Hi guys,

I'm on my 2nd year of P2s here in Vic, and I'm looking a getting a first car. Currently I'm driving my Dad's '94 TS wagon with the 3.0L (6G72). I have two choices that I'm looking at now:
- a 2nd gen 3.0L magna or 'rada, which I'm considering modding up to the legal limit for road use and running it for all it's worth, or
- a 3rd gen (don't hate me ;)) 'rada to do some cosmetic work on and some light engine mods, which will be a long-term keeper.

My question is: engine life. Our TS wagon has 182,000kms and is running as smooth as anything (burns a little oil, but can't quite figure why). But, the cars I'm looking at have anywhere between 160-220,000kms on them, and I'd like to know what my options are. So,

- What's the engine life on a 3.0L V6 (6G72). From hearsay I'm guessing up to 300,000 if it's been treated right.

- What about the 3.5L 3rd gens (6G74)? I know some haven't been around long enough to tell, but it seems like it could be less??? (I have no idea here)

I'm talking stock engines which have been taken care of. Also, in my current situation I'll likely be putting less than 10,000kms on them per year.

And yes, I did use the search function, it just didn't turn up much. :)

I have heard lot of v6 do well 300 thousand km.

At your age, cars have a limited life span, so stop worrying about engine logitivity. lol Most Magnas at the wreckers are there for reasons other than a worn out engine.:eek2:

lol. Yes, I have noticed a disturbing number of 2nd gens at the wreckers. :cry: Though I've also noticed that my friends with 2.6L TRs have engines that sound like sick dogs. :confused:

I guess my basic question is, can I get another 30-40k out of a 2nd gen these days. To which the answer seems to be, Yes.

Oh, BTW I know that there's the usual loss in hp as an engine ages. Any idea what a 15-16 year old magna might have lost?

Power loss is through wear on the rings, bores and valves. Short of a complete rebuild we are stuck with it. I don't think anyone has put a new and 15 year old engine on a dyno for comparison. lol The ones sounding like sick dogs probably have timing chain problems.
A well looked after 2.6 is good for 300,000 and a 12 valve 350,000. Auto boxes are more likely to give trouble before then. Cars that have been stored unused for a while often have valve stem seal problems.

i would put my money on a 3rd gen, may it be a magna or verada, 3.0L or 3.5L is one's preference and budget.

I stand by my old 2nd gen (2.6L 4cyl) it is a great car and doing well over 311 thousand kms beats other car, no notice lose in hp. It mainly how you drive it :D

True. And though I may be a P-plater :D, I'm also a fan of keeping the 2nd gens alive, so I will be gentle...somewhat :P

mines a 91 rada, 3.0 6G72 with just under 241k. Original motor and gb, ive had it 2.5yrs and put on 49k kms on it. It runs great and no oil consumption unless yoy count the rear rocker. I a, going to keep it a while longer and get a good run out of her.

If the car you have is still going well, i say keep it and do it up. You may get a worse condition car if you change.

my 2c worth :D

Yeah, only prob is I can't really do anything with the current wagon, as it is technically registered and insured as a company car for our small family business. Quite annoying.

True. And though I may be a P-plater :D, I'm also a fan of keeping the 2nd gens alive, so I will be gentle...somewhat :P

RPW sell some off the shelf extractors and camshafts which will really give the car some kick in the guts. Try and get a manual, or at least convert to it, the automatics suck ass, even in my diamante, damn auto.
The engines will last for ages dude, only problems you may come across are the stem seals may go one day but that's a dayjob any mechanic can do.
Hopefully you do get a 2nd gen and keep another one still alive, I'm doing my bit!

lol Point taken. Thanks so much for all the help guys. :)

Buy a 3rd gen, much better package. Learn to drive it.

2nd gens are aging.

Buy a 3rd gen, much better package. Learn to drive it.

2nd gens are aging.

:stoopid:

Spending money on 2nd gens is for losers. :ninja:

;1245403']Spending money on 2nd gens is for losers. :ninja:

:stoopid:

You are looking at getting a first car? What is your budget? All i can say is get the best car that your budget will allow for (obviously!)

I would suggest a 3rd gen mainly because they are newer and will be less likely to have an issue to begin with. The 2nd gen 3.0 12v has issues with oil consumption but i believe that is to do with valve stem seals which is not anywhere near as big an issue on a 3rd gen. The bottom end on 2nd and 3rd gen V6's is pretty bulletproof.

Just to give you an idea on longevity... My previous TF did 300,000 kms and used about 3 to 4 mm of oil on the dipstick (from the full mark every 10,000kms) and performed very strongly. The only real issue with that engine was it could get intermittent lifter noise when it was due for an oil change and only on cold start. Other than that it was brilliant.

lol Ok guys, I see your point. Budget kinda depends on what I'm getting. I'm prepared to spend up to 6k for a 3rd gen, which from what I've seen could get me anything up to a KF Verada Xi on a good deal. Budget probably more like up to 4k for say a KS Verada with RWC and reg. Less for respective magnas, but I'd prefer a verada at this point. I intend to keep the car for a while, hence my questions about longevity.

Is there anything specific you want in the Verada, or do you want it just because it is a Verada? If its just because its a Verada and perceived as 'better', its a bit of a moot point, and you can't really compare a TH Magna to a KS Verada!

If there is something more simple in the Verada you want you may be able to mod a later model Magna to have some of those features...

;1245403']Spending money on 2nd gens is for losers. :ninja:

Did he just say that?? I don't believe he said that!!!:eeek:++++:nuts:+++++:nuts:+++++:eeek:++++: gtfo:

Is there anything specific you want in the Verada, or do you want it just because it is a Verada? If its just because its a Verada and perceived as 'better', its a bit of a moot point, and you can't really compare a TH Magna to a KS Verada!

