Looking to Buy an Eclipse

[CannMann21]

Ok i just joined this site and im not sure if this thread is in the right section or not, so i apologize in advanced. anyway, im selling my 98 auto prelude (notorious for bad trannys) and i have always like eclipses. i never researched about the prelude before i bought it, so i dont want to make another mistake again.

what should i look out for when buying an eclipse? i have read a bit that they require more maintenance than an average car. im a 17 year old high school student, so i want to know if they are reliable.

 

[ktgurl87]

they can be, but it HAS to be maintained correctly. tis the same with any vehicle. look out for hacked wiring, gauges all over the place, painted (badly) interiors, body kit horrors, and crazy wings. if you see any of the above, steer clear because it probably had a horrible first life. look for a nice clean stock-looking eclipse. they're around. preferably kinda low miles (maybe 100,000 or less, but that's kinda tough) ask for maintenance records and receipts for work done. if you have any questions, come on here and ask. if you find something you like and you would like another opinion, post pictures of the exterior, interior, and engine bay. other than that... good luck!

 

[knochgoon24]

They're pretty reliable when they're kept stock. They're also reliable when PROPERLY modified.

Since you live in Canada, you may want to look into an AWD version (GSX or Tsi AWD). These cars get around great in the snow, especially with a good set of winter tires.

The biggest problems these cars have are abusive owners (improper mods/neglect) and strut tower rust.

For more info, MachV made a good writeup: Tip 6: Buying a DSM
And here's another good one: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/fre...estions/238710-dsm-used-car-buyers-guide.html

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

A n/t eclipse would probably be your best bet if you want reliability.

 

[my dreamt dsm]

A n/t eclipse would probably be your best bet if you want reliability.

Reliable you ask, it's more like luck of the draw. Some people wake up in the morning to find a whole new problem out of nowhere.
You should start off with a n/a version. I know some people on this forum whom sold their turbo version for a n/a. They like the look but didn't want a headache with the turbo.
Since your still in school and young, coming from your peers here that will be the best choice for you, mentally and financially.
Don't believe me, there are countless threads on here bitching and whinning about their dsm. There was a few within the week on the hangout section.
But don't let us detour you, you can find out first hand. Good luck on a find and have fun.
But if you decide turbo or n/a here are the common.
-----Riced... ... since your still young here are a couple of save money tips
rust, previous owner's touch of the car, car fax, compression test, idle problems, lifter tick, open oil cap look inside to see if it's brown colored like wheat bread, lighter color is better that will show consistent oil changes, check under for leaks, smog, clutch issues, leaking around clutch pedal area...
And last but not least... check the SINKROWS...

 

[DanGST]

Reliable you ask, it's more like luck of the draw. Some people wake up in the morning to find a whole new problem out of nowhere.
You should start off with a n/a version. I know some people on this forum whom sold their turbo version for a n/a. They like the look but didn't want a headache with the turbo.
Since your still in school and young, coming from your peers here that will be the best choice for you, mentally and financially.
Don't believe me, there are countless threads on here bitching and whinning about their dsm. There was a few within the week on the hangout section.
But don't let us detour you, you can find out first hand. Good luck on a find and have fun.
But if you decide turbo or n/a here are the common.
-----Riced... ... since your still young here are a couple of save money tips
rust, previous owner's touch of the car, car fax, compression test, idle problems, lifter tick, open oil cap look inside to see if it's brown colored like wheat bread, lighter color is better that will show consistent oil changes, check under for leaks, smog, clutch issues, leaking around clutch pedal area...
And last but not least... check the SINKROWS...

