Total noob

[No_Skillz]

I am looking into buying a '99 GST in a few days. Since it is used, I was wondering if there were any things that I should look into since I've never owned a mitsubishi before, and I'd like to make sure that I buy a good car. The rundown so far is as follows:

99 Eclipse GST
56,000 Miles
5spd

-----There are some aftermarket modifications including:
Cold air Intake
Exhaust
Blow off valve
thort throw transmission kit
custom rims (I think 17")
---I don't know the manufacturer of any of the mods----

-----There are also some problems of which I already know of in the car, including:

The car is lowered with original springs which were cut, which allow the the tires to rub against the wheel wells when hitting bumps or accelerationg too fast

The brakes and rotors need to be changed

The center console has been stripped of a stereo due to the previous owner taking out his system. One thing I'm concerned about is the wiring behind it. (since the cigarrete lighter plug is gone too)

There is a baseball-sized dent on the roof, not sure if there is rust in there since I've only seen the car at night.
-------------------------------------------

Because of these problems, I'm getting the car for a decent price, but I just wanted some input on some other things I might want to pay attention to for my final look at the car. You guys seem to know what your talking about. If I get this car, I'll be visiting these forums alot.

Sorry about the long post, any help would be great.

 

[4zdinduction]

Sounds like the car is pretty ghetto. Do you know the previous owner? If he is cutting springs to lower the car, than chances are that other stuff isnt done right either. Do a compression test, get a carfax report, check out the suspension...I bet there is more damage down there than you think. Make sure the transmission shifts good. Im sure other people will offer there advice also.

Also, if there hasnt been a timing belt job yet. It is due for one, and isnt something you can put off.

 

[Phat95Talon]

Make sure its a really good deal. Your deffinitly going to have to fix the suspension which won't be cheap.

 

[sjwelna]

Basically what every one else has said already, but you will want to go over that car with a fine tooth comb. Chances are good thought that if he merely cut the stock springs that he botched the other installs as well. Make note of every little thing wrong with the car and use it to drive down the price on it. If there are a lot of things (minor or major) wrong with it, i would just walk. Just my .02

-Steve

 

[No_Skillz]

Thanks for the help and reply, guys. I've settled a deal with the dealership for 8,750. What do you guys think? Hope its a good deal cause I've already agreed on it heh.

 

[UPGRADED2G]

Thanks for the help and reply, guys. I've settled a deal with the dealership for 8,750. What do you guys think? Hope its a good deal cause I've already agreed on it heh.

good mileage, however, maybe im the only poor one here.....but i paid 4500 for my 97 GST (119,000 miles)which came with almost all supporting mods already done and suspension(see profile)....no problems whatsoever. Not saying that your car is not worth it, i just think that there may be better deals out there. If you already bought it then disregard this reply.have fun modding it.

 

[Zeppelin]

8,750 is really steep for having no stereo, body damage, and botched suspension. I would pay that much for a GSX with that mileage and no problems.

With that being said, I'll sell you my '97 TSI AWD for 8,500

 

[No_Skillz]

Meh!

Well anyway, since kelly blue book says retail value on the car is about $11,000, I figured the price was ok since brake work and suspension work will cost me about a grand, totalling less than $10,000. The dent on the roof is very small so I can probably live with that until I start working in the summer again and then I'll have some money to work with. Either way, I HAVE A CAR NOW, WHOO HOO!! I havent driven a stick since back in january when I messed up my civic. And as my friend and fellow GST owner put it... "upgrading from a civic to a GST... damn, you're gonna speed a lot."