Should I buy this Eclipse???

[sbbrown333]

I just sold my BMW 328i yesterday and I found this Eclipse on CraigsList. Went and checked it out yesterday and from what I could tell everything seemed fine. The check engine light was on and so I test drove it to Advance Auto Parts to get the code read. I don't remember the exact number but both the seller and the guy working there agreed that it was from the K&N intake sucking up too much air or something like that with the turbo and that it was nothing to worry about. Other than that my only other concern is the convertible top. It is definitely brand new as the ad says but I'm wondering about leakage. The car has no mildew smell or anything and under the floor mats looks fine. I think I'm just worrying too much because I'm about to get married and I don't wanna waste money on a car that I don't know much about at all. I'm hoping to meet back up with the guy today and test drive it one more time and possibly buy it. I'm just looking for any advice you guys can give me on what to look for and things like that. Any help would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T (Convertible/Turbo)

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

I would do it it's a pretty good deal

 

[TrystanGST]

I'd get a Carfax report, and if all is clear there it looks to be an excellent deal.
Those Spyders are awesome cars.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Look for rust on strut towers, underneath and body,how's the tires look, does the car smoke, how many miles, look for wet oil spots on motor and check to see if anything leaked on the ground

 

[sbbrown333]

Look for rust on strut towers, underneath and body,how's the tires look, does the car smoke, how many miles, look for wet oil spots on motor and check to see if anything leaked on the ground

No rust or leaks that I've seen or smoke. It will need two new tires in the front soon and he told me that but the back two are practically brand new.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

That's rediculous to think that it sets a code for the K&N sucking too much air.

 

[TrystanGST]

Considering it's a FWD, why would you put two new tires in back and leave the front ones worn?

I suppose, if you do buy it, you could just put the new rubber up front.

 

[dawid4444]

That's rediculous to think that it sets a code for the K&N sucking too much air.

thats not true
thats bulshie.........

 

[sbbrown333]

That's rediculous to think that it sets a code for the K&N sucking too much air.

Also said it had something to do with the blow off valve recirculating the air back into somewhere...idk.

 

[jeyventura]

Does it has anything done to it ??
i think it looks pretty but 4k seems i little too much for me

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Well the bald tires up front could indicate a lot of burnouts and racing...Is it a kid your buying it from or an adult....Is it possible he maybe beat on the car alot....If you get the chance Jack it up check the wheel bearings too and the boots... You could rack up quite a bill fixing the front end/suspension(tie rods, wheel bearings, shocks, struts, allignment)...personally if it was me I'd get an all wheel drive it's totally worth it unless you were lookin for a convertible

 

[Achelea]

The "K&N sucking too much air" sounds fishy. I don' think these guys know what they are talking about. The K&N is not the culprit for a lean condition.
Questions:
1.) Ask them if it's a factory turbo, or aftermarket. If it's either, ask which one.
2.) Is it recirculated back into the system.
3.) Can you take more pictures?

Reason I ask
1.) if they just put a turbo on a NA motor, the ECU, injectors, and engine may not be properly set up. Or if it is factory, and they put a larger turbo on, it might be pushing too much air and needing injectors. Another possibility is there are a ton of exhaust or boost leaks on the car and it's not reading properly.
2.) If it's a factory turbo, but the recirculation hose isn't attatched, it could be running rich when you let off the gas, because these car's ECU are calculated for the air recirculated back into the system.
3.) IF we have pics, we can look through at it and help you out.

 

[Darrell J]

If it hasn't been beat on (too much anyway) I think is a good deal.. I would get a AWD but I have been told they are some nice cars. If properly taken care of..(as with all DSM)

 

[Shadow21]

God.. That is an ugly color combination............... And way too pricey for me. Hell if you look around some more im sure you can find a decently built 2g for around that price.

come to charleston.. This 2g is REALLY NICE! 99 eclipse

 

[KKneipper]

I would pass on it. 4400 is a lot of money to pay for a car that the current owner knows nothing about. It's pretty obvious he's a dumb ass when he says the air filter is sucking in too much air, and the BOV being recirculated are the reasons the CEL is on.

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but here in Colorado, I can find AWD for 3500 with lower miles. Keep looking, and don't get discouraged.

 

[sbbrown333]

Idk what to do really. I can't find any other cars anywhere that I like as much as this one in my price range. It seems like a good car but the whole check engine thing is scaring me. He did mention that the previous owner upgraded the turbo to a larger one.

 

[sunny720706]

99 "Eclipse Spyder 2.4L Auto Transmission is a crap.

think about it


thanks

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[BIRDCLAWTSi]

I agree with the other fellas on the k&n filter thing being fishy. More pics would be helpful, As would the actual code, What the hell is this???->"Aftermarket items include: side mounted air mixture " Intercooler??? It looks good and if you like it , Get it. You most likely will end up spending quite a bit of money on it at some point.

 

[cookmeup272]

4500 isnt a bad price if everything checks out. I mean if it was me I would offer him 4k and take it off his hands. I miss my old 98 GST Spyder.