What to look for when buying a DSM?

[flexnation]

New here guys, and im going to look at a 97 eclipse gsx today. The guy said that it has 112k miles on it but the engine was rebuilt 500 miles ago. What specific things should i look for when checking out this car?
If everything goes well i will be buying my first DSM

 

[importracr317]

If the car has been "loved". Ask to see receipts, take the oil cap off and look inside there for gunk, check the shock towers for rust...it's not as hard as you'd think to tell if a car has been beaten or maintained.

 

[schalk35]

rust in strut towers, transmission shifting good, compression test it, ask for paperwork for the engine build, check under the dash on the drivers side and look to see if any of the wiring is cut. Ask him questions about the car to see if he knows what he is talking about. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[drocks22]

Well with every used car that you buy make sure it has all the proper maintenance done. Ask to see any paperwork for work done to the car especially the rebuild. Check to see if there is any fluid leakage under the car or in the engine bay. Ask when the timing belt was changed and ask for documentation. If it is a manual, ask when the clutch was changed and it it hasn't make sure the engagement/disengagement feels good. Brakes, tires and any wear parts will cost money if not replaced recently. Most importantly make sure it has a clear title.

I have bought two used DSMs and both have had small problems a few weeks into owning them. Boost leaks, clutch going out etc. As long as the proper maintenance has been performed or you are willing to do it immediately after purchase it should not be a big deal. But be aware there is always a risk in buying a used car, especially one of this age.

 

[flexnation]

thanks guys. Its an auto and the guy did the rebuild himself i believe. He sounds like an enthuiast on the phone and said that he owned West coast DSM if anyone is familiar with them.

as far as the engine rebuild, i should just check it out like a non rebuilt engine right? nothing special?

 

[crash89]

Here... http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/200797-dsm-buyers-guide-what-look-when-buying-dsm.html

 

[98mitsubishigst]

^^ was about to ilk this, Search is your best friend.. First five articles already cover this

 

[flexnation]

Here... http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/200797-dsm-buyers-guide-what-look-when-buying-dsm.html

just read through. thanks bro.
Going to check it out in 2 hours!

 

[StarFawkes]

Here's another good one: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...t-things-you-should-look-when-buying-car.html

 

[gieri002]

Rust is one of the biggest deal breakers for me, be sure to check the strut towers (as mentioned above) and rockers.

 

[Gsx22r]

Try to make sure its mostly stock in my opinion because i have bought in the past "Built" dsm. I got more headaches on trying to fix other peoples mistakes and ended spending more money fixing them as well. It was a lesson well learned . My buddy always said never buy another mans project!

 

[flexnation]

the car is completely stock except for a boost gauge, oil pressure gauge, and wheels. The only thing i am worried about is the rebuilt engine. IDK much about that process

 

[Gsx22r]

the car is completely stock except for a boost gauge, oil pressure gauge, and wheels. The only thing i am worried about is the rebuilt engine. IDK much about that process

Well a pet peeve of mine is oil Leaks!!! I hate them if the engine was rebuilt from what you were told check for oil leaks around the cylinder head,valve cover,front cover and down by the oil pump. My brother bought a Rebuilt engine from supposedly good shop,it leaks more oil than... than...

for the most part just make sure it was well taken care of regular maintenance.

 

[flexnation]

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX - AWD Turbo

^link to the actual posting

 

[bettfootball]

Looks clean man, Idk why he didn't post up a picture of the engine though. Also I see he has a 2g in the garage so it could be possible that he isn't a complete dsm moron.

 

[flexnation]

Looks clean man, Idk why he didn't post up a picture of the engine though. Also I see he has a 2g in the garage so it could be possible that he isn't a complete dsm moron.

yeah man, he did say that he has rebuilt like 12 dsms. he rebuilds them drives them for a bit then sells them so he does know his cars.

 

[danielkile]

the closer to stock the better when buying a car that your not experianced with