99 Eclipse with 160k, how long can it last?

sanchez375 · Mar 6, 2013

I'd like to start this of with I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot, I'm new and need some advice. I know being new isn't the a good excuse, but here we go. I'm going to buy a 99 eclipse gs tomorrow and it has 160k on everything, it seems well maintained and the guy that I'm buying it from says it has no problems. This is my first Eclipse and i don't know much about how long they'll last. I know that with just about any car, as long as they're well maintained and have fluids changed frequently, they can last a long time. Can anyone let me know if I have anything to worry about and what to check to make sure its in good condition?

I greatly appreciate any responses, please respond asap.

DSM1G90 · Mar 6, 2013

All depends on maintenance - oil changes for starters- the motor's "life's blood". I've seen 420A's go over 300K miles and still run in decent condition.

160K miles on a 420A and running good is a motor that has matured, but still have plenty of life left in it.

Others will chime in on their opinions of maximizing and extending motor life, but this one main factor above is the beginning to keep a motor running for years.

I've seen 50 plus year old vehicles with tonnage of miles on them on the original motor .. and oil/filter changes is what keeps these motors running at their peak.

Just keep up with the maintenance factors and happy driving !

-DSM

Boostready · Mar 6, 2013

My advice is always keep an eye on the oil. Even though its been taken care of, the valves seals can tend to wear allowing it to burn a little. This is my 4th DSM and out of those 4 two of them burnt oil. But checking all the fluids help. When I check out a new car I always rub my finger on the exhaust pipe seeing how much suet is in it. I know with high mileage it'll have a little. And if the oil if freshly changed then its a concern to why it's been changed.(like if it burns or leaks so they keep putting in new oil). But that's really all I would know what to say.

jayson427 · Mar 6, 2013

My first eclipse had 160k it was a 97 420a it ran awesome and I drove it hard. But I had massive blow by about 4 months down the road I lost compression in one of my cylinders over all I had very little issues. Ended up building a motor since it proved me it was a good car. I would do a compression check also check the inside of the thermostat and see if it's all rusty or clean. I would drive it hard and test everything make sure it doesn't over heat or make crazy noises. Look for big oil leaks they leak around the valve cover cam seals head gasket ect. How much are they asking? I wouldn't pay more then 1500, 2000 tops with that many miles it doesn't hold much value really

dsmeric69 · Mar 7, 2013

As stated before it just all depends on how the car was maintained in the past and also how it was treated. a car that has 10,000 miles on it can be less reliable than one having 160 that wasnt beaten. just check the car out. like fluids and check for leaks.and also drive the car at different speeds to see if you hear anything out of the ordinary and that the car shifts fine. i also see you are from NY, look underneath and in the engine bay for any signs of rust, you dont want a total rust bucket

MN_Eclipze · Mar 7, 2013

Check all fluid, proof of maintenance if you can, listen to any odd noise that shouldn't be there, check for any gear grind, tranny slipping if its an auto. Lastly make sure that it is what you want regarding performance and modding. The 420a has potential but don't expect it to perform as the 4g63 right off the bat. Its late, Ill check back.

luv2rallye · Mar 7, 2013

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...m-buyers-guide-what-look-when-buying-dsm.html

sanchez375 · Mar 7, 2013

Thanks for the help guys, great community on here. The guy and his father have done all the maintenance themselves, so they don't have any records from the last year. He said he's never shifted higher than 4k rpm, and the clutch is new, sounds good, no grinding or noises from the engine. I saw a little rust under the car, but most the rest seemed in good condition. The engine bay wasn't clean, but it wasn't dirty either, just looks like a 14 year old engine bay that wasn't cleaned up very well.

GsXdSmKingGsX · Mar 7, 2013

Bought my first eclipse with 125,000 miles with an intake done.. With proper and timely oil changes and proper PMCSing it will last as long as you make it. Treat it right and it will treat you right.

91stocker · Mar 7, 2013

Was it modded? If so, its probably about done. If it was left alone and adult owned then there's no reason it shouldn't go 300k with proper maintenance. The neons have no problem taking that motor to high mileage.

Th3DooM · Mar 10, 2013

I bought my Eclipse with 142k miles 3 1/2 years ago. Now, after 41k miles and a couple of quarter miles passes, the car still runs good and I don't want to give it away.

Having a carfax report comes in handy when buying cars.

Zufelt · Mar 10, 2013

I also had a 420a RS 97 Eclipse, ran till 223k and was still going strong.. The interior went to shit before the motor. I'm sure it's still out there running like a champ.

RallyEclipse98 · Mar 24, 2013

About 6 months ago I bought an Anniversary Edition with 167k. I'm not worried at all about the engine. The car was adult owned (52-year-old lady) and driven on a tame 70-mile commute each day.

Buy a 420a that hasn't been modified and has a good record of being cared for. If you get a bad vibe from the previous owners, just leave. Be patient and you'll fine the right car for you.

96mits2G · Apr 28, 2015

420a is a great motor in the long haul I've seen some last to almost 400,000 it all depends on how well it was taken care of... just Check for any leaks like I got mine with 209,000 and it had a bad oil pan gasket...but no shavings or anything bad in the pan or old oil....just make sure to use name brand high milage or something of the like...stay away from generic brands of fluids, your baby will appreciate it so much and she will stay alive for the long haul...oh and welcome to the dsm world

501bill · Apr 28, 2015

I had an rs when I was 18,I was so hard on that car and with regular maintenance the two years I had it I only had to replace the tapit cover gasket,and I bet I put at least 75k miles on it

Ferp · Apr 29, 2015

If you decide to pick up the car I would put some transmission cleaner in, fuel cleaner and give it a good hand wash and wax. May as well do the spark plugs and wires and maybe your belts too. Will really help extend the life of the car. I had a 1997 Prelude for my first car with 290xxx kilo's on it when I sold it. Bought it with 240xxx and just showed it love. Thing burnt oil though cause Honda's do that.

so slow 420 · Apr 29, 2015

Try to get under the car and look at the back side of head gasket mine leaked oil so I replaced it with MLS head gasket and take the timing belt inspection cover off to see the timing belt with that many miles it may need replacing/also check rack n pinion

frenchie4g63 · Apr 29, 2015

I have two with high miles and still get over 30mpg, they just lack in power compared to 4g63.

EclipseLOSTguy · Apr 30, 2015

I think the mods are the most important factor...a car with mods is likely driven super hard by a teenager like its a racecar. A stock motor driven by an older individual would make me feel good about 160,000 miles

pksystems · Apr 30, 2015

You guys all bumped a two year old thread. Pretty sure he's made a purchase decision by now.

streetraceboi · Apr 30, 2015

^this

o0GuitarKid0o · Jun 29, 2015

I wonder if he got it

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99 Eclipse with 160k, how long can it last?

sanchez375

DSM1G90

Boostready

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dsmeric69

MN_Eclipze

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GsXdSmKingGsX

91stocker

Th3DooM

Zufelt

RallyEclipse98

96mits2G

501bill

Ferp

so slow 420

frenchie4g63

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