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Choosing my first DSM in Europe

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HonziCzech

Probationary Member
25
3
Jun 4, 2018
Ostrava, Europe
Been in love with the Eclipse and Mitsu's in general since I was a kid. Now that I'm starting to have some money and time to spare I think the time has come to get one and baby am I excited more than is probbably healthy for the human physiology.
The first dilemma is which one and that's where I need your knowledge and experience. Please bear in mind that my research has begun relatively recently (literally 2 weeks ago although somewhat vigorously) so my knowledge is limited and by no means without fault.

From now on I'll try to keep this as brief as possible.
If you get tired of my BS or simply lack the time, please skip to summary.

As far as I know:
GS (European market version - 4G63 non-turbo)
+ cheapest and easiest to find (2,000 - 10,000€), all the +s of FWD, home market, that's about it
- no turbo, all the -s of FWD

GS-T
+ somewhat cheaper than GSX, turbo, decent performance stock, all the +s of FWD
- rare (US imports only), all the -s of FWD

GSX
+ AWD, prestige, basically THE eclipse to have, turbo, decent performance stock
- most expensive (starting around 15,000€), very rare (US imports only, there's like 3 for sale in whole of Europe), compared to FWD - heavier, more parts to fail


Questions:
1. What is the optimal mileage to buy these cars at.
2. Is it worth to buy a GS and install turbo instead of buying a GS-T. (seen the FAQ thread but keep in mind we're not talking 420A)
3. Am I an idiot to even attempt this living an Atlantic ocean away from the U.S.
4. To what extent are eclipse parts interchangeable with EVO. I mean it's the same engine and even the same drivetrain as EVO III. If all else fails is it too crazy to assume that with some dedication I could turn my eclipse into an EVO in a sexy dress.

Summary
The way I see it ,living in EU, the most practical approach for me to take would be:
1. Get a 97-99 GS (EU GS comes with 4g63, not 420A).
2. Accept the fact that I'll never drive AWD DSM unless I'm crazy enough to convert,
which I've seen done ( shout-out to Jason Drew, love you man).
3. Install turbo (after making everything else ready of course) to basically turn it into a cheaper GS-T.
4. Go on from there and live happily ever after.
* The second route would be save up for a GSX but that would mean waiting till spring of '19

If you made it all the way through that mess, thank you.
Now tell me how horribly wrong I am.
Please.
 
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Thanks. Good question. Should've included that in the post i guess.
Believe it or not I want to daily it, which in my case however is pretty much weekend*1,5. I don't drive all that much since I almost live where I work.
When it comes to racing there isn't much to do here apart from the ocasional car meets where they do organise some humble drags. But racing punks on the highway and red lights is a big part of the car's appeal for me so I guess you could say a little bit of everything. I don't intend to keep the car stock but nothing too crazy compared to the majority of people I guess.
I know I'm not making this easy ;)

Oh yeah one more thing. I do intend to keep my current 98 Colt since it's become a sort of borrowme car in my family anyway. So no, I'm not stranded if the eclipse decides to f with me.
 
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I got a GST as my first DSM, but always craved the launch of the AWD DSM.

I'd say to save up for the AWD if it were me.
 
Well, seeing how you have a little bit different situation then most, do you really need a gsx? You don't want crazy power, do you launch the car? From your text it sounds like it would be majority freeway fun. If you staying at about 350 hp and don't plan on launching it, go for the gst they are lighter alot lighter. Normally the gst's are not as beat on and in better condition as well. If you were in the states I would say get a gsx as they are only 1k-2k more.
 
I would just shell put for a gsx then. Maybe its because I'm working off a $20 phone but it looks like he has that listed as a 2000? If so he doesn't know much about the car obviously. Crankwalk is most commonly found in the 95/96 cars. If your thinking at some point you will want AWD might as well get it now.
 
The 2000 stands for 2000 cm^3. It's pretty common to list engines volume in centimeters here. You can see lower the car is 95.
Thanks for your help.
 
