Might buy this car...

[Shyatic]

It's an automatic, with 88k miles. I'm going to use it as a beater to and from work which is 45 miles (each way).

Any thoughts? Would appreciate those in the know... not just "its ugly" or whatever... Anything to look out for, etc?

Thanks

 

[boomdart]

At 88,000 miles...It's just nearing the point where most DSM's start needing a replacement of just about everything in the car. After this point they're not very reliable and rarely last a whole month without needing at least something looked at.

Is it the 92hp engine? I forget the engine code, but that engine is actually a little more reliable.

I base my opinions from experience with talons, eclipses, and friend's direct usage of which.

 

[Shyatic]

No, it's the 135 horsepower 2.0 engine.. I'm still debating, going to check the car out during the week.

 

[Transition]

Get a Civic or something. You're asking for problems w/ a DSM.

 

[nboy22]

Mitsubishi has earned a lot of reputation for having shotty engine parts.. I was about to get an eclipse, but read stuff on the net about it's a big no-no, you'll probably be better off getting a honda or something..

 

[Shyatic]

Originally posted by: nboy22
Mitsubishi has earned a lot of reputation for having shotty engine parts.. I was about to get an eclipse, but read stuff on the net about it's a big no-no, you'll probably be better off getting a honda or something..

It's a great idea except that, Hondas are quite a bit more expensive since they hold their value better and I want a beater, not a good car or anything.

If you have any suggestions that will run me less than $2000 and is reliable and good on gas, and not as hideous as a Tercel or something, I'm open to it. I mean... I'm probably able to get this Eclipse for $1000, so that's a huge savings for me.

Let me know please.

Thanks.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I'd rather have a 2.2l/2.5l chrysler of some kind. You can pick up a 90ish dodge shadow with less then 100k and in good shape for less then $1k. If you want something that looks a little better daytonas and lebarons aren't much more. All of them can be had with the plain old 4 banger, 4 banger turbo, and 3.0l v6 for pretty much the same amount of money. I prefer the 4 banger ones since the 3.0l v6 is a mitsu/chrysler engine and has a problem with valve stem seals and the 4 speed automatic they used was total junk, the 5 speed ones aren't too bad. They aren't Honda reliable but atleast they are cheap and easy to work on aslong as you go with one of the 4 bangers. Everything on the DSM is a pain in the butt and it will need worked on.

If you can't work on cars yourself then in this price range honda/toyota is probably the safest way to go.

 

[sniperruff]

for $1k i think it's a good find. however being a 92' and having 88k miles will make me think otherwise. i don't think the "a senior person drives this car once in a while to the supermarket" excuse would work on an eclipse...

 

[Capone]

I have a 93 Eclipse GS, the transmission was replaced right before I bought it. It has had no problems for me though in the year and a half since I got it.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Another vote for a late 80s to mid 90s Dodge or Chrysler. Dirt Cheap, Easy to find cheap parts for, and inexpensive to fix if they break down. Just stay away from the 3.0ltrs with a 4spd.

 

[bugoox]

the nt's are reliable. these people talking about them dont own these cars, i own a turbo model and an nt. take care of the nt and it will last you for a long long time without any problems


edit: check out dsmtuners.com, register and search reliabilty, nt, etc. you get the point