What should i look or listen for when buying a 2g eclipse

[xcyanide87x]

im looking at an 1998 Eclipse gsx theres some rust on the strut towers and some general spot rust on the shroud over the heads and some on the other (what i consider non essential) components under the hood im going out to look at it hopefully monday or tuesday is there anything i should be looking or listenin for that would give me reason not to buy it the guy wants 5k for it from the pictures the few rust spots are the only visually unpleasing things about it so anything will be a tremendous help also i cant wait to join the dsm commuinty again my first car was a 96 eclipse rs so ill be super stoked if this gsx pans out thanks

 

[xcyanide87x]

good news fellers i think i found another GSX the only thing is its 3 hours away but judging by the exterior int and engine pics it looks like its worth checking out also its in my 5k price range so im happy again dont hate me but i want a GSX so bad that when i couldnt find one i almost got a integra

 

[PieEyedPiper]

good news fellers i think i found another GSX the only thing is its 3 hours away but judging by the exterior int and engine pics it looks like its worth checking out also its in my 5k price range so im happy again dont hate me but i want a GSX so bad that when i couldnt find one i almost got a integra

Nice! I drove about 4 hours to get mine. We met halfway for the sale.

 

[britdog]

The strut tower is very important, take a turn to fast or hard and youll have your suspension through your hood. Def get that fixed up

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Not trying to derail you, but I would not pay 4k for a car that needed strut tower surgery. I just don't have an easy or cheap way to perform a repair like that.

He's correct

The car you originally showed MINUS that rust which was visible even in that little pic. would be a good 4-5k candidate. However, with the rust it's a crap shoot with how bad it REALLY is under the surface...I can almost guarantee it's worse then it seems.

Body shops hmmm and haaa about strut work, which makes this a DIY. This brings into play the question are you ready for this level of structural repair?

If 5k is the top of your budget, don't rule out a 2-3k car. Really on the internet you get people asking TOP DOLLAR. They have sought out all the free and even some pay sites to promote the car like they would a business advertisement. They either think or believe the car is worth much more than it really may be. (a 5,000 dsm with structural damage) I see nice dsm come through craigslist all the time in the tri-state area for various prices. I do see WAYYYYYY MORE that make me laugh my ass off....

Also I've noticed most of them have no engine, or this engine the PO failed to complete or failed to actually get in the car. Of course they are asking retail for the car in good driving condition plus all the parts at retail which are in the engine on the stand, or sitting on the bench at the garage.... haha....

Either way good luck in your search.

Also more of a watch out for PO than car issue....I've bought a ton of cars, I feel like I am pretty well versed on the DSM world. DO NOT end up in a pissing contest with the owner of the car you are trying to buy even if you know they are wrong. We all know 16g turbos aren't running 40 psi, if the owner thinks it can just be like "SWEET DUDE!" and keep it pushing, this may even result in a more friendly atmosphere where you can reduce the price...haha

 

[xcyanide87x]

I GOT IT I FINALLY OWN A DSM!!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOO STOKED ill post pics a little later when i get back from inlaws

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