Buying a DSM

[Talon_Tsi]

Hey everyone, I've been DSM-less since February and I was thinking it was about time I went and got me another. My question is, is it still possible to get your hands on one of these cars that hasn't already been run into the ground? These cars are hard enough to find in MD as it is, but now it seems ever single one has been mod'ed and given hell. Can you still find one of these cars? I want a stock one

Thanks guys

 

[90TSIwhite]

My car was driven by the original owner, It was an elderly lady who barely got on it. Foudn it in the paper and bought her for 2500, She had the original reciepts, every maintenance information on it, Had oil changed every 3K miles by her Son.

Its fairly easy to do here in Nebraska, but in other locations maybe not.

Good luck bud!

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

Yes it is getting more difficult to find a good one for under $4000-$5000.

Most I ssee either:
A: have at least one major problem with the original engine and/or tranny (in the $1500-$2000 range)

OR

B. Have a 6 bolt swap and priced around $4500-$5000.

OR

C: All original, about 120K+ miles, about $2500-$4000.

Remember if it's all original and stock, then it may be running ok when you buy it, but don't be suprised if you end up needing either a turbo, engine or a tranny within the first 2 years. I am speaking of the 1G's especially, because of their age. I mean a turbo is almost a given after 100K.

If you find a good one that's all original (or even if it's not all original), check to see when the timing belt AND the balance tensioner belt were done. Make sure they have been done at every 60K mark, or at least recently or just do it. Otherwise prepare to buy an engine almost for sure.

What is your budget?

 

[Talon_Tsi]

My budget is around 4k, but I know back in 01 My brother bought a 90 Talon Tsi AWD that looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor with 80k miles for 3500. But I guess now I should except less car for the money since they are becoming harder to find.

 

[tim4g63fast]

The turbo is a given after 100K??????????

my 14b has 170K I was also the first person to modify the car unless you consider a monster tach which got removed real fast a mod.

My best friends t25 just blew at 207k

And I know alot of people with over 100k on there turbo's

I think its all in how its been treated.

Look to old people for great dsm's I found a guy in this craphole town of Oregon i live in now with a gvr4 (i couldn't believe it). original owner. he wont sell it though. I try'd

 

[GSX6bolt]

Yes it is getting more difficult to find a good one for under $4000-$5000.

Most I ssee either:
A: have at least one major problem with the original engine and/or tranny (in the $1500-$2000 range)

OR

B. Have a 6 bolt swap and priced around $4500-$5000.

OR

C: All original, about 120K+ miles, about $2500-$4000.

Hmm.. I dont agree with your prices... I dont think anyone in the right mind would pay 4500 to 5000$ for a 6bolt swap..

I'm having a stock 6bolt block made for me by jasper motorsports for 1800$. Add another 1000$ to that for labor and you have yourself a new 6bolt in your DSM for 2800$. That leaves you with 2000$ to play with...

And the answer is NO... Its almost impossible to find a DSM that HASNT been beaten. Think about it, they are light cars coming to you with turbo, and turbo awd. People are going to have fun with them.

Your best bet is to buy one with high miles and do an immediate 6 bolt swap. And be sure to swap out the abused turbo because an abused turbo is something you do not want on a new block.

If you dont feel like doing this.... good luck finding a mother/grandmother who had the car for 2 yrs and only put 30k miles on it shifting at 3k everytime they drive it... They ARE out there.... somewhere...........but i can promise you you wont find one easy.

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

"Hmm.. I dont agree with your prices... I dont think anyone in the right mind would pay 4500 to 5000$ for a 6bolt swap.."

Dude, I said that is the price of a DSM car that has had a 6 bolt swap done to it typically in Washington state. Not the price of the swap itself.

 

[GSX6bolt]

Thats a my bad then.... But a dsm with a new 6bolt would probably go for more than 5k... Thats a damn brand new car. Kids in PA selling 6bolt swapped 2nd gens for 8, 9k+ but thats with massive supporting mods...

BUT HELL, we all live in diff areas, these cars prices vary like crazy...

There going to be more money if they are scarce in the area, like where I live. Your lucky if you see a modded gsx/tsi on the road..

I guess Washignton state has more of em buzzing around.

My bad bro.