Hi All,

A couple of months ago I posted a message concerning a problem we have with our TH Magna cutting out intermittently. After 2 months of determined efforts by our local Mitsu dealer an an auto electrician, where just about every electical component of the car has been checked or replaced, we still have the problem and we admit defeat and have decided to trade the car in.

As a replacement vehicle we are seriously considering a 2007 or 2008 380 but other brands in the mix include a Honda Accord Euro, a Nissan Maxima or a Subaru Forester. We are drawn to the 380 for a number of reasons, including value for money, relatively lower service costs and the great run we've had with the 3 Magnas we have owned, recent TH problems aside. Does anyone have any views on the respective merits or otherwise of the cars in the mix?

One of the big factors is driver comfort and this past week we drove from Canberra to Adelaide and back in our other Magna (a TW AWD) and I have to admit that towards the end of the return journey of 13 houts or so my lower back was giving me a few problems and I was a bit stiff and sore for a couple of days afterwards. (Could just be old age, of course.) So, does anyone have any comments on the quality of the seats in the 380?

Another comment I've heard about the 380 is that the awkward boot opening/shape makes it difficult to get large suitcases etc in and out of the boot.

Finally, in looking for a 2007 or 2008 380 are there any particular matters that I should be aware of and what do people think is the best option to go for. We have around $25,000 to play with.

Cheers and thanks

I used to have the Euro and if you have $25k to play with go with that. It is a better car than the 380.

The biggest downside I have found with the 380 is the fuel consumption around town. I am getting 16 litres per 100kms in the city. Granted the average speed is very slow (under 30kph) but it is dissapointing (with light throttle too).

I wouldn't be so sure that the 380 is cheaper to service than the Euro. Most services are around $200. Further, the Euro does not have a timing belt - it uses a chain - so no belt change is required which is usually a very expensive service on the 380 (some people are saying they pay $750+).

In terms of comfort the 380 is more comfortable than the Euro. The Euro is a stiffer ride that is for sure. But it is more of a sportier car - depends what your priorities are. You also get stability control with the Euro and curtain airbags on the lux model.

If I wanted to spend $25k I would go with the Euro for sure. The 380 is something to consider if you want to spend in the $15-18k bracket (in my view).

Lamborghini :D

oh, $25k to play with...

Lamborghini badge :D hehe

i rekon the euro, i do love the look of the 380's and love subaru but euro shows people you have money (or want to pretend you do) and they are fairly comfy (from what i remember) lol

I used to have the Euro and if you have $25k to play with go with that. It is a better car than the 380.

I have the directly opposite view.

I previously had a 1997 KE Verada. I decided that a large six cylinder wasn't for me and I would downsize to a Mazda 6 type size.
My choice came down to the Euro as well and I test drove this a number of times along with a SAAB 9-5 and a few others. At the last minute I drove a 380.

Immediately I found a huge difference in torque and engine power. Acceleration onto the freeway was a big factor for me and internal size, both places where the Honda was inferior. I found the sports suspension in the VRX model a revelation compared to previous Magnas.

Styling is where the Honda leaves the 380 hands down, but in the end, it doesn't count for much when you are driving 35 000km a year.
I thought Honda quality would be a big factor but the interior didn't do much for me and the doors thunk just as solidly on the 380 as they do the Euro.

The boot is smaller but the hinge mechanism is outside the boot area which helps.

In the end, the choice has to be yours.

Immediately I found a huge difference in torque and engine power. Acceleration onto the freeway was a big factor for me and internal size, both places where the Honda was inferior. I found the sports suspension in the VRX model a revelation compared to previous Magnas.


Well I have owned both cars - not just test driven.

The difference in acceleration is not "huge". Compared to the FG xr6 turbo I had the difference is huge - but not 380 vs Euro.

For example - a manual euro will beat the auto 380 without any problem. My Euro got a 15.4 over the 1/4 - nothing amazing but that is not bad for a 4 cyl n/a.

