Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Faults:

Roof lining sagging.

Front suspension struts barely working - always banged loudly on average size dips.

Alternator replaced.

Water pump replaced.

2 fuel injectors replaced.

Automatic transmission computer replaced.

Rain leaking into and filling up spare tyre well in boot/trunk.

Interior door handles (both front doors) broke.

More problems existed, but I gladly threw out my large collection of repair receipts when I got rid of this car.

General Comments:

This car was an absolute lemon. I don't know whether this vehicle was indicative of all instances of this model, or just a singular problem.

It was well maintained, but rarely made it between services before it had to go in to the mechanic for major repairs.

I did like the comfort levels of the car, finding it much more pleasant than similar model Commodores and Falcons.

The engine was incredibly lacking in power. It would often end up shifting down to 1st gear to get up hills, and acceleration at traffic lights was equally embarrassing.

The gear box was clunky, and obviously on its last legs, as it often violently jerked down a gear when the car was simply slowing down to a stop.

I basically gave the car away when I realised that it required at least twice as much money spent on repairs as it was worth.

Despite being attracted to later model Magnas this car was so horrendous that I don't think I'll ever be able to buy another Mitsubishi Magna again. I am so relieved to have this thing out of my life.

Faults:

Electrical problems mainly ignition problems and engine control computer burnt out which is a common problem. interior roof lining came loose and dropped down (common fault). rough idling. door lock trims keeps coming loose.

General Comments:

The car drives quite smoothly besides the engine running a bit rough. power is lacking a bit on overtaking. handling is nice and stable. Interior is finished nicely besides the roof lining. Seats are comfortable. has power windows, steering, aerial and 6 speaker radio cassette.

Faults:

Interior door handles broke at 185,000km.

Minor oil leaks around head gasket.

General Comments:

This TR Magna has been a very reliable, economical, comfortable and powerful to drive.

Highway driving I achieved 650km for about 58 litres and about 480km in the city.

I had the car for two years, travelled 91,000km and sold it for only $2,000 less that what I bought it for.

I spent about $1,000 the whole period of owning it, most of this on general servicing and preventative maintenance. It never broke down.