Mitsubishi Magna Problems

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Your consumption is about right for that model Magna. It’s a relatively large and heavy car with a big, powerful V6, and 2001 engine technology. They aren’t a popular car today; they don’t have the safety, economy, or appeal of other, newer cars.

Look behind the left hand headlight, it should be next to the windscreen washer reservoir.

Look behind the left hand headlight, it should be next to the windscreen washer reservoir.

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.