The thing with the Euro is it is a package that works amazingly well. It handles with balance. The engine is a gem. The gearbox is one of the slickest in the business. It oozes quality.

The 380 does not handle corners as good as the Euro - and the torque steer is far too evident with power down out of corners. The steering does not have feel.

Yes the 380 is good and I don't regret my purchase (I got a bargain)... but I stand by my view that the Honda is a superior car. As a drivers car as well as build quality (Made in Japan vs Made in Australia) - it is a no brainer.

royact : get a 380 - stick with what you know
rprodrive : 16/100???? slow down or get your 380 checked :P

Q. to rprodrive.
Which 380 did you have, was it a model with the sports suspension i.e. SX, VRX, GT etc? I went from standard to sports and the difference is considerable, amazing really for a factory set-up.

Q. to rprodrive.
Which 380 did you have, was it a model with the sports suspension i.e. SX, VRX, GT etc? I went from standard to sports and the difference is considerable, amazing really for a factory set-up.

i have the 05 GT. Don't get me wrong - it handles nicely for what it is - but it is not as chuckable as the Euro around corners nor is it as happy to change direction when things get tight. But there is a significant weight advantage to the Euro at 1390kg.

rprodrive : 16/100???? slow down or get your 380 checked :P

I think the car is ok as when it is cruising above 80kph the instant consumption drops considerably (in the 9s or 8s).

In slow short trip city traffic I am only getting 14.5 to 16 for a full tank (according to average trip on the computer rather than accurately measuring fuel added vs kms). But there is no highway miles in those tanks. Pretty much all 60kph limits.

The car has 30,000kms on it - going to change to a K&N filter this week to see if that improves things. The standard filter looks very dirty. See if that helps. I also put in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner - not sure if that will help.

Maybe I should try a different fuel too - at moment using BP Ultimate 98 as it always performed best with my other cars. Any other things I can do?

Hi all,

Many thanks for your comments - greatly appreciated and very helpful.

Like others I thought the fuel 'economy' of the 380 at 16L/100 kms was a bit high given that we get about 11.5 in our AWD TW around town and I thought that a 380 would be somewhat comparable. Admittedly that's around the ACT outside of the so-called rush hour and mostly at 80 kph.

Good point about the timing chain on the Euro. We had a quote of around $950 for a cam belt replacement on our TH magna when done in conjunction with the major service due around th same time, so there could be a service cost saving with the Euro down the track.

The conclusion I get from all of your comments is that whatever option we go with we'll end up with a good, reliable car and, as someone said, at the end of the day it comes down to whichever feels best for us. Given that I've never even sat in either let alone driven one I'm looking forward to a lot of fun in checking them out.

Re the Lamborghini badge - would that be new or used?

Thanks again.

For example - a manual euro will beat the auto 380 without any problem. My Euro got a 15.4 over the 1/4 - nothing amazing but that is not bad for a 4 cyl n/a.

The thing with the Euro is it is a package that works amazingly well. It handles with balance. The engine is a gem. The gearbox is one of the slickest in the business. It oozes quality.

The 380 does not handle corners as good as the Euro - and the torque steer is far too evident with power down out of corners. The steering does not have feel.


I'm sorry but when I drove the Euro my wife and myself had for a number of drives and over a three day period we both virtually decided it was the car. The 380 changed our minds.
We were driving the auto Euro but at no stage did we find it was more "sporty" than the 380. . You can't compare a manual with an auto, sorry. Also, if you check Wheels figures a few years ago, the auto 380 consistently covered the 1/4 in 15.5 so I'd say the manual Euro would have great difficulty in beating the auto 380.
The 380 has torque steer because it actually has some torque unlike the Honda which even at 4000rpm has very little as evidenced by my runs onto the highway numerous times.
You will never be able to throw a Euro into a corner and get the tail out which I have with the 380.

Anyway we can argue til we're black and blue. Opinions are just that.

