Looking to buy a 95 TSI

[dilbert9]

I did a good bit of searching on the topic and really didn't get all the details I was looking for. Let me start this off with a little history.

A few years back I owned a 92 eclipse GSX. I loved the car but was doing a good bit of travel at the time and wanted something a little newer. So I traded it in on something else.

I am now finding myself with some extra cash and was looking for a new daily / project car to keep me busy. I had decent luck with the GSX. I had to rebuild the trans and replace the turbo but other than that I was good to go.

I found a 95 Talon TSI 5-speed today and was planning on taking a look at it tomorrow. Here is what I know about the car:

95 eagle talon TSI
92k miles on the car / motor
Greddy Piping with aftermarket sidemount intercooler
Intake
front and rear sway bars
new turbo with low miles (has receipt for work from Mitsubishi dealer)
cat back exhaust
Greddy blowoff valve
Turbo timer
new OEM clutch (receipts available)
New transfer case installed same time as clutch
newer plugs and wires
Box full of spare parts and parts that were replaced

All the performance extras are nice but they are not really what is driving me to this car. I have always loved the DSMs.

The price they are asking is $3800. What should I be looking at when testing this out? I do have some expirience with the cars but a little older.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Todd

 

[TsiDan]

well look to see how the suspension looks... they tend to rust out quickly.. look at the bottom of the car as well.. check for frame rust.
as for the motor.. feel as you drive it.. make sure its smooth and has a nice idle... SEE IT COLD... dont let the seller drive it around before you get there.. check for smoke.. smells.. anything out of the ordinary.. and see if timing was done.. and if it was make sure it was an oem belt... check if the head looks painted... chances are the motor was out at one point if it was... i got f##ked over on a deal because the guy did a horrible timing job.. go with your gut... that seems like a good price so long as the car is sound. Good Luck!

+1 for 2g!

 

[dilbert9]

Thanks a ton for the info. I guess I will have to try to take it to a garage and lift it up to see under it. It might be too low to get under.

I will be sure to give it hell when I test it out to make sure it seems smooth.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[rock1t]

i recommend looking at a mustang. unless you have a ton of extra money lying around, then go for the dsm.

 

[dilbert9]

i recommend looking at a mustang. unless you have a ton of extra money lying around, then go for the dsm.

Not very useful info. Thanks for reading though.

 

[rich3389]

I have one for sale and it also is rust free!

95 EAGLE TALON TSI

 

[dilbert9]

I have one for sale and it also is rust free!

95 EAGLE TALON TSI

Do you have receipts for the repairs?

I will be taking a look at the other one today and then on Tuesday I have another car I will be looking at.

 

[fran_drivertsi]

Everything you see below is based on personal experience and proven by many.
I would make sure the history of the car is clean. Keep in mind, that DSM is generally affordable "go-fast" car, which in many cases means a young, inexperienced teenager modifying the car in the wrong way, increasing the boost recklessly, beating the hell out of the car... If you buy a car like that - you will most likely regret it in the long run.
I would check for the maintenance receipts from the previous owner, to make sure that all proper maintenance was done and is up to date.
Also, research crankwalk and how to diagnose the symptoms of it on the car.
Make sure there is no rust on the front strut towers under the hood.
Make sure the tranny shifts with no grinds at any rpms.
Make sure that the car wasn't run over 18psi of boost on stock fuel components.
You have mentioned transfer case, I am assuming the car is AWD. Make a slow left U-turn and then slow right turn. Listen to any noises/grinds coming from the drivetrain.
Make sure there are no oil leaks. (It is nearly impossible though to have none )

Make sure the car wasn't in accident. Be prepared to spend money on parts and always do your research.
Good luck!

 

[rich3389]

Do you have receipts for the repairs?

I will be taking a look at the other one today and then on Tuesday I have another car I will be looking at.

I have receipts for the parts bought...I did the work myself so it was done right.

 

[greenDSMdude]

I have one for sale and it also is rust free!

95 EAGLE TALON TSI

woahh your only an hour and a half away! still got it?

 

[khartley]

I have one for sale and it also is rust free!

95 EAGLE TALON TSI

Its your girlfriends car, and YOU are selling it??? You must definitely wear the pants of that relationship, unless there is something I'm missing...

 

[rich3389]

Well it is her car, but she just drives it, I work on it and everything, so I am selling it for her because she doesn't know anything about it.
She is the one that wants to sell it, but if someone asks any questions about it I am the guy that knows the answers!

 

[born2tune]

make sure it idles smooth, and i havent seen it here, but maybe lookout for crankwalk.

 

[KKneipper]

my 96 tsi awd was registered in PA by a previous owner in 07. the control arms are rusted to hell, and same for most of the under side of the car. both of my front cv axles had ripped boots and when i went to replace them, had to torch the hubs and melt them down to practically nothing, just to get the cv's off. they were seized to the hubs. the car had been lowered as well, and they neglected to get an alignment done afterwards. so if that car you're looking at has been lowered make sure they got it aligned, otherwise the camber will be WAY off. and if you see rust, you're gonna have to be ready to put extra time and effort into any work you plan on doing.

also, check the fluids. if the oil looks like it hasn't been changed in a while, or if the coolant isn't bright green, that could be an indication of the owner not keeping up on maintenance. and as we all know with dsm's... maintenance is very important.

good luck, and i hope it all works out for you.

 

[paultheninja]

Make sure you check for leaks, smoke, and please make sure you actually boost the car if you test drive it.

 

[rich3389]

check the strut towers and look under the car for rust because 2g's rust like hell, some do some dont.

 

[dilbert9]

Wow a boat load of info.. Thanks guys. I am going to look at it today and will be sure to check everything mentioned here. I am also going to look at a different car on Tuesday. The Talon is second on my list..


Thanks again guys.. great information here.

 

[jeffo]

Hey, I'm from Lititz!
The transfer case replacement would worry me somewhat. Why? They're not a big wear item.
The Greddy BOV would also bother me. Is it vented to atmosphere, or plumbed back properly?
How much under the hood looks original? All emissions stuff functional? Any Check Engine Lights?
Is it the original 7-bolt? I would assume so since there is no mention of an engine replacement. As someone else said, educate yourself on the signs of crankwalk before you drive it.
Is the ECU an EPROM? That would be a bonus.