Buying a 2001 Eclipse GT Spyder today

I am picking up my car this afternoon, & am already wanting to modify it.
What would be recommended as the first mods to make. I want to keep it looking stock or semi stock, but would like more speed & better handling.

Thanks

For a first mod I would get a better exhaust. If you want better handling check out suspension parts and tires.

What kind of exhaust would you recommend? I do NOT want my car to sound like a lawn mower on steroids. I like the throaty sound of my V6. I also don't want to be so loud to wake the dead. Does any of this make any sense?

Yes. A catback system would be the best sound for you. It will not give you much horsepower though, only 3-4whp. An intake would be another choice, and that will get you 7-11whp over stock.

Suspension wise, you can spend $500 for KYB AGX's and the Eibach Pro-Kit. The RRE rear strut tower bar is $70 and the Supension Techniques rear sway bar is $170. So for $740-$750, you can upgrade your complete suspension and make your car handle infinitely better than stock.

also new tires would help with the handling. the stock tires are pretty crappy. id suggest yokohama avs es100.