Royact,

I have both, a 2005 380 and a 2004 Nissan Maxima Ti.

Don't get me wrong, i love the 380 but if i had a little more money at the time i would've bought a 2nd maxima. Not only is it brilliant aesthetically wise, but performance and comfort wise, it's outstanding! We drive ours from South Eastern suburbs all the way to southbank every day or at least every 2nd day. So a good mix of suburban and highway driving, the avg fuel stays around 12.5, which, against my 380, (No throttle difference/aggression) sits at 13.5. it's not a big difference i know but people do look at any way to save a bit of money these days.

I've driven both cars interstate on long drives, and i'd chose the maxima to do it next time. The seats are well designed and padded, will not leave your back sore anytime soon, where as the 380 (The un-leather-ised) seats can after a few hours become uncomfortable.

If you use your boot a lot, pick either one, both boots could easily fit 6-8 bodies including the family dog if need be.

lastly, if power is your thing, which i'm sure you know a thing or two about due to having a magna, either vehicle will accommodate to whatever power needs you have. Just like the magna's and verada's, put your foot down a little further and it'll kick the juice up. It is exactly the same with the maxima, but you will feel it without even knowing you've put your foot down. They both do well with the power increase without compromising handling. That's what i've found anyway.

Whatever you choose, you'll chose it because it suits your life-style, but a word of advice, seriously consider both, the 380 and the maxima.

Ben.

Ben,

Thanks for your comments.

When we bought our AWD TW a couple of years ago we came very close to getting a Maxima but I'd always hankered after an AWD and haven't regretted the decision one bit. Wind it up and it sticks to the road like glue.

We have friends who've hired both a Maxima and a 380 at various times and their preference was for the Maxima for the reasons you mention. I've heard howver that the sevice costs can be a little high.

It's certainly in the mix and will be a serious contender when we start our search.

Cheerrs,

Roy

We have friends who've hired both a Maxima and a 380 at various times and their preference was for the Maxima for the reasons you mention. I've heard howver that the sevice costs can be a little high.


We just had the 90,000 k service done on it. I do agree, it was a little pricey, just sat above $500 but i mean, we hadn't had it serviced for a while so that might've been the reason it was higher. Although, after getting it serviced, it's back to being brand new.

Anyway, good luck with the shopping.

Ben

If you use your boot a lot, pick either one, both boots could easily fit 6-8 bodies including the family dog if need be.
Sounds like you have some rather shady mafia-type plans ahead...

Sounds like you have some rather shady mafia-type plans ahead...


Ahead...:neutral: Please mate...:ninja:

My 380 is 11.3 driving nicely, 12.* driving hard and 13.8 towing a caravan. Anyone getting more than 13/100 in their 380 has issues. My 380 is 2005 with 38k on the clock. The Maxima is nice looking - expensive though. Smaller too I would think.

My 380 is 11.3 driving nicely, 12.* driving hard and 13.8 towing a caravan. Anyone getting more than 13/100 in their 380 has issues. My 380 is 2005 with 38k on the clock. The Maxima is nice looking - expensive though. Smaller too I would think.

Re the point in bold - you are definately wrong about that. I have a found a few tests that are showing high consumption - eg this one that shows a worst consumption of 15.1 on test. It is not just me.

http://www.racq.com.au/motoring_advice/buying__and__selling_cars/car_reviews/comparisons/comparison_1

What does your trip computer show is the average speed? Mine is under 30kph. I used to live in WA and you guys don't get traffic like we have in the eastern states....And it is not hard driving that the 380 consumption struggles with - it is stop start stop start every few hundred metres. Some cars are efficient in stop start traffic - the 380 is not one of them.

http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/article.html?&A=2787

Why would fleets - what with the awful resale values of Magna still ringing in their ears and with fuel consumption of the 380 that in our testing was no better than Falcon or Commodore (we saw as poor as 15.3 litres/100km in city conditions and averaged 11.8 litres/100 km over the complete distance, most of which was on 100 km/h limited highways). Why will families buy the 380, with little or no demonstrable advantage over the competitors – especially Falcon with its well developed engine and suspension and the availability of a 6-speed auto? To overcome the poor reputation of the Magna (the fact that the reputation was undeserved is beside the point), the 380 has to have a blistering consumer level advantage over the competition. And it simply hasn’t got that.

