The Top DSM Community on the Web

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ads.

Please Support Morrison Fabrications
Please Support STM Tuned

Should I buy a GSX?

This site may earn a commission from merchant
affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

krudmuphin

Probationary Member
8
0
Nov 24, 2014
Lincoln, Nebraska
Hi all, I am new... like really new, I just signed up on DSM Tuners today with the hopes of finding a quick answer.

I'm currently looking at buying a '99 GSX, black, grey leather interior, 4 spd Auto.
130,000 Miles. No current issues except the clear coat is extremely bad on the rear pillars and roof. (isn't that really common on the 2Gs?) WTF
No rust, new timing belt, head gasket, spark plugs, transmission fluid and oil change
Sorry, I don't have any pictures at the moment.

Anyways, I need some advice before jumping in and buying something I might regret.
A year ago I bought an '88 Starion, and as much as I love the car, I had no idea what kind of worms nest I'd be getting into. I overpaid for the car (about $2000) because it was almost-non-running and has quite a few other issues.

After doing lots of research, I am still keeping the Starion... but now I have my eyes on a GSX for a daily driver. It would likely be replacing my 05 Civic (stupid move? I don't know yet...)

I'd appreciate if you guys could give me a quick and dirty run-down of what I can expect from a 2G GSX auto with this amount of miles and what I could be looking to pay for it. The seller wants $4,500 which I feel is a little high...
I'm willing to own a car that may need a few fix-its along the way, I just don't want something that's going to fail on me.

If I get enough confidence, I will go to check the car out in person. Right now it is about 120 miles from me.
I really don't know what to think. The GSX has been one of my dream cars since I was a child... But I've never driven one yet and I'm having trouble figuring out what they're worth.
 
Also, I apologize, I just realized there is a forum section for "should I buy" and value.
I got in a bit of a hurry with the post. Happens when I get too excited, hahaha XD
 
That sounds pricy to me.[DOUBLEPOST=1416852524][/DOUBLEPOST]I personally think the 95 type body style look good.
 
I can get the price down to 3500.
I still haven't seen the car yet besides 2 pictures and debating if I should even bother going to see it.

It is completely stock.
 
Well... The car of my dreams is a Lancia Delta HF Stradale but that ain't happening, LOL

I have an affection for just about anything AWD and turbo. I've always liked the appearance of the 2G, ever since my 5-year-old self discovered it from an N64 video game called Top Gear Overdrive, hahaha. I think it was my very first dream car and i still think they look awesome
 
Well I haven't had a DSM for long but honestly all I hear so far is how a DSM and Daily Driver do not go in the same sentence. It's not so much that it's a bad motor by far but it requires a lot of maintenance if I understand correctly. Especially coming from a uber reliable civic that you may need to depend on to get to work or school, etc. Hate to be the realist in this situation. Are you open to making the DSM your project vs the starion? ;)
 
You must be logged in to view this image or video.
You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Although I see pesky 2Gs running around town everywhere still... but they're al non-turbo so that's probably why they're still alive.

My current Civic only ever gives me small and easy problems now and then, but is otherwise a mechanical angel. I just hate spending money on it, whether it's mods or repairs, because at the end of the day it's still... a Civic... it's a nice Civic... but it's not that interesting to me. I attached an image of the car I'm thinking about sacrificing and the only image I could find of the GSX. Obviously my car is way more valuable and cleaner (I know this!!!)
Like I said, the paint on the GSX is really bad. Any extra cash I got in the sale would go towards a re-spray.

Oh, and I have considered keeping the Civic and selling the Starion as a shell with all engine parts included, therefore making the GSX a project, but I would be taking a huge loss and the price of the GSX wouldn't be wiped out by my Civic's current value of about $7200~.
 
It's stock and if it doesn't appear to be abused then It's worth $3,500 easy. Also, these are good daily drivers if you keep up with the maintenance and keep it stock. I have owned several 2Gs that passed 200,000 miles with ease and are still going today. It all depends on how well it was taken care of. However, I don't think this car would be as reliable as your 05 civic.
 
Last edited:
There will always be some maint work to be done. That said, keeping it close to stock and not trying to kill it will help it last a while longer.
 