If there is something more simple in the Verada you want you may be able to mod a later model Magna to have some of those features...

That much I do understand. Basically, whether I get 2nd gen or 3rd gen, I'd like to get the "better" model of either. By "better" I don't just mean the "percieved" image of the Verada being better. Our TS magna wagon came fairly well optioned, and I'd like to have at least the same options if I get my own 2nd gen (i.e. 3L, p/windows, p/steering, alloys and those kinds of things). Getting a 2nd gen Verada would ensure that those options are there. If I'm getting a 3rd gen, I guess yeah I'd *like* a Verada, but I'll probably end up with a Magna anyway since it has most 2nd gen options by default, and I'll save the difference to spend on some small mods.

Yeah that makes sense. Alloys is something you can add, and power windows (if you get an earlier low end 3rd gen) can be a future mod for you!... With some TLC, even a 10+ yr old 3rd gen can be mistaken for a much newer car amongst those that don't know, especially with some mods that people do. The design of the 3rd gen was very modern and neat when it came out. On the other hand, even the best 2nd gen that has been modded looks old, mainly due to the styling of it. Having a 2nd gen for another 5 years it will look really outdated, whereas a 3rd gen could still look potentially modernish and neat.

3rd gen, more power better economy.

whats tufftr on about hasn't he spent cubic dollars on a second gen????. if you like 2nd gens as i do and are happy spending the money on it why not.

whats tufftr on about hasn't he spent cubic dollars on a second gen????. if you like 2nd gens as i do and are happy spending the money on it why not.

he is being sarcastic...

lol 2nd gen for ever, your not a real pertol head unless you have a old car first drive in the ground then spend a lot of money putting it right. But I never getting rid my old car where the fun in that :) Drive make you feel good and drive what you like. So at end of the day it what you like and you have to put up with that car for a while.

I bought a TS SE V6 about 4 months ago with 260,000kms on it. No oil usage, starts first go, it runs like new! pitty it doesn't look new. :) typical faded roof, bonnet and boot and a few supermarket dings with a sagged roof lining. in the middle of fixing though. i have falled in love with this car. i drive it more than the two 3rd gen's i have. LOL

That's saying something!

I've got 2 TSs, running perfectly, fresh paint, I plan to keep them on the road for another 5 years, get sold for whatever they are worth as 20 year old cars. I don't care how dated they look by then. I figure 380s will be down to $5K by then, so I can start again, with 2 380s this time! lol

Second gens are organic, third gens are not, ok? lol

Sold? I will be buried in mine lol

Is there anything specific you want in the Verada, or do you want it just because it is a Verada? If its just because its a Verada and perceived as 'better', its a bit of a moot point, and you can't really compare a TH Magna to a KS Verada!

If there is something more simple in the Verada you want you may be able to mod a later model Magna to have some of those features...

Haha sure you can compare

Peter_Pan and I did this all the time when he had his (KS 3.0 V6 4sp vs TH 3.0 V6 4sp)... we came to the conclusion that:

- TH was superior in top speed, acelleration, fuel eco, build quality, looks, and comfort
- KS was superior in features (cruise, power windows, etc...)

So, the logical solution is to get a KH/KJ Xi which comes with:

- Leather, Sunroof, 3.5 V6, Woodgrain, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Power Windows, Traction Control, Remote Boot Release, Power Drivers Seat, Boot lid liner, Parabolic headers, Colour coding, ABS, and much more.

Haha sure you can compare

Peter_Pan and I did this all the time when he had his (KS 3.0 V6 4sp vs TH 3.0 V6 4sp)... we came to the conclusion that:

- TH was superior in top speed, acelleration, fuel eco, build quality, looks, and comfort
- KS was superior in features (cruise, power windows, etc...)

So, the logical solution is to get a KH/KJ Xi which comes with:

- Leather, Sunroof, 3.5 V6, Woodgrain, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Power Windows, Traction Control, Remote Boot Release, Power Drivers Seat, Boot lid liner, Parabolic headers, Colour coding, ABS, and much more.

Comparing apples and oranges there dude
comparing a newer model exec to a previous model KS xi.
Your car being that it has a more powerful motor and pulling less weight will obvioulsy have the better accel, and top speed, but comfort wise gimme a KS xi anyday!

Fuel economy I dont 100% believe as my TR used to get 10's constantly around town and was actually great on fuel, looks....well gimme a 2nd gen anyday:P

Apples and oranges really

They are both girlie cars, I recon. A REAL man shifts his own gears, and winds up his own windows. What next, wipers that turn on by themselves, and headlights that think for themselves? You must be joking me! Lazy lot! EXEC models rule, ok? And don't mention traction control. How can a man spin his wheels or do H3K7ic skiddz? lol

PS What are "parabolic headers"? Have I missed something??

And don't mention traction control. How can a man spin his wheels or do H3K7ic skiddz? lol


*Handbrake*

or

*Turn OFF Traction Control*

Ahh, such a silly comment. Like a guy who doesnt have ABS on his car "because I know how to drive"... lolz

PS What are "parabolic headers"? Have I missed something??

I think he means parabolic headlights, i.e. "paras"

Sooo...out of a KS Ei for 3.5K, a KF Xi for 5.5K, and a TJ Exec for 5K (oh wait, it's just gone up to 5.3K. Darn.) what do you guys think is the best deal? All in drive-away conditiion inc rwc and reg.

KF xi for sure mate.

I bought my TS Wagon for 500 bucks.(I signed up to borrow your information because I'm good like that) It's badass and it works unlike my BMW...

If I was buying a first car now though, and was set on a Second Gen.. I'd try get the best specc'd model (Verada??) that your money gets you...

;1248403']KF xi for sure mate.

:stoopid: