I'm in the market for a wagon, but don't want to spend big $. The Mrs wants a Camry Wagon 'cause she thinks they're bulletproof.. but I want something a little more fun.. I have seen a MY02 TJ Sports, with 120k that looks interesting, price is steep though.. $7k, but I wondered what you guys think of them reliability wise.. They look the goods, and my research suggests they go just as well.. But wanted your great and wise council. it's the 3.5 with 5 speed triptronic.. I had a look at the common faults thread and it seems like there's nothing too severe. But just want to make sure I won't be asking for trouble if I went down this path..
Thanks for your time.

Check if the timing belt has been done recently. Ask for WRITTEN proof in a log book, don't believe anything else.
Haggle the price down by $1K if it hasn't been done. In theory, it should have gotten a new belt in 2007 and again in 2012. If it's the original, it is now 10 years old @ 120,000 km!

Lots of other things to check too . . . .

Price wise, I paid $6.5K for a 04/2004 TL wagon with 136,000 km on it from a dealer, timing belt not done and leaky rocker covers. So $7K sounds a bit steep, but condition is everything.

I would give the car a thorough check over. If all log book services are there, completed on time with a timing belt replaced in the last 3 years, as well as being straight and clean with no damage to the paintwork or interior, then it would be worth your 7k. Anything wrong with it is more money off the total you should pay.

Thanks,

Add claims that it's recently had timing belt and major service done..

So better than a Camry? I'll probably be shot for asking this on a Magna forum lol.

I might make some further inquiries..

Thanks for your advice

Better than a bloody camry mate.

The magna is bigger inside than the Camry and less complicated so easier to service/repair.

Open the tailgate and you'll notice the Magna has almost double the usable space.

Check for evidence of adjusted odometer or swapped clusters:

Check to see if the black dash cluster surround is cracked where it screws into the dash.
Check wear and tear on the steering wheel and gear shift lever.. at 120k there "should" be fairly minimal wear (my TJ has 120k currently and still looks new, except the plastic black button on the trans lever is getting smoother ).
Take it for a test drive to confirm smooth shifting of the auto transmission, and that it doesn't "slip" between gears. Do an engine oil level and condition check too, and visual inspection of the engine bay.. never hurts.

They are very nice to drive so if all the above check out and if you maintain it well, then there is a lot of life left in it to be enjoyed.
A lot of people on here (myself included) like to do a post-purchase service just for peace of mind.
I got Mitsubishi to change the timing belt, auxiliary belts, seals, brakes, coolant flush, transmission flush, 6x platinum plugs, fuel filter, air filter and fuel injection service so it is well and truly ready for work.

Where's the car located?

it's on the sunny coast.. it's on carsales.. not sure if links are socially acceptable but here it is anyhow:Link (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/mitsubishi-magna-2001-14118934?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=0&eapi=2&__N=1246%201252%201247%201282%201216&find=magna%20wagon%20sports%202001%7cCarAll&silo=Stock&num=15&sort=default)

I highly recommend these uys (not Spam) AutoKing (http://www.autoking.com.au/mobile-pre-purchase-car-inspections.html) for pre-purchase vehicle inspections. RACQ do pre-purchase inspections also... but RACQ and I had a falling out. Also, Autoking were much cheaper than the listed RACQ price.

Anyway, you get a written report and photos by a mechanic who is a neutral party. I used this report to haggle the price on my GTVi. It was also good to get another unbiased opinion of the vehicle in general and to know what issues I would have to fix or have fixed.

it's on the sunny coast.. it's on carsales.. not sure if links are socially acceptable but here it is anyhow:Link (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/mitsubishi-magna-2001-14118934?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=0&eapi=2&__N=1246%201252%201247%201282%201216&find=magna%20wagon%20sports%202001%7cCarAll&silo=Stock&num=15&sort=default)
I live in Wurtulla too! If you haven't looked at it already I can check it out for you.

Red, that would be awesome, I would be extremely grateful. I live out in the country (Dalby) and to have someone like yourself check it out could help me to know if it's worth the trip to inspect it myself.

Red, I sent some pm's but there's nothing in my sent folder.. did you get them??

Yeah mate, I got your five PMs and replied back then lol

:redface: Sorry... I think I've got my head around this forums now..