1998 Mitsubishi Magna Executive V6 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A responsive family car that combines comfort with performance

Faults:

When we were on holidays a fuse blew at 20,000 dealer took 4 days to fix problem.

Seals on sill-less windows need reattaching all the time as they are now wearing.

Carpet ill fitting cut to small once car is worn in e g 30,000 the carpet shrinks and can expose some parts in the drivers foot well which shouldn't be seen.

General Comments:

Great to drive.

Great fuel economy compared with others on the market.

Does take second or 2 but on full throttle power is great.

The front wheel drive can be slippery in the wet if you accelerate while car empty (not under load).

Seats are great to sit in while driving real held in feeling, like more expensive bucket seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2003

1998 Mitsubishi Magna Executive petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Cheap car, but could be better on fuel

Faults:

The major problems seem to be with the auto transmission. It up-shifts too early and the engine revs momentarily. Also the transmission has a constant leak which is a steady drip. I thought it was the transmission pan gasket, but this was not the problem. Aside from that everything else seems OK. It runs on dual fuel.

General Comments:

Very thirsty on the petrol and gas. This car is seriously under powered, but tows OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd March, 2002

1998 Mitsubishi Magna Advance 3.0 Litre 24 valve SOHC V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Silent... but violent

Faults:

At 41924 kilometres, I required a new air conditioner compressor belt, due to uneven wear. This was not covered by the warranty. It cost me $42.00.

At 67553 kilometres, I had a new air conditioner compressor fitted due to a major clunk noise when the compressor engaged (both new & old compressors were genuine Mitsubishi parts). This was also fixed under warranty.

At 71366 kilometres, I needed a new steering column, due to a bushing prematurely wearing, causing the steering to clunk when lock was applied. This was fixed under warranty.

At 71706 kilometres, I had a flywheel failure - the whole flywheel had developed a huge crack through due to metal fatigue. This problem caused the clutch to self disintegrate upon engaging, necessitating a new clutch. This was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This is one family car that is a formidable contender in the marketplace.

It is supremely refined & smooth, has credible levels of build quality, adequate interior space, very good performance whilst delivering good fuel economy, & offering a compliant ride with excellent, predictable handling biased towards mild understeer.

The ABS brakes work well on asphalt roads as well as gravel, without exhibiting brake fade whilst maintaining full steering control & unwavering stability.

The front seats are very comfortable & supportive for hours on end, & have an excellent range of adjustments to find that perfect driving position.

The body is very rigid, the gearshift quality acceptably pleasant, & the ergonomics are very dependent on setting the correct driving position, which means they are extremely good.

In the 3 litre manual guise, I have had this vehicle from standstill to a true 100 km/h in 7.59 seconds. This is utilised by lift-throttle upshifts, & allowing for speedometer inaccuracy, which I have measured to 2km/h of optimism, therefore I have measured the performance to an indicated 102km/h.

I have measured the electronically limited top speed to be 213km/h (indicating 215km/h) in the Northern Territory.

The fuel consumption has hovered between a low of 6.9 litres/100km to a high of 11.3 litres/100km in general driving. At top speed, the fuel consumption increases to a high of 18-19litres/100km.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2001

27th Sep 2002, 16:23

An excellent, well written review. Are you sure you're not a professional motoring journalist?

15th Apr 2008, 07:55

Hello, I am the author of this review, back in 2001.

In response to your question, the answer is No, I'm not a motoring journo. However, it is something that has been one of my deep seated passions.

To be honest, driving is my first and foremost passion, closely followed by cars. Everything you have read is correct, in terms of replacement parts, and mechanical issues.

It's a shame that nowadays, the Mitsubishi factory in Adelaide, South Australia, has shut down. I haven't toured the Tonsley Park car manufacturing plant, but I have toured the Lonsdale engine foundry, back in 1999.

Having said all that, it will be interesting to see whether Mitsubishi import a medium, or large medium size sedan here. Time will tell, and, if they did, then the mid size market will be even more competitive.

At the end of the day, it all benefits the consumer-more choice.

4th May 2009, 03:12

I have got to agree, this is a very well written, impartial review. It is a nice change to read a review from someone that is unbiased regarding the car make, and has exact facts & figures available.

I also agree with your review - a great car.

15th May 2009, 07:44

Original reviewer here.

Thank you for your very kind words, I'm glad you found my review of interest.

You are quite right indeed, I don't have an allegiance towards any particular car marque. What interests me is the car itself, and if it delivers, or exceeds one's expectations, then that makes for a truly exceptional car and ownership experience.

Take a look at my review on my current car, a Mazda 6. It's in the 2006 category, under the heading of, "A sensible, modestly priced driver's car."

Best Wishes,

Thomas :)