Car buying questions.

[Spydur86]

Okay, so I"ve been looking for a turbo DSM a lot lately, and here is what I have come up with so far. http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c...&advanced=n&start_year=1995&color=&cardist=44
This car, as you can see, is the TSI AWD with 86000 for $5500, which I may end up test driving tomorrow to see how it runs.

http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c...&advanced=n&start_year=1995&color=&cardist=19
This one is the FWD version with 88000 for $5000. I am test driving this car tomorrow to see how it runs as well.

Now, what I need to know is 1) are either of these good deals because when I bought my GS I got raped and I'll admit it, and 2) which would you go with (if either) and why. I don't know much about AWD and insurance and reliability and such, but my friends are telling me to check into the FWD just because it'd be quicker (not off the line mind you.)

 

[blackGSX2g]

I would go AWD...especially since you live in MI. Drive them both though and get the one you like the most. Some common things I do when I look for cars is to check out the oil level and oil condition, compression test, make sure every electrical option works properly, etc...I'm sure you'd be happy with either, but I'd never trade my AWD for FWD. I can make up the drivetrain difference with the launch if need be.

 

[Spydur86]

Yeah, I was kinda leaning more towards the AWD, but because I'm only going to be on PLPD I feel like there's a lot more that can go wrong on an AWD. I dunno, I guess I'll just drive both and see what I think. I was really leaning toward a 97-99 GSX or GST but I don't think I can get one of those for under 7000 in very good condition.

 

[Spydur86]

And another question I was wondering, how hard is it to convert a 95 Talon to a 97-99 Eclipse and about how much money does it cost? I don't mind the look of Talon's, but the 97-99 eclipse looks a lot better, I just can't afford one with a turbo :thumbdown .

 

[blackGSX2g]

Yeah, I was kinda leaning more towards the AWD, but because I'm only going to be on PLPD I feel like there's a lot more that can go wrong on an AWD.

Insurance isn't gonna fix all the woes of driving a DSM. They primarily cover body damage which will be the same from a FWD to AWD.

Converting a talon to an eclipse is fairly easy, average prices are:
Front bumper: $150
Rear bumper: $150
Eclipse tail-lights: $60-100 (stock or altezza)
97-99 Headlights: very expensive for stock 97-99...projectors can be had for around $150
97-99 Reverse lights (if not in bumper): $55 from dealer for both
97-99 Sideskirts: Hard to find...maybe $100-150ish ( you don't need these, you can use the ones you have)
and any spoiler of your choice

you can probably find these items for cheaper if you look, prices are just what I usually see on average for parts.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

unless you get REALLY lucky like me and find someone that wanted to trade their eclipse parts ( ME) for all talon parts.....(the guy i traded) and spend nothing....and are even luckier when they are already the same color of your car.....the story of the talon sp yder lo l

you can find back bumpers mad cheap though