97 Eclipse GSX replacing blown head gasket question

[unfocus]

I'm not 100% sure if I can post it here, but it is a question about repairing,

I'm thinking of trading in or selling my current eclipse as its a gs and I cannot get it to be registered to due to failing out of province inspection.

There's a 1997 Eclipse GSX, with a new engine, 70km with an evo 3 turbo, for 3,200 (that's the lowest he'll go, because he doesn't want to lose that much money)

His car unforunately has a blown head gasket, but the good news is that.

It's just the head gasket that needs replacement. There has been no mixing of coolant with oil, or fuel with coolant/oil.

There is oil leaking, but no over heating has happened. I have a friend whose repaired head gaskets before, would this be a tough job? Is it worth get this gsx, possibly spend maybe like $400 on parts roughly (am i right?). because a gsx where I live is pretty rare, and very desirable, obviously if his car was running healthy he'd be selling 6,000, probably even more.

Here's a link if you want to take a look at it.

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX | cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji

 

[unfocus]

that makes me think the seller just has no clue about DSM's. i doubt the guy knows anything about the motor. however you do want to talk to him while you are looking things over and keep the conversation friendly. do not point out things that he says that are incorrect. if you say 'hey what brand intake is that' and he says K&N, and it says AUTOZONE in big RED letters, just go with it. (terrible example on a DSM but you get my point'

the rest of Bogus's advice is spot on though.

He also said it's new engine in there, but that is a good point you list

 

[unfocus]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention, when I check out the vehicle, I mentioned test driving long time ago, he said he would but he's afraid something could happen just because of the blown head gasket, and doesn't want me to test drive it, I could try asking him again. I kind of understand, but what should I do about this? Like even a simple drive around the block even can suffice,

 

[Vic321]

I wouldn't buy the car. I had to hunt for a few years to find a clean 1g awd with little mods at the right price in my area. I know how you feel. I looked at a few cars that looked tempting but I'm glad I passed on those. Finding one in the right condition is the most important thing. Btw him not wanting you to drive it seem like he's hiding something else...like maybe a blown tranny.

 

[RocCitySlayer]

This whole situation seems alittle shady on the sellers side, in my opinion anyway

 

[unfocus]

I wouldn't buy the car. I had to hunt for a few years to find a clean 1g awd with little mods at the right price in my area. I know how you feel. I looked at a few cars that looked tempting but I'm glad I passed on those. Finding one in the right condition is the most important thing. Btw him not wanting you to drive it seem like he's hiding something else...like maybe a blown tranny.

This whole situation seems alittle shady on the sellers side, in my opinion anyway

Well thanks anyways guys, he decided to take it off the market for now and replace the engine, and fix up the interior, it was taking too long for him to sell. At least I learned a few things now haha.

 

[RocCitySlayer]

Yeah well you never know what you'll run into, somethings patients pays off.

 

[unfocus]

Yeah well you never know what you'll run into, somethings patients pays off.

It's a good point, so general rule of thumb for gsx would be 3-5 grand ? and if its heavily tuned/modded then 6+