99 gsx doesn't run.

[ThatEclipseGuy]

Hello everyone im "new" here but I have been using the site to find answers and just reading for awhile. I'm looking at getting another eclipse this one is a 1999 gsx with 137k and the guy selling it says it doesn't run. I talked to him briefly and he just said he bought it from a friend who said it just died while driving and he doesn't have the time or money to mess with it, I just asked a few more questions but I was just wondering if there was like a common issue where this would happen and what are some questions I should ask? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kryndon]

Hey and welcome! A DSM 'just dying' is quite a broad term. It can be from the simplest of things to the most horrible (torn belt, bent valves etc.).

If possible, you will need to extract more information from the two dudes. They will probably try to deny anything big is wrong with it and try to sell it on, but still, doesn't hurt to ask.

Some people have their CAS/CPS sensor die on them and think the car is toast, only to find out it could be fixed for under 50 bucks. This happens all to often, and you can get a really good deal like this if you're lucky and know what you're doing.

Anyway, I would first go over the major electronics and sensors, then visually inspect the timing belt, check of major oil leaks or obvious holes/burn marks. Check battery voltage, see if all the parts are there (BOV, radiator cap, hoses, vacuum lines etc.).

There's a lot of other things, but this is really vague so you'll need to get some more info or see the car for yourself. Maybe make some basic pics and post them back here?

EDIT: It's also possible the second friend (current owner) realized what the problem was with the car and decided it's not worth the money/time. This could point to a bigger problem. Then again it could be something small.

 

[ThatEclipseGuy]

Yeah sorry for being so broad but he doesn't seem to know alot about it or he's not telling me whats actually wrong but the car is about 6 hours away (can't find a decent dsm anywhere close to me, especially a gsx) so it makes a kinda hard to go look at it my self so I was just seeing if the people who are way more knowledgeable about them would know what to look for or ask. He wants $3,000 for it, which is normal asking price for a beat up gs around here. Would it be worth getting and tearing into do you think? It won't let me post the pictures right now but its pretty straight and strut towers look like they have no rust.

 

[ThatEclipseGuy]

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[Kryndon]

I understand man. Wasn't aware it was a 6 hour drive away, definitely gotta play it tactical now.

On first glance the car looks clean from the outside and the wheels aren't bad. But as soon as you look into the engine bay and you can see the previous owner had no idea what he was doing. He literally heat-wrapped the intake pipe. That would be the equivalent of putting a thick scarf on your neck during Summer and expect you'll breathe colder air. Eh, we've all been there so can't really blame him. Also that little filter coming off the PCV is not ideal. Battery's gone so I'm guessing he took it out so it doesn't get drained. Seems to be slight shows of rusting here and there, so at the very least you can ask for more detailed pictures (if he's reluctant to supply them then it's worse than in these pictures). Also not 100% sure but it looks to me that the boost gauge line is Tee'd into the BOV vacuum line which is a no-go as most here will tell you.

Sorry for being so critical but it's always better to get a more realistic idea of what you're going to be getting yourself into. I'm not saying I know everything or anything, but from my little experience with two DSMs already, these are important things to watch out for. Also $3000 seems high for a non-running GSX, even if it's the 2Gb one. Plus we still don't know if the engine is okay or not, so unless you can somehow haggle him down to, maybe 2200 or close, it would be risky. Also you'll probably have to take it on a flatbed as you can't tow the AWD.

Let's see what the others think, hope this helps a little.

 

[ThatEclipseGuy]

Yeah that helps alot, im just not really sure what to look for with these yet but he actually just replied and said the starter clicks and it gets fuel but no spark but I will try to get more detailed pictures. Thanks for the help btw!

 

[91talonts1]

The biggest thing to look out for is rust. Rust on a unibody gets out of hand quick and is costly to repair. These cars are especially bad for major rust in the strut towers.

Buying a non running car, I usually don't look to spend more than what I would for the shell and good parts. If it doesn't run, it could have other problems you can't check for.

That engine bay looks like it's been rained in, or at least been in a high moisture environment.

 

[Redslayer]

He literally heat-wrapped the intake pipe. That would be the equivalent of putting a thick scarf on your neck during Summer and expect you'll breathe colder air.

I was sitting here looking at that like "hmm... why is that wrapped like that" although I suppose it's better than him wrapping the pipe from the actual filter .

Anyway, as for the car, it's pretty much impossible to tell you if the cars worth it or not without knowing why it quit. There's such a massive list of things that could be wrong, from something as simple as a crank sensor, to something as severe as the engine ceased up . Everyone has their own definition of "just quit running"

Of course if you're super lucky, all he did was run out of fuel . Really, it's on you whether you're willing to risk it or not. But if it were me, I'd take the 6 hour drive and check it out for myself before I dropped 3k on someones word. Because that's all you're paying for at this point.

The car it's self looks clean up top, but there's a lot of rust area's under these cars too. Whatever you decide, good luck, and hope it works out for you. I love Eclipses, but they can really be pos's some times .

 

[Redslayer]

Yeah that helps alot, im just not really sure what to look for with these yet but he actually just replied and said the starter clicks and it gets fuel but no spark but I will try to get more detailed pictures. Thanks for the help btw!

Well, maybe you'll get lucky then and it's just a crank sensor, or the coil pack.

 

[ThatEclipseGuy]

Yeah I think I'm just going to drive up there and check it out and if it doesn't look very good the hunt will continue!

 

[PlanZero]

Bring a coil pack and wires. Bet that COP setup (along with who knows what else) is the culprit.

 

[Kryndon]

Bring a coil pack and wires. Bet that COP setup (along with who knows what else) is the culprit.

Imagine, dude drives up 6 hours, puts his own pack and wires on the car and wham, it fires up no problem. Then the owner is all like "hey that's cool and all but I don't want to sell it anymore". Small chance but it could backfire like this

 

[joemamma]

i seen that car too-but coulnt justify 3500 for a non-running car
would be a longer drive for me but it looked good but can't justify theamount for a an unkown prolem and or problems