Next Car Choice Question

[chrisscgsx]

Hey Guys,

I'd like to get some opinions on which car I should get next. I currently drive a 90' benz which is a PITA in terms of repair cost. I've been contemplating whether or not I should get into DSMs; I don't have alot of money as I am still in college. Ive been researching DSMs for a few years now and I'm really into them and appreciate how great the community is. My two choices are a 1G GSX and a Sc300. I want something interesting and fun that i'll be motivated to maintain. I'll most likely use it as a light daily driver holding off on the mods until further down the road. I love the feel of the 1G with its power, handling, and styling. I'm just concerned as people always ward others off about using a DSM as a daily. I found a really nice stock rust free 90' Talon Tsi with 130k. I know the key is maintenance maintenance, maintenance; I just don't want to break mega bank. What should I do?

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Change the timing belt immediately if you get the 90. It should be done at the 60,000 mile mark but never gets done and then they break and the DSM gets a bad name because of neglect.
If you are enthusiastic and motivated to keep a car running, then a DSM is the right choice as they do require you to know your car pretty well to keep them going. It is always the guy before you that has neglected everything and then you get stuck fixing it, that is where the maintenance comes in with belts, hoses, fluid changes, tune up etc until you get all the basics performed and also why DSM's get a bad rap.
Good luck. If you are NOT a mechanic, you will be by the time you get done and you will probably know your car better than your local "mechanic".

 

[Boomdeeze]

If you have the motivation to upkeep the car, don't shy away from the 90 GSX. These cars are awesome when maintained and a lot of fun when you begin to mod. Any car will break down if not maintained but a DSM is above average on importance of maintenance.

 

[Nathan1993]

I'm in collage and my 93 tsi awd never gave me any issues. I'm looking at getting a 91 awd this weekend too. They may get a bad reputation but it all depends on the previous owner and how they treated it.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Nice input and support from a fellow college student!
Keep the DSM's alive.

 

[chrisscgsx]

I definitely have the motivation to maintain the car properly; I'm all for keeping 1+ more on the road. I also like DSMs because they are different and to me represent the underdog. From each of your perspectives, how is the 1G parts market looking these days? Is it a sustainable buy?

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I own 5
2+ are parts cars, all 1g's
I can buy a whole car for 300 buks so I did a few weeks ago. Lol

 

[Turbo2g]

I think everyone is right about maintenance. They require a lot it seems. But its a good tinker toy for someone who is mechanically inclined. There's something about DSMs that are unlike all other cars. Ive always liked the looks and the way they feel. It would keep you entertained for a good long while. There's bound to be a lot of things that need attention. I recently got into my first turbo 2g. Have had 2 1g lasers and two 3g eclipses. I waited too long to finally get one, whole different animal. And I always have my eye out for a good deal on a 94-99 3000gt vr4. That's my ideal DSM. Im all about the boost now . I say get the TSI and dig in!

 

[chrysler kid]

The sc300 is almost a worse car for maintenance. The interiors and electrcal systems are usually always garbage and im not sure you would have any emotional value to the car. Slow, electrical problems

 

[4gsx63]

I would find something more reliable so that you don’t have to mess with it all the time. Invest your time and resources on school and get out ASAP.

 

[chrisscgsx]

Hmmm while I do agree with 4gsx63, I keep on having the urge to get a DSM now rather than later. If it isn't going to be the 1G I guess ill go for the Sc.

 

[Nathan1993]

Just talking to the previous owners of both cars will tell you a lot about what you would be getting into. If it seems they want the car gone there is always a reason. If it is that close between the two I would take that into consideration.

 

[Vegas Smith]

Unless you want to replace a clutch or transmission the day before a big exam, I would go with a more reliable car. Once you get out of school then you can indulge yourself. I sold my last dsm before I went off to college and I never regretted it. 10 years later and I'm back.

 

[Brembo]

I sold my 2g. 10 years ago. Bought new Evo ix. Still regret that I sold my 2g. Bought a 90. Had to do some maintenance. Bought for 3500 spend about 2500 so far. Has been really runnin for past 3 1/2 years. Been driving it more then the Evo. Pretty much dd it. All I can say is this. Finish school. Buy something more newer. These cars are hard to find in good running order and you will waste a lot of money in process. Buy an Evo. Love that thing but need a dsm for fun. So my opinion don't buy a Lexus even though I think it's a good car. Finance 3 year old accord. With about 4K down your payment should be in mid 200. 30 dollars to fill it up and you will drive for a month on it. Then buy an Evo when you finish college.

 

[alexbam30]

I to had to part with my built fat after night school. I've missed her very much so. But I'm finally all grown up and in the market for 2g gsx. To go along with the new job.

Ant one know of some one selling would be much appreciated.

 

[motomattx]

You could have to replace the clutch or transmission the day before a big exam on any manual or automatic car out there, that has nothing to do with the Eclipse or Talon brand, thats any car and for that matter the clutch and transmission in these cars are very stout, as are the engines, fuel system etc. If you beat on a car its going to need maintenance PERIOD.

 

[chrisscgsx]

Thanks for all the kind advice everybody. I guess i'll hold off on the DSM till later. As far as getting a honda goes... no way, I'd get a crown vic before an accord.