Welcome buddy. The best advice I could give is if the gsx is the one you really want then save up to get that. I started out with a gst then went to a rs that I put a turbo on which cost a lot of money I might add. That was done on the 420a that we have in the states though and now I'm in a 97 gsx and couldn't be happier. She was rough when I first got it but she is coming around. Don't rush it and get the one you really want. Best of luck
 
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...108146b-91a8-847d-e053-e350040a35c3?cldtidx=5

Looks hella good. It says 95 but looks 97+ unless he did the facelift himself I guess. The price means it will prolly be gone by the time I've saved up but after doing more research on slaping a turbo on the NT 4G I'm reconsidering the GS anyway.

btw, what exactly made the earlier models more prone to walk? Don't think there's a single GSX newer than 96.
 
Just go with the non turbo to learn what you want from the car. It's not crazy to convert it to turbo, and if it's a car you want to drive every day the non turbo would be easiest and cheapest to start with.

The gsx is slower than a gst, and you're not planning to buy it and slap a huge turbo on it anyways.

I'd rather have the skyline in the background than the eclipse, so it's a joke to me how everyone on here can say "go gsx" when it's cheaper where you are to get an Evo sti or skyline. Correct me if I'm wrong but eBay.co.uk lists Nissan skyline's for as little as $5k us.
 
Just go with the non turbo to learn what you want from the car. It's not crazy to convert it to turbo, and if it's a car you want to drive every day the non turbo would be easiest and cheapest to start with.

The gsx is slower than a gst, and you're not planning to buy it and slap a huge turbo on it anyways.

I'd rather have the skyline in the background than the eclipse, so it's a joke to me how everyone on here can say "go gsx" when it's cheaper where you are to get an Evo sti or skyline. Correct me if I'm wrong but eBay.co.uk lists Nissan skyline's for as little as $5k us.

I would prefer a skyline as well but if he wants a dsm it's not my place to tell him not get one. Skylines are popular there and the dsm might not be so that could be one of the thing's drawing him to one.
 
I would prefer a skyline as well but if he wants a dsm it's not my place to tell him not get one. Skylines are popular there and the dsm might not be so that could be one of the thing's drawing him to one.

I agree, it's the exact same dilemma here in the United States. However, the skyline will live on in considerably better condition as new to us ones become imported.

However the dsm curve indicates that in 10 years any remaining second gen cars will be in such a state of disrepair they will no longer be able to purchase as complete cars.

So, buy a clean second gen. Own it, love it, take care of it. There's not many around in good condition even here in the states. So most likely the only cars you see there in Europe will be the only cars ever in europe, as there are no others to import
 
I agree, it's the exact same dilemma here in the United States. However, the skyline will live on in considerably better condition as new to us ones become imported.

However the dsm curve indicates that in 10 years any remaining second gen cars will be in such a state of disrepair they will no longer be able to purchase as complete cars.

So, buy a clean second gen. Own it, love it, take care of it. There's not many around in good condition even here in the states. So most likely the only cars you see there in Europe will be the only cars ever in europe, as there are no others to import

You are correct. It's terrible how these cars were treated and to find one in good shape for sale is getting harder every day. After I got mine driveable I thought about selling it to get an evo but I know I'll have the itch to get one down the road and it's hard enough to find a 2nd gen in redneck Louisiana much less one in decent shape.
 
Yeah I'm fixed on eclipse but thanks for pitching in.
This might seem petty and it probbaby is but is there more than 1 style of bumper on the 2gb? The two red ones in the pic appear night and day to me. Is the one in the middle different (more drawn out) bumper or is it simply the height difference and camera angle?
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How much of a hassle is it to facelift a 2GA provided I get the headlights, the bumpers and whatnot? Don't really know how there are 2GAs past 96 but looking at them, they have much better mileage/price ratios.
For example:
2GB - '99, 124K, 9000 €
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...7acf0c0-e3d9-4dd5-acf5-905ff1766e2c?cldtidx=4
2GA - '97, 78K, 5500€
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...fcb66d-f82a-9250-e053-e250040a487f?cldtidx=18
Feel like I'd be stupid not to capitalize on this provided the years check out.
 
