Mitsubishi Magna Problems

To be sure you need to measure both, preferably side by side, and see if everything lines up.

Yes. Have you tried using the air-con? That would prevent the windscreen from fogging up.

All the symptoms you describe suggest the engine is getting hot to the point it’s boiling, but the gauge should be indicating it’s hot by moving to the hot end of the scale. That’s if it’s working. Make sure the coolant is topped up, and check the electric fan to make sure it is working. I would run the engine at idle with the automatic transmission in drive for a period of 10 minutes and watch the temperature gauge. If it does check to see if the electric cooling fan is running, it it’s not running switch on the air-conditioning and see if it runs then. If it does there could be a problem with the fan sensor.

It's very hard to put a value on old cars like your father's. An average Magna of that age is usually worn out and worth next to nothing, but your father's being a low-mileage example in good condition might make $2500.

I agree with your view of going Japanese for reliability. The Lancer would be one I would recommend, along with the Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla. They're comfortable, fuel-efficient, safe, and have decent performance.

If it smells like it's burning then it is probably overheating. Don't take too much notice of the gauge, because it could be faulty. You need to find out why the fan isn't working, which could be because of a wiring issue, a blown fuse, or a burnt-out electric motor, and get it fixed.

We have had a number of reports from other Magna owners saying they have also had starting problems with their cars and each one has been fixed by replacing the antenna in the ignition switch. That would seem to be a good place to start to fix Steve Conde's problem.

It would seem likely that it is an electrical problem in the steering column. Take it to an auto electrician and have them check it for you. You've put up with the problem for nine years, so I don't think you can ask Mitsubishi to come to the party now.

If the computer is correct you should also be stopping at the fuel pump more frequently, if you're still driving roughly the same distance on a tank full of fuel then there is likely to be a problem with the computer. More likely though it's a sensor playing up. It could be the oxygen sensors in the exhaust, or it could be the airflow meter in the intake.