1990 Eclipse GS-T turbo for $1400 cash is this a good deal?

[JJay]

The only DSM I ever owned was an automatic DOHC 92 Eagle Talon ES. I sold the car in 2003 for $1400 cash with 152,000 miles on it, bad valve stem seals (burning oil) and the transmission had just died. It was a sharp Metallic maroon color, and exceptionally clean interior.

Now>>>>>>>>>>>>>...........................2004 got some more money to spend on a DSM but not a lot.

I found a 1990 GS-T Turbo Eclipse with 124,000 miles on it and I can buy it for $1400 cash. Car looks mint but I have not driven it because it is a stick and I never learned how to drive a 5-speed.

Everyone says get the 5-speed and learn but I am concerned if I will tear up the transmission because the car is old and if it will need a lot of fixing.

I also have an opportunity to buy a 1.8 liter automatic Laser for $690 cash with 139,000 miles not burning oil and some maintenance records.
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What would you do? Get the GS-T Turbo 1990 Eclipse and learn to drive the manual? or get the 1.8 liter automatic because it is cheaper and good on gas?

I would like to add that the GS-T isn't a beat up example either. It looks to be mint but as I said I have not driven it. I was just wondering what is the best deal and how hard would it be to drive a 5-speed and I have never been trained to drive one

 

[VRMAN]

Really depends on your goals with the car. I think you need to learn how to drive stick regardless of your choice, just so in case of a jam you know how to, like learning how to swim.


I would have a compression check done on the GS-T. Make sure all cylinders are above 130 compression and if it truly is 'mint' then I would say pick it up and learn how to drive on a friend or family members beater like a Nissan Sentra or something.


If the car is strictly for commute and you have no goals whatsoever of making the car faster or having weekend fun with it, then get the 1.8L and happy 35mpg. But it is easier to service a manual tranny than an AT...think about that too.

 

[CowPimp]

If the only thing keeping you from getting the GST is the fact that it has a manual transmission, then get it. As long as the car has been maintained well and it drives good when you test it, then it should be alright. Learning to drive stick well enough not to damage the car is pretty easy. Mastering it so every shift is smooth as butter takes a little longer, but is still quite easy.

Actually, I barely knew how to drive stick when I got my car. I had about 5-10 minutes of practice, and I never really got the hang of it. I flew 1300 miles away and drove the car back without really knowing how to drive it. I know, it's crazy, but I couldn't pass up the deal. The car had just the right number of mods on it already, it was priced very reasonably, and it was maintained well.

 

[Eclipse96Ryder]

get the stick, a lot faster, a lot more fun....thats my opinion. automatics are boring and it takes like a day to learn how to drive a stick, and like 3 days to be comfortable with driving a stick. youll have some fun with that turbo charger too

 

[JJay]

Originally posted by CowPimp
If the only thing keeping you from getting the GST is the fact that it has a manual transmission, then get it. As long as the car has been maintained well and it drives good when you test it, then it should be alright. Learning to drive stick well enough not to damage the car is pretty easy. Mastering it so every shift is smooth as butter takes a little longer, but is still quite easy.

Actually, I barely knew how to drive stick when I got my car. I had about 5-10 minutes of practice, and I never really got the hang of it. I flew 1300 miles away and drove the car back without really knowing how to drive it. I know, it's crazy, but I couldn't pass up the deal. The car had just the right number of mods on it already, it was priced very reasonably, and it was maintained well.

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Well there is another GS-T Turbo also on Ebay I like that is a good price it is in Chicago and I am in Ohio. It is also a stick. Maybe I could practice 5-20 minutes and drive it back home to Cleveland, Ohio. Your story does sound crazy, but no more crazy than what I am also suggesting. Buying a car from out of town and never knowing how to drive a stick to get it back home at least 349 miles away. I might go for the GS-Turbo. So many DSM members keep saying it is the only one that is fun to drive and I DESPERATELY NEED TO LEARN TO DRIVE A 5-SPEED.

 

[Sk8er07999]

Yesterday I looked at a decent 92 Tsi AWD, white, 115k miles, wanted $1,800.00. I think thats a good deal for a AWD so for a GS-T to me they are worth less but thats also a very good deal if it's in ok condition. Good luck.