Honest opinion about engine

[osck]

I'm completely new to kind of thing, and I'm looking to get a 95-98 GST eclipse for around 3000-3500 off of craiglist or a dealer. I wanted to know how reliable the car is stock, as in engine, transmission, turbo, etc.. I'm currently in college, and could not afford to make big repairs if it crapped out which is why I'm asking

 

[Zdrummer15]

A DSM is as reliable as any car of the same age. They sometimes get a bad rap for being unreliable, but it is simply a misconception. This is because they are fast cars for the price and people tend to beat on them and not perform proper maintenance. I have always performed proper maintenance and I have never had a major issue with mine nor have my friends and we do drive them hard at times.

 

[blackhawkgsx]

A DSM is as reliable as any car of the same age. They sometimes get a bad rap for being unreliable, but it is simply a misconception. This is because they are fast cars for the price and people tend to beat on them and not perform proper maintenance. I have always performed proper maintenance and I have never had a major issue with mine nor have my friends and we do drive them hard at times.

I 2nd this^ I have had no major issues because i am under my hood all the time making sure every thing is working properly and performing preventative maintenance . Bottom line is you treat the car good and it will do the same to you

 

[nek]

I would agree.... but no i dont. These cars are turbo'd. So much more can go wrong. Dsm's have the most random common issues like boost leaks, oilstick popping rust locations. I really cant say they are as reliable as like a honda civic or Id be lying. my .02.
I do love my car but I dont know if its for a person that isnt prepared to put money into it.
Only fair.
And to say that its reliable because your always under the hood doesnt make sense. Reliability is how much you can get away with not constantly checking on everything.

 

[AK Maniak]

Its as reliable as you wanna make it. Keep up with maintenance and don't half ass any thing and you'll be fine. Treat it nice and it'll treat you nice

 

[Zdrummer15]

I would agree.... but no i dont. These cars are turbo'd. So much more can go wrong. Dsm's have the most random common issues like boost leaks, oilstick popping rust locations. I really cant say they are as reliable as like a honda civic or Id be lying. my .02.
I do love my car but I dont know if its for a person that isnt prepared to put money into it.
Only fair.
And to say that its reliable because your always under the hood doesnt make sense. Reliability is how much you can get away with not constantly checking on everything.

In stock form I really don't believe they are much more unreliable then any other car. I have much more major issues with my other car which is na although it is an '89 haha (still under 100k though). Anyway I don't consider boost leaks and the like to be huge problems. Most of the people on here modify their cars and drive them hard, at least at times. This will of course make the car less reliable then if it was never driven hard or modified. It is true that there is a whole additional system in the car, but the fact is that from what I've seen a well maintained, stock DSM is above average in reliability. Everyone's car is different so I'm sure some may not be as lucky, but in general, I find them to be reliable.

 

[Calan]

Dsm's have the most random common issues like boost leaks, oilstick popping rust locations.

None of these issues (or any others) are "random"; they all have causes, and can all be fixed.

It comes down to a simple equation: Reliability = Time + Money + Care + Effort.

Or put another way:

Reliable, Fast, or Inexpensive... Pick any two.

 

[bane3d]

The answer IMO, it is as good as the previous owner treated the car. S**T happens though and any car can give you problems. I will say, a turbo car is not as forgiving to neglect and maltreatment as an NA car is. If you are looking for a reliable daily driver that requires low amounts of care, I wouldn't go with a turbo eclipse. I'd be prepared to occassionally have to spend some money on it. We are talking about a car that is at least 11 - 12 years old. I personally would not have purchased my car with the intention of having a reliable low maintenance car. I bought it because I love it. The wife puts up with it. It's my hobby. As I said before, that's my opinion.

d

 

[BIRDCLAWTSi]

Get the car. You will become obsessed with it and it will change your life. Money will become no object, Nor will anything else,You might sell your girl, Moms gold, Dads golf clubs, All in the name of high end parts. Get the car! Get the car!

 

[nek]

None of these issues (or any others) are "random"; they all have causes, and can all be fixed.

It comes down to a simple equation: Reliability = Time + Money + Care + Effort.

Or put another way:

Reliable, Fast, or Inexpensive... Pick any two.

every issue has a cause... hes trying to find something with the least of them

 

[Nati0nalxCrisis]

It comes down to a simple equation: Reliability = Time + Money + Care + Effort.

Or put another way:

Reliable, Fast, or Inexpensive... Pick any two.

Completely perfectly put.

 

[osck]

thanks for the response guys I really appreciate the help, the guy i'm looking to buy it from owns a shop so hes already did some work to it. I'm hoping he took care of it and he's not trying to just get it off his hands and sell me a shit car. From your experience how much would i be looking at for average maintenance (I read that timing belts, and water pump usually have to be replaces around a 100k). I wouldn't mind spending $500 or so to get it in good running condition. Any ideas from experience what I'm looking at? Also how many of you have had to do serious repairs (engine replacement)?


I should also mention I don't know shit about cars so this would be what I learn on

 

[born2tune]

Get the car. You will become obsessed with it and it will change your life. Money will become no object, Nor will anything else,You might sell your girl, Moms gold, Dads golf clubs, All in the name of high end parts. Get the car! Get the car!

holy crap!

i just snapped out of my curse by reading this, i guess i spent a lil too much, but the thing is im so close to finishing it that i rather be broke than to se it not progress

 

[luv2rallye]

Timing belts on these cars need to be changed every 60000 miles or you risk bent valves when they break. If you do it yourself (good time to replace water pump since you have to remove timing belt to do it) you will save 100's of dollars (I've heard reports of $400-$800).
Timing Belt VFAQ