As the title suggests, I'm hunting around for an AWD Magna/Verada and need a list of things I should be checking when I'm on the ground looking at the cars.

Things that usually break/wear/tear and that are strictly limited to the AWD's. But, by all means throw in an general suggestions also - in case there's something I'm missing. This will be my third Magna/Verada, so I'd like to think I have half a clue... quarter of a clue maybe.

I'm approaching this with a view to find either a nice TJ Series II Sports AWD or a TL/TW VRX AWD.

All contributions appreciated.

I would say make sure you're happy with the way it drives..

Take a look at..

- Rear Diff to make sure there's no leaks etc.
- Rear Suspension - Look at the bushes etc and also rear arms as well.

There's not too much with the AWDs.. They're awesome cars!

SuFz :ninja:

If possible make sure the transmissions have been serviced on time, that keeps them happy they need it more regularly. Other then that just general wear, I've had mine 5 years no "awd" problems. Hope to welcome you to awd goodness soon!

If possible make sure the transmissions have been serviced on time, that keeps them happy they need it more regularly. Other then that just general wear, I've had mine 5 years no "awd" problems. Hope to welcome you to awd goodness soon!

+1 for the gearbox/diff servicing. Everything i've seen says the gearbox is the weak link in the drive train. Not weak, just the weak link.

I would also recommend getting underneath and checking the tail shaft, rear drive shafts & rear suspension for damage plus check the plastic sump guard for any signs that the car has been used off road extensively.

I've kept to the book servicing since i bought my TW LS, the only issues I've had in 7 years are general Magna stuff, nothing to do with the AWD system.

Yes, check the state of the ATF! From my own experience, 45000km between ATF changes without any additional cooling is too long.

There was also a recall on the TJs for an issue where some part of the rear suspension was rubbing against a brake line, as best I can recall.

Service history is essential with all regular servicing having been done. Especially the Auto. Go for a TL or higher as they have body rigidy enhancements from the factory. Logic says go for a car with as few k's as possible BUT if you're going to mod the car then get a high k's TL or higher. Then do the following:
Koni yellow shocks
new springs
Brembo big brake kit from Evo X for front
Brembo big brake kit from Evo 7-9 for rear
Suitable wheels to fit over the brakes (Evo X wheels will do or ROH flares)
380 engine upgrade
3.0 V6 stall converter
Transmision cooler
In dash GPS, dvd player with reverse camera
Supercharger if you are after serious horsepower

That cover it people?

I say a hgih k car as it will be cheaper than a lower k example.

Service history is essential with all regular servicing having been done. Especially the Auto. Go for a TL or higher as they have body rigidy enhancements from the factory. Logic says go for a car with as few k's as possible BUT if you're going to mod the car then get a high k's TL or higher. Then do the following:
Koni yellow shocks
new springs
Brembo big brake kit from Evo X for front
Brembo big brake kit from Evo 7-9 for rear
Suitable wheels to fit over the brakes (Evo X wheels will do or ROH flares)
380 engine upgrade
3.0 V6 stall converter
Transmision cooler
In dash GPS, dvd player with reverse camera
Supercharger if you are after serious horsepower

That cover it people?

Bloody hell he might as well just buy an evo lol

Magna AWD...Poor Man's evo but bigger so we can fit our wife and kids into it. There's a guy in Adelaide I know with a white Magna VRX AWD and he spent $30,000 getting an Eaton supercharger system put on his bog standard 3.5 V6 motor. It's a twin screw roots type s/c so there is strong boost of 10psi from idle. It's not like a rotrex or bullett system. It was made by Harrop Engineering here in Melbourne. Now this guy can afford 2 evo's but he wanted better than evo performance without following the crowd so he went with something different. This car eats WRX's and Evo's for breakfast but doesn't get a second look fom the Law.

Yeah the boxes are the weak parts, mine let go last year, and I got it rebuilt and It's a little more aggressive now :) soon to come the 3.8 will be adapted to it soon. Will be an awesome car, I love mine :) you'll love yours when you get one :)

All good feedback thanks.

Poor man's evo? I like the sound of that. What I'm expecting though is performance a shade under that of my standard GTVi, just with extra grip or drive through/out of corners. Wet corners in particular.

Budget thus far is for suspension and headers... then the rest of the exhaust. I have a set of 17" GTVi alloys with fresh rubber on them sitting here waiting, along with some other bits and pieces. I don't think this will be a race car, I just want to take full advantage of any handling bonuses from the AWD.

This is will be my third Magna/Verada but my first AWD. I'm pretty much used to everything else. Transmissions in particular - having had a 4 speed die on me and having to breath life back into a 5 speed.

The TL's are pretty thick on the ground right now, but I'm chasing a TJ in particular. Unless it was a fine example of the super sexy TW VRX AWD.

I'll update with the car if/when I find one... in a week or two.