Bought a 96’ GST MT with 200k miles for 5.5k. Great condition overall. Clean Title. Did a full inspection. Rear wheel hubs are rusted but thats an easy fix. Light modification and car seems to be well taken care of. Lots of parts were replaced with new ones before being sold such as the water pump, oil pump, and other seals etc. Mods and parts replaced listed below. No leaking fluids or weird noises. A/C works great. Everything works for the most part. Other than small fixes and adjustments due to the vehicles age… the car really just needs some minor body work and a good paint job in the grand scheme/preventative maintenance . Tires are basically brand new. Let me know what you guys think. Was I robbed in broad daylight or good deal? Just to clarify I do not intend on daily driving this car, just a lil project car I’ve always dreamt of building.

With how hard these cars are becoming to find in good condition for under 10k I think you did just fine.

It's a matter of perspective.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the private party sale value of your car in LA is between $600 and $2200 (I used a So Cal zip based on gas prices and palm trees). According to some DSMers overseas, a 98 GST might fetch around $15K+ in the European market.

Some will say that an iconic car like the turbo 2g Eclipse in good running condition is a great value at $5K.

Others will say that because the car has 200,000 miles on it, needs maintenance (including a timing belt and h2o pump), has been modified and so possibly was abused, needs paint and body work, and parts are difficult (and in some cases impossible) to come by, $5K wasn't a good deal because it'll take thousands more just to get it to the point it's really worth $5K.

My opinion - I would have offered less for the car, predominantly because of the mileage, mods, bodywork, and maintenance needed. The go-fast parts actually reduce the value of the car and don't do much performance-wise for the car over stock; other (costly) mods have to be made to begin making serious power over stock. And at 200K miles and 25 years, the lifespan of the engine will be cut drastically the more it gets pushed. So to have more than a hopefully reliable daily driver living on borrowed time you're looking at spending several thousand on the car - a minimum of $1K to just keep it going as a daily with dents and faded paint, and $10K or more to turn it into a clean, straight street eater.

But my opinion is worth about as much as chewed gum. A car is worth what a person is willing to spend on it - where the value of the car is worth as much or more than the value of the money it took to get the title. The real question is: what is the car worth to YOU? What do you want out of the car? What are your hopes and plans for it? If you were looking for a fun project, a head-turner that will earn you respectful nods, and are willing to spend some bones to build and unleash the beast, then perhaps $5K was more than worth it.

No matter what, welcome to the best DSM site and resource on the net. With decades of experience from hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals on every possible topic concerning the 1g and 2g DSMs, you've come to the right place for advice, guidance, and help. Welcome to the club.

It seems fine to me. $5500 would be the max value of that car. You didn't get robbed. I hope the engine doesn't have 200k but it sounds like it's running fine which is hard to find these days. Seems like a nice little car. People will make a big deal about "oh that thing this is worth 4k tops etc!" but there is value in getting a car that's in great running condition. You don't want to start off your ownership with a bunch of headaches and frustration.

CKOPOCT said:

It's a matter of perspective.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the private party sale value of your car in LA is between $600 and $2200 (I used a So Cal zip based on gas prices and palm trees). According to some DSMers overseas, a 98 GST might fetch around $15K+ in the European market.

Some will say that an iconic car like the turbo 2g Eclipse in good running condition is a great value at $5K.

Others will say that because the car has 200,000 miles on it, needs maintenance (including a timing belt and h2o pump), has been modified and so possibly was abused, needs paint and body work, and parts are difficult (and in some cases impossible) to come by, $5K wasn't a good deal because it'll take thousands more just to get it to the point it's really worth $5K.

My opinion - I would have offered less for the car, predominantly because of the mileage, mods, bodywork, and maintenance needed. The go-fast parts actually reduce the value of the car and don't do much performance-wise for the car over stock; other (costly) mods have to be made to begin making serious power over stock. And at 200K miles and 25 years, the lifespan of the engine will be cut drastically the more it gets pushed. So to have more than a hopefully reliable daily driver living on borrowed time you're looking at spending several thousand on the car - a minimum of $1K to just keep it going as a daily with dents and faded paint, and $10K or more to turn it into a clean, straight street eater.

But my opinion is worth about as much as chewed gum. A car is worth what a person is willing to spend on it - where the value of the car is worth as much or more than the value of the money it took to get the title. The real question is: what is the car worth to YOU? What do you want out of the car? What are your hopes and plans for it? If you were looking for a fun project, a head-turner that will earn you respectful nods, and are willing to spend some bones to build and unleash the beast, then perhaps $5K was more than worth it.

No matter what, welcome to the best DSM site and resource on the net. With decades of experience from hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals on every possible topic concerning the 1g and 2g DSMs, you've come to the right place for advice, guidance, and help. Welcome to the club.

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CKOPOCT said:

It's a matter of perspective.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the private party sale value of your car in LA is between $600 and $2200 (I used a So Cal zip based on gas prices and palm trees). According to some DSMers overseas, a 98 GST might fetch around $15K+ in the European market.

Some will say that an iconic car like the turbo 2g Eclipse in good running condition is a great value at $5K.

