Brake discs have required machining 3 times in the past few years. Next time I'll just take it to a brakes specialist rather than local Mitsubishi service centre and get decent quality work done.
Generally very reliable, it has just had little niggling things like the automatic transmission being quite rough. It required a new idle stepper motor AU$290.
Fantastic engine, very smooth and refined. When run on 95 Octane petrol rather than the regular 91 octane petrol there is a noticable increase in low rpm torque. The handbook says with the Premium petrol it gets another 4kw and 9nm more torque. Max torque lowers from 4000rpm to 3000rpm while running on this petrol also. It could do with more power though.
Automatic gearbox only average, although we've had none of the problems associated with earlier Magnas.
It is very sensitive too bad tyres. It came on Dunlop Monza 200's, which gave it very vague steering, steering vibrations and poor handling. Lift off oversteer with these tyres cause the rear end to step out frequently if driven enthusiastically. We replaced them with decent quality Bridgestone (keeping with the same 205/65 R15 size) and all those problems have gone away. In fact, steering now feels far more substancial.
The car feels extremely well made. As it is the SE model it has a velour interior, lots of little reading lights and door lights, everything is electric, cruise, ABS etc. Very solid feel, better than an aunts 1995 BMW 318i for sure in terms of bank vault feeling body.
Seats in the front are quite firm, although they are supportive and very adjustable, and have adjustable lumber support for both front seats. Rear seats are extremely comfortable, they also have adjustable headrests and a large centre armest in the rear as well.
Handling quite reasonable for a FWD family sedan, although its steering is too light (for me), the turning circle is quite wide and it generally lacks in communication. It is not for the enthusiast driver if you want fun in the corners, although it is definitely more than adequate. It feels a lot more planted to the road than an equivalant year Toyota Camry.
So all up, a very nice solid family car with a beautiful engine, comfortable ride, high quality interior and good levels of luxury. It has a nice look, and in SE form with its colour coded bumpers and mirrors, still looks like a new car.
I found the information usefull.
I would like to see more input from Magna owners.
It is very difficult to find any information on the net about Magnas.
I am about to buy a TS 1994 Magna Advance V6 Wagon.
After using the vehicle for a while I will add my comments to this website.
Submitted 12th April 2003.
Since writing the review of my TS SE V6, it has become quite expensive to run. It now has 145,000km and I intend to sell it. It had a major oil leak which required removing the engine to fix. This cost $1100. The front shock absorbers now feel extremely worn out with every little bump causing the car to crash over it. The alternator needed rebuilding which cost $810 including a 140,000km service. The auto has since developed very harsh gear changes and shows other signs of wear. Mitsubishi have estimated a $2500 - $3000 gearbox replacement within the next year.
Despite all this though the engine is still fantastic. If it weren't for the V6 and the nice interior I would have sold it long ago. However, it is now to be replaced with a late model Volvo 850 wagon.
Best of luck to those who buy a Magna.
Volvos offer much better value for money, reliability will make you feel very relieved and your tyres will last many more kms (740 gle turbo 1986, 60 000 kms on Pirellis) it was crashed recently so we have updated to a 240 1992 sedan not as much 'omph!' but as surefooted and amicable.
Trade in your expenses and go european you will be pleasantly surprised!
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