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?

 

[holt696]

Hello all I'm new to the forum and I don't have a DSM yet but I plan on getting one really soon.

I have a 3000gt vr4 that I'm trying to sell on Craigslist. Recently this guy contacted me and offer to trade a 97 gsx with a 6 bolt bottom endd for my VR 4. Here is his ad Sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/4404786314.html

He has alot of work done to the car so please read the ad before answering.

I have a few questions:

My 3000gt runs high 12's. Is his gsx worth my VR 4 honestly?

What should I look for problem wise?

He has all of the paperwork for the work that has been done. After I install the 550 cc injectors how much power wouldn l be looking out with this current setup?

Any advice or honest opinions will be appreciated thanks

 

[clipto]

Imo it comes down to personal preference do u want his car over yours? Does his car prefer and well maintained like yours? Just check things over talk to him drive it check it out. If it's something u like and trust then there would not be a reason not to trade him. If theres stuff u dont like then better off selling yours and getting something u like. Dont get something your not happy with.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

If its a straight up trade then keep your car. He has an eBay 16g on it (will blow on you very soon) and eBay intercooler.

 

[holt696]

Imo it comes down to personal preference do u want his car over yours? Does his car prefer and well maintained like yours? Just check things over talk to him drive it check it out. If it's something u like and trust then there would not be a reason not to trade him. If theres stuff u dont like then better off selling yours and getting something u like. Dont get something your not happy with.

I love my car I just can't afford to drive it anymore with gas prices the way they are. I have always wanted a GSX. With the mods on that car already and after I install 550cc injectors can you give me an idea of how much power I'll be making? And do you know how to tell if its just the smaller 16g or the bigger one

 

[VtecvrsTurbo]

A VR4 will hold its value better. Not that a GSX isn't, but yours will probably only go up.

With the 550cc injectors, you can probably get around 22 psi with the 16g and give you somewhere between 300-320 AWHP. But dont forget, his car is probably 400lbs lighter .

It can be a 12 second car with that setup if your worried about it being too slow compared to your VR4.

 

[RLSchwabe]

If you get the GSX plan on replacing the turbo before it even shows signs of going out. But honestly if I had that GSX and if I were confident in the engine/shell I wouldn't be trying to trade for your VR4 if I had that GSX.

I think he may be trying to get out of a problematic car. He claims he's spent $9,000 in parts but where is the $300 16G genuine Mitsubishi turbo? Seems a bit fishy to me and I would personally skip on this one unless you go into it knowing that he's not telling you the whole truth AND you'll be inheriting the issues he's been dealing with and/or caused.

 

[holt696]

If you get the GSX plan on replacing the turbo before it even shows signs of going out. But honestly if I had that GSX and if I were confident in the engine/shell I wouldn't be trying to trade for your VR4 if I had that GSX.

I think he may be trying to get out of a problematic car. He claims he's spent $9,000 in parts but where is the $300 16G genuine Mitsubishi turbo? Seems a bit fishy to me and I would personally skip on this one unless you go into it knowing that he's not telling you the whole truth AND you'll be inheriting the issues he's been dealing with and/or caused.

Well I think he's being pretty truthful about everything. My brother was gonna buy the same car awhile back but the guy never replied until a couple weeks later and told him he was doing a 6 bolt swap because the 7 bolt started to develop crank walk. That was about 2 months ago. You dont think maybe he is just tired of dumping money into the same car? Thats one reason why I'm getting rid of mine . I've got about 7k in work done to my vr4 and I just want something different. Not to mention every time something breaks on my vr4 it cost about 400 bucks and my weekend. As far as the turbo goes, I plan on getting at 20g before winter.

What should i ask him to make sure the engine/drivetrain is healthy? Theres 1200 miles on the rebuild. He says compression is 180-190 on all cylinders and he is willing to prove it.

A VR4 will hold its value better. Not that a GSX isn't, but yours will probably only go up.

With the 550cc injectors, you can probably get around 22 psi with the 16g and give you somewhere between 300-320 AWHP. But dont forget, his car is probably 400lbs lighter .