Others will say that because the car has 200,000 miles on it, needs maintenance (including a timing belt and h2o pump), has been modified and so possibly was abused, needs paint and body work, and parts are difficult (and in some cases impossible) to come by, $5K wasn't a good deal because it'll take thousands more just to get it to the point it's really worth $5K.

My opinion - I would have offered less for the car, predominantly because of the mileage, mods, bodywork, and maintenance needed. The go-fast parts actually reduce the value of the car and don't do much performance-wise for the car over stock; other (costly) mods have to be made to begin making serious power over stock. And at 200K miles and 25 years, the lifespan of the engine will be cut drastically the more it gets pushed. So to have more than a hopefully reliable daily driver living on borrowed time you're looking at spending several thousand on the car - a minimum of $1K to just keep it going as a daily with dents and faded paint, and $10K or more to turn it into a clean, straight street eater.

But my opinion is worth about as much as chewed gum. A car is worth what a person is willing to spend on it - where the value of the car is worth as much or more than the value of the money it took to get the title. The real question is: what is the car worth to YOU? What do you want out of the car? What are your hopes and plans for it? If you were looking for a fun project, a head-turner that will earn you respectful nods, and are willing to spend some bones to build and unleash the beast, then perhaps $5K was more than worth it.

No matter what, welcome to the best DSM site and resource on the net. With decades of experience from hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals on every possible topic concerning the 1g and 2g DSMs, you've come to the right place for advice, guidance, and help. Welcome to the club.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your insightful perspective and welcoming me to the community. This is just a project car/ weekend fun car. I’ve always dreamt of building an eclipse and having one in my collection. I’m willing to put the money into this car because it is not my daily and is just a little side venture. I just want to make it look brand new again and keep up with maintenance. I don’t want to add any crazy aftermarket cosmetic or performance parts to the car. Just want to restore the body back to looking brand new. Slap some wheels and a nice suspension set up and call it a day. Then from there just enjoying it and doing the proper maintenance and work.

Vegas Smith said:

It seems fine to me. $5500 would be the max value of that car. You didn't get robbed. I hope the engine doesn't have 200k but it sounds like it's running fine which is hard to find these days. Seems like a nice little car. People will make a big deal about "oh that thing this is worth 4k tops etc!" but there is value in getting a car that's in great running condition. You don't want to start off your ownership with a bunch of headaches and frustration.

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Yes you’re definitely correct. Very grateful that it works and managed to make a couple different 40 minute + drives.

Sounds like you scored then! By keeping it "reasonable" and close to stock you are keeping the $$$ value of the car. If in the future you do decide to up the oomph, 250-350 is comfortable and relatively easy to achieve on a healthy stock engine. Not "cheap," but easy.

Gotta factor in the "want" factor and the rarity. So seems like its fine and agree with @CKOPOCT that its worth how much someone is willing to pay for it. Personally, Ive always loved these cars so im willing to put the money into it. If I lost this one, Id go find another and would probably pay the same, maybe more in some instances. Wont make much sense to normal people tho as theyll only see a 20+ year old car with 200k+ miles.

But anyways, more importantly,

1. Did the person who sold it give you any indication at what mileage the timing/belt water pump was done? I see that it is listed as being done. If not you should probably see if they can answer that question and add it to your personal car log so that you can keep track of it.

2. Would be beneficial to have someone who is more knowledgable then yourself check the car out before you beat on it too much.. First thing mentioned in the ad is the BOV. It raises my paranoia level a little . Meaningless. But still raises it.

SixBolt_16G said:

Gotta factor in the "want" factor and the rarity. So seems like its fine and agree with @CKOPOCT that its worth how much someone is willing to pay for it. Personally, Ive always loved these cars so im willing to put the money into it. If I lost this one, Id go find another and would probably pay the same, maybe more in some instances. Wont make much sense to normal people tho as theyll only see a 20+ year old car with 200k+ miles.

But anyways, more importantly,

1. Did the person who sold it give you any indication at what mileage the timing/belt water pump was done? I see that it is listed as being done. If not you should probably see if they can answer that question and add it to your personal car log so that you can keep track of it.

2. Would be beneficial to have someone who is more knowledgable then yourself check the car out before you beat on it too much.. First thing mentioned in the ad is the BOV. It raises my paranoia level a little . Meaningless. But still raises it.

Click to expand...

The timing belt and water pump looked brand new. I will have it checked out by someone soon.

ryancampbell98 said:

The timing belt and water pump looked brand new. I will have it checked out by someone soon.

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Welcome to the site and dont forget to add your vehicle specifics, so that its easier for people to help you in the future. https://www.dsmtuners.com/dsm-profiles/ ...."add a vehicle" button on the right

With a 2G the first thing I do is check the front strut towers for rusting. Not as much of an issue in California but if there is any I walk.

Next is the condition of the various weather seals around the windows, doors, and hatch. Replacements for those are getting rare.

If the PO has receipts for a recent timing belt and water pump great, if not those get replaced ASAP.

Once it gets home it's time for an inventory to see what your working with and unf#ck any aftermarket wiring/alarms/"upgrades" that might be one.

Figure out how far you want to go with the car up front. With a high mileage car you're going to be replacing many drive train bearings and bushings. You need to decide if you're going to restore or replace things like subframes, control arms, dampeners, etc. Same for in the engine bay. The 5k investment could quickly triple or more.