Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4 EC5W
Import a Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4 (EC5W) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1996–2002
- Engine
- 6A13 2.5 L twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive
About the EC5W
The Legnum is the wagon version of the eighth-generation Galant, sold from 1996 to 2002. The VR-4 uses the 6A13 2.5 L twin-turbo V6 with two TD03 turbos, rated at 280 PS and 37.0 kgf·m, with all-wheel drive and a manual or INVECS-II automatic. The Type-S adds AYC.
It offers Evo-level power in an unassuming wagon. The Galant VR-4 sedan, EC5A, shares the drivetrain.
Mitsubishi launched the eighth-generation Galant sedan and the Legnum wagon together on 29 August 1996. The range is remembered for the first GDI direct-injection engine in a mass-production car, used in the VR-G. The VR-4 sat at the top with the 2.5 L 6A13 twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive, priced from ¥2.98 million new. Few survive in Japan: Carsensor had just one VR-4 listed in October 2026.
- Power
- 280 PS (manual); 260 PS (automatic)
- Torque
- 37.0 kgm (manual); 35.0 kgm (auto)
- Weight
- 1,570 kg (Type-S automatic)
- Gearbox
- Manual or INVECS-II automatic
- Drive
- All-wheel drive
- Engine
- 6A13 2.5 L twin-turbo V6
Can an EC5W come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on an EC5W
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Timing belt
Worth asking for the timing belt history on the V6.
Turbos
Worth checking the rear turbo for oil leaks; it is hard to reach.
Automatic
Worth checking the INVECS-II automatic for slipping or harsh shifts.
AYC
On a Type-S, worth checking the AYC system works.
Rust
Worth checking the rear subframe.
What we check on every EC5W
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What an EC5W costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Legnum (all grades), Carsensor average asking price (5 cars) Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥0.87 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| 1997 Legnum VR-4 Type-S, 164,000 km, accident-repaired, Carsensor listing (total price) Carsensor, Oct 2026 | ¥955,000 | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
EC5W buyer questions
Can I import a Legnum VR-4?
Into Canada, every build is eligible. Into the US, cars built up to October 2001 qualify in October 2026, and later builds follow month by month until the last 2002 cars in 2027.
Manual or automatic?
The manual is rated at 280 PS and the INVECS-II automatic at 260 PS. Manual cars are rarer and more sought after. The automatic needs checking for slipping and harsh shifts before purchase.
Are parts hard to get?
Yes, for the engine. The 6A13 twin-turbo V6 was not sold in North America, so turbos, gaskets and sensors come from Japan. Ask for timing-belt history, because the job is expensive on this V6.
Want an EC5W?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.