Might buy an Eclipse

After wishing for a 3000gt as my first car, I just can't get enough money. However, I found a good deal for a 1997 Gst w/ 60k miles for $5800. I am going to call the person tomarrow. Is there anything specific I should ask? I read that crankwalk is an issue sometime. If I take the car to a place that looks for problems on the car, will they be able to tell if it shows signs of crankwalk?


thanks!

you can ask them to check for that but it may cost you as it's bit of work even if they know what it is. You may have to explain it. Not all cars get crankwalk.. don't panic. I think thats a first question for everyone. It can happen and it's a bit more frequent in the DSM's but still not a problem every car see's.

I'd have them check when the timing belt was changed cause thats crucial and ups the cost. Have them check to see if the waterpump looks new or if it looks like the color of the original block (that dirty grey) at 60k miles if the timing belt was done the waterpump would have been also.

Check for knock, lifter tick (only cause it's annoying to hear) and classic (but we all love it!!!!) belt squeel. They aren't bad things just things you are going to have to live with if it has them.

Also check the steering for play. I know this sounds very simple and maybe it was a freak occurance but.. I bought my spyder didn't think to check steering it drove right? What could be wrong? They can't align it because there is alot of play in the steering that needs to be fixed.. I have to find the name of the part but it's about 500 bucks. I checked with 3 shops they all said the same thing. So I can't get new tires really until it's able to be aligned. My friend went and got a GS coupe about 2 weeks after mine he had car envy but couldn't afford the spyder. He liked the ride so much and I left him drive it once and he was sold. Anyway so he gets the car says oh that was prolly just your wheels but he has it checked a different place (this is place number 4) he comes back and calls me laughing saying this car he is about to buy has the same problem.

it still is within the tolerance for passing inspection it's just an expensive fix. I'm not sure if anyone else on the forum had this problem with it though.. I've actually never heard people complain about their steering. i blame the pa roads though they just suck.

You will really really really enjoy the car.

P.S. I know the feeling with the 3kgt i swayed from a spyder to a 3kgt back to the spyder due to cost of the AWD TT model.

First off, thanks alot for your help!

I'd have them check when the timing belt was changed cause thats crucial and ups the cost. Have them check to see if the waterpump looks new or if it looks like the color of the original block (that dirty grey) at 60k miles if the timing belt was done the waterpump would have been also.

So the 60k mile tuneup for this car is the timing belt and waterpump? I remember thats exactly what you have to do on a 3kgt.

I hope the car is in good shape and it goes well b/c it seems like a pretty good deal.

I also hope its a manual, but since its my first car I really need to learn on an auto, and maybe I could do a 5 speed conversion?

Hopefully in the future I will have enough cash for a 3kgt, but eclipses are pretty cool too.

Thanks for your help.

the auto to manual swap definately is not worth it. You mise well buy another eclipse at that point. It's alot of work and cost for parts. It doesn't take much to learn stick. Just patience. Why exactly do you want stick if you have never driven it before? Auto is easier to drive and from a learning standpoint is safer. Not because learning it can be dangerous but that learning to drive while learning manual is just one extra thing to remember and possibly take your eyes off the road for.. Can you learn on your parents car auto? Once you have mastered driving auto and feel comfortable I felt the switch was rather easy and took me about 2 weeks from knowing nothing to driving it that it feels like an auto.

Yes you should change the waterpump every 60k with the timing belt. Only because at least on the 4g64 (spyder) the waterpump is in a really inconvient place and the timing belt has to be pulled to do it. I know it's on the timing belt on the 420a's also and I assume the 4g63t's with that in mind it costs alot to replace the timing belt (just to remove it)... So better off to replace it then rather then have it die later and have to do it again. Also should replace the tensioner pulley I believe it is.. There is a whole writeup on it.

If you really want a 3kgt did you check out the stealth? It's much cheaper then the 3kgt. Very similar in looks and under the hood it's pretty much the same. I recommend getting the car you want right away usually or get a junker till you can afford the one you want. No reason to settle you will just be unhappy in the long run.