Hi Guys

I am new to this forum. I just got a second hand Magna 2003 TL ES and went for the roadworthy. Mechanic told me that there was a massive oil leak under the engine of the car.

So asked him the cost to fix the car. He quoted me $150 to just find the problem and then would quote me on the price for fixing.

Took car to another mechanic and he told me that it could be main seal or gasket or sump. He suggested that "we would replace the main seal first and if it is not the problem will fix others"
This was very suspicious as main seal cost lot more to fix and he did not even conclude where the oil was leaking from.

The oil is coming from back of the engine just on top of the left drive shaft and is dripping very slow. few drops after 10 min of running the engine. Oil level in the car is fine and I have been monitoring it regularly.

So if anyone had similar problem please help.

Standard procedure:

(1) Clean really well - spray on degreaser on a cold engine, hose off.
(2) When dry, start engine.
(3) Feel/look at back of engine, starting at the top. Work your way down. When you find the leak, see if it is engine or gearbox.
(Switch engine off if things feel too hot.)

In addition the MadMax's excellent advice, I'd add to use a mirror and a bright torch even if it's daylight.

If OP is in melbourne Metro area, I'd also direct him to Mis-Fix, a business run by Mal (Madmagna in these forums). He is extremely skilled and experienced in all things "Magna" and if you have the time to get to his locality, I feel you will get a decent diagnosis of the problem and a fair cost of repair. The advice you have been given thus far sounds like some mechanics are trying to take advantage of you - that would not be the case with Mal.