Seriously, Answer me...

[KottonMouthTSI]

This might be a dumb quetsion, probably been asked alot. But I just wanna know

I just got my self a Talon TSI.

Do theses cars have alot of problems? Cause as i read and read, there just so many dam problems posted over and over, is it just cause people try to upgrade it.

If I got it, Got it all back to running good, only raced once an awhile.

Am i gunna run into all theses problems, like white smoke and all this different stuff. Do all of them have alot of problems?

 

[SBstar]

DSM's aren't known for their reliability, but they are extremely fun to modify because of their power potential. There are many common problems these cars face just stock (hey most have high mileage and most people don't correctly keep up with the necessary maintenance). If you go do all the standard maintenance and don't run it too hard I don't see why it wouldn't be a good daily commuter. Some common things to look for are (boost leaks, low compression, pcv valve replacement (I didn't know what one was until i owned this car), oil changes frequently, timing belt, balance shaft belt)

 

[weith1111]

I would honestly say the only thing that sucks about DSM's is the timing belt issue. (the crankwalk thing for 2g's blows as well, but is not THAT common). As long as you replace when necessary it will be fine, but a crappy belt, or putting it on aligned wrong, and boom there goes your valves at minimum.

Everything else on the car could happen and does happen to any other car. You hear some squeaking or rattling and don't look into it, then your axle breaks, not a big surprise. You do some crazy modifications without proper precaution and blow up your motor, duh!

It's all just maintenance, even the 10 and 11 second daily drivers are fine if taken care of properly. People always want to blame the car, but it's a machine that needs maintanence, for a reason.

In addition, I've been looking for a new car for the last 6 or 7 years, but nothing comes close without spending $50k. DSMs are just awesome vehicles.

My .02

 

[93anthracite]

seriously, these cars are getting to be 10+ years old now. Things are going to start breaking on them. As long as the car has been well maintained, and you continue this, then you won't face too many problems. I was also told that the timing belt changes are the most critical of all maintenance and that other issues are for drag racing (breaking differentials and such) and if you simply abuse the car. Same rules apply to DSMs that apply to other cars.

 

[Defiant]

Am i gunna run into all theses problems, like white smoke and all this different stuff.

Are you going to beat it like an ugly, red-headed stepchild? Or, like a Moderator will tear into your posts for using slang and no Spell Check?
Cars pretty much treat their owners the way they get treated. A bit more so when they're already a decade old.

 

[halligoo]

When I bought my 95 TSI, I really didn't know its history. For that reason, it was put up on blocks for about 3 months and rebuilt. Shocks, wheel bearings, transfer case seals, brakes, ball joints/control arms, bushings, seals, etc. Then new head, rings, crank bearings. Topped it off with all new belts including the best timing belt that I could find. About $2000 in parts and she is sweet.

I have been driving it every day for over a year and have never had a problem. My most recent addition was a power radio antenna. It looks better than the stock whip and chicks dig it.

Bottom line, it is a fun car but can generate pain if not maintained properly.

I had a guy with a 2003 Mustang wanting to trade even. Of course I have about a pint of blood under my hood from the knuckle scrapings so that is out of the question......

 

[ddavisaf]

Do theses cars have alot of problems? Cause as i read and read, there just so many dam problems posted over and over, is it just cause people try to upgrade it.

Keep in mind that these forums are used to help people fix their problems, so most of what you'll read will be about fixing problems.

There is also a ton of people out there that are not having any problems because they take good care of their car.

 

[dsmsucks]

My friend always says his car has lots of problems. He treats his car so good
1st gear 6,000rpm burn outs
EVERY stop light is the drag strip
He races EVERY honda that revs on him
The missed oil changes
The revs to 7500rpms
Then he wounders why he have some many problems on a car 14 years old
On the other hand my car has way more miles than his and I NEVER have a problem. I have fun but only alittle

 

[CCR17Darcy]

My 2g has over 150,000 on it. Some things have been replaced, but just normal wear and tear. The suspension was replaced, and the breaks (rotors pads and lines) are about to get upgraded.

