Known higher mileage issues

[an observer]

I did the 315,xxxx service recently on our TW II VRX AWD.

I did get Mal to do a 3.8 upgrade for the 270,xxx service, but all the ancilliaries are still the same, and it burns more oil than the 3.5 did, which was more or less nil.

Other than the 3.8, I've done nothing more than routine servicing, and I doubt it'd be any different if I'd kept the original 3.5. The 3.8 is a nice upgrade though, better fuel consumption and noticably improved performance.

Thanks for the engine suggestion. If I've still got the car when it's due for a timing let, it's a worthwhile changeover. Especially since Mal's 3.8s come with a new timing belt and are ready to bolt in.

[an observer]

Spent 4 hours yesterday washing, polishing and detailing. Feeling the effects but the car looks a lot better. Will try and put up some pics later.

[an observer]

After some thought and much driving of possible alternatives, I put the car in for a full gearbox recondition last week. Just got it back last night, and it is so much better.

The process of deciding was difficult, and included many detractors insisting that $20,000 on depreciation is a better option than repairing an old Magna. Even looked around at other Magnas for sale, and very few of them were worth considering.

So, we had done:
- Gasket seal and ring kit
- Friction module
- Different, strengthened wave spring
- Reduction band
- Heavy duty lr damper plate
- Solenoid set
- Bearing kit
- Pump bush
- Planetary carrier
- Filter
- Reco torque converter.

Took it for a drive last night, and the action reminds me of when it was new, except that odometer now reads 197,000kms.

The current plan is to keep the old girl, which will be reassessed in two (or maybe three) years when the next timing belt is due.

The mechanic who did the work said he drove it home overnight to check the action of the gearbox, and couldn't believe how good it is to drive. It is so disappointing that most people think 'sh1tboxes' when they hear Magna. Maintained properly, they are great cars.

Cheers to all,

[leadfoot6]

How much did the reconditioned transmission cost all up?

What sort of warranty is being offered?

[an observer]

The warranty is two years or 40,000kms.

Have pmd the price.

Work mates think I'm nuts spending on an old Magna. Some days Im tempted to agree with them

[an observer]

Follow-up check on the auto transmission showed all ok.

Car was due for a service which was done today. Also done brake fluid and air filter.

Car will need four new tyres in the next little while so hoping for a good three for the price of four special early next year.

[leadfoot6]

How much did the reconditioned transmission cost all up?

What sort of warranty is being offered?

The warranty is two years or 40,000kms.

Have pmd the price.

Work mates think I'm nuts spending on an old Magna. Some days Im tempted to agree with them

Hi,

Thanks for the PM with price/warranty included.

The price is a little above average but not unreasonably so, especially with the good warranty offered.

You have said it drives well now.

The money spent now is certainly not wasted if it will give you 5 years peace of mind which I think it will.

If/when mine goes, I would spend the amount you did with a transmission specialist in Sydney who I KNOW does excellent work.

https://www.dsjonesautomatics.com.au/

It's up to you, but you might consider letting others know the cost, which will be useful information for forum members.

6 months or so ago, a new forum member looking for advice offloaded his relatively low km otherwise very well looked after TL?? because he did not want to spend sensible money on reconditioning a failed transmission due to broken wave spring IIRC.

I think he made a poor decision.

You have made the right one.

[an observer]

The car does drive like new. Had the new steering wheel fitted during servicing yesterday, so visually fresher from drivers seat.

When deciding to get the trans fixed, I looked at newer cars and their upfront depreciation cost. That was key in spending $3500 to recondition the trans.

Yes, it is a big expense on an old car so hope to get at least 5 years back on that investment. Its a somewhat different mindset to the norm but as you say, I think the cars themselves can certainly go the distance and are worth fixing.

[an observer]

Car was fixed by Dave and the guys here:

https://firstclassautomatics.com.au/

They operate out of Midas at Strathpine. No hesitation in recommending them.

https://www.midas.com.au/strathpine

[343guiltyspark]

I think you made the right decision my transmission is not far from dying. I was quoted $4000 for the rebuild and I have every intention of going ahead with it to me it's worth every cent. I say keep as many on the road as we can because they are greatly underrated and they are starting to become rare to see on the road.