It can be a 12 second car with that setup if your worried about it being too slow compared to your VR4.

A GSX with 300whp would dust my vr4. My vr4 is 300 to the wheels .

 

[RLSchwabe]

Well I think he's being pretty truthful about everything. My brother was gonna buy the same car awhile back but the guy never replied until a couple weeks later and told him he was doing a 6 bolt swap because the 7 bolt started to develop crank walk. That was about 2 months ago. You dont think maybe he is just tired of dumping money into the same car? Thats one reason why I'm getting rid of mine . I've got about 7k in work done to my vr4 and I just want something different. Not to mention every time something breaks on my vr4 it cost about 400 bucks and my weekend. As far as the turbo goes, I plan on getting at 20g before winter.

What should i ask him to make sure the engine/drivetrain is healthy? Theres 1200 miles on the rebuild. He says compression is 180-190 on all cylinders and he is willing to prove it.



A GSX with 300whp would dust my vr4. My vr4 is 300 to the wheels .

He def could be tired of dumping money into it. I see guys all the time on Craigslist, " I'm DONE with DSMs! Selling all my parts! " but my main concern would be inheriting his problems. I mean you can ask all the questions in the world but it's up to him whether or not to tell the truth about it. I would find a reputable DSM mechanic, let the guy know that you're interested in the car, have cash in hand but you want to have your mechanic look at it. Even if it costs you $50-$100 it will be worth the investment to have a knowledgeable person look over the car and give you an honest opinion

 

[clipto]

I love my car I just can't afford to drive it anymore with gas prices the way they are. I have always wanted a GSX. With the mods on that car already and after I install 550cc injectors can you give me an idea of how much power I'll be making? And do you know how to tell if its just the smaller 16g or the bigger one

Here is list of turbo serial numbers on the outside of the compressor wheel. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-turbo-system-intercooler/313105-16g-serial-numbers.html
I would not get it to have it stacked full of ebay crap and what not like narrow band instead of wideband ebay turbo and what not it would not be worth it unless he put cash on top. I am not sure of your plans on the car and if gas is already an issue I would look as something worth your money not a headache down the road. Is there any info or link to this car u are wanting to trade? If your not sure have it checked out at a performance shop your in texas theres tons of em. Well from what your car is worth u better off selling it and buying one that u like that is not all hacked up from the sounds of it. Not saying the car and wiring all hacked up but why get a car with a bunch of crap on it that u have to waste replacing when u can just get one that has it all and be saving money.

 

[95talongirl]

If you were closer, i would trade you for my daily driver talon for it. Ive always wanted a 3s car

 

[holt696]

3000gt vr4

 

[boost97gst]

Even though its a 92, you have a collectable car on your hands. Dont let it go for a gsx. Please. Just park it and buy a 1,000 dollar beater to drive.

Your car will only go up in value, granted a clean gsx will as well, but not nearly as much. Vr4s are rare.

If you dont care about keeping the car and letting it set then i totally agree: the gsx is a way easier and way cheaper car to work on and make fast. Guess its up to you in the end right? Whatever you choose i hope you're happy with it. Patience is a good thing, just remember that. There will be another gsx later

Edit: Just saw your link. Keep that car. Please. It will sell for a LOT in 5 yrs or so if its in good shape and stock-ish

 

[BCBruins17]

It all comes down to personal preference. Sounds like your 3000 is in good shape so I'd say keep it and go find a beater for the mean time. I know I'd regret getting rid of it. It's why I won't let go of my Stealth TT!

 

[holt696]

Even though its a 92, you have a collectable car on your hands. Dont let it go for a gsx. Please. Just park it and buy a 1,000 dollar beater to drive.

Your car will only go up in value, granted a clean gsx will as well, but not nearly as much. Vr4s are rare.

