DSM reliability

[soontobegst]

I'm currently lookin at buying a 95gst, with 87k on it. I have been doing a lot of research, and some say the car is great, others say it is a maintenance hog, ranging from tranny issues to engine and turbo problems. Now since you guys know these cars teh best, what do you think? Is the gst too big of a reliabilty issue, meaning that I'd just be looking at integras again? I currenctly drive an 01 xterra, but i want to get away from teh SUV world.

 

[qwertyGST]

Haha... DSM and Reliable.. in the same setence?

No.. just kidding.. they can be a big pain in the ass for maintence.. but then again it all depends on how you drive it.. Now I do drive my car hard.. gives me a reason to upgrade! But, that's what it comes down to.. being a 95 it is a 2g which means you have a lot better chance of getting crankwalk than any other years.. 95 is especially bad for crankwalk, so I would recommend going ahead and getting a 6-bolt in case you run into probs.. But when it comes down to recommending, it depends on your $$ and what you want. I have dumped a decent amount (for me) into my car and it runs pretty good, but for me.. I wouldn't trade my car for nothing.. unless it was a Supra

 

[Quasimondo]

They're only as reliable as you maintain them. If you do your scheduled maintenance and drive sensibly, then they'll last a long time. If you ride them hard and put 'em away wet, then don't be suprised when something goes *bang* in the middle of the night down a deserted two lane highway.

 

[PaleDSM]

If you choose the right car and keep your eyes and ears open the cars are very reliable. In my 9 years of DSM ownership I have never been left stranded and never had anything go out other than an alternator.

 

[sjgYFZ200]

The only problems I've had are the ones I've created. Thats pretty much true with all cars. Its a known fact the more you mod it, the less reliable it becomes. Look at how many people mod DSM's, and that should answer your question.

 

[XtremeGST]

there reliable but if you mod u must know what your doing and you must do it right. and dont listen about that crankwalk crap, its balanced out. people make a big deal about crankwalk but it works fine. i love my 97 GST i blew the tranny on it but i shifted really HARD on it the previous own probably beat on it liek hell and i had to rebuild the engine because the previous owner didnt maintain it that good. the only bad thing on DSM's that i know of is that the trannys like to go. but if you maintain it you should be FINE!

 

[blvngd86]

My gst has 85000 miles on it with no problems. You just have to take care of your car. And it helps to know how to work on it if something does break. DSMs are pretty reliable but they get bad names because people mod the crap out of them. There aren't many modded cars that are as reliable as they are from the factory.

 

[TurboDSM86]

i agree with everyone. keep up with it and do your maint. before modding. drive it like you hate it and maintain it like you love it. you will be happy w/your dsm . i would get the car looked over completley by a mechanic. id also suggest them checking your crankshaft end play as suggested before due to crank walk. there is a lot of hype on here on whether crank walk is a valid or non valid issue when buying a 2g DSM. from personal experience i say it is. my car is a 95 and went through two 7 bolts. good luck and hopefully welcome to the wonderful world of dsms!

 

[FORMONTOYA]

The only problems I've had are the ones I've created. Thats pretty much true with all cars.

i have had mine since nov 97 (94k miles) and the only thing that i did not cause was a fuel pump. everything else was maintenence or a problem that i caused. i do not launch the car hard very often, but do drive the car hard at speed. it is all about how you drive and maintain the car. the more mods you put on the car, the more likly you will drive the hell out of it and break something...your choice. this car has been as reliable as any new car i have ever owned.


jim