1G Need help, looking to get my first DSM

[daniel91talon]

I'm looking to finnaly get a DSM. I've researched a lot on the basics of these cars as I am not a master mechanic but hope to be one day. I am looking to buy a 91 talon (138k miles) not turbo for $1000. I'm only 20 and do not have a good job and a lot of personal stuff going on so I can barely afford the car but was wondering if the cars worth buying and if there were things tthat were possible to increase power and umpf on a very strict budget.

This will also be my first car as I don't even take my licenses test until Auguest

 

[92AWDHX40]

depends learn to fix it like any other old car.

 

[19Eclipse90]

1G Non-Turbo N/T Horsepower Upgrades

 

[secretagentstv]

I would have to say that unless you are mechanically inclined or want to learn to be it probably isn't a great choice. If you want to learn these cars aren't bad to cut your teeth on. Keep in mind that on top of having to buy tools and having a workspace large enough too fix everything. Any car that costs $1000 probably need that much in maintenance. Try to save more and buy something more reliable. Not that it can't be a reliable car its just high mileage and 25 years old.

 

[Mighty 4g63]

Try and look for unmolested cars as well

 

[daniel91talon]

I would have to say that unless you are mechanically inclined or want to learn to be it probably isn't a great choice. If you want to learn these cars aren't bad to cut your teeth on. Keep in mind that on top of having to buy tools and having a workspace large enough too fix everything. Any car that costs $1000 probably need that much in maintenance. Try to save more and buy something more reliable. Not that it can't be a reliable car its just high mileage and 25 years old.

Thanks.
But I am looking to get one that over time I can make nice. As well a DSM "to me" is a lambo to other people. Growing up this was my dream car. Soon as that's sad I'd rather have one I can fix up myself and bond with.

 

[daniel91talon]

Try and look for unmolested cars as well

What's unmolested?

 

[secretagentstv]

What's unmolested?

Unmodified. Nothing ghetto rigged or damaged.
If it has rust in the wheel wells its junk. Good luck.

 

[Mighty 4g63]

Unmodified. Nothing ghetto rigged or damaged.
If it has rust in the wheel wells its junk. Good luck.

Unmolested or unabused not race ready or track ready car.

Or not raced or ownes by

Unmodified. Nothing ghetto rigged or damaged.
If it has rust in the wheel wells its junk. Good luck.

 

[daniel91talon]

Unmolested or unabused not race ready or track ready car.

Or not raced or ownes by

It's in good condition. Completely rust free.just has paint fading. I'm going to look at it this weekend. Any tips on what to look for?

 

[Mighty 4g63]

1St are you a car savvy person if not you'll need someone with you who is or another dsm person. Check under thw hood if it doesnt look factory/stock/Oem ask questions. The only dumb question is an unasked question.

 

[daniel91talon]

1St are you a car savvy person if not you'll need someone with you who is or another dsm person. Check under thw hood if it doesnt look factory/stock/Oem ask questions. The only dumb question is an unasked question.

Okay. And imma have to go with a no on the car savvy seeing how I don't know what that is. Lol. But I know a lot about american cars such as mustangs and camaros. Just not as much about imports due to my whole family restoring them and everything with older cars. So Iknow the most tb last changed oil ppump all the usual. Just don't know if there's anything specific about dsms

 

[Mighty 4g63]

Im the same way i grew up on 350 smallblocks ls motors. But all still applies its just a turbo import car. Make sure you at least test drive the car at least 5 to 10 miles before making a decision. Also after starting car let it sit at idle for 5 to 10 minutes and just listen to thw car for ticks clicking tapping metal grinding engine knocks etc.

 

[daniel91talon]

Sure will. Thanks

 

[Mighty 4g63]

No problem post pics of the car if you can

 

[daniel91talon]

It keeps saying I don't have an extension.

 

[John Myers]

Honestly, I'd pass if you are just looking for a reliable daily. There are some better options out there.
If you really want a talon, you don't want a non-turbo, don't lie to yourself.

But if you really are set on this one:
Pull the dipstick out, check the color of the oil
Look around the engine bay, make sure there aren't some gushing oil leaks, worn timing belt (make sure the timing marks line up on the cam gears), leaky radiator, etc.
Pull the rear carpet up and make sure the spare tire well isn't rusted out
Start the car and watch the idle to make sure it doesn't jump around too much.
Let it get up to operating temp while sitting there and watch the bay, then get in the car, make sure it isn't overheating and take it for a test drive.
Listen for clunky or grinding suspension/transmission parts, make sure the gears shift smoothly, brakes don't squeal or grind.
While driving give it a little throttle and make sure it's got some pep left in it and you will be able to pass on the highway ()
When you get back after driving it shut it off, let it sit for 5 min and see if it starts again.
If it runs and drives and looks like it would get you from A to B for a good six months to a year then hey it's probably worth the $800 bucks you can talk them down to. If you have to put $400 into maintenance before it's a reiable daily then keep saving because you can find a very reliable car for under 3k.

 

[daniel91talon]

How would I know about the timing? It has the cover on the timing belt. What do I do I look for once I take that off?

 

[John Myers]

Well, depending on how thorough you want to get, it should be a couple small bolts to get the cover off, I'd at least do that and just inspect the timing belt to make sure it isn't about ready to break. Then you could make sure hte #1 piston is at TDC and make sure the timing marks on each cam gear are lining up.

 

[daniel91talon]

Okay thanks but I've got no idea on what your talking about. But I'm definitely going to check everything else.

 

[secretagentstv]

This is the car right? It looks great. It should be on its 3rd timing belt by now. If not I would not purchase it.

 

[daniel91talon]

This is the car right? It looks great. It should be on its 3rd timing belt by now. If not I would not purchase it.

Um yes it is. Weird how you found that

 

[Mighty 4g63]

Um yes it is. Weird how you found that

Pretty cool do you two live in the same area

 

[daniel91talon]

Yeah. He lives about 30 mins from me. I live in southern maryland.

 

[Mighty 4g63]

O ok not a bad deal for you then