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Hi all.

In the days of insane gas prices, my wife and I are in the market for a cheaper, good on gas car to use as a DD in town. We're a Jeep 4wheeling couple, and our Dodge Ram (tow rig) seems to only get about 10mpg. So, we're looking at something to get at least twice that.

We came across a '93 Eagle talon DL (1.8L w/ automatic) at a local pawn shop, with a $599 tag on the windshield. The thing has seen better days. Mileage-wise, it has 145K on the clock. Outside, the nose has apparently kissed something before. The fiberglass has some blemishes, but is pretty much intact. The front few inches of hood has some small dents and rust. The windshield has a spiderweb on the passenger side (looks like a fist or something small made it). The entire body would need some polishing up. No wheel covers. The driver's mirror is busted (while parked there)

Now, the inside looks pretty good... would just need a good scrubbing. No stereo, but everything else looks to be in decent shape.

Now the mechanical side...

The pawn shop guy says someone had once put a down payment, but backed out. He said he would start it up for us, but the rear main had went, and the thing would spray oil on the ground if started. (There's 'kitty litter' under the car right now from the last time). Hence, the price drop to $400. But, he says other than that, the car ran great.

I've done some searching here, and since I'm a mechanic (USAF), the rear main seal job doesn't scare me (Even on a FWD car). Now, the decision. If they can verify that the car runs fine (fill it up with oil, and start it with a pan underneath to catch it on the other end) then for $400, we'd definately consider picking it up. Unless someone here thinks otherwise based on the year/model and engine of this particular DSM. Like I said, this vehicle would be bought to only act as a daily driver in town only. Not sure of the overall maintenance history of these cars, but we wouldn't want a money pit. I'd work my detailing magic and clean it up. Then of course a good tune up after the main seal job. Then, I'd want to just have to fill it up with gas a go. I'm good on preventive maintenance, and would go synthetic to help prolong the life. No plans to 'rice' it out, turn it into a show car or anything. Just need to know if this beater could make a good local commute ride. Of course, if it treated us good, we'd gradually add on nice things in the future.

Opinions/comments? Anything common problem-wise that I can check before buying? Thanks. Here's a few pics...


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_79_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_80_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_81_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_82_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_83_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/1054000-1054999/1054214_84_full.jpg

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No.

No.

Why?

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deff not, winshield 200$ paint 900$, hub caps 40$ tooo much money, possible tires.... 300$ and tune up??!?! who knows

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Well, no new paint or wheel treatments of any kind for this ride. Windshield, yes. And tune up.

Just gonna keep it pretty much as-is, other than what polishing I can do myself, and a interior detail. Strictly gonna be a daily commuter that gets better gas mileage.

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No.

LMAO :lol2:

In the condition it's in, I'll bet it's been through some rough times. Lots of rust under the car=no good, and oil from a bad rear seal is not good either. Lots of money and help would be needed to get this running so it will even be legal. Good Luck

offer him 100 bucks and he does a complete rebuild of motor, then it'll be a good deal

that car looks like it's been to hell and back, i wouldn't pay more than $50 for it. the "tune-up" alone on that would probably run you well over $1000 with the condition that thing is in.

Not to mention the rear seal leak but don't you think that maybe this thing may have other internal problems. If the car was driven with the oil leak that bad, then most likely the car was ran with the low oil light on many times.

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Apparently, it sat for about 6 months, when a kid had it on lay-away. The rear main just went. Gotta love how some folks don't take care of their vehicles.

Well, against the odds, we decided to go against the grain and rescue the DSM and to give it some lovin' and a new home. Not many would do such a thing, so we must be crazy. After getting the oil topped off, we ran it long enough to make sure the engine purred. Since there was oil already on the ground, they didn't mind. After all, I wasn't about to buy it without hearing it run. Then we called for a tow truck to bring it home. Insane, huh. Gave it a good bath, and then pushed it into the back of the garage for the major work. Aside from some oil blowby, it seems in good shape mechanically from what I can tell so far.

Like I said, this isn't gonna be restored to show-quality luster. Just cleaned up for a in-town daily driver.

I'll update you all later, once I tear into it deeper. Looks like I'll be sticking around the forum now.

Are there any tricks or pitfalls to watch for when doing a rear main seal on these cars? I'm a Jeep guy, so these sideways engine little things are kinda new.

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This will be one of MANY problems you will have to deal with. Good luck, and may the force be with you. :p

lol GOOD LUCK man, Im thinking thats going to be more of a project than you think..... but welcome to the family.

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Well, I started up a CarDomain page for anyone who wishes to check it out and follow the progress...

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2149786/1

Getting ready to dive into the rear main seal work shortly. Hopefully a little later, I'll be able to report a success. Still wrestling with a few electrical connections on the transaxle that I can't figure how they unplug. I hate how vehicle manufactures will all use different style plug-ins!

Okay, I'm going in... cover me.

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goooood luck, bet you wish it was the 2.0 5 speed.... lol

if you haven't gotten it already....get a chiltons manual, it's very helpful if your new to dsms.

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Well, I started up a CarDomain page for anyone who wishes to check it out and follow the progress...

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2149786/1

Getting ready to dive into the rear main seal work shortly. Hopefully a little later, I'll be able to report a success. Still wrestling with a few electrical connections on the transaxle that I can't figure how they unplug. I hate how vehicle manufactures will all use different style plug-ins!

Okay, I'm going in... cover me.

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Looks like you have got quite a handfull. Keep us posted. I'd love to hear how the rescuing goes.

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Okay, I'm going in... cover me.

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(In a deep, commanding voice)

Red team go......Red team go!

(End deep, commanding voice)

I you want to buy a Chilton's manuel I have a used one that I'll sell real cheap. It's in good condition if you or anybody's interested. Email me or PM me.