The most expensive thing that could go wrong with my car was the transmision (it's a auto... i know, but it'll win at the drag against an equally modded Manual). That was a nice lil'rebuild charge.

I think the DSM mantra is simply put like this. ::If something breaks, it was time for an upgrade anyways::

Treat your car like your girl. If you slap her around and don't respect her, don't be surprised when she bites you in the arse.

Treat her nice, and she'll love you for ever!!!

Live by the maintenance schedule and regularly change your oil.

 

[Jason84]

dunno.. i always beat the living piss out of my dsms and don't really have to many serious problems... winter i blew out my powersteering pump... but that was from sitting at like 5-6k rpms constantly in the snow


7 bolt crankwalk problem is a slight issue... a lot of people don't get it but people think everybody does because of the few that have on the forums..

Ive seen a lot of 7 bolts with about 150k+ miles and no sign of crankwalk or anything.

but then again Ive seen a few with about 60-80k miles and got it. i guess its the luck in the draw

as long as you treat it right and take good care of it... the car will take good care of you

and do maintenance early... never let something slide because you don't think its that much of an issue. it'll help you in the long wrong. i usually go over my car once-2 times a week or before i go to the track or something like that... quick lookover of the 8 oil leaks see if any new ones started and see if they can be fixed and whatnot. little stuff like that always helps

 

[bhop]

Your car, like mine, is 10 years old now. You should expect to have some problems with it from time to time. Overall, my car has been fairly reliable. Although, it's had problems that i've had to repair over the 7 years that i've owned it, it's only left me stranded on the side of the road 2 times. Once for a broken slave cylinder, and once for overheating in the middle of the Nevada desert.

 

[dsm_illicious]

I have about 160K on my GS-T. I bought it with approximately 30K...2 1/2 years ago...I drive it like I stole it more than often. I've done the following repairs...pretty basic:

Clutch (after 120K on it) $400
Clutch master cylinder (leaking on inside of firewall) $70
Valve cover (When I bought it, it was cracked and oil all over the top..shady dealer) $100
Door handle (Drivers side-common issue) $50

I ran my ride with the factory turbo up to about 110K mi. with no problems...running a lot of boost.

I haven't even changed the timing belt (160K) and related components yet...scary to some, but everything is running well.

I know some may say I'm "lucky" but I take good care of my cars...treat them good.

Awesome car, inexpensive to purchase and to upgrade...

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

Well compared to what? I owned a Toyota Celica with 120K and the engine blew up on the way home from work, I was revving it kinda high, and some bolt came out and oil came out of it.

It's possible you may have tp put money into it, it's possible you won't.

In my experience, most cars end up being about equal once the get over 100K. (Depends on the pprevious owner alot, and also having a mechanic that new what they were doing AND CARED).

I mean yeah you see all these hondas and toyotas with lots of miles, still going, blah blah. But if you look at cars for sale, many of those have also had something major done to it, or will need done to it if they didn't already do it: Tranny, Engine, Clutch, etc.. I mean any car in the price range of a DSM.

It's a pretty good car for how old it is, and keeping in mind they are less expensive then the toyota and honda, where you are paying for a name.

Also, lots of parts available for these cars. Both used parts, new or performance.

Learn to do your own work is the best advice I can give you.

 

[bhop]

I haven't even changed the timing belt (160K) and related components yet...scary to some, but everything is running well.

I know some may say I'm "lucky" but I take good care of my cars...treat them good.

Whoa! I'm voting for lucky.. seriously, you're toying with your wallet by not changing that belt. It doesn't matter how well you treat the car.

My friend's T-belt broke and caused about 3g's worth of damage to his engine. (1G GST)

 

[oldman]

I haven't even changed the timing belt (160K) and related components yet...

but I take good care of my cars...treat them good.

WTF .. ...

edit: Someone else beat me to it.

 

[KottonMouthTSI]

and then this thread makes me happy again, I cant wait to own it. I hope for not to many problems, It sucks, im destined to have a problem already, since it comes with a problem. But i got a great deal.