1996 Mitsubishi Magna Reviews - Page 2 of 2

Complete new engine (re con) dropped in.

New clutch.

New brake pads.

Air con.

Apart from spending $4500 2 months after buying this car (which was due to previous owner neglect) I really enjoy driving this car and plan on keeping it for a while longer.

Due to the resale value and previous generations of the Magna, they are a very over-looked. I have owned a nice long list of previous vehicles and this car is definitely in my top 2.

The interior doesn't have the room of a Falcon, but then again the Falcon doesn't have the same boot space a Magna does.

Being a young man with a family, I wanted to get a car that would still keep me entertained while still being practical for the family.

If you are thinking of buying a 3rd Gen Magna (TE onwards) then I would suggest a manual, they are a lot harder to find, but are worth it...

At about 150,000 K's the transmission/gear box failed and it cost $1500 to get a reconditioned one installed.

It seems to go through quite a bit of oil between every 10,000 Km service. Up to 2-3 liters. Has small leaks that mysteriously can't be located by service centre.

When the handbrake is tightened the back wheels squeal until the handbrake loosens up to the extent that it doesn't hold any more. It is a design issue.

The car handles very well and even after almost 300 thousand Kilometres it still has substantial power off the lights.

There have been hardly any problems apart from the gear box failure. All other parts are running well. The interior is holding up well with all electronics working fine.

I can see the car lasting for a much longer time.

Auto transmission is very clunky and jerky - a common problem in this model Magna.

Timing belt snapped, which then broke the water pump and then did the head gasket, all before the temperature gauge got anywhere near overheating! Expensive...

Auto boot release failed (fixed by dealer at no cost)

Strange rubbing/clunking noise when turning left when cold.

CD player failed (radio still works)

Overall, a very competent and quiet car, far superior to similar era Commodore, Falcon or Camry.

Very quiet (so quiet, in fact, that if you have the stereo going, you can't even hear the head gasket blowing...).

Reasonable fuel economy, although not as good as I had hoped.

Shocking resale value at the time, although this has improved slightly in the last couple of years (well, not by a lot, but a little nonetheless).

Very smooth and refined, apart from the auto transmission on mine, which is a rather common problem of this model.

Make sure you get the timing belt changed according to the service schedule (and make sure your dealer follows the schedule). Mine didn't, and it was an expensive lesson.

Nothing yet.

One of the keys is a little funny

Excellent car. Very comfortable, excellent road handling and low noise.

Was hesitant to buy a 1996 model, but it was cheaper than a 1998 model and just as good.

To date nothing has gone wrong.

Car performs even better than I thought. Went looking for a Ford or Holden and came home with a Mitsubishi Magna.

Very impressed with the handling, comfort and all over features of the car.

Brakes have made a grinding sound despite repeated checks and new brake pads.

Very roomy, smooth ride and good looking car. For those who want a stylish car, without having to fork out for a more expensive European model, the Magna is a great buy. It is a family size car, but is great for those who also just want a good looking vehicle.