New to the "DSM"scene

[Robdizz]

Well as the title says above, I am new to the DSM scene! I just got done buying my first Eclipse. Its a 99 GS 5spd. The odo is reading around 98k. There are a few issues that will need to be addressed; such as the passenger side handle doesnt work, and I think the fuel gauge is inop... but Im not positive. We will see when I fill up the tank for the first time.

My main reasoning for purchasing this particular vehicle was because of many factors. 1.) I wanted something somewhat reliable. I have a few experiences with American made cars (GM, FORD, DODGE, ETC) and have always seen the imports as a more reliable vehicle in the long run. 2.) Just because I have more trust in the foreign made vehicles did not mean that I was going to settle for a Kia or Hyundai!! 3.) With todays economy and gas prices; I wanted something that wasnt going to cost a fortune to keep the gas needle pointed towards the f instead of the e. 4.) Hondas seem to be far and few between around here and with my current financial situation I came across said vehicle on a fairly good deal. So it worked out for me. 5.) Last but not least, I wanted something stylish as well as 5spd...

I haved owned a couple hondas in my life (91 CRX SI, 95 Civic DX) and I was fairly satisfied with them. They are simple, cost effective and the aftermarket support is astounding. I have never been into ricing my vehicles out and in fact, most of my vehicles have been geared more towards off road abuse, so for me to jump back into the speedy 4banger scene again, is a lil awkward. I really dont see myself ever dropping a turbo in my ride, No body kits, I can care less about adding Sparco seats with matching 5 point harnesses, etc.

I want to build my car to be absolutely reliable! I know that I will add mods that will definitely benefit me in the long run (angeleye projector headlights, to see better at night, white face gauges...I had them before and I love the clarity) and maybe an exhaust and intake. I would rather drop the money in "preventative maintenance" so that I can further enjoy my vehicle and I can have the confidence in being able to go places and not have to worry about it breaking down.

So, anyway... I wanted to extend a hello to the community and hope to be able to get some good info from you guys!

-Rob

 

[kp116]

Congrats on the car. Just as a fyi your car has the 420a engine which comes in a lot of neons I'm pretty sure. I don't think mitsu had any part with designing that engine, I could be wrong though.

 

[Robdizz]

hmm interesting, my ex wife had a dodge neon 2000 thats she completely trashed. We bought it with 23000 miles on it and she traded it in for a chrysler 300m, all the while she was talking trash on Dodge and their cars...hahhaha go figure!!!

 

[mainerdsm]

Another thing to is these cars are not import's. They were designed in america and made in america. Specially your car since it's a n/t which means it has the 420a same engine as most neon's. Now the turboed dsm's like my car. They have a mitsubishi motor, The 4g63 same motor's used in the evo's. Even tho i think it's from the Evo 5 and up used the 4g63 they had a different design but still the same block if I'm correct. But Any way's trust me you'll be wanting a turboed dsm in no time haha. I used to drive a 240sx and was alway's saying Im never gonna drop the ca18det or rb20 like i wanted to i dont need a turbo...... If i could I would slap myself for saying I never need a turbo.

 

[400hp93talon]

Well from what I know the 420a is a very reliable motor....I've seen a alot of balance shaft issues with them but thats about it! Welcome to the community dude...If you ever have a question, you first need to research it and If you cant find the answer then post a thread about the topic!! That will help keep people off your back!!

 

[chinola69]

welcom to the dsm family

 

[GSTOMPN]

Welcome aboard. Key rule -Maintenance before Mods. (Seems like your on the right track)

 

[DSMDriver69]

Welcome to the family enjoy the ups and downs of owning a DSM

 

[Metalpunk68]

The 420a's are very reliable personally i have the 4g63 but my mom has the 420a with llike 230k miles on it and its still running great

 

[cory matthews]

The 2g nonturbo dsms are good cars in my opinion, although its a stretch to consider them dsms. I always loved the interior on mine after I found leather and all the other factory amenities I was missing out on from a local tsi being parted. And having the GS over the RS is great because you have a factory rear sway bar, rear disk brakes, split folding rear seat, power options, and probably a sunroof, so it should be comfortable.

Like other's have said you're car is totally domestic since it was not only built here, but it has a Chrysler engine. The big problem with those engines are that they leak from the headgasket, and its a chronic problem unless you make sure to get the surfaces flat and run an mls gasket. You definitely sound like a smart owner so replace everything else as well such as the water pump and timing components. Before the HG went on my old '96 NT, it was getting 30mpg with 180k on it, although it was probably burning more oil than fuel!