To buy or not to buy?

[Chief-72]

Ok got a question, Ive been looking around on CL just seeing whats out there and Ive found a 96 Eclipse Spyder.
The guy is aking 500, bodys solid, a couple of small dents nothig major, interiors clean, one of the convertible top motors isnt working.
The big deal is the motor. He bought if off a guy who had put a used motor into it, new head etc. The guy went through and replaced the timing belt water pump etc, they fired it up, it ran but then shut off, now when they go to turn it over he said it seems really tight and that the battery and starter struggle to turn it over. He said his mechanic thinks the bearings might be to tight or some other such thing. He basically doesnt want to deal with it- hes a chevy guy and is tring to get rid of it.

Im thinking of picking it up since its so cheap but just not sure if its worth it or not, even if I have to replace the motor, it seems like Id come out allright in the long run, just looking for it as a 3rd vehicle to play with.

Anyways, Id like to hear some of your thoughts on the subject since Im new to DSMs, I still dont know all the little details.

Thanks.

 

[4CEDinduction]

unless you just want the shell and want to start from scratch it sounds like a disaster and a huge money pit to begin with... cheaper isn't always better... for a little more money I think you could find a better project car..it depends how much you want to sink into it

 

[j_biggz]

Hes right sounds like the bearings are done and take it from me its better to start with a running motor. They add up quick. I would pass

 

[ramsack]

It just depends what you want. If you want a long project and to learn and get intimate with details of these cars, and a car built around what you like, go for it. If you want a car tomorrow (not literally), forget it, you'll just have a mess.

 

[BrokenVR4]

Non running cars can turn into a giant project fast. I've had much better luck starting with a running car. It is hard to tell what else the car would need since you cannot drive it.

For the price, it sounds like a parts car or a long term project/restoration.

 

[KevinRandall]

Like it has been said if you want the shell then pick it up. But remember that if you buy a car whose motor doesn't start that you're gonna have some work in store for you.

 

[jcart953]

non running cars can turn into a giant project fast. I've had much better luck starting with a running car. It is hard to tell what else the car would need since you cannot drive it.

For the price, it sounds like a parts car or a long term project/restoration.

^^^+1

 

[Pwrtrip75]

See if you can manually turn it over with a wrench... if it does than maybe the battery is just bad? Ive seen batteries have dead cells in them... not wear down, but put out less voltage. If the starter turns it over, just struggling... Doubt its bearings. Do a voltage test on the battery when off, and also under load. Sometimes the most complicated problems have the simplest solutions. Usually projects like that (engine/head) people forget about the simple basic stuff.
If the starter turned it over at all.. and the engine is free.... i'd buy it. If the battery is good.. Do they have the engine grounded? Starter draws a lot of amperage.

 

[erikg]

i'm with brokenVR4, how do you know it wont need a clutch or the if it's a good tranny or lots of other things. Better to stay away from it unless you plan to overhaul the engine and are willing to replace anything else that will need to be done when you drive it and find out.

 

[Chief-72]

Thanks for the input everyone, I think Im going to pass on it, I dont really need a project car, while I do enjoy working and fixing on them, I just dont have the space or time right now. With living on post here at Ft Rucker, I cant have non running vehicles sitting around. They tend to frown on that. .