a fair bit more), dont forget to look at the GT (only option on S1 was SatNav, S2 = sunroof was optional and RRP dropped)

One other question, if you MAY go LPG then buy the correct model model with the compatible engine (As I cant, or at the very least, not am supposed to:rant:)

Now that 380 resale is shagged (for those who bought them when they cost a fair bit more), dont forget to look at the GT (only option on S1 was SatNav, S2 = sunroof was optional and RRP dropped)

One other question, if you MAY go LPG then buy the correct model model with the compatible engine (As I cant, or at the very least, not am supposed to:rant:)

hmm yeah still looking at the GT, but so far the SX Platinum is coming up the best value for money. The GTs are a fair bit more for not a whole lot of extras...

Won't be going LPG as I wanted a wagon originally for boot space so I am going to need every bit of the 380s.

The GTs are a fair bit more for not a whole lot of extras...
I think that depends on if the dealer uses Redbook or Glass guide to value the car, there's $5k difference in trade-in ($14k vs $19k) which affects the resell somewhat.