Might be a newbie question but I cant find anything on it searching

[Vexiis]

I did a few searches and read the post in the FAQ about visual differences of the different models, I couldnt find an answer to this specific question.

I am looking at buying a 2g GSX. 95 to 99
there are really two questions I have:
1.) is the only difference between the 95-96 model and the 97-99 model the bumpers? I couldnt find any technical differences at all.
2.) I have heard there are huge issues with these cars and if I buy one basicly be ready to have it in the shop every other week, or work on it a lot.
Are there really that many problems with these cars? I know crankwalk is a problem, but it seems simple enough to have a machine shop/mechanic check for this and from reading the forums it seems almost more of a exageration than a true problem for most people, I cant find many cases where it was a huge issue. (but a lot of people switch to 6 bolts anyway it looks like)

I appologize if I asked any ignorant questions, I have been reading for a while and havent found these two questions answered.

-Michael

 

[GSTinCO]

1.) the bumpers and sideskirts are both different. You can also get different interior in the later years. 1995 was the only year where you could possibly get and EPROM ECU.

2.)Any car could be in the shop every week. Find one that wasn't abused and was cared for. Regular maintenance is KEY. Look around don't just buy the first one you find. Good Luck searching.

 

[Vexiis]

Thanks,
Thats nice to know about the EPROM ECU, I'll have to do some reading on it before I decide then.

As for the maintenance that is what I assumed, I found posts and comments that just made it seem as if every eclipse produced had major issues. I know I will be looking for a while to find a good GSX (they seem rare here in So Cal.)

Thanks again GSTinCO.

 

[BGGSTin]

Yes the bumpers/sideskirts/headlights are pretty much the only main "visual" difference between the 2ga and 2gb. There are however a few little techinical things such as where the CAS is located and for the most part only 95's came with an EPROM Ecu.
As for the problem question, they are no less reliable than any other car. You MUST do the maintainence work on it like you would any other car, perhaps more frequently than other cars due to this cars higher performance but thats about it. If something isnt maintained its going to have problems.
As for the crankwalk, is it a problem? yes, but is it a problem in every 2g 4g63, no. There's only a small percentage of our cars that suffer from this problem.
Join the club and buy one soon!

 

[Vexiis]

Oh beleive me I plan on joining the club.
I decided a couple years back to buy a honda civic brand new instead of the eclipse and honestly I have regreted it since.
Given I enjoyed modding the civic and had a blast with it, but it just isnt what I really wanted. so I will be getting a GSX as my new project car and daily driver.

Thank you for the feedback regarding the CAS too.

 

[ADrewzki]

Also not mentioned, the spoilers are different. I'd say get the newest one you can find in the best shape. The cas and EPROM you can always buy later when you've gotten to know the car.