First time DSM

[GI_Drewsifer]

Dear DSM Tuners, first time reader first time poster. I come humbly asking help. I'm 19, male, stationed at Ft. Bliss TX and looking for a car. I've looked high and low, but found nothing. Then I came across this.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...t=75&engine=&lang=en&fuel=&doors=&cardist=299

And it got me thinking. I called the owner and spoke with him about the car. He said the car is in good condition, save for a faded paint job. One small ding in the drivers side door. Interior good quality. Only problem with the car, is the turbo. He says the turbo is on its way out. He said he'd go down to 2k on the car no problem, and made it sound like he'd go lower. He even offered to replace to turbo on the car, and said he'd ask about 2100 for it. Is this a good idea? I'm not looking for anything crazy, just a fun car I can drive every day. And I've heard DSM's do this great.

GI Drewsifer

 

[TheRealist]

91 i wouldnt give no more than 900 "Cash" car also doesnt look a good shape and turbo not working?? no more than 900

 

[robs90tsi]

First check the shaft play of the turbine in the turbo, make sure hes telling the truth, second, thats too much $$$, Id offer him no more than $1200 with the blown turbo and see what he says, but I wouldnt go any higher than $1500 only IF he replaces the turbo. That has a lot of miles on it, as do most 1G's, see if you can do a compression test to determine the motors condition, also, ask about matinence, most importantly, the timing and balance shaft belts, fluid changes. Is it drivable?

 

[SinaiTSi]

It is possible that he doesn't really know what he's talking about when he says the turbo is going out. Could be a huge boost least since it's an older car and plus that would make the turbo feel like it's "going out" since you're not getting it's full potential. I wouldn't recommend bringing an air compressor to this guys house and checking though, a little rediculous. I wouldn't even worry about the turbo at this point, just let him think it's a bad turbo so you can bring the price down lower and if it is, get a new one, if it isn't, you got lucky. Like rob said, ask him about maintenance stuff, and doing a compression test would be a good idea. The car has a bit of miles on it, and since it has 3 inch exhaust, it most likely wasn't just a car he used to get groceries on Sunday, it has probably been driven hard. Bottom line, it depends on how much you really want the car and how low he'll come, I wouldn't go any higher than $1500 the way it is, but try to get him down to $1200, like rob said also.

 

[MyBeatGSX]

Just remember, a $1,500 DSM will need at least $1,500 in repairs. Not trying to discourage you, but it is an old car, be prepared for what you're getting into. But keep in mind, after that $3,000-$4,000 you'll have a car faster than anything you could get for 10x that money.

 

[pitbullowner_2]

your crazy to buy that for the amount he said..Like the others said above no more than 1500..the exterior looks to be in bad shape which "sometimes" means if he neglects the outside no telling how bad the engine could be. Take a look in the classifieds on here and there are some good deals floating around right know. If you dont find one you like try to find one on autotrader through a dealership so you can get a warranty or all around inspection thats what i did in Jan. 2006 those seem to work out a little better and act like you know a lot about them and ask tons of ?'s that will deter them away from trying to rip you off.

 

[nightracer91]

Be careful, I spent 1300 for my 91 gst. It needs a valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rack-and-pinion, and a front bumper still. You get what you pay for. Also, if the turbo is bad, you are gonna need to find out why the turbo went bad. It could be something as simple as not frequent enough oil changes. Keep all of these things in factor.

 

[SinaiTSi]

Be careful, I spent 1300 for my 91 gst. It needs a valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rack-and-pinion, and a front bumper still. You get what you pay for. Also, if the turbo is bad, you are gonna need to find out why the turbo went bad. It could be something as simple as not frequent enough oil changes. Keep all of these things in factor.

I spent $2k on my 1991 TSi back in July. Firing on 3 cylinders, bad tires, bent rim, broken door handle, rusted roof, faded paint on hood, bad hatch supports, broken power window, speedometer was 15 mph off, no brake lights, list goes on. It's looking and performing 110% better now. Best buy? No, but, what can I say, I was desperate for a turbo DSM..............

 

[GI_Drewsifer]

So more or less, dont go for this car. I'm really looking to get a DSM. I've heard almost nothing but good about these little rockets. I've always liked how they look too. I've also found a 95 offerin. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...t=50&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=210

Yes no?

 

[SinaiTSi]

So more or less, dont go for this car. I'm really looking to get a DSM. I've heard almost nothing but good about these little rockets. I've always liked how they look too. I've also found a 95 offerin. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...t=50&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=210

Yes no?

Not necessarily a good idea to just ditch the other car either. Autotrader or where ever you look online will help give you an idea of what you're walking into, but you definitely need to physically look at these cars. The 95 TSi also looks like it could be promising, but still, I'd go look at it myself first. Also, you will probably rarely hear good stuff about these cars on this forum because a lot of us like to just joke around about how horrible the cars have been to us (mostly we bring it upon ourselves). No, they're not perfect, but then again, no car is. Also, this site is mainly geared to fixing and tuning cars, so you will hear about a lot of people's problems. If you're just looking for a car to drive around in, and you make sure that you keep up on the simple little maintenance things, then these cars are awesome. Even if you're looking into modding a car, then these cars are still awesome, just be ready, as with any car, things will break, and you'll have to fix it. Bottom line, a DSM is a great and fun car to have, just make sure that you check it out in person first before you buy. (as with any car really)

 

[u12run]

be careful these cars pms alot. But if you get her running right she will treat you good. Wet dream good =)