Magna vs. Falcon - opinions needed!

[Mike Adamson]

Hey guys,

I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....

Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like to
buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
duel for about the $3-4000 range.

Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC ($1400
without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
Falcon is too big).

Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Mike

[Mike Adamson]

Sorry, that should have read "duel fuel" for the Falcon. And I guess the
key there is cost of fuel rather than economy.

;)

Oh, and the Magna is an auto.....first thing I'll do if we test drive is to
see whether it even has the power to run the aircon whilst idling!


"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
> to buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety
> are the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons
> on duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
> ($1400 without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she
> feels the Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
>

[Diesel Dog (not Damo)]

Mike Adamson wrote:

>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC ($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?

Depends on how well they are looked after the Magna with duel fuel might
be the way to go although the 2600 engine can sound like a babies rattle
and the alloy head is not that strong and can warp pretty easily. The
gearboxes are pretty weak and can be expensive to repair. Both the
Falcon and Magna's are far from the most reliable of transports have you
considered a Camry wagon?


--
Regards Dan

[Diesel Dog (not Damo)]

Diesel Dog (not Damo) wrote:

> Depends on how well they are looked after the Magna with duel fuel might
> be the way to go although the 2600 engine can sound like a babies rattle
> and the alloy head is not that strong and can warp pretty easily. The
> gearboxes are pretty weak and can be expensive to repair. Both the
> Falcon and Magna's are far from the most reliable of transports have you
> considered a Camry wagon?
>
>

Sorry I should of said "Both the
> Falcon and Magna's are far from the most reliable of transports of
that era"


--
Regards Dan

[RodP]

In article <41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au>, mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam
says...

> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion.

A hospital is more traditional, seats more than 5 doctors. :P

Cheers,
Rod.

[Mike Adamson]

Well, now that you mention it....reclining seats, feet up on the dash,
aircon on full, good stereo......has to be better than a public ward ;)


"RodP" <rodp@hotmail.com.nothere> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c4dd07f7d1e3ba9989690@news-server...
> In article <41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au>, mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam
> says...
>
>> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
>> to
>> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion.
>
> A hospital is more traditional, seats more than 5 doctors. :P
>
> Cheers,
> Rod.

[Cartman]

If the Magna is fuel injected it is worth a look. If it has a carby bolted
onto it then walk off!

The carby TNs had shitty autos that were known for regularly dying. The
carbys on them also died.

"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
> the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
> duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
>

[maxfli **]

"RodP" <rodp@hotmail.com.nothere> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c4dd07f7d1e3ba9989690@news-server...
> In article <41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au>, mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam
> says...
>
>> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
>> to
>> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion.
>
> A hospital is more traditional, seats more than 5 doctors. :P
>
>

LoL good call :-)))

[Chris]

Our second child is due in 7 weeks. I bought my wife a '91 VN Commodore,
just before our first was born, and she loves it. Very torquey (sp), and has
proven very reliable. She only does about 10,000 - 15,000km a year. I've
been told that the 91 model, being the last of the VN's had most of the bugs
out of it. I paid $4000 for it, and it had about 225,000km on the clock
which concerned me a bit initially, but has proven to not be an issue. Only
things that have needed repairing are:
1 * water pump. (easily replaced myself in the carport!) Part was not
excessively expensive.
1 * heater tap, which cost about $20, and 15 minutes under the car port.
It uses a bit of oil, about 1 litre every 8 weeks or so, but I think it
deposits it in the drip tray on the drive rather than out the exhaust.
We were tossing up between the VN Executive and a 90 model Fairlane. Half
the electrics in the Fairlane were stuffed, and it just didn't feel as well
balanced as the VN. My dad has a 91 VN wagon on LPG, and he has had similar
trouble free use out of it. In the price range you are talking about, I'd
put a 90-91 VN on the top of the list. A wagon if you can get one. You think
1 kid requires a lot of boot space. I think we're going to be surprised how
much space 2 kids will need as far as boot space goes, and I don't think a
Magna will cut it.
Just my view.
CKL
"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
> the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
> duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
>

[RodP]

In article <41e32765$1@news.unimelb.edu.au>, mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam
says...

> Well, now that you mention it....reclining seats, feet up on the dash,
> aircon on full, good stereo......has to be better than a public ward ;)

Yeah, but the stains.... :/

Cheers,
Rod.

[Ben Thomas]

Mike Adamson wrote:
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
> the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
> duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>

Congratulations!

> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC ($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Get her what she wants (unless she wants a 4WD...) You don't need a Falcon just
because you have two kids.


--
Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.

Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as neither
given nor endorsed by it.

[Kieron]

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 23:58:40 GMT, "Mike Adamson"
<mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote:

>Hey guys,
>
>I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
>really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
>Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like to
>buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
>the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
>duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
>Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC ($1400
>without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
>Falcon is too big).
>
>Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
>Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Always go with what she wants hehe :)

But seriously, as Dan has mentioned neither will be super reliable
cars. It would be a matter of finding a good one of either brand.

A list of common things to look for on both cars might be a good idea
-

Magna -

timing chain rattles, burning oil, CV joints, auto trans

Falcon (say EB) -

front rotor warpage, air con problems, head gasket, auto trans.

There are more, that others can add but I think these would be the
main ones.

I'd be looking at any receipts for major work, if the EB had a trans
reco then you can scrub that as a problem for instance. rotor warpage
is cheap to fix, air con can be expensive.

[Noddy]

"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...

> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Falcon, Falcon and Falcon. Oh, did I mention the Falcon? :)

Stay away from early Magna's like death, as they are one of the most
unreliable and problematic cars you can buy. For 4 grand you should be able
to pick up a very nice ED sedan on gas that will *kill* an early Magna in
every respect, be nicer to drive, use less fuel, be cheaper to maintain &
service and cause you a *lot* less stress :)

Touch an early Magna *only* if you want problems.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[D Walford]

Mike Adamson wrote:
>
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
> the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
> duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC ($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
Is the Magna an auto?
If so run away from it very fast.

> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>

EB Falcon or later, I wouldn't have the Magna or an EA (my son has an EA
and I'm sick of repairing it).




Daryl

[D Walford]

Ben Thomas wrote:
>

>
> Get her what she wants (unless she wants a 4WD...) You don't need a Falcon just
> because you have two kids.
>

He did that and now he's got 2 kids:-)
Cars are cheaper.



Daryl

[sheik yerbouti]

On Tue, 11 Jan 2005 16:53:22 +1100, D Walford <walford@iprimus.com.au>
wrote:
>>
>Is the Magna an auto?
>If so run away from it very fast.
>
are there manual magnas?

[Greg Stewart]

"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
> to buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety
> are the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons
> on duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
> ($1400 without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she
> feels the Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


I think even the magna fans would have ethical issues recommending a '89
magna over the falcon!

[Katharine & Paul]

My wife found our EA Falcon too big, but loves ourAU sedan.

We are thinking of a wagon for our next car, with Magna the hot favourite
(since Subaru Outbacks are way too expensive)

The magna should be a good car, but I reckon look out for a 6 cyl, rather
than a 4. I remember wheels running them back to back in the early 90's and
getting better fuel economy in the 6.

Paul


"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
> to buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety
> are the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons
> on duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
> ($1400 without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she
> feels the Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
>

[Quark]

For a 2.6l Astron engined Magna you can count on most of the following:
oil burning - we're talking fill it up with oil and check the petrol
cracked head
cracked block
auto trans electronics dying
auto trans mechanicals dying
V8-like fuel consumption but no performance
disintegrating interior
more rust than the equivalent falcodores
--
Quark@synchrotron.org.tv
"Mike Adamson" <mka@unimelb.edu.au.nospam> wrote in message
news:41e316af$1@news.unimelb.edu.au...
> Hey guys,
>
> I apologise for using this forum for freebie advice again, but I would
> really appreciate anyone's opinion on the following.....
>
> Our second child is due today (lovely 37 degree day for it!) and I'd like
to
> buy my wife a bigger car for the occasion. Room, economy, and safety are
> the main considerations, so I was looking at early '90's Falcon wagons on
> duel for about the $3-4000 range.
>
> Now she's seen a 1989 TN Magna wagon on duel fuel for $2000 with RWC
($1400
> without) and has decided she likes it more (mainly because she feels the
> Falcon is too big).
>
> Given the choice between these two (or others) what would you guys go for?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
>

[D Walford]

sheik yerbouti wrote:
>
> On Tue, 11 Jan 2005 16:53:22 +1100, D Walford <walford@iprimus.com.au>
> wrote:
> >>
> >Is the Magna an auto?
> >If so run away from it very fast.
> >
> are there manual magnas?

I don't know much about Magna's but I do remember driving a manual one
some time ago.



Daryl