1993 Mitsubishi Magna TR from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

I have owned a 1993 Magna 2.6 for a year and a half now.. It had 184,000 km's when I brought it & now has 198,000 km's... It is a little heavy on fuel around town, but good on open road... It tows my race bike all around the country has plenty of room (I often sleep in it at race meets) Apart from servicing, this car has run very well & I would recommend one to anyone... A very practical car.

I have had a 1995 Magna Executive TS 3L for the last year and have had few problems. Very comfortable smooth ride though a little heavy on fuel. It has a slight rattle when going up hills - could be timing chain loose. Have done 200,000 K and hoping to get another 100,000 out of it.

Would advise anyone to buy one.

I paid $8,000 for a TS Magna SE wagon in 2003, with 143,000 clicks on the clock. Since then I have had to replace pretty well everything, I have spent at least $6,000 in the last 6 years, just keeping it on the road.

The 2.6 Astron engine is a nightmare: cracked heads, blown head gaskets, leaky: welch plugs/ timing chain cover gaskets/ water pumps are very common, Despite all this expense, it still needs major repairs, I have got to the point that when it dies, that's it.

Last week, I bought an immaculate TR sedan for spares, I paid $150 for it, but, you guessed it, it needs major engine repairs too, but at least I should get a few good bits off it.. My advice is whether you pay a few hundred/ or few thousand for one, despite anything, you will have to spend, spend, spend. When new, the TV marketing campaign was "Please Consider". Had the 100% failure rate of the cars been known then, then the choice would have been very easy (don't buy!)

We bought our first TR V6 Magna 7 yrs ago for $9500. It had 170,000k on the clock.

To date, we have spent exactly $54 on abnormal repairs. All other expenses have been for the normal wear and tear items... brakes, tyres etc. We still own it and drive it 7 days a week. It now has 340,000 km on the clock and does not miss a beat.

We recently bought another TR, this time a 2.6l. It goes well, but I much prefer the 3.0l as it runs a lot smoother and gets better fuel economy.

I bought my 93 TR Magna about 5 years ago, for a relatively cheap $1800 with 190000 on the clock. The engine was rebuilt when I bought it.

Since then it has had: timing chain replaced (approx $1200), timing chain cover replaced ($800), multiple CV and drive shaft replacements.

The major problems are brake pads and tires; going through about 2 sets each per year.

The auto slips in 1st gear when it's cold, and it needs a ISR for the computer, which cannot be bought anymore.

Apart from all this, I absolutely love my Magna! Have even done minor mods to it and it just won't die. It has excellent acceleration and have had it at a top speed of 220 on a dyno. It eats fuel, but all in all would definitely recommend buying one!! Just watch out for the lemons.

Well folks.

I own a 1995 4cyl 2.6lt Magna. My fuel economy, now that's a laugh, what economy? My mates 4.0lt EL Falcon has better economy and it's a larger car.

Repairs to date.

Alternator.

Water pump.

Assorted hoses.

Power steering leaks.

Welsh plugs leaking.

Timing chain.

Head gasket.

Driver side brake calipers.

Many many many more issues.

In short what I think?

I think this is a cheaply made car and it shows with all the repairs people have done to theirs. If you are one of the lucky ones to have a good one, all well and good. If not, this car is the most unreliable out there. Perhaps the 3.0 lt is better..

Will never buy one EVER again.

Other thing, converting these to LPG to save, Well been told they are not LPG compatible and require harder valve seals/stems etc etc.. Not worth the effort.

Highly disappointed.. Bad Car..