Need some advice on getting my first DSM!

[shadimahfouz]

Hey everyone! So today I sold my truck and I now have the money to look for and purchase my very first DSM. I checked out a 1998 Eclipse GST today, but it had a few problems, I'm not sure whether they were serious or not. It has 100k miles, so that isn't too bad, but let me list the issues I found:
1. When the car turns on, there's a type of squealing coming from the timing belt or serpentine belt area. He said he replaced them both, but never replaced the tensioners, could that be the culprit?
2. The car will not engage into first gear. Owner says it's the shifter cable, because everything else works just fine; downshifts and everything. Could the shifter cable be the issue or would it be a synchroniser?
3. Now for the scariest issue; While driving it, it drove very smoothly. However, once I put my foot down and got the turbo to spool up and then took my foot off the gas, I noticed that a cloud of smoke would come out of the exhaust, which smelled like burnt oil. Could this be a turbo seal issue?
How much would it cost to repair these issues? I offered him $2700 for it, and he said he'll consider it, is it worth it?

 

[swiftdeathtsi1]

The squealing could just be a loose belt. Tensioners tend to make more of a chatter or hum. As for the trans usually if its linkage 3rd gear wont work either. As for the smoke sounds like turbo seals are bad. It can be rebuilt fairly cheap and easy but if its the stock turbo you would be better off upgrading to a 14b. The price is between you two it does need work...

 

[nv14fw09]

Hey everyone! So today I sold my truck and I now have the money to look for and purchase my very first DSM. I checked out a 1998 Eclipse GST today, but it had a few problems, I'm not sure whether they were serious or not. It has 100k miles, so that isn't too bad, but let me list the issues I found:
1. When the car turns on, there's a type of squealing coming from the timing belt or serpentine belt area. He said he replaced them both, but never replaced the tensioners, could that be the culprit?
2. The car will not engage into first gear. Owner says it's the shifter cable, because everything else works just fine; downshifts and everything. Could the shifter cable be the issue or would it be a synchroniser?
3. Now for the scariest issue; While driving it, it drove very smoothly. However, once I put my foot down and got the turbo to spool up and then took my foot off the gas, I noticed that a cloud of smoke would come out of the exhaust, which smelled like burnt oil. Could this be a turbo seal issue?
How much would it cost to repair these issues? I offered him $2700 for it, and he said he'll consider it, is it worth it?

Personally, I say NO! Keep looking around and you'll find the perfect one for yourself! As far as those problems if you were to get the car, 1. The belts could possibly just need to be tightened? 2. Is the car at a complete stop when you try to put it into first gear? 3. What color was the smoke?

 

[hotrodssnova]

The squealing is more then likely the alt belt. It has no idler pulley. Probably a cold belt and needs to heat up. Puff of smoke when you let off the throttle, probably valve seals. When you let off the throttle quickly, there is a moment of great vacum in the cylinders, and it will suck in oil from the valve stems passed the seals. I run an auto, so someone else can chime in on first gear.

 

[shadimahfouz]

The smoke was like a gray-ish, and smelled of burning oil, and yes the car was at a complete stop, but we just couldn't get it to start in first, we had to start it in second. Besides first though, everything else worked just fine.
Oh and the puff of smoke only happened when I let off the throttle after spooling up the turbo, so around 6000rpm or so. There was no smoke whatsoever coming from the exhaust while driving under 4000rpm.

 

[jofe4]

I say let that one go there are plenty of turbo FWD DSMs out there that are in much beter shape.

 

[Pipnorcali]

Tell him 500 for it

 

[CLeMMeR]

NOT worth it(IMO), don't step into someone's project. 2700$ is way to much for the problems you are saying. Keep looking, patience always pays off

 

[9D5SM4]

price seems to be a little up there with those issues and whatever else you may find. id say look for another close enough to stock. or atleast with no oil / tranny issues good luck with your hunt

 

[alex209]

Find another dsm theres plenty out there

 

[GSLENK]

consider that a tranny is gonna cost you 500 used (in questionable condition) and probably over$2000 in the new/rebuilt condition. then if valves or turbo are going, thats a lot of labor and potentially parts. and if he doesn't know why his belts are squeaking, then I doubt he knows anything about a timing belt and if it was done it was probably a basic job and didn't touch anything except the belt only... so another $400+ to do it right.

Honestly your looking at potentially/easily $3000+ in maintenance alone, not to mention anything else he has forgotten to mention.

Id go with the $500 guy or run... another will come around. There are plenty of 2g out there.

 

[reyg]

Do you know what DSM stands for. Down Several Months... J/k but I'm sure a lot of people can agree that DSM's can get to be quite expensive and can happen very fast if not taken care of properly. However these cars are very fun and are respected in almost any scene.

 

[mickey]

Hey everyone! So today I sold my truck and I now have the money to look for and purchase my very first DSM. I checked out a 1998 Eclipse GST today, but it had a few problems, I'm not sure whether they were serious or not. It has 100k miles, so that isn't too bad, but let me list the issues I found:
1. When the car turns on, there's a type of squealing coming from the timing belt or serpentine belt area. He said he replaced them both, but never replaced the tensioners, could that be the culprit?
2. The car will not engage into first gear. Owner says it's the shifter cable, because everything else works just fine; downshifts and everything. Could the shifter cable be the issue or would it be a synchroniser?
3. Now for the scariest issue; While driving it, it drove very smoothly. However, once I put my foot down and got the turbo to spool up and then took my foot off the gas, I noticed that a cloud of smoke would come out of the exhaust, which smelled like burnt oil. Could this be a turbo seal issue?
How much would it cost to repair these issues? I offered him $2700 for it, and he said he'll consider it, is it worth it?

i would say no dont buy it. The owner may tell you what the problem but there will always find more problem when you find out on our own. It may not be serious problem but who know. I Know it GST and it the best car but dont buy it. you can find perfect condition or minor dsm for $2,700