Resolved Should I Buy: 1997 Eclipse GS-T

[Bodine777]

Looking at this 97 GS-T on marketplace, guy is selling it for $2500.

Says it wont start due to a down fuel pump. But the engine has been rebuilt and has less than 500 miles on it. What are some things I should be on the lookout for? I've never dabbled into these cars before but have always been a fan.

The ad description: Motor has been rebuilt it has 15hrs of run time clutch has been swapped with a stiffer and I have all recipets I also have a shit ton of parts just incase it needs a rebuild down the line new fans it has a brand new 6g turbo new sensors a brand new AEM PERFORMANCE ECU just that alone is 2500 still in the box and it will need towed due to fuel pump went out and it's got brand new 800cc Aem performance injectors, hoses, new blow off valves and a ton more

Im just skeptical that it isn't just a fuel pump. I plan to look at it tmr, and I am taking a compression tester with me. Should I look out for anything else?

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[dwb]

That looks like one guy's "project" that was never completed. Why? Do you have the mechanical know-how to take on someone's unfinished project?

Why put ALL that into it only to stop because of a dead fuel pump? Seems like a convenient cop-out.

Only 500 miles on a rebuilt engine? That's right about when a poorly rebuilt engine would start to show signs of how poorly it was built. You really need to hear/see it run and it would be wise to cut open the oil filter and look for bearing material.

Timing belt looks sketchy. It appears to be damaged and is walking inward, which means they probably didn't use the correct components or something is installed wrong. If they can't install the timing components properly, what else wasn't done properly?

Is that rust on the left strut tower?

 

[Bodine777]

That looks like one guy's "project" that was never completed. Why? Do you have the mechanical know-how to take on someone's unfinished project?

Why put ALL that into it only to stop because of a dead fuel pump? Seems like a convenient cop-out.

Only 500 miles on a rebuilt engine? That's right about when a poorly rebuilt engine would start to show signs of how poorly it was built. You really need to hear/see it run and it would be wise to cut open the oil filter and look for bearing material.

Timing belt looks sketchy. It appears to be damaged and is walking inward, which means they probably didn't use the correct components or something is installed wrong. If they can't install the timing components properly, what else wasn't done properly?

Is that rust on the left strut tower?

Yeah it has some rust on the strut tower, said he needs to sell it to pay on his motorcycle he bought. I also think its a convenient cop-out, which is why I am getting other opinions.

I am decently versed in cars but as far as high mechanical knowledge I am not, but I have a mechanic who I've worked with and studied under to give it a good look over

What would you suggest?

 

[dwb]

Yeah it has some rust on the strut tower, said he needs to sell it to pay on his motorcycle he bought. I also think its a convenient cop-out, which is why I am getting other opinions.

I am decently versed in cars but as far as high mechanical knowledge I am not, but I have a mechanic who I've worked with and studied under to give it a good look over

What would you suggest?

I don't know much about strut tower rust but I know it's bad and should be avoided if possible. Lots of posts here if you want to do some research, or simply ask on a new thread.

Very few shops will touch a stock DSM, much less a heavily modified one. If they do, it's going to be expensive and/or questionable work. Is that who your mechanic is (a shop)? Also keep in mind a lot of DSM parts are discontinued/NLA and the used market is not getting any better.

I'm not trying to scare you away, and that car actually looks pretty clean, but the unknowns far outweigh the knowns at this point.

 

[19Eclipse90]

Older article but still relevant: DSM Used Car Buyer’s Guide

I tend to agree - why stop at a fuel pump? If that’s all it is, replace it and sell the car for nearly twice the current list price.

Give it a look and walk if it looks to be more than what you want to do.

 

[chrisman287]

I’d walk away from this one. You should be able to find one that’s closer to stock and running for a bit more money.

 

[miliman13]

If you want it; negotiate for it.

The “it needs a fuel pump” is the same as
“You won the lottery, just send us the taxes first”.

Meaning it’s the most prevalent made up term used to conceal other much more serious problems.

I find so many ads with this same made up

I found a spider recently, guy said it’s just a fuel pump , I said I have one I can install it in the car quickly and drive it on to trailer.

He backed out right away.
Do the same , see what the seller says.

 

[Bodine777]

Yeah thanks guys, I walked away, went to look at it and it just looks like a ton of work, clean car but I am WAY to afraid of that motor.

Appreciate the input