What is this car worth / Is this car a good deal?

[Devilsfutbol17]

I found a 1996 Spyder GST for $4900. It is a 5-speed, 91,000 miles on it, white with black top, 17 inch rims. There is 80% tread left on the tires but the guy has a brand new never used set of tires for the car that is included in the price. He says the top doesn't leak, but it had a rip and was repaired, but he didn't like it, so he bought a brand new oem top that isn't installed and is included with the car. He says the interior is really nice, everything inside works, but you have to help the top up a little bit. He doesn't know if the timing belt has been replaced or not. It has a 3 inch cat back exhaust, 16G turbo, apexi intake and a greddy bov. He says it runs great and has no issues. He says he just wants to get rid of it because he doesn't drive it and its taking up space in his garage, which sounds good to me because he kept it garaged at least. he also said that the paint is good on it, no clear coat coming off, no body damage or dents. I'm going to check for crankwalk be looking at the clutch pedal when I turn left. I have been talking to the guy over the phone and I'm suppose to go drive for 4 hours to go and buy it if it checks out on Thursday. Does it sound good? Should I ask him or check for other things on it?

 

[dsm144]

Hey guys I sold my gst a while back and ive been looking for a gsx. I just wanted something to build my way really and I finally found one on craigslist and I wanted to see what you guys thought. Its a 98 that looks awful on the outside paint wise but the interior is mint black and tan leather. The guy bought it from a transmission shop so it has a brand new tranny but the bad is that the motor is pulled out. He has the 7 bolt with a rebuilt head and an extra head but the bottom end is basically pulled completely apart. He also has a 6 bolt pulled from a wrecked talon that supposedly runs. He also has some other things like an exhaust and stuff but basically I want to see what you guys think. He said he would let me have it for 2500. The shell only has 76000 miles on it. Should I get it and take a chance on the motor?

 

[pauleyman]

I've bought running good looking cars for that price.

 

[Jaxness]

Without the motor in it, you really have no proof how well it would run put back together. Especially if you don't know who "rebuilt" it. Maybe if the shell/paint was in better condition, I could see paying $2500.

I'd offer $1500 if he included all the parts.

 

[buhay6]

DSM 1992 Talon TSI (AWD) 1,500 firm

It comes with everything listed and a turbo timer, a hks vpc, boost gauge, fuel pressure gauge, and egt gauge all installed. He also has about 2000$ in receipts from tuning and everything. I know exactly why its running bad so thats not any concern. Just needs a new head liners because it is moldy from a small leak in the sunroof. What do you guys think? I'm scheduled to go pick it up next weekend!

Dude, you got a steal! that's my dream 1g, even when I get my black awd 1g done I'd trade any day for a stock awd one that color.

I'd offer $1500 if he included all the parts.

^^ what she said.

 

[t-stark1]

Im lookig to pick up this cr from a local guy. all the details are i the craigslist ad attached. The guy says it needs the balance shaft belt replaced or deleated. I ### to know what you guys think about the price and car. I was also wondering how bad the broken balance shaft belt can be. Im k]going into this thing bld as far as DSM's go Ive owned a 06 cobalt ss supercharged that I modded pretty extecivly ad a 2008 pontiac G8 GT most recetly. ive always wanted an AWD TSI and now that ive sold my G8 id like to jump on this one as it looks like a pretty nice example.

1995 Eagle Talon Tsi 477hp

Thanks guys I appreciate it

 

[dexterholland04]

Although it looks like it's in real good condition, I definitely wouldn't pay $5500 for it. It doesn't run, hasn't run in years. If the balance shaft took out the timing belt, then the head should be checked. And at that point, you might as well do a new head gasket and water pump too. I would offer him $2800.

 

[t-stark1]

Thank you for the response, anyone else??

 

[Cooper-97gst]

I think you need more info on the car. What mods, dyno sheet for the power he is claiming etc... If its just the balance shaft belt like he claims you will be able to test drive it and see how it feels. If everything checks out you might be able to work him down to $5000-$4500 but $2800 is low ball. Carefull, I don't see why the car would be put down over a broken balance shaft belt tho.

 

[Tyeler18]

Doesn't run and really doesn't have any mods that would make it worth anything. I wouldn't pay more than $1500 for that thing.

 

[t-stark1]

I dickered him down to $5000 but he refuses to go lower. So the car is drivable with a broken balance shaft belt? Will driving it do any damage to the motor. I really like the car but I don't want to get myself in too deep.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

I got my 99 for 3900 bone stock and in running condition if that helps, body looks just as good if not better then that talon.

 

[Tyeler18]

Did you look at the car? Fire it up? A balance shaft belt being bad could've definitely done much more damage. If you look on the classifieds here you could get a very nice 2g for 5,000. I wouldn't even touch that thing for more than 2000 if it does run.

 

[n0de]

Ok even though some of the other members who have posted so far are upsetting me with extremely low prices that they'd be willing to offer I'm still on the fence about offering him something extremely low myself.

Is there anyone that you know who's been around the dsm scene for a while whom can go and look at the car with you? If so, take them with you to go see, hear, and test drive the vehicle. Bring $4000 with you. Try to find out what makes noise, check the vacuum pressure for correct vac, check the oil dipstick for clean oil so you can get an overall feel of how the car has been maintained. Before having him start the car ask to check for shaft play on the turbo (let us know if you don't know how to do this). When its time to talk business you can express your concerns about the car and pull the money out to show him how much you are willing to pay ($3500 - $4500). Let me tell you, $4000 in your face will start to look better than the $5500 he was dreaming of really quick.

Honestly, if you don't end up with the car there are plenty of nice non-project car DSM's that you can buy for that kind of cash. Hell, if you really wanted to have a fast DSM off the bat, you could buy a rolling chassis and drop a brand new motor in with a nice turbo setup for under $4000.

Update - im not up to date on 2g prices. I've only ever bought 1st gens. Although compared to the prices that the 2g's are listed for on this very forum's classifieds, its right on par with what the craigslist ad is asking for.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

Dont do it.

477 hp in a car youve never even driven, much less know anything about. Not to mention you dont know and/or dont trust him. He may say its a balance shaft issue, but it could be something entirely different, all you know is that the car doesnt run.

Also, if youre going to get a talon, get a 97-98 for the 2gb trim.

My advice, BUILD YOUR OWN CAR! Find one thats stock. Do the maintenance. Learn how to work on the car and what makes the wheels turn, THEN add your own mods! You know EXACTLY whats under your hood and whats turning what to make power hit the ground. Also if something breaks or goes wrong, you know how to check your bases to pin point the problem.

Dont buy a built car, unless MAYBE youve built a car similar to it before and know exactly what youre looking at, but you havent, and dont.

 

[synthetek]

Ok even though some of the other members who have posted so far are upsetting me with extremely low prices that they'd be willing to offer I'm still on the fence about offering him something extremely low myself.

Is there anyone that you know who's been around the dsm scene for a while whom can go and look at the car with you? If so, take them with you to go see, hear, and test drive the vehicle.

It looks like it currently doesn't run and hasn't since 2006 and the exhaust and some other things are removed so I don't think it can be started or test drove, That's why people are offering low prices. The timing covers are not removed so it looks like the owner did not even take it a part to actually diagnose the problem. If you buy a non running car you have to take into account that you may have to replace or rebuild the engine, if it was an easy fix the owner would have done it already. There is already another thread about this same car.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/453205-balance-shaft-questions.html

 

[n0de]

It looks like it currently doesn't run and hasn't since 2006 and the exhaust and some other things are removed so I don't think it can be started or test drove, That's why people are offering low prices. The timing covers are not removed so it looks like the owner did not even take it a part to actually diagnose the problem. If you buy a non running car you have to take into account that you may have to replace or rebuild the engine, if it was an easy fix the owner would have done it already. There is already another thread about this same car.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/453205-balance-shaft-questions.html

Thanks, I misread what the OP posted a few posts up. I though he said the guy told him that the car was drivable so I assumed that he had started it up (fixed the issue) even though his AD says otherwise.

I did find and read the thread you linked earlier as well.

I guess im with the other members here. I wouldn't do it for your first DSM, you should probably look into getting something close to stock or with a big 16g on it. If you do end up getting a used highly modded dsm then make sure it isn't your daily driver.

 

[horizontalkev]

I am wanting to buy a 98 eclipse non turbo (420A) for $350. Its cheap because it has a blown motor and needs a new radiator. It also has a problem where you have to hold 5th gear in otherwise it'll want to pop out, why? The body is in good shape custom bluish flake paint and aftermarket spoiler, and some type of after
market exhaust. Good deal?

 

[finesse49ers]

If you're willing to do the work to get it back on the road then why not?

By the way I have a good 420A longblock I'll sell you if you want.

 

[DSM1G90]

Got three grand for the entire replacement drivetrain just to make it roadworthy again?

Watch out Finesse .. this is not a "For Sale" thread. Do it by PM.

 

[finesse49ers]

Watch out Finesse .. this is not a "For Sale" thread. Do it by PM.

You're right, thanks.

 

[WES_393]

Considering you couldn't pay me to take a running 420a, I say no. Save up and find a turbo DSM or a NT Spyder. Just a few months ago there was a 1g TSi FWD with a blown head gasket for $400 in my area. $300 for a car in junkyard condition that will not only cost an arm & leg to get running, but another arm & leg to get over 200hp? No thanks.

 

[horizontalkev]

Ill pm you finesse.. And im contempt with getting it running again, but would the money I put into it be better off going towards a gst or gsx? And why would the tyranny want to kick back fifth? Thanks

And you have a valid point WES

 

[WES_393]

It would without a doubt be better to put the money towards a GST or GSX. They're not much more expensive to rebuild, but MUCH cheaper to make power with.

As for 5th popping out, I'm not transmission expert, but that's usually a sign of very bad things such as a trashed bearing or broken shifter fork. The trans will likely need to be rebuilt or replaced.

 

[NHenry166]

New to the DSM world...personally i would jump right on that offer

 

[stitches]

how much should i be able to get out of a 92 1.8l eclipse in good running condition with minimal dents and new paint?