Also, if you check Wheels figures a few years ago, the auto 380 consistently covered the 1/4 in 15.5 so I'd say the manual Euro would have great difficulty in beating the auto 380.


Like I said I have had both cars and I know which is faster - the manual euro. My auto 380 must be a nugget - doesn't feel like it would crack a 16. And the wheels mag online is showing 16.1 for the base model in this test:

http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/D515D1CA3DED79D1CA257338000CD9DF?open&pagenum=9&fullarticle=yes

No comparison with other vehicles is complete without these quotes from the Wheels Mag Handling Olympics 2006 (http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/6CB2353B94DA718CCA257259004C2642?open&template=domwheels).

Mitsubishi's great white hope whipped even the Clubsport R8 in the slalom and scored big on Peter McKay's subjective scorecard.

INTERESTING, isn’t it, when a six-cylinder family car lacking all the high-priced airs and graces overtakes an alleged pocket rocket like the Golf GTI

The VRX bounces back with a healthy level of steady-state cornering grip, measured in our peak lateral G test. It ranked 12th, ahead of Commodore SS as well. Compared to Golf GTI, the VRX demonstrates five percent more tenacity in maximum cornering potential – a substantial margin. Against SS, the margin drops a little to 0.3G, but remains a worthwhile edge guaranteed not to impress Holden fans anywhere.

Compared with like-minded metal, VRX was rated by McKay as a better drive than the SS Commodore (margin: one point). The VRX will beat a Clubsport R8 through the slalom (although forget trying to convince the boys at the bar of that, anywhere). And although the margin by which VRX beats Clubsport through the cones is quite slim, the price differential isn’t: the R8 is more than $30K dearer – definitely more than just chump change. VRX will also round up the RenaultSport Clio, the Euro and the Supercharged Range Rover Sport over a lap of Oran Park’s North Circuit.

haha I see your quote and raise you with this:

In weight-to-power terms, Euro ranks 18th outright. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s setup that its actual straight-line performance is better than this figure would suggest. It ranks 15th outright in both the 0-100km/h and standing 400 metre tests, ahead of vehicles whose weight-to-power advantages on paper suggest should beat it. Take the Commodore Exec (please, anyone), our anti-benchmark. It lugs around only 8.96 kilos with each of its kilowatts. The Euro carries one full kilo extra with each of its kilowatts (an 11 percent disadvantage), and yet still manages to beat the Executive to 100km/h by 0.4 seconds and dead-heat with it over 400 metres. It also out-performs the Mitsubishi 380 VRX and Mazda MX-5 in a similar fashion.

By the way - the Euro came 14th. The VRX 16th.

Don't forget the Euro gulps down Premium......I'd consider any of the VW's Golf's or Jettas / Ford Mondeo / Toyota Aurions as competitors.

haha I see your quote and raise you with this:

In weight-to-power terms, Euro ranks 18th outright. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s setup that its actual straight-line performance is better than this figure would suggest. It ranks 15th outright in both the 0-100km/h and standing 400 metre tests, ahead of vehicles whose weight-to-power advantages on paper suggest should beat it. Take the Commodore Exec (please, anyone), our anti-benchmark. It lugs around only 8.96 kilos with each of its kilowatts. The Euro carries one full kilo extra with each of its kilowatts (an 11 percent disadvantage), and yet still manages to beat the Executive to 100km/h by 0.4 seconds and dead-heat with it over 400 metres. It also out-performs the Mitsubishi 380 VRX and Mazda MX-5 in a similar fashion.

By the way - the Euro came 14th. The VRX 16th.

Yes, but the 380 beat a Golf GTI (17th)... which was very surprising for me.

Euro's are a nice looking (in a very understated, conservative manner) car and obviously a nice package. But I think with the 380 the whole is greater than the sum of parts. The engine is strong, it does handle well, styling is conservative, but then so is the Euro and the Maxima (the latter of which I prefer to the Euro).

haha I see your quote and raise you with this:

In weight-to-power terms, Euro ranks 18th outright. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s setup that its actual straight-line performance is better than this figure would suggest. It ranks 15th outright in both the 0-100km/h and standing 400 metre tests, ahead of vehicles whose weight-to-power advantages on paper suggest should beat it. Take the Commodore Exec (please, anyone), our anti-benchmark. It lugs around only 8.96 kilos with each of its kilowatts. The Euro carries one full kilo extra with each of its kilowatts (an 11 percent disadvantage), and yet still manages to beat the Executive to 100km/h by 0.4 seconds and dead-heat with it over 400 metres. It also out-performs the Mitsubishi 380 VRX and Mazda MX-5 in a similar fashion.

By the way - the Euro came 14th. The VRX 16th.

- A track time around Oran park is more relavent than a 400 meter drag, 380 for the win.
- 91 RON in the ACT is much cheaper than 95 RON
- 175 Kw and 343 Nm is much better than 140 Kw and 223 Nm
- On the Barton Highway and any other single lane highway, the 380 makes huge sense when overtaking

Like I said I have had both cars and I know which is faster - the manual euro. My auto 380 must be a nugget - doesn't feel like it would crack a 16. And the wheels mag online is showing 16.1 for the base model

Hello? Your comparing your Manual with your Auto. There are differences - a manual is going to feel a little more lively than an auto.

If you love the Accord so much why did you get a 380?

I also like the Accord, even considered it as second car.

The quotes you posted show the 380 was beaten to 100kmh but was catching over 400m. Put them on the highway and the Accord will die over 100kmh; from experience. So did the SAAB 9-5 even with turbo. The fact that the Accord was slightly faster (to 100kmh only) but was beaten on the track says more for the 380 than for the Accord considering the Accord is a much lighter car.

............ & actually puting the proper V6 (US Galant) intake back on (4 cyinder intake on the stock 380) & a muffler change, this will open the gap significantly & greatly improve fuel economy :shock:

Go with the 380 for sure from those choices, in fact you won't need to spend anywhere near 25k thanks to the impressively bad resale value.

Should be quicker than the Euro, my Magna is already.

Hi all,

Many thanks for your comments - greatly appreciated and very helpful.

Like others I thought the fuel 'economy' of the 380 at 16L/100 kms was a bit high given that we get about 11.5 in our AWD TW around town and I thought that a 380 would be somewhat comparable. Admittedly that's around the ACT outside of the so-called rush hour and mostly at 80 kph.

Thanks again.

Based on the comments (some rather defensive) to this post so far, I do think 16L/100 is an extreme figure. I've driven my car conservatively and harder and have never averaged anywhere near that figure. At worst sitting closer to 14L/100 in heavy stop/start traffic. Regardless of all other comments re pros/cons of the 380 vs other makes, and having come from a TL Magna myself with the same 3.5 engine, the fuel consumption will be fairly similar to the TW's 11.5/100 no question.

& don't forget hwy consumption, I have seen mine go as low as 6.8L/100km on a trip.

I'll just say this. If you enjoy revving your car for half a day to get a small blat of torque at 50,000rpm, the Honda is for you.

If you enjoy comfy motoring with an engine that actually has torque low in the rev range, and is more usable more of the time, go the 380.

I could not stomach owning a 4cyl NA car ever again. There's simply no point.

As with most people here mate, I will have to say......GET THE 380.....:badgrin:

I'll just say this. If you enjoy revving your car for half a day to get a small blat of torque at 50,000rpm, the Honda is for you.

If you enjoy comfy motoring with an engine that actually has torque low in the rev range, and is more usable more of the time, go the 380.

I could not stomach owning a 4cyl NA car ever again. There's simply no point.

The Euro doesn't drive or perform like a 4cyl NA you know. Heck the last car I had was 270kw and 533nm so it is not as if I know nothing about performance cars.

Anyway - it looks like everyone is blind to anything but a Mitsu 380 on this forum.

The Euro doesn't drive or perform like a 4cyl NA you know. Heck the last car I had was 270kw and 533nm so it is not as if I know nothing about performance cars.

Anyway - it looks like everyone is blind to anything but a Mitsu 380 on this forum.

Are you wondering why that might be? Hint: Look at the forum name.

The Euro doesn't drive or perform like a 4cyl NA you know. Heck the last car I had was 270kw and 533nm so it is not as if I know nothing about performance cars.

Anyway - it looks like everyone is blind to anything but a Mitsu 380 on this forum.
:gfight: What do you expect? This is a 380 forum thread & everyone here loves what they are driving. If we didn't like driving 380's we would probably not be here but in a Honda forum somewhere else :roflwtf:

Are you wondering why that might be? Hint: Look at the forum name.

yeah I know - I just expected a bit more perspective. I have a 380 and I like it - but I accept what it is good and not good at compared to other cars. If I can get my fuel consumption to drop I will be even happier.

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/vw-jetta-review.htm

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/ford-mondeo-review.htm

for perspective.:happy:

Anyway - it looks like everyone is blind to anything but a Mitsu 380 on this forum.

No that's not the case, seriously mate. I think the Euro is a really good car. But I did look seriously at the V6 auto version but it was too conservative.
Also, other cars have been mentioned here that we haven't commented on. I haven't because I've never driven them.
Without doubt they might be a lot better in some situations, but most of us here have decided the particular combination the 380 provides is best.

The Euro doesn't drive or perform like a 4cyl NA you know. Heck the last car I had was 270kw and 533nm so it is not as if I know nothing about performance cars.

Anyway - it looks like everyone is blind to anything but a Mitsu 380 on this forum.
The new Euro is 1600kgs for the automatic. I think the 380 is about 1650? Euro has 148kW @ 7,000rpm (LOL) and 230Nm @ 4,200rpm. The 380 would be making that much torque on idle.

How can you expect a NA 4cyl car making about 5kW and 3Nm off idle, lugging its 1600kg bum around to drive effortlessly. It's simply not possible, and I don't need to drive one to know this.

The new Euro is 1600kgs for the automatic. I think the 380 is about 1650? Euro has 148kW @ 7,000rpm (LOL) and 230Nm @ 4,200rpm. The 380 would be making that much torque on idle.

How can you expect a NA 4cyl car making about 5kW and 3Nm off idle, lugging its 1600kg bum around to drive effortlessly. It's simply not possible, and I don't need to drive one to know this.

I was referring to the previous model which was 1375kg in manual form. And my comparison clearly was the AUTO 380 vs the Manual Euro. Some people don't think it is a fair comparison but neither is 4cl NA vs 6cl NA. And as I indicated the manual euro is faster than the auto 380 in the real world. Yes you need to rev the Euro higher up in the rev range compared to a 380 to get the same pace - but that is one of the joys of Vtec.

oh please, joys of vtec?! The 380 would have pulled off the line and off into the distance before the euro and its legendary vtec engine has reached its optimum. 1375 kilos? Are you sure? If you read that off your rego papers dont take that as gospel. Mine thinks my 02 tj is 1300kg lol . The only other car mentioned in this thread worth mentioning is the maxima, fantastic nissan v6 in that thing. Shame it looks like ****

