2000 MITSUBISHI MAGNA TH SPORTS
Its got only 130K on the Clock has the 3.5L with Tip tronic Auto.

A mate is interested in it..

What obvious signs am I looking for as far as the Tip tronic Gearbox is concered ???

The Engine has been detailed but I cannot see any leaks in either transmission or Sump or Rocker Cover.. and the Idiot sales Guy didn't allow me to turn the key and listen to the motor without showing him some Keen interest (Meaning he wanted to be shown cash)

It also has a Sunroof, Are seals the only thing to be concerned with ??

The fact that he wont let you start it should be a strong indication to tread lightly. Also check to see if the service books have been removed. If so, chances are that the 130k on the clock is not genuine.

So look for the 100K service ???
If it has no history I will tell my mate to walk away...

We just found a 99TH in the same Spec minus the Sunroof with 182K for 3 G less... Would be a better buy ?

You'd want to know whether the Timing Belt service has been done (should be done at about 100K mark), its about $1000- minimum to get it done. Without a service history indicating this was done, or a cheap price to compensate if its not done - tread carefully.

Not wanting to let you start the car sounds but weird. I'd be wanting to check dipsticks (engine, trans) and oil-filler cap and radiator cap with car DEAD COLD, then I'd want to hear the car started from cold.

In my mind, the worst potential problem with Tip-tronic transmission is if it could suffer the "wave-spring" failure..... my family have had this in two TJ-era cars. A (tedious) search of these Forums for "wave spring" might indicate if any members have had wave-sprive failure kill the auto-transmission in a TH vehicle. The wave spring is an internal component in the auto transmission, which in some cases breaks sections off the end of the spring - if these broken pieces flush thru the box with the flow of transmission fluid, they cause damage and usually end-up destroying the oil-pump in transmission (means sudden and complete loss of drive either forward or reverse).
I don't think any of us fully understand what usage or servicing factors (if any) influence the likelihood of a wave-spring failure, nor precisely which series of 3rd-gens are susceptible (TJ and KJ certainly ARE, and being tip-tronic or standard 4-sp auto makes no difference, affects both).

General Auto trans things, like oil should be pink-ish and clear, not dark, not grainy, no burned smell. Trans fluid is checked for correct level when hot, car idling in Park, etc. It's important that correct trans fluid is used in the Mitsi auto, a few common after-market trans fluids are NOT suitable in a Magna. Would be impossible to know if incorrect standard of fluid is in there I'd imagine - unless there is a service receipt stating what was used.

I've never had a sunroof, but I'd be looking for smooth, quiet, operation with no sign of the motor "labouring" to move the glass. (for example, my KJ drivers power window seems likely to die, it really struggles sometimes). When sunroof opened, I'd be looking for seals in good visual condition. Perhaps some evidence that lubricating grease on moving parts isn't dried-out or gummy. Check for muddy/rusty marks which might indicate that moisture is getting past the seals and into the runners etc.

same old checks for condition of coolant and engine oils, battery electrolyte levels etc.

I have had premature wear to inside edge on rear tyres, you could check for that.

Look at brake discs if you can see them, hopefully worn smoothly and not scored. I have had a warped set of rotors on my first TJ, gave a shimmer/wobble as brakes applied (moving vehicle of course). Check that handbrake doesn't come up too far when applied - we have had a handbrake cable bracket break on two cars, lets cable flex over-much at the rear hub and the handle come right up (with less-effective handbrake).

Prob lots of other tips in these forums, with better ideas than mine........

Thanks Elwyn... What sort of shift times should I be looking for in the Semi-Auto Box ? Is it instant or an acceptable delay ?

Hardly an expert here, mate!

But shifts in "D" mode are smooth, without lag etc. Whether just accelerating away, or whether I encourage an up-shift by slight lift-off on accelerator, shift quality always smooth and no delay, lurching or knocking.
In tippy mode, shifts aren't razor-sharp but they are pretty-much next second sort of thing. Again, upshifts or downshifts there is not much lag and no lurch or "crash".

I've only had the tippy in one KJ (which shit its wave-spring 10 days after purchase at 57K on the clock). Never driven any other car with a tippy fitted.
Dad's TJ with non-tippy 4-sp also dropped a wave-spring - but at more like 140-160 on the clock. That car was my first TJ, on-sold to dad after yr or few.

the fact that the engine has been detailed, may be indicating they are trying to cover up oil leaks, and that he didnt want to start it, trying to keep any leaks from appearing may support my theory

the fact that the engine has been detailed, may be indicating they are trying to cover up oil leaks, and that he didnt want to start it, trying to keep any leaks from appearing may support my theory
Good point!
It'd be pretty likely that rocker cover gaskets would be getting weepy (at least) by 130K. I should have suggested pulling at least a few plug leads, and look for evidence of oil leaks onto the spark-plug insulators (below the level or the rocker covers). Oil on those leads/insulators will lead the the rubber insulators swelling and weakening. Doing those gaskets on rocker covers and the plug-tube seals under the rocker covers isn't a huge deal - BUT its all extra cost and work if you went for this vehicle. Even if they detailed the engine, its lilkely they would not know (or bother) to check for leaks on the spark-plug insulators......

Stay the hell away, I wouldn't buy it from the prick just to spite him.

Tell him that as well.