1991 Mitsubishi Magna TR Executive review from Australia and New Zealand

Timing belts replaced - 150,000k's.

Inner left door latch replaced - 155,000k's.

Oil change - 160,000k's. Service station 'forgot' to put oil back in. Nearly blew heads, but was repaired. Solved an unrelated low-revving issue.

Paint on roof starting to fade (but this is Australia!).

A fink ran into my parked Magna and put a guage in the driver's door that is starting to rust.

At 167,000k's, steering is feeling a little heavy. Am getting fluid levels looked at soon.

I love this car! My mum got it 8 years ago at 135,000k's. I've learnt to drive in it, and am driving it today. I've had it for about 3 months, and I find it so comfortable. The seats are large and supportive. My medium frame does slide around a bit.

Compared to Commodores and Falcons of the same age, it has less body roll.

I'm 186cm tall, and my legs thank me everytime I drive for being able to put the seat back so far. My rear seat passengers don't complain either.

In terms of a first car, it's great. The thing feels like it has its own postcode, but I feel very safe in the Magna. I was in possession of a 1988 Ford Telstar just after I got my licence (I sold it, mental head smack), and while that car was better in many respects, the Magna deadens more road noise and bumps.

This thing drinks fuel in traffic! I'm lucky to get 350k's out of the tank in heavy traffic, but I drove between Sydney and Albury NSW on a tank and a quarter.

Handling is a little skitterish. One needs to keep the steering wheel in check around corners. It tends to follow deep ruts. At highway speeds, the car is really stable, and surprisingly quiet.

The sound system is shocking! Maybe OK for Mum's who like to listen to AM radio, but for us funky monkeys who need to impress the ladies (yes, I realise the irony in such a vehicle!), it doesn't make the grade! However, it's not a huge issue for me.

If you need convicing to get a 1992 Magna, I say, go for it! A$3000 should get you one (in April 2005). It likes petrol in the way that I like air, but it is so comfortable to drive. It's also a car that the authories won't look twice at.