I was referring to the previous model which was 1375kg in manual form. And my comparison clearly was the AUTO 380 vs the Manual Euro. Some people don't think it is a fair comparison but neither is 4cl NA vs 6cl NA. And as I indicated the manual euro is faster than the auto 380 in the real world. Yes you need to rev the Euro higher up in the rev range compared to a 380 to get the same pace - but that is one of the joys of Vtec.
Well that's a good thing because the new one is a pig. 12.1m turning circle, 0-100km/h = 9.6s, 0-400m = 16.9s (or about the same time as a bus) space saver spare tyre, only takes 95 ron fuel, weighs 1600kgs, has no torque (as demonstrated by a 50-80km/h time of 5 seconds, wtf?) and for the luxury pack, you pay a $45k premium for all this pleasure.

The older model may have been a bit lighter and a bit faster, but it was less powerful, had less torque and had a smaller cabin.

Anyway, I digress.

oh please, joys of vtec?! The 380 would have pulled off the line and off into the distance before the euro and its legendary vtec engine has reached its optimum. 1375 kilos?

Yes I am sure - 1375kg for the standard model and manual (not on rego papers - on Honda web site). And as for the 380 auto pulling off in to the distance we can agree to disagree! Why would I make something up like that? I repeatedly got 15.4 - 15.5 over the 1/4 and if my 380 auto can do that I will run down Flinders St naked in a stooped position. It is a great car but the 380 auto is not that fast. Anyway I need to have a drink and lie down after saying the same thing over and over for the last few days. :beer:

It is a great car but the 380 auto is not that fast.
Do some basic mods & I think you will be very happy with it then :badgrin:

Its a pity you're getting the figures you mentioned with your 380. Its probably a combination of the way you drive and the traffic conditions in which you drive it. I commute outside of peak traffic times (5am and 2pm) and get mid-10s from motorway travel. If my wife uses it (suburban driving smack in peak times), it'll rise to mid/high 13s.
If your car is still stock, I'd recommend doing some of the both simple and cheap mods to loosen it up a bit. But until then, go for a good long drive this long weekend... you should see some better figures.

the other problem with light weight cars that rely on power to weight rather than sheer ballsyness. The more stuff in the car, the slower it is. i know this applies to everything, but the 380 has more torque to deal with the weight. My old celica absolutely flew when i was on my own or 1 passenger. 4 guys + luggage and you could really feel it under your foot.

I can almost guarantee a lighter accord vs a 380 that run similar quarter mile times and acceleration figures, both with 400 kg worth of passengers/ luggage (5 80kg guys isnt unrealistic). the 380 would destroy it.

Ignore the statistics when buying a car. just drive it and see how it feels. 148kw @ 7000 rpm is useless. Its really the torque that you'd want in A to B driving. and 380s are amazing value

I was having a look around for a little while for a newer car for daily drive duties for the family. Safety and being able to take on trips were top of the list, along with reasonable fuel economy. My previous daily/trip vehicle was a BA XR8 Falcon I bought new on lease. Did many a mod to it over the years and wanted to retire it and drive something else. Our other car was a 91 NG Pajero Superwagon, last of the NG's it was and it needed replacing.

I was checking out Mazda 3's and 6's, but they command too much for the age and km's of the vehicles, especially the 3, which is getting old and is about to be replaced. I did check out the Maxima, online, and couldn't believe the wood paneling in the interior of the newer ones, so that got ruled out.

Then I remembered a friend at work bought a 380 S3 VR-X, from WA, last year and I did drive it from one car park to another and it seemed quite fine. Basically then my search for a 380 was on, and when I discovered the ex-Mitsubishi cars at dealers with the warranty reset I was going to get one, it was just a matter of where from. In the end I got the last S3 VR-X in the ACT, locally, it's an 08 model too, in white and did a trade on the Pajero, which was about to run out of rego. I went for a test drive but didn't really need to.

After a week my impressions are all pretty good. It's an auto, something I wanted this time, as my XR8 is a manual and that's good for when I drive that now, and I'd read many good things about the AT in the 380, and so far I'm loving just driving around and letting someone else do the shifting, quite smoothly I might add.

