Looking for some info on Mitsubishi Eclipse

[Midnight_Raven]

I'm currently looking for some cars to buy and now I got about 3500 max to mess with. I found what looks to be a good 1997 mitsubishi eclipse RS with about 110K miles, 5 speed for 3,100. Now I always liked the look of the eclipse but I don't know if the non turbo eclipses are reliable cars. My question is, are non turbo eclipses reliable? Any input would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Daedalus]

My friend has one that I've done a bit of work on. I recall the 420a engines have some problems with the headgasket leaking. Iron block and aluminum heads, without multi-layer steel HG. Not sure that's what engine is in the RS, but my friend's was a '97 as well. The 4g63 engine is the bad-boy. A co-worker has a 4-door Galant that puts down around 350hp. Ultimate sleeper.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Aw man is this like a problem that always is gonna exist with the 420a motor or is it something that if taken to a dealership would be fixed?

 

[Daedalus]

I believe they did redesign the HG to a multi-layer steel type, and I'm not sure if possibly some later ones came out of the factory with them. Check with the DSM forums. www.dsmtuner.com

 

[khappucino]

i wouldnt mess with anything other than the GSX or GST for this gen eclipse.

if your look a bit you should be able to find a 95-97 (turbo) GSX awd or GST fwd for about that much $$$. the transmissions in those are not the greatest though..., watch out for crank walked ones as well. i knew a few of my buddies sold their 95, 97 GSX for $4500-$5000 like 2 years ago, i imagine its in the $3500 range now for these vehicles

good luck

 

[jagtiger]

I'm currently looking for some cars to buy and now I got about 3500 max to mess with. I found what looks to be a good 1997 mitsubishi eclipse RS with about 110K miles, 5 speed for 3,100. Now I always liked the look of the eclipse but I don't know if the non turbo eclipses are reliable cars. My question is, are non turbo eclipses reliable? Any input would be greatly appriciated.

I just bought a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T a couple of weeks ago for my daily commute car. It's been very well taken cared of by previous owner. Although the mileage is pretty much high she kept all the maintenance/service history record. I've reviewd it and found out that the major scheduled service were done last year (Tbelt, water pump, etc). You could probably find one at $3500 but make sure you're not buying somebody's headache. It'll cost you more in the end fixing it.

I just found out that non turbo 420 a engines are made by chrysler and the turbo ones 4g63 are made by Mitsubishi.

Good luck !

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Yeah I decided to avoid the eclipse it doesn't seem to good of an idea since I can't really be too sure about it. I'm actually considering getting a 1994 Acura Integra for about 3,500. about 140K miles and looks like its in good condition in the picture. Planning on going next weekend and checking it out. One thing I'm concerned about this car is that fact that they get stolen alot. Do you guys think I should worry about it or its all good nothig to really worry about?

 

[NsXMas]

Like any cars, watch where you park and stuff.

Look at a Nissan 240SX if there are any in that price range.

I loved my 240SX when I had it, even though it was a lame auto.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Hm yeah I was never really a big fan of the styling of the 240SX reminds me too much of the camry which I also dislike. They have that bubble look to them. The subaru Impreza from 1993-1999, I like because they can have an agressive look to them in a way. I was considering that car but its much harder to find a manual impreza that is a sedan or coupe vs a wagon. So I'm not really looking at them as much. MR2 I would still like cause its an MR and would be the closest thing I could probably get to an NSX type of car, but those are hard to find in my price range, there are a couple but they are at the high side of my price range.

 

[zahntech]

Yeah I decided to avoid the eclipse it doesn't seem to good of an idea since I can't really be too sure about it. I'm actually considering getting a 1994 Acura Integra for about 3,500. about 140K miles and looks like its in good condition in the picture.

Very smart move on your part.....JZ

 

[WillErickson]

Have you considered a miata? 3500 would get you a well cared for early model, they're fun to drive, very reliable, cheap to maintain. If you can get past the girly looks, consider one. I test drove one just for kicks (I was looking for an MR2-T) 7 years ago, and couldn't believe how much fun it was to drive. 123,000 miles later, it still puts a smile on my face.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Actually what do you guys think about an 1996 Audi A4 I found one in my auto hunter magazine selling for 3,500. Although I know little about them I have heard audi are good cars but then again the people I talked to don't own any so I guess I should take their word very lightly.

 

[jagtiger]

Paid $5k for it. Fun little car.:smile:

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Sadly I have come to the conclusion that the best idea for me would be to get a 3000 dollar car vs a 3,500 dollar car so I'm secure with being able to pay my esentials for 2 month without work (In college and will recently finish and be left with no job). I'm deciding I should just get myself a Honda Civic Hatchback. Gets good gas mileage, looks decent, its a bit sporty, and its reliable. I saw one that is selling for 2,995 with low miles and it looks in decent condition. Its a CX model so I believe its the more fuel economic version but less powerful version. It is a five speed, so its a manual, which is what I wanted. Sounds like a good car for me especially for my first car.

 

[NsXMas]

Actually what do you guys think about an 1996 Audi A4 I found one in my auto hunter magazine selling for 3,500. Although I know little about them I have heard audi are good cars but then again the people I talked to don't own any so I guess I should take their word very lightly.

I don't think you want to own any German cars out of warranty, unless you can afford frequent service costs.