How much of a hassle is it to facelift a 2GA provided I get the headlights, the bumpers and whatnot? Don't really know how there are 2GAs past 96 but looking at them, they have much better mileage/price ratios.
For example:
2GB - '99, 124K, 9000 €
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...7acf0c0-e3d9-4dd5-acf5-905ff1766e2c?cldtidx=4
2GA - '97, 78K, 5500€
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...fcb66d-f82a-9250-e053-e250040a487f?cldtidx=18
Feel like I'd be stupid not to capitalize on this provided the years check out.

You already said it. Bumper and lights
 
Alright. Big update time I guess.
I have settled on FWD turbo. Driving around town like a madman, doing some pulls and racing on the highway (maybe have a nice autobahnn trip) is what I want from my car at the moment.
You can notice that none of theese include the need for AWD. If i wanna get serious with drags at some point, I'm getting a 1g and going mental with it (I'm also making it look like a Mitsubishi Zero :p )
Got enough money saved up, starting this month I'll be actively searching for a car that is in good condition.
My question to you is: what does good condition look like on theese cars? Where do i check for rust, which parts do i look at in detail/have sent pictures of, what do I watch for as to not get screwed.
1.This month I'll be visiting one GS in Slovakia only about 2 hour drive from where I live. Cheap af, good mileage, the color I want, ugly ass taillights that'll need replacing asap. Probbably the car I'll end up getting.
http://www.ooyyo.com/slovakia/c=CDA...1D7EC6D49161301F/-3191284212372701715.html/#_
2. A GS-T has popped up in Berlin. Fairly cheap, good mileage, saves me the conversion (not gonna lie I'm getting scared of it). The cons are the dude has done some stuff to it already and also somehow managed to get his lighter eaten by rust so I don't know about the rest of the car.
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/...61526f-aaa9-d163-e053-e250040affb5?cldtidx=16

Once again thanks for any and all of your effort. I'll be keeping an eye out for your invaluable advice.
 
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For the price difference I would take the gst hands down over the GS

The GST has very minimal modifications, it is not missing "typical tossed pieces" like turbo heat shielding. Really it just has an intake and intercooler piping

My cigarette lighter in Texas (dry and hot) has this issue. It's more to do with electrolysis and poor coating of that area. If the outlet gets used at all it corrodes from the inside

The common areas for Rust are in the strut towers in the front of the car. Common wear items are the leather interior, the GST doesn't have any tips or imperfections in the interior. Shows that it has been looked after. The red car appears to have some rust by the fenders next to the strut towers forming

Lift the trunk floor board and remove the spare tire to inspect for rust in the spare tire well. Crust is to be expected, rusty rot is not

Are the GST models and gsx European models, or are they American market imports? All turbo models seem to have the typical dsm Mitsubishi Vin sticker under the hood, those European model gs non turbo models have a stamped steel Vin plate by the battery
 
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I don't know German very well, but I think he says he's owned it for over ten years and he's the one who originally imported it, that his father is the original owner He also mentions every piece of the cars modifications by name, and he likely still has all of the original pieces as well. I think it says something about only driven in the summers because it is his toy. Something about a greddy timing belt replaced at 86k. I need more information though about modifications, I think he's talking about some German specialty shop tuning it or something. It has u.s. spec tail light conversion

The red car is owned by a car lot, the carpets are very muddy from being driven regularly and there is rust on the tower. The background of the photos also shows at least one wrecked truck, possibly indicating they are a repair shop selling cars to make money. Likely the red car will need maintenance checked right away. The tail lights are factory European spec requiring yellow corners, they are highly sought after here in the states. After shipping you probably can buy and sell that set without spending money

Ask the German to post pictures of the driver's seat to show condition, and to take pictures of the strut towers and the spare tire area. He seems pretty proud of it and probably be very friendly and respond with much more information about the cars life. It is my feeling that I much happier with a car when it is owned by some one who cared for it, dealer lot cars are typically never taken care of, after all most people who take care of their own cars don't trade them in, they sell them themselves. Especially 20 year old Japanese cars

My .02
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