If you dont care about keeping the car and letting it set then i totally agree: the gsx is a way easier and way cheaper car to work on and make fast. Guess its up to you in the end right? Whatever you choose i hope you're happy with it. Patience is a good thing, just remember that. There will be another gsx later

Edit: Just saw your link. Keep that car. Please. It will sell for a LOT in 5 yrs or so if its in good shape and stock-ish

Lol you dont understand. It becomes very expensive to daily a vr4. Dsm's are relatively cheap to own compared to a 3s right? I drive a lot man. A lot. I've put 12k miles on it since november. It's a good reliable car because I maintain it, but its getting hard to. I'm probably gonna end up keeping it anyways. My wife loves my vr4. She would kill me if I traded it for an eclipse. I tell her the cash value on that car is around 7k or so I think, but she disagrees and says it only worth like 4k. I love my car almost as much as my wife and if i let it go i know I will always regret it, but honestly money is really tight for me right now and I just cant afford to keep it. I was thinking that gsx being nearly fully rebuilt would be pretty reliable for a while? Please correct me I'm wrong.

 

[boost97gst]

Yea, i hear ya bud. If buying another car isnt an option then for practicality i would say the dsm is better. DSMs have plenty of problems though. The wrong machinist seems to be a popular issue , got me twice so far. There goes 5k?6k? who knows. SO yea, if its not beat up and is in really good shape then its fine to trade it.

Fwiw i get driving a LOT, totally understand. I do a consistent 45-55k miles a year. I buy cars under 5 grand and let my dsm sit and keep my expedition as backup. Im a clinical engineer, cover a very wide area so illinois,mo, central ill etc.....

Im just making the point that the vr4 is a rare car and will certainly go up in value. Way up eventually. So, let it set and get a cheap beater to drive or trade it for something you like(the GSX) and let someone else enjoy the vr4. Tough decision for sure.

Ive owned a 420a 98 gs that i DD for work when i first started. Got about 35mpg hwy average and never broke. Sold it with 230k on it. Would i do that with a dsm? No. Would i do it with an awd DSM NO. Its just not the most reliable ride you're going to find out there. But 99% of it comes down to how you drive it/maintain it and how the last guy drove it. Good luck either way! Ive rambled enough, pain meds. my bad

 

[RLSchwabe]

3000gt vr4

Wow that **** is clean.

 

[Anthony_2gnt]

Thought I'd show this to you guys. Seems like he could actually be making 345?

97 eclipse gsx

 

[l3igl3ang]

Hi guys I found a non running gst that looks to have quite a bit of mods done to it and I want to make sure its worth the $'s to buy it. The guy says it has over $2500 in mods alone. The motor is shot I think he says it runs but it knocks and dies after giving gas. Im mainly want it for a parts car and to part off stuff I don't need. I made him a offer of $1600 for it. I think its a good deal but im not sure and wonder what yall think? The cars title has some one elses name on front them the person he bought it from signed the back so the seller now has not got it in his name so I don't know if I could get the title fixed or not. Also another down fall it I got to drive 400 + miles to pick it up so its a good little drive for me. And I figure I spend around 300 in gas maybe little less to get it.

 

[NHerron]

Anthony, 345 is pretty edgy on 750cc injectors.. But I'd be interested in that deal, okay price, appears somewhat maintaned.. I'd ask for a cylinder leakdown test or at least a compression test. Check for rust and ask about wiring. Hopefully shits not a mess under the dash.

 

[Anthony_2gnt]

Anthony, 345 is pretty edgy on 750cc injectors.. But I'd be interested in that deal, okay price, appears somewhat maintaned.. I'd ask for a cylinder leakdown test or at least a compression test. Check for rust and ask about wiring. Hopefully shits not a mess under the dash.

I was thinking a 950cc injectors would more easily hit that goal. Was really wondering about the 72mm Holset turbo? Would think he would just put the turbo name like (68HTA or S16g) onto the post rather than a size. And 72mm seems awfully big, not very street friendly haha, doesn't seem like it would have the greatest spool response. Would have to find out what he mean by "built" 6 bolt swap.
I'm not actually looking to buy this one, it's up for grabs for anyone in the area. Just wanted to see what people thought about it.

