Mitsubishi Magna 2003 Problems

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.

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.

Magna belts are generally pretty durable, but the recommended change time is 100,000 km.

Any of the quality brands would perform well on the Magna. IMPCO made the air-valve system used by Mitsubishi on the cars supplied from the factory with LPG. It’s generally regarded as bulletproof, so that’s certainly one to consider.

The biofuels people told us that the fuel consumption would increase by up to three per cent on E10, but your experience certainly makes us question that. Perhaps other readers can let us know what they've experienced when they've used E10.

LIKE all Magnas, the all-wheel-drive model was underrated. It handled well and had good performance, but was thirsty. You're right, the rear three spark plugs were long-life platinum ones awkward to replace. They should be replaced every 90,000km.

NEITHER is the sort of car I would own, but that isn't important to you because it's your choice, not mine. It really comes down to what you want from the car. The Calais is a comfortable car that will be quite reliable and the 3.8-litre ECOTEC V6 is reasonably fuel efficient. The Magna is sportier, handles well with plenty of get up and go. It is also reliable and stands up well. But at the end of the day, it's your money.

IF YOU don't drive your car often, it is a good idea to start it regularly to circulate the oil and keep the battery charged. Once a week would be good, but it wouldn't matter if it was once every few weeks.