I'm keeping it stock as I have more things to do to the XR8 so am happy to drive the 380 as is, and for being standard it sure has some go, both from stand still and in gear if need be. I can imagine it caning a vtec'd Honda no problems.

I really do like driving it every day, I think I made a great choice. I'm still getting used to all the features. The steering wheel is a bit thin for my liking, but most wheels are of the cars I was looking at, though the hidden stereo controls is just strange. It's going to take me ages to memorise what they are.

In the end I didn't want another Ford, they can be hit and miss. My XR8 is a really good one, but the next may not be and I didn't want the risk. Could never buy a Holden, they are just not well engineered in my book, so in the end the 380 ticked all the boxes with great value to boot.

The steering wheel is a bit thin for my liking, but most wheels are of the cars I was looking at, though the hidden stereo controls is just strange. It's going to take me ages to memorise what they are.


My initial reservations about the 380 interior related to the styling of the dash, which at first I didn't really like at all, but now don't even notice. The stereo controls are dif from the norm, but are actually in a very useful position when driving IMO. I use them all the time. Glad your S3 has worked out well.

It's just something I'll have to get used to. On my Ford I am used to them, but I can see them as well if I have a brain blockage. I don't think my wife is even aware they are there actually, I keep forgetting to mention them to her.

No wonder I've not been able to locate a VR-X here in the ACT.

To conclude this from my perspective, we looked at all of the options and decided on the 380. I took one for a test drive and was sold on it before I got out of the used car yard. It just felt right - like I'd always driven one. Must be a bit of Magna DNA in there somewhere.

So, tomorrow (my birthday, coincidentally) we take delivery of a 2007 SX and at around $19K with a 5 year/130,000 km new car warranty it's a no brainer really. Plus, we have money left over to renovate the kitchen and so my wife's very happy too. A new car and a happy wife - what more can a bloke want on his birthday?

Thanks for all of the comments on this thread (is that the right term?), it's all been of great help.

Looking forward to joining in on future 380 debates.

Have a great Easter.[/QUOTE]

Thank Goodness for that...... I thought this thread would never end :happy:

Thank Goodness for that...... I thought this thread would never end :happy:
I really enjoyed reading it. The best part was that although a number of people had differing views, everyone kept it civil without any personal attacks or name calling etc. I would suggest a few others on this forum should take note....:woot:

Congrats on your purchase Roy. Just over a week in my VR-X now and still loving the drive each day. On the issue of fuel consumption, I've just gone through my first full tank. I filled up with 95 and with the readout displaying 10.7, my own calculation is 10.37, which I am very happy with. There was a trip to Bugendore on Sunday, where it dropped from 11.2 to 10.7, but it stayed at 10.7 since then, which surprised me, and delivered even better. Will be interesting to see the economy on a big trip, this auto seems to rev nice and low at 100/110. No complaints here.

The best part was that although a number of people had differing views, everyone kept it civil without any personal attacks or name calling etc.

Well I was going to call you out for not putting in!

Congrats, Royact.

Now you and genebaby must do the mods available. It makes the cars much better than stock and will improve fuel economy as well.

Hi Knotched, I'm a bit wary of modding the 380. I usually do all the usual stuff to my cars, but I'm looking to keep this one stock and just cruise in it with the family as I don't want any warranty hassles from dealers. They won't be servicing the car so they'll only see it at warranty time.

I'm keen on giving it that extra bit of go via intake and exhaust mods and my cars are usually lowered straight away but I don't want to give the dealers any reason to knock anything back come warranty time. They will only see it at warranty time as I'm not going to get them to service it.

It was so refreshing getting insurance for this car as I could use any insurer and there's nothing easier to insure than a stock car! My other car is lowered so this one will stay stock height and be able to go places the other one can't, which will come in handy. The Pajero it replaced could certainly go places my XR8 can't!

Vic