 

[unfocus]

Back again he wants 4,000 obo. A 2g eagle talon with a eclipse body conversion with original talon tsi high rise spoiler.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...le-Talon-Tsi-awd-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ588265997

Details :
193000 kms on body roughly 60k on motor (bought it with a blown motor, and worked on it for 3 years) New upper and lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods were just done as well as an alignment.
new tires on 19inch axis rims
14b turbo greddy front mount intercooler
eclipse conv led taillights
injen intake
act twin plate clutch
apexi r turbo back 3 inch exhaust
255 walbro fuel pump
steel braided fuel line
aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
a 95 eprom ecu comes with it
510cc injectors.
Manual boost controller 20 psi @4000rpm but fuel cut. When turned down all the way to 15 psi no fuel cut . Also need charge pipe from intercooler to turbo because his patch job couldn't hold it and lost his clamops.
Silicone hoses for anti freeze lines.

 

[42395_skyline]

I was wondering how much my 99 GS with 152k miles is worth? Other than a muffler and intake, it's stock. 5 speed, interior is clean and exterior only has some small dents mainly on driver side door and some scratches on both fenders. I only have these pics for now but I was just wanting an idea of what it is worth. Not sure if it's worth selling or maybe trading for something else or just keeping it.

 

[aarixx3]

Hey DSMtuners,

New to posting on the site, been lurking for a few months learning and learning as much as i possible can about these cars. This will be my first car, and driving a turbo car! So, I went to check out this 2g eclipse gst the other day, It's a 98 auto gst, 14b turbo. Dsmlink v2.5, 500 cc inj. Stock block 1g head. Greddy bov, some exhaust/muffler, FMIC and piping then it was lowered on some aftermarket springs. Super clean. Only 91 or 92k miles. He changed the battery, water pump, sent the ecu to Tom at ecmlink for a rebuilt because it was blown. Rewire the 1g Cas sensor for the 1g head, changed tranny fluid and engine oil, changed the fuel pump and installed a fpr. Compression was between 120 and 110, when he bought the car. When the A/C was on it, while driving the car, it idled really rough, and wanted to die. Took like 3 seconds for the car to react, when it was floored the pedal. It needs new tires all around, A/C wasnt cold, no radio, and maintenance ofc.

The guy had his own shop and owns an AWD GST, which is his race car, super clean, runs 11s. He was using this as his daily, he bought it for 1300 non running in bad mechanical shape. Hes a mechanic, and knows these cars pretty well.

So, I want to know if this is worth it, his starting point was 3000. I plan on this being a clean DD for a few years. Heres pics.

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[2slow4now]

I was wondering how much my 99 GS with 152k miles is worth? Other than a muffler and intake, it's stock. 5 speed, interior is clean and exterior only has some small dents mainly on driver side door and some scratches on both fenders. I only have these pics for now but I was just wanting an idea of what it is worth. Not sure if it's worth selling or maybe trading for something else or just keeping it.

looks like its a fairly clean car but the gs is really not sought after. I would just look up kbb or nada to find out.

@aarixx3

Car looks pretty nice. Compression was 110-120? Thats pretty low. That may even be below the service limit in the manual. It does have some extra value in the performance parts. Strut towers look good. Low miles. Yet both or either the engine or instrument cluster could have been swapped out.

For a first car your going to have to work on it but hey lets be honest when you buy any car in the $3k range you end up having to fix stuff on it. Kbb http://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclip...pe=private-party&persistedcondition=very-good

 

[aarixx3]

looks like its a fairly clean car but the gs is really not sought after. I would just look up kbb or nada to find out.

@aarixx3

Car looks pretty nice. Compression was 110-120? Thats pretty low. That may even be below the service limit in the manual. It does have some extra value in the performance parts. Strut towers look good. Low miles. Yet both or either the engine or instrument cluster could have been swapped out.

For a first car your going to have to work on it but hey lets be honest when you buy any car in the $3k range you end up having to fix stuff on it. Kbb http://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse/1999-mitsubishi-eclipse/gs-t-coupe-2d/?condition=very-good&vehicleid=5838&intent=buy-used&mileage=92000&category=hatchback&options=223273|true|223309|false|223306|false|223303|false|223332|true|223334|true|223355|true&pricetype=private-party&persistedcondition=very-good

Yeah I planned on working on the car, but doing a rebuild right away kind of scares me away from this car.