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Trade 97 Talon ESi for a 92 Talon TSi AWD?

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DSM_Talon77

10+ Year Contributor
52
0
Dec 2, 2009
Pueblo/Parker, Colorado
Hey everyone. First time posting, I've been looking through threads, searching to find the answer myself. I have been stuck for about a week. Right now i have a 1997 Eagle Talon ESi and saw this ad for a 1992 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. I've talked with the guy for a week, he seems pretty interested in my Talon.

The 92 Talon has 25k miles on a rebuild, new 14b Turbo, new spark plugs and timing belt, aftermarket boost gauge, and powder coated rims. Interior is pretty nice for the age.

My Talon has 154xxx miles, AEM V2 Intake, DC Sport Headers, and a nice Pioneer stereo deck, new clutch and tires were put on in the summer.

I have been wanting a Turbo'd DSM for quite some time now, I can't seem to sell my Talon, I have been trying for 3 months so I could get a Turbo'd DSM. Is this my great opportunity to get one? I have wanted a 1G for the looks (imo i like the 1G Talon look) and the lighter body and the crank walk of the 2G.

Sound like a good deal? I think so, but I kinda have been on the edge. What do you guys think I should do?
 
How many miles are on the body of the TSi? Is it a straight up trade? Are there any known issues with the TSi? Also, post some pictures of the two cars so we can see the condition.

If the TSi is taken care of and done right I would make the trade in a heartbeat, but if it's a straight up trade just be cautious. Someone tends to get shafted in a straight up deal. There's always a reason for someone to want to get rid of a car that is seemingly better then the one he's trading for. In your case the cars are different enough that he may just want a newer looking car that is cheaper on insurance or something so it could be promising.
 
What should I look for while test driving it? Im not real car savvy but I want to be and working towards it.
 
It doesn't look too bad. Considering that yours is newer and his is an awd TSi, the value of each car is probably close. I personally like the look of the 2g's much better, but if you like the 1g look better then I don't see any reason not to make the trade. Just make sure you give it a thorough examination and test drive first.

What should I look for while test driving it? Im not real car savvy but I want to be and working towards it.

Bring someone who knows cars or better yet knows DSM's with you when you test drive it. As far as driving it, don't just baby it. Be a little hard on the car so you know it can take it. If it has any underlying issues they will be more apparent when the car is driven hard. While driving just pay attention for any problems that my arise and listen for any weird noises.
 
you always have to ask yourself why is he selling the car in the first place and then even more, why would he sell an awd turbo car for a esi hes not gaining anything in this trade but then again i wonder if he even knows what he has! hahahahaha id prob do it. so good luck
 
I would say definately go for it! 1g AWDs kick ass! :hellyeah:
 
Alright guys. Test drove it and it was great. Windshield has a crack in it. There's oil everywhere in the engine bay. Not sure if it's the oil return lines or what. Oil burns after driving, smokes coming out the hood. Probably from the oil leaking. Odd how it was rebuilt and still has the factory lines. What do you guys think. I said trade plus $200 on his end. Is it worth it?
 
I'd say get some engine degreaser spray it on it and clean it up a bit and find where the oil leak is coming from first.
 
You need to find out why it burns oil so quick and where it's coming from. It would be a poor trade on your part even if he gave you $200 on top of the deal. Having a reliable car and trading it for something that needs work when you don't know much about working on a dsm isn't a good idea.
 
Now he is offering $350 on his part. I know a bit about DSMs, just finding a place that could replace the oil lines and figuring everything out on a Sunday (tomorrow) would be a little difficult. I need to travel about 100 miles tomorrow so today is the last day to really do anything. I really want a Turbo DSM, just that I cant find the cash to do so. I cant seem to sell my Talon, like I said earlier I have been trying for quite some time now.
 
or you could always go back and look at it and drive it and as soon as your done open the hood and try to look where its coming from, my buddy bought a dsm with a huge puddle under the car when he got it and was just rotted hoses
 
or you could always go back and look at it and drive it and as soon as your done open the hood and try to look where its coming from, my buddy bought a dsm with a huge puddle under the car when he got it and was just rotted hoses

see thats what i think it is, but i dont think i am going to take my chances. im going to try and sell my car now and save up for a nice running TSi or GSX. Unles something just really says.. DO IT. which nothing really is now.
 
it could always be Neglected to maintain it might just be the oil pan gasket 15$ fix as long as the turbo is not blowing everywhere you have 350 for mods and maintance i would consider it! thats a clean car and just me so
 
The oil cold be a cracked valve cover or the oil fill cap gasket. Either one of those will cause oil to get everywhere. But overall, really dig at the reason why he is getting rid of it. My guess, he just doesn't want to spend any more money on it and want's one without problems.

