Hi guys and girls. Looking to buy our first Mitsu, after 15 years of Fords. Wife well keen on a KJ Verada, and after checking out the cars on this site Im leaning the same way. Anything to watch out for when buying a third gen? And what do you pay? Prices all over the place. I honestly have had enough of our local spanner monkeys saying "buy a Camry, dont buy a Magna". Any help will be greatly app. Thanks, Mick

KJ Series II Veradas came with a 5 speed tiptronic auto instead of the 4 speed on the KJ 1. They're a nice box and they liven up the car a bit so depending on your priorities you might want to spend the extra (I would).

Make sure the changes are smoothish as the auto boxes can be unreliable. Otherwise there's nothing really in particular you really need to look out for mechanically.

Redbook lists a KJ 1 Verada Xi with a max of $8k and a KJ 2 Xi with a max of $10.5k. Both of these prices seem pretty reasonable to me - I'd be reluctant to spend more than these amounts unless it was really something special. It might also be worth looking at a GTV/GTVi model. Think a Verada Xi but with a sexy black leather interior and VR-X exhaust and suspension.

KJII GTVi would the pick, but don't worry whether it has/hasn't got Satnav - the satnav is no longer supported, maps are out of date and the location of the device is stupid (lose ashtray & 12v adapter plug).

Some basic issues to look out for are:

- Valve Stem Seals (Look for blue smoke out of the exhaust)
- CV Joints (Listen for clicking at full-lock, look for grease around the wheels and gearbox)
- Oil Leaks (Rocker covers are very common)
- Heater Core (If there is a coolant smell in the cabin watch out, the heater core is a dash-out job)
- Sagging head liner (This is a fairly easy repair, but is is very common - Get them to knock $100 off or something)

Then of course, make sure the fluids are all a nice colour

- Coolant should be either green (genuine) or red (aftermarket)
- Oil should be a nice golden colour
- ATF should be a pink/light redish colour

Raped engine mounts...shuddering at idle or on take off

Thanks guys, like I said, we are very green with mitsubishi. Wife currently drives an AU Fairlane, low, loud, big wheels etc. So the new car has to get the same treatment. Plenty of ideas from rides on this site. :)

Another vote here for the KJII GTV - if you don't mind looking hard enough to find a good one.

Yes, the 5-speed auto is well worth it.

Also consider a KJ AWD Verada

check my ride thread (http://aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54060) for simple things to do to a KJ2. Car is back from the shop now, keep meaning to take updated pics :) and yes the 5pd tippy is alot of fun!