1995 GSX. Should I buy?

[ncarroll712]

Hi guys. Brand new to the forum. I currently drive a 2013 Evo GSR daily and want a second car as backup/weekend car to lightly mod and occasionally daily. I am familiar with 2G's as friends have had them, but don't have extensive knowledge when it comes to them.

Anyway I am looking at a 1995 GSX with 97k going for $2,800. Is this reasonable? Should I offer him less? What should I look for (vehicle specific) when checking out the car?

Obviously I will be bringing my friend who has owned a few of these, but want some opinions from you guys also.

Here is the car:
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/644565242/overview/

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Tiki2777]

Not to burst your bubble, but GSX models being sold for that low are going to have issues (maybe even major). expect to pay around 4k+ if you want one that has little to no issues. Now, with that being said sometimes people get lucky and find something that an owner has given up on or doesn't know anything basic about fixing them (IE boost leaks). However it is always best to err on the side of caution. There is a buyers guide here that can be useful as well:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/dsm-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-dsm.200797/

However, IMHO, KBB is not the most useful when it comes to buying cars like these. Just because KBB says an 'excellent' condition 95-99 eclipse GSX is going to go for $2500, people all of a sudden think its time to cap their search at $3000 or begin low-balling everyone on Craigslist (which is ridiculous). KBB for these types of cars is terrible because of how badly the system sifts through even N/T versions of the eclipse into the GSX prices and recognize the difference between broken and beaten cars and running good shape vehicles.

Now, when/if you go see this car in person, be sure to check that the body and strut towers aren't rusted to hell and back. Look for hack-jobs in wiring and various mods under the hood that could be an issue. Lastly, get a ride in the car and listen for engine noises (rod knocks, spun bearings, lifter tick, etc) and be sure that the engine can rev to redline and that the tranny can shift into gears without grinding. These are just a couple things to look for (a good starter list), and there are other things that you will want to check like turbo shaft play.

 

[CiscoBite1Time]

I'd say based on the price and pictures it's worth a look.

Good luck.

 

[boost97gst]

I would check it out. If it's something you're going to tear apart and build up then just focus on the electonics. Make sure everything is functional and NO RUST, or, little rust.
Remember how it is now getting harder to get parts. Need a new rear axle? Nope. Gears for the MT are in shorter supply from what i've read as well.
Just think about what you're getting in to.
A bone stock dsm will cost more than one that's modified. Even if the modified one has all name brand parts, receipts, and all the work was done perfectly. Just the way it is.
96k is very low mileage for a 20 yr old car. If it all checks out and you don't have glaring problems then 2800 is on the cheap side. I've seen stock ones sell for 4500 around here.

 

[PlanZero]

It all depends on availability in reference to where you live, hence the reason kbb values change with zip code. I bought my Tsi awd for $2500 and Tsi for $2000. Both were from original owners in excellent bone stock shape, and both were kbb value. Of course, they were asking $3500 and $3000 respectively.