Mitsubishi Magna Problems

Checked with Mitsubishi experts Des & Grays Automotive in Ferntree Gully and they suggest you check the engine mounts. The Magna has a tendency to chop out the engine mounts, the front one in particular, and the engine is then able to move further until it's hard up against the mount. In such a case the exhaust can also be hard up against its mounts, and the result is a harshness transmitted through the body. That's the most likely cause, but it's also worth checking the transmission. You don't say if it's got an auto trans, but if it has it could be slipping in reverse.

There's no reason the Avalon should be any thirstier than the Camry. They're about the same weight and they share the same V6 engine and drivetrain. The Avalon is locally produced, not imported, so the parts are the same price as the Camry's. On the current market the Magna is the best buy in that its used values have slumped, the Camry and Avalon are standing up well, while the Commodore remains popular and hence has good resale value. In terms of mechanical reliability, it's hard to go past Toyota and I would probably prefer the Camry or the Avalon, but all four have good reliability and will do the job well.

I HAVEN'T reviewed the model you are considering, but be careful about any car you look at. And have it inspected by an expert. Any car of that age will be showing high kilometres, and the TN Magna had troubles with its auto transmission when new. The engine will most likely have a noisy timing chain, and could be blowing smoke.

EACH fuel company offers a 98 RON fuel above regular unleaded and each makes claims about the benefits of their particular fuel. They aren't the same so trying a different brand may work, but I would use regular unleaded in your Magna. I believe the benefits of using the higher-grade fuel are negligible, which your results suggest.

Your Falcon would have tested about 13 litres/ 100km when new. For comparison purposes, the Commodore V6 would return about 11.5 litres/100km, the 3.5-litre V6 Magna about 10.5 and the Camry closer to 13. Clearly, on that basis the Magna is the car for you.