problems of older eclipes?

Hey Guys,

My son's gonna be 16 soon and has his eyes on eclipses. Probably in the $1500-$2500 range to spend. I've done my fair share of mechanical work so I'm not afraid to fix something.

Having no knowledge of eclipses, what are the major things/problems to check for?

Also, which years and or motors are better than others?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jeff

It's difficult to say. Since perhaps insurance will come out of your pocket.

I would say maybe look at a Talon ESI or Eclipse GS/RS from 95 up. They have a dodge 420a engine in them that is pretty reliable, and just pretty much an daily driver.

If you want to give him a faster car, or a little treat. Try finding him a 95 GST(turbocharged) ( I picked mine up for 4k with 84k miles on it) Or look for older 90-94 eclipses. You can pick up a 90-94 gsx(turbocharged, all-wheeldrive) or gst for about 2k.

But they may be higher insurance and aren't always the best cars for 16 year old kids who will be prone to go fast. heh

The ceiling carpet sags a bit, I have to hit my left amber light for it to work, my interior light fell out/doesn't work anymore, and sometimes my check engine light comes on without even having a problem with the engine. Of course there remedies for these.. I usually find myself in my garage tightening all the little screws in the car. Sometimes, I don't even see it as a hassle, just more time with my car. Honestly, doing these little checks with my car has got me to understand my car a lot.

180,000 miles on the original engine isn't bad either ;) so if your son takes care of it, it can definately last one hell of a long time.

thanks guys,

any techs out there got an opinion of what to look out for?

preferred engine,yr?

thanks, Jeff

you dont want my car!!! Biggest pain in the ass with much money invested..... 96k miles and 3 or 4th tranny i dont remmeber...

This'll probally help.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=442393

The N/a Eclipses are good reliable cars. I've had mine for a little over a year and a slow oil leak is the only problem I've ever had.

you dont want my car!!! Biggest pain in the ass with much money invested..... 96k miles and 3 or 4th tranny i dont remmeber...


Maybe if you could drive you stick you would still be on your first tranny. heheh

just kidding.

eh its 30$ a tr4anny at the junk yard so i figure try my luck,,, so far only one has been good

wow, $30 for a used tranny, pretty good prices.

link has a lotta good info to check out, thanks guys