It's value is gonna vary from different regions. The 99 GSX is probably the most sought after of the 2Gs. Also more and more people are swapping from manual to auto. Some will say it's not worth $4,500 but I bet you it would've already sold for that here. For $3,500 I would definitely check out.[DOUBLEPOST=1416860073][/DOUBLEPOST]
There will always be some maint work to be done. That said, keeping it close to stock and not trying to kill it will help it last a while longer.
Agreed :thumb:
 
I've actually heard that the Auto tranny is more popular in the GSX recently, why is that? :p

Also if I got this, plans would be too keep it mostly stock. might do some simple things like exhaust, intake (unless it requires fancy MAF upgrades...) y'know... all that simple Honda Civic punk kid stuff, haha. I'd plan on cleaning it up and restoring the paint and interior as best as I can. Wheels and tires for sure. Maayyyybe do coilovers to lower and stiffen it a bit, unless that's ill-advised on a GSX.
 
I've actually heard that the Auto tranny is more popular in the GSX recently, why is that? :p

Also if I got this, plans would be too keep it mostly stock. might do some simple things like exhaust, intake (unless it requires fancy MAF upgrades...) y'know... all that simple Honda Civic punk kid stuff, haha. I'd plan on cleaning it up and restoring the paint and interior as best as I can. Wheels and tires for sure. Maayyyybe do coilovers to lower and stiffen it a bit, unless that's ill-advised on a GSX.

From what I've gathered, the auto popularity is mainly for drag racing because it's easier to get better numbers with auto.
 
From what I've gathered, the auto popularity is mainly for drag racing because it's easier to get better numbers with auto.

Agreed, on a circuit track, I would be hard pressed to believe that an automatic could react better
 
Well I haven't had a DSM for long but honestly all I hear so far is how a DSM and Daily Driver do not go in the same sentence. It's not so much that it's a bad motor by far but it requires a lot of maintenance if I understand correctly. Especially coming from a uber reliable civic that you may need to depend on to get to work or school, etc. Hate to be the realist in this situation. Are you open to making the DSM your project vs the starion? ;)

I bought mine last week with the intentions of using it as a DD.... Car is completely bone stock and in near pristine condition. After performing all of the necessary maintenance (which costed about 12 hours of my time and a few hundred bucks), the performance parts that cost about half of what I paid for the whole car are on the way.... I feel that if people buy DSMs because they want a fun fast car, not something slow and boring. If you feel that you can control yourself from modding it and taking it to the track then sounds like a good deal! Otherwise it’s going to rob you of some $$$ at some point. (Same with any performance car). As far as normal maintenance goes, any car is going to require some.
 
Do it! If the car is in the shape you say it is it sounds like a fair deal, I just bought my first DSM 95 Talon AWD and I am in love! Grant it mine is a POS that's slowly being de-ghettofied.. but hands down I was nervous about not liking the car and that's why I have never owned one. I wish I would of bought one sooner!
 
Thanks, I'm thinking about going to see the car this weekend...
Unfortunately I'm a really bad impulse buyer so I'm worried I might come back with it even if it's not that good...

Economically speaking, this is a really stupid move... my current car is flawless, has half the miles, and holds a much better resale value... but it bores me.
...but if I drive it and absolutely love it, then I could sell my Honda and come out of the deal with a decent GSX and thousands cash on top.

I just don't wanna feel like I'm wasting the sellers time... being so indecisive like this. It's a long drive - we agreed to meet halfway - and he'd probably be really upset if I turned it down. I'd feel bad because I'm a super empathetic person most of the time >_<
That's how I bought my overpriced Starion... a combination of Impulse and Excuses... haha
 
A few advantages of an automatic are faster and not having to lift for shifts, and being able to leave the line at a controlled brake instead of having the tires do all the work. Plus dsm auto trans are able to handle increased power easier, with less mods needed to hold up.
 
Good to know. I would like a manual to have fun with... but I'm very inexperienced with manuals so for a daily driver I think the auto would be plenty good for me.
I will learn to drive stick better if my Starion ever gets going.... that could take years assuming I don't give up on it.[DOUBLEPOST=1417026543][/DOUBLEPOST]Update!!
I think I decided to pass on the GSX. I'm still highly undecided... but it's really not that smart of a move for me.
I'd either have to break the bank and live with 3 cars, or give up my super reliable daily for another money pit.

If anyone is interested, the Craiglist ad finally showed up. It's in KS.
I won't be heartbroken if one of you wants to jump in on the deal. (note the picture I posted above showing paint damage on the driver's side, not shown in the ad)
also the car comes with stock GSX wheels. Seller claims absolutely no mechanical issues.

CL LINK
http://ksu.craigslist.org/cto/4775723449.html
 
Last edited:
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community
Boosted Fabrication ECM Tuning ExtremePSI Fuel Injector Clinic Innovation Products Jacks Transmissions JNZ Tuning Kiggly Racing Morrison Fabrications MyMitsubishiStore.com RixRacing RockAuto RTM Racing STM Tuned

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds

Back
Top