The Mitsubishi Diamante and Magna, while sharing a platform, offered New Zealand drivers a practical and relatively accessible large car option, particularly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. Often seen as family vehicles or company cars, these models provided a comfortable ride and respectable features for their time. This wiki provides key information to help you maintain and understand your Diamante or Magna Base.
Owners should be aware of potential issues, including: automatic transmission problems (shuddering), harmonic balancer erosion, and warped front brake rotors. These issues often become apparent between 150,000 and 250,000 km. Regular checks and preventative maintenance can mitigate these problems.
When preparing for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, pay close attention to rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches. Also, check for any power steering leaks and inspect the condition of the front suspension bushes. Addressing these common WOF failure points can save you time and money.
The Mitsubishi Diamante/Magna Base offered dependable transport for many owners. To ensure its longevity, consider the following:
• Regular Servicing: Aim to service your Diamante/Magna every 15,000 km. This allows for fluid checks, filter replacements, and overall inspection to catch potential issues early.
• Potential Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported automatic transmission problems, especially shuddering in the 4-speed models. Regular transmission fluid checks and changes are crucial. Listen for any unusual noises or harsh shifting.
• Harmonic Balancer Erosion: The harmonic balancer can be prone to erosion. Inspect it regularly for cracks or damage, as failure can lead to serious engine damage.
• Front Brake Rotors: Be prepared for potential warping of the front brake rotors. If you experience brake shudder or vibrations, have them checked.
When servicing, you might consider components such as: ADVANCED CLUTCH SYSTEM, OIL SEAL KIT TIMING, THERMO FAN SWITCH, THERMOSTAT HOUSING GASKET, KNOCK SENSOR, CAMBER BOLT KIT FRONT, FAN SPEED RESISTOR, WIPER BLADE FRONT & REAR, REVERSE LAMP SWITCH, HEATER/COOLANT HOSE, OIL SEAL AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT - FRONT INNER, CYLINDER HEAD BOLT, TEMPERATURE SENSOR / SENDER COOLANT, BEARING CLUTCH RELEASE and EXHAUST FLANGE GASKET PIPE as required. Always use quality parts that meet or exceed the original specifications.
Maintaining your Mitsubishi Diamante/Magna Base with proactive care will help ensure its continued reliability for years to come.