Since you know of some problems and he knows that you know about them, ask him about any more problems he's having with the car. I would also try to get more money since the 92 has guarenteed problems and possible reliability issues.
 
i am going to think about stuff I would check.

check for oil pooling in the recessed area of the valve cover?
check the dip stick, does it blow out when driven and seen + mani press.?
does the dip stick have something holding it in? spring, tape, wire ect ect
how does the cluch feel?
is the transmission notchy, or does it grind at all?
check underneath the dash, is the master cylinder leaking into the car?
under acceleration do you feel any vibrations?
when taking off slow or fast do you hear any knocking noise from the rear or center of the car?
is it a stock exhaust manifold? if so its probably an easy fix
is there a gooey residu pouring out of the sensor on the back of your block?
when was the last time the car had a timing belt job done?
jack it up, can you grab the wheels and get movement out of the wheel bearings?

If I were you I would spend the 100 dollars and have it taken to a shop that inspects cars before purchase. since your not to car savvy this is a great investment for you.

they will do thinks like run a compression test and diagnostic
check the axels
fluid levels
brakes
ect ect


I would ask them about a leak down check as well and to check the turbo shaft play. While checking the turbo shaft play they will also notice if the turbo is puking oil into the intake track. I find it hard to believe somebody bought a new 14b but thats just me. :aha:

I am super critical of the dsm's I choose to buy, reason being is that most are mistreated.
 
Its not goin to be an expensive fix, as long as it has good oil pressure and it doesnt overheat or smoke like a civ out the exhaust its worth it. Sorry to say but esi talons kinda suck i mean they look good and all but u cant have much fun in a slow car!!!
 
I did notice that the dipstick was shotout when we opened the hood after driving it. Is that where the oil is coming from?

So you guys think it worth getting the car, find a shop open on Sunday and have them look and stuff? I need to drive this 100+ miles to my new home today.

If I can get a fast reply it would be great!


Thanks for all the help and replies everyone! I'm trying to learn about DSMs as this would be my third DSM if it goes thru.
 
i would go for it. but then again i can fix any stupid problems on my own, or big problems. LOL... it will be hard to come by a 1g that doesn't have problems... if it didn't have problems they wouldn't be selling it. go for it. he is willing to give you 350$ to put towards fixing it. try to figure out what area it is leaking from tho. i personally find a non turbo dsm as worthless... which may be why you can't sell you car also... but hey, to each his own right... hopefully you figure it out soon enough. good luck with yer decision man. remember we are all here to help ya fix yer problems too.


first step, take it to a car wash. have him steam clean the shyt outta the engine bay with the pressure washer while the engine is hot. on top, underneath, behind, on the side. LOL... get an idea of where that leak is... usually a butt load of oil smoke could be something really dumb. i would take a flashlight (even if its daytime) and find the smoking... i could overhaul a motor with all new hoses, lines, belts, gaskets, timing belt job, head gasket, vacuum lines, clamps, pcv valve, and all the maintenance for about 500$ but that is me doing all the work... but then again you would have a fully overhauled engine bay if you did that. and he is already giving you the 350$.. one very important thing to do is a compression test because if the motor is strong then cool beans. and if the turbo is good then another plus. then most likely it is a line, or gasket leaking somewhere...

check the awd components also... btw, it doesnt matter what dsm you buy... if you buy one you will NEED to overhaul it with about 500$ worth of parts for peace of mind anyways...
 
I would do this trade now, if there was a shop open in this POS small town. I do not trust it driving 40+ miles to a different city to have it looked at.

I love small towns... ARGH
 
do you have any friends that know anything about cars? is there not a member on here relatively close to you that would be willing to help? i have done that kinda stuff for dsm'ers and for tons of other cars. personally. now, why can you not get someone to tow it for you? do you know anybody with AAA or the 100 mile AAA towing? toss em like 50$ and have it towed when you pick it up instead of driving it... there are ways. LOL think of as many possible options as you can. anyone you know has a trailer n turck? anyone listing anything in your area for personal towing of cars? usual someone would do that for like 100$ if they did personal towing on the side... just trying to throw options out there. i know its a small town but there has to be ways... LOL even if you were to get a AAA membership yourself (need one with a dsm anyways) with the free 100 miles tows it would cost you like 100$ or something like that for the year. and you get like 3 or 5 100 mile tows with it. and just use one then... LOL

WORK ThE SYSTEM =)
 
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