My gf needs some help with purchasing a car

[jordansx]

My girlfriend would greatly appreciate all of your help with purchasing a car. Shes always wanted a 97-99 mitsubishi eclipse in magenta gray pearl. Its a GS-T with 99,896 miles for $5,195. Here's some pictures:

It seems to be in very good condition. I don't know much about the reliability of the cars. Does the model (GS, GS-T, or GSX) make a huge difference in maintenance fees? I naturally thought that the non-turbo would last longer but I really don't have much of a clue. And is 100,000 miles too high? Or what maintenance should be done around there? Thank you all very much for any help you can provide.
-jordan

 

[Veleno]

A little off topic but I like the rx7 vert next to the eclipe. You can drop the top or take off just the center section for a targa version.

I don't really know the reliability of the eclipse, but if I had to get one I guess I'd take the GST. Is the difference between the GSX/GST all wheel drive? I personally like the spider model but if I had to get a coupe it'll be the highest model offered.

 

[NsSeX]

A little off topic but I like the rx7 vert next to the eclipe. You can drop the top or take off just the center section for a targa version.

I don't really know the reliability of the eclipse, but if I had to get one I guess I'd take the GST. Is the difference between the GSX/GST all wheel drive? I personally like the spider model but if I had to get a coupe it'll be the highest model offered.

The GSX is the top model that comes with the AWD. As for the reliability, I've heard mixed reviews ranging from but the most consistent answer i've always recieved was that the car has poor quality- Things fall apart and break easily.

^^ I don't have any personal experience with one, so the above is what i've been told by former eclipse owners.

 

[Mojorator]

I've had 2 97 Eclipses back to back... Had a NEW 97 GS (Maroon) 5 Speed and that thing was nice for a daily commute, but lacks the power..and the car became a rattle bucket after only 11 Months..so I traded her in for a 97 GS-T Magenta Grey Pearl..

I kept that car for over 4 years..upgraded the Intake and Exhaust and the stereo...that car drove fine except for the rattling issue. It was pretty fast with just the Intake/BOV/Exhaust upgrade. However, after about 60K Miles, the turbo starteg to LAAAG pretty bad...It almost didn't want to spool up.

Here is a Photo of the car before I sold/traded her in for a "PT CRUISER":frown: :redface: ..which I badly needed due to a new baby and space was a big concern.

I probably would have kept the car till it died as it really was a fun car..

Here is a photo...Enjoy!
Mike

 

[nsxtasy]

There is a lot of good advice about buying cars in Consumer Reports, as well as ratings of new and used cars. Their annual auto issue comes out each April, and is now on the newsstands. It includes (pages 80-81) recommended "reliable used cars" in various price categories (under $6K, $6K-8K, $8K-10K, etc) as well as a list of used cars to avoid.

The '98-99 Eclipse is shown as "insufficient data" (they only show ratings back to '98). Mitsubishi is ranked above average and eighth out of 30 brands for problems per 100 vehicles after five years.

Websites with good buying advice, as well as the ability to review specs and features for used cars, include:
http://www.edmunds.com
http://www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book)

Websites with the most used car listings include:
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com
http://www.vehix.com

 

[jordansx]

Mojorator what was the milleage when you sold it? She absolutly loves the look of your car. Nice work. Would you buy a GS-T at 100,000 miles? You said your turbo was giving you problems at only 60k.

And we searched all of those classified websites. Thanks nsxtasy. We couldn't find one even close to that price and it leads us to think that it might have been in an accident. How does carfax work?

Thanks again for all your help she really apprciates it.

if it were me i would just get an honda/acura I aboslutly love mine. But no luck swaying her there shes pretty set on the eclipse.

 

[SGMongoose]

is she planning on doing any performance mods? because she's paying a huge premium for a GST...there still pretty valuable in the tuner crowd...if she just likes the look she's better off with a GS

 

[Mojorator]

Mojorator what was the milleage when you sold it? She absolutly loves the look of your car. Nice work. Would you buy a GS-T at 100,000 miles? You said your turbo was giving you problems at only 60k.

And we searched all of those classified websites. Thanks nsxtasy. We couldn't find one even close to that price and it leads us to think that it might have been in an accident. How does carfax work?

Thanks again for all your help she really apprciates it.

if it were me i would just get an honda/acura I aboslutly love mine. But no luck swaying her there shes pretty set on the eclipse.

I traded the car in at about 67K miles....with everything still in the car..the custom stereo, the projectors, the wing and they only gave me $11K 5 years ago:frown: ..i bet you can get a 97-gst or gs-x with lower miles than that for about 7K!!:wink:

mike

 

[Mojorator]

this is toooo funny.. i found MY CAR for sale in San Diego...
click here...lol


lol

mike

 

[Alixp81]

Hello- not to butt in on your thread but if she is looking for a GST I have one for sale. It is a 98 GS-T Convertible in the Rare STOCK color- Gun Smoke Metallic with Blue Pearl. This car has it all. It was built for some show and ALL GO! This car has over 500 HP on 28 PSI. and runs great as a daily driver on low boost as well. It has a Genuine Bomex straight from Japan front bumper and the expensive Vertical Doors Inc doors. It has a T66 Forced Performance Turbo and about $30,000 in the the engine bay. Upgraded Cams (you have never heard a 4 CYL cam as hard is this one does! We were amazed when the work was done and we heard it for the first time...it cams like a V8! It is NASTY!) Quaffe Differential and built transmission. Sits on full Tein Flex coilovers and 18" Volk Racing Wheels. You also have full control of the engine systems with Apexi electronics in the "cockpit" AFC and AVCR. The inside has been kept in stock condition as to not ruin the look. Has leather seats that match the car (this is stock) Car has no dents, scratches in beautiful condition and sits in the garage most of the time.
Here are some pics...if you would like more let me know....thanks )