free cars suck!!

[not_boostworthy]

By some crazy turn of events... I was awarded a free 1990 Eclipse GS (N/T, AT). There is a buttload of issues involved...and im not really sure what course of action I should take.. Since I respect the opinion of anyone that owns a DSM (read: you guys) I'd like to lay it all out and get your feelings about it...

For starters, the tranny seems pretty much FUBAR. It refuses to shift into overdrive, and occasionally reacts in a manner I can only liken to a 'slipping clutch'.The only way to quell that problem is by letting it warm up for an extended period of time, and even then there arent any guarantees. There are some electrical problems...after I fired her up one morning, all of the accessories starting operating at half-capacity; eventually leading to a drained battery. The alternator rattles loudly and shakes pretty violently, and in conjunction with an extremely narrow belt being connected; also seems pretty sketch. Theres even a nice helping of painfully-loud valve tap to go along with the rest.

I know some of these problems arent all that horrible, but its feels like a slew of things to try and fix on a car that isnt really a platform Id enjoy working with anyways... ( Im looking for a F/I 1G...maybe AWD) and to top it all off....there is not title in my posession for the said car. It wouldnt be much of a hassle to procure one, but Its not a hassle that I think is worth the time or $$.

Any suggestions? Im anxious to be able to fulfill all my DSM desires....(at the onvious expense of blood, sweat, and probably some tears....)

thanks.
tj

 

[prplhz96]

I would save the money you would be putting in that n/t, and save some more and go with a turbo/awd.....just my .02

 

[rodwa4]

not boostworthy. i live in friday harbor, about an hour north of you. if you decide not to fix the car, pm me. i might be interested in taking off your hands. also, does it run/drive at all? would i be able to drive it home? (i have some conections here, and can get all the free labor i need from a mechanic/friend, in exchange for storage space). let me know.

 

[Theb95tsi]

it was free you cant really complain or expect nothing would be wrong with it

 

[not_boostworthy]

i dont have any qualms about the car...just unsure of what to do with it...

Im not complaining about the problems with the car....I just dont want to deal with them, especially since I dont know what they are anyways....I know that owning and working on DSM is going to be a lot of work ( most or all of which I will probably find fun and enriching...) but I really just dont want to deal with an AT N/T FWD 1.8l eclipse...especially when there are FI AWD DSM's out there for under 2k...

hmm....maybe im wrong for not wanting to love this car?