What do you guys think?

[BugJuice]

I am thinking about purchasing my first car. And eclipses really catch my attention. I would like to get a gsx but those are harder to come by and cost more. Especially since I like to go snowboarding and would like to go up to the mountains a lot during the approaching snow season. But you cant always get what you want and the next best thing is a gst. So i found this ad on craigslist for a 97 eclipse gst and wondering what you guys think.

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST

The car is stated as not running. I talked to the guy and he said all it needs is a new battery, alternator, and a tensioner pulley. How much would you think those would cost to fix? Also are they hard to repair? I would probably go to a mechanic for the alternator but I know nothing about the tensioner pulley.

Thanks.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I would bring a good battery with and see if it starts and runs at least. That way you would at least have an idea if the guy is telling you the truth about it. It looks like a a pretty nice GS-T though. I would talk him down some though. I would offer him $2500 if it does actually start and run well with a good battery.

 

[nuclearr]

Outrageous price for a non running GST. I bought my 96 Spyder GST with bad trans and running like crap for $300. I know things cost more in California but that is way too much.

But if you go look at it take a battery down there and start the car up and drive it around a little it will not go far but you can see if it only needs a battery and alternator. Alternators cost 150-200 + labor.

Tensioner pulley is probably for the a/c. If its the one for the timing belt I would bet the valves are bent.

 

[BugJuice]

I just talked to the guy. He said its the timing belt. The a/c isnt hooked up. What should I do?

 

[paultheninja]

3000 and its not running, not to good of a deal if you ask me. Just keep saving and wait for a gsx. Don't settle for something you don't want, you will be a lot happier in the end.

 

[AK Maniak]

stay away. If its the timing belt then I'd offer 1500 cash, if he doesn't take it then just walk away

 

[BugJuice]

How expensive is it to fix a timing belt?

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

How expensive is it to fix a timing belt?

A timing job is about $200 tops if you do it yourslef. It is the possible damage to the valvetrain and/or pistons that would be expensive and time consuming to fix. Knowing that, I honestly wouldnt offer more than $1500, and that is only if the body/interior are in really good shape.

 

[BugJuice]

The guy replied back.

"the only thing that happens due to it is the timing belt has a rattle around 1500 rpm.

 

[AK Maniak]

I wouldn't take his word for it

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I wouldn't either. Rattling can lead to skipping teeth, and that leads to serious engine problems.

 

[Koozer]

horrible deal for a non running car... sounds like a headache he just wants to give to someone else

 

[haha1969]

i'd offer him 500 buks as is. there is probably more things wrong with the car than the seller knows

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Did he take the offer?