Right or wrong?

Alright people I need some advice...Any given would be appriciated. I currently own o 95 monte carlo that needs work. Do I put the $1400 worth of work into, not completely sure that ALL the problems would be fixed or do I get a Talon. I am between two... The first is a girl willing to sell me her 95 esi for about $2800, now it is only an automatic with 135000 miles on it. The car is in beautiful condition and she recently put in new timing chain, starter, complete tune up and a few other things, or There is a Taalon around the corner for sale That I can get for about $1500. It also is a 95 but it is a tsi, now right now I'm not sure if it is awd or fwd. The car does need cosmetic work but the price is not bad... again lets compare:
95 monte v6 w/ 161000 miles with about $1800 in mechanical repair needed or 95 Talon esi automatic w/ 135000 mile in great condition for $2800 or 95 Talon tsi 5spd w/ 103000 miles but needs cosmetic work(paint and lower fender parts as well as minor things inside like ashtray replaced and a good scrub down...) I truely am confused and don't know whatto do. I do know that the look of a Talon has ALWAYS caught my plus I think I always wanted one. Am I crazy? My family seems to think so... And I 'm just ot sure anymore... What would be the better having you guys already own Talons or did... Thanx Mike

To me it would all depend on how much I know about cars. If you know enough it will be no problem to fix up the TSI. Also compare the price of the ESI to the prive it is to fix your monte Carlo. Also Test drive both talons, go a little hard on em going into 2nd and downshifting into 2nd, if they grind they need the syncros replaced(Talons are terrible for this). In my own opinion as long as the TSI was in good running condition Iwould get it.

The tsi is defenitly the choice here, the esi you looking at garbage for the fact is its a auto. And if you ever wanted to get rid of the tsi when you fix it up they sell like hot cakes man you would get all your money back and alot more. I have a 95 TSI AWD 5 speed and i love it.

Eric

I own a Tsi Awd, its a 95, I love it! but i give you fair warning. they cost money to own, sometimes a lot of money. every thing on them is expensive. its no contest between the esi and tsi though. if you are gonne get one get one with a turbo.!.!.! also if you get either talon change the timing belt, change all the belts the first day you have it. make the girl show you a reciept for hers being done. you DON'T want one to break! you will then need a new motor! whatever you decide.......one thing is for sure, DITCH THE MONTIE!
Be Well,
Be Healthy,
Be Yourself.

Two key points;

1) How much do you know about cars, and how much are you willing to work on one?
2) How much money are you willing to spend?

That TSI will be a money pit, I can pretty much guarantee it. The fact that is is banged up and needs a good scrub down says a lot about the previous owner(s). You can count on spending several thousand dollars on it, probably more.

The girlie owned Talon would be a much safer bet in terms of cash outlay, sounds like she has taken care of it, and she probably hasn't driven the car hard at all.

How much do you like your Monte? Will you take a big loss on it if you sell it as is?

Mark

If you want the looks but not the price of working on a turbo, the ESI is the way to go. It has the Chrysler built 420A engine, which is a very reliable engine as long as you replace the timing chain. This is allready done, so thats great. It looks like a good buy and knowing the owner was good to it is half the battle. Also you would be much happier with the manual in that car, they take every advantage of the 135hp thats available. Look around autotrader.com is great you'll find one.

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the help but the ESI was sold and looking into the TSI, the owner had failed to mention that it needed alot of engine work. So the search stopped and I thought to say the hell with it and just fix my monte, that's until today. I think I had a possible steal on my lap. A girl I work with has a freind of is selling her 97' Talon 5spd. It only has @80000 miles on it and it is absolutely beautiful. All black w/ black leather interior and dark tint. Oh yeah, for around about $2500 to $3000. I think I'm going to jump on this... What do ya think? Hell the car is retailed for around $6500, right? And should I want to sell it later I think I could get all my money back. I'll let you know if I get away with it...
Mike, south jersey

mjniroda;
Sounds like a good deal. Take it for a drive, and if it feels good, do it!

edit: I should add (and you probably already know this), change that timing belt first thing, unless the previous owner has already had it done.

Mark

Sorry to be so redundant... MAKE SURE THERE IS A NEW TIMING BELT! I bought a 95 ESI for my first car, knowing nothing of them other than they were pretty and fast. I've had it for over 3 years now... the first year and a half was fine. After that, the timing belt went. With it, 6 intake valves went to. Also as stated above, the Talon costs a lot to drive and maintain. Everything on it is expensive. I am not sure if it is my luck, or the car itself, but I have spent way too much money on fixing it. I love the car, but she sure hates me. Buying any new car is a gamble, so test them both, and see which of the three you love the most. (Hint: I have a 5-speed ESI. Manual is the way to go, so is the TSI. So you're set with that one!)