That's very funny Dreamt hey at least we know to stay clear from those damn BMW mechanics and do all the work ourselves and on behalf of the thread just make sure you have a little money on the side for fix and maintain it good I learn from the hard way had the car for like 3 months and already a little over 500 went into but love the car like crazy and try to do a lot if the work yourself tend to learn more and more and a whole lot cheaper to fix

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Reliable you ask, it's more like luck of the draw. Some people wake up in the morning to find a whole new problem out of nowhere.
You should start off with a n/a version. I know some people on this forum whom sold their turbo version for a n/a. They like the look but didn't want a headache with the turbo.
Since your still in school and young, coming from your peers here that will be the best choice for you, mentally and financially.
Don't believe me, there are countless threads on here bitching and whinning about their dsm. There was a few within the week on the hangout section.
But don't let us detour you, you can find out first hand. Good luck on a find and have fun.
But if you decide turbo or n/a here are the common.
-----Riced... ... since your still young here are a couple of save money tips
rust, previous owner's touch of the car, car fax, compression test, idle problems, lifter tick, open oil cap look inside to see if it's brown colored like wheat bread, lighter color is better that will show consistent oil changes, check under for leaks, smog, clutch issues, leaking around clutch pedal area...
And last but not least... check the SINKROWS...

. Gotta check those sinkrows!

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

That's very funny Dreamt hey at least we know to stay clear from those damn BMW mechanics and do all the work ourselves and on behalf of the thread just make sure you have a little money on the side for fix and maintain it good I learn from the hard way had the car for like 3 months and already a little over 500 went into but love the car like crazy and try to do a lot if the work yourself tend to learn more and more and a whole lot cheaper to fix

Dan, you really gotta learn where those comma and period buttons are.

 

[DanGST]

Dan, you really gotta learn where those comma and period buttons are.

Sorry, about that. I always post on my iPhone. That's why I kind of never post with commas and periods. Will try to get used to do it on my phone.

 

[my dreamt dsm]

Haha! I think this newb is to new to ever read that thread. I'm just to lazy to post a link to it. Will you gentle men do the honors?

 

[DanGST]

It's my thread so, here it is: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/382678-what-sinkrow.html

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Haha! I think this newb is to new to ever read that thread. I'm just to lazy to post a link to it. Will you gentle men do the honors?

Sure thing!
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/382678-what-sinkrow.html

DanGST is actually the starter of that legendary thread!

No problem Dan. I figured I'd say something before somebody reports you for it.

*EDIT* He beat me to it.

 

[my dreamt dsm]

It's my thread so, here it is: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/382678-what-sinkrow.html

Thank You Dan!

Were straying off subject... sooo... eeemm Op.
Why don't you just stick to a honda. I don't see no statistics but I myself and family owned a lot. DD they are very great cars!

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

It's my thread so, here it is: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/382678-what-sinkrow.html

Edit: I guess I'm the newb. how can you post a hyperlink?

Sure, you just click the "go advanced" and above the text box is an "insert a link" button.

To the OP. I used to have a 98 Prelude auto. My sister has it now. She absolutely loves it. They do make an adaptor plate to bolt up a B-series tranny up to that H22 engine.

 

[CannMann21]

ok thanks for the help so far everyone. I have to sell my lude first before I think about buying another car, so I will keep you all updated.

Also, about the NA thing, i saw a 97 eclipse that was NA for $4000, but I always thought of getting turbo when looking at them. Just a thought, but it doesnt really matter right now.

 

[knochgoon24]

I'd actually suggest getting a turbo model over the N/A one. Most people eventually want more power out of the N/A model. And the FWD turbo guys want AWD due to traction issues.

 

[jas510]

Its a LOVE HATE lrelationship w/ our dsm.. you love it when it pulls and acts right when racing..but you hate it when it starts to get a mind of its own!!! I GOTTA TALK TO MY car from time to time!!! ughhh..yeah my DSM is down and out right now... I'M HATING HER RIGHT NOW!! stupid monster!!

 

[CannMann21]

Sure, you just click the "go advanced" and above the text box is an "insert a link" button.

To the OP. I used to have a 98 Prelude auto. My sister has it now. She absolutely loves it. They do make an adaptor plate to bolt up a B-series tranny up to that H22 engine.

I love mine too. It's just the bad transmission scares me off. I dont want to invest money into something that's going to keep braking. My lude is already having a slight issue when it shifts from first to second, it hesitates a bit. So that's why I'm looking into standard preludes (they aren't suppose to have any problems like the auto) and eclipses, etc.