Buyers Remorse

[Spiderman]

I just bought a 1998 Spyder GST Auto with 72,000 Miles. I paid $6500 for it and kind of regretting it. I love the looks of the car and it drives nicely enough but I have noticed little problems that are adding up. The top leaks all over without having any tears and 2 plastic knobs on the seats have broken off already. Also, the Auto shifts with a slight jerk when driving for a long time. I think I've just bought a money pitt! Has anyone ever regretted their purchase?

 

[Spiderman]

I can't be sure whether the top is leaking through the seams of the rear window or the rubber edging below. Has anyone figured out how to stem the leaking there? From the A-pillars, I have temporarily solved the leaking with some stuffed napkins!

 

[Ryan4dc]

Stuffed napkins? I would have bought a car cover. I really like the spiders cause most cars here doesn't have ac. It's really a nice option to coming to a hot car after a long work day, unlatching the top and all that hot air escapes the open top.

 

[Denji]

Don't worry too much. These cars aren't so bad. I have owned mine for 6.5 years without a single major problem. One time on the highway a coil pack went bad that's about it.

I bought it for $5,500 with 115,000 miles on it and now it has 179,000 miles on it and I still boost 20 psi daily.

As far as the tranny goes make sure you check the fluid level. My mom's chrysler 300M was starting to jerk a bit. Later she brought it to the mechanic and he said she was just short on fluid due to a leak. That was fixed and the problem is gone.

As for the knobs I lost mine a long time ago....

 

[motozachl]

$3k+ over spent .... good luck

 

[95talongirl]

Ugh... It CAN be bad if you do not know the history of transmission maintanance. You're supposed to do transmission filter/fluid changes at regular intervals, like a timing belt change. I have one of those dreaded Dodge transmissions in my truck. I bought the truck with about 150,000 miles. The fluid and filter has been changed twice since I've have it, and I'm up to almost 180,000 miles. Once was because I just wanted to change it because it was nasty, and the second was to replace a sensor that had gone bad. It has no shifting problems whatsoever. With the low miles that are on the OP's car, a transmission fluid/filter change probably wouldn't hurt. I could see if it had a bajillion miles and had never been changed, then I might be a little hesitant to do it, but he doesn't even have 80,000 miles on it. I don't see a high probability of it damaging anything. That's just my 2 pennies though. Do as you wish.

This is why I mentioned if he looked at the fluid before he did the fluid change. IF is brown or smells burnt, then you are better off NOT doing a change or flush, as this will accelerate damage to the already ailing transmission. I've seen many customers who have changed out fluid then had the transmission completely crap out a week later. Again, this only applies if the fluid is already burnt.

OP: don't feel so bad. Remember; its a car. Cars do not last forever; especially ones that are used and you do not know the history on. If you're worried about reliabiltiy, then sell it and get a new car with a warranty and a clean history. I've just accepted the fact that an aging car will always needs something. But every one that I own is paid off... and to me that means a lot.

See about getting a cheap car cover for it if the top leaks a lot. I bought one for the Mustang to keep the water out until it warms up enough to investigate where its leaking from. And I agree, the bent arms may be a factor in that leak... and yeah.. sending unit problem for the fuel gauge; probably. You should be able to access it from a panel under the back seat. see if it moves freely (like KT suggested..may be sticking). If it moves freely, might be the unit itself.

 

[400hp93talon]

So just the basics...These cars can stay pretty healthy if you keep on the basic maintenance.

6k for a 98 gsx with 114k......That was definatly worth it for sure!!!

 

[noavgjoe]

Hey man, I understand how you feel. I purchased my 99 Gst for $4200 and have spent in excess of 2G's getting it almost running right. The dude I bought it from disabled the check engine light, the turbo was done, the roof leaked, cotter pins broke on both motors for the top, school buses passed me regularly, miscellaneous oil leaks, overheating, bad head gasket etc... Its been a money pit but every time I think of getting rid of it I change my mind. Its a Love/Hate thing! Like some other's have suggested either deal with the problems and enjoy your ride or sell it and get something else. These cars are not for those with little patience. I wish you much luck and dont beat yourself up too much. Every now and then I think of getting a 1G AWD or an S4 but Im allowed to dream right?

 

[hypergenesis]

I guess I'm stuck with it now...

Bro when I first bought my Gs-T I was happy and what not till I took it to get a brake check and found out that I have 3 completely shot struts with 1 brand new one for some reason, also found out the water pump, timing belt were bad. 2 weeks after that I had the starter and starter solenoid go out and also found out I need to switch my outer tie rods as well. That all together is around 2000-3000 dollars of work it happens so you work around it and do it yourself saves you more than half the cost

 

[Spiderman]

I appreciate all you guys and gals support. I'm amazed how many DSM fans are female. It is funny how love blinds you to faults. I will work with what I have because it runs fine but it just has all these bugs that I will need to work out.

BTW-I did notice the seller disconnected the CEL light. I had my mechanic scan it and he said it was a fuel pump related issue. Would you think it would be worth it to have the lights reconnected or should the light be better left alone (off)?

 

[91stocker]

I appreciate all you guys and gals support. I'm amazed how many DSM fans are female. It is funny how love blinds you to faults. I will work with what I have because it runs fine but it just has all these bugs that I will need to work out.

BTW-I did notice the seller disconnected the CEL light. I had my mechanic scan it and he said it was a fuel pump related issue. Would you think it would be worth it to have the lights reconnected or should the light be better left alone (off)?

Well the good thing is, once you replace everything on the car, it will be like new

 

[LiquidX]

You should have it connected and figure out the issue with the pump. Perhaps all you need is a higher flowing one