Is it worth it?

I am looking at buying a '96 eclipse with 170,000 miles on it for $800. Unfortunately it was in a wreck. The front right fender and and bumper were affected. It looks like it missed the frame, so there is very little structural damage. Of course the headlight, fender, and bumper needs to be replaced, but what else is in that area? There is a big black box that would be right behind the curve of the bumper, directly in front of the tire. I think it said EVAP??? This is smashed. The A/C isn't working. It didn't get pushed back into the belt. That is about all I know from 10 minutes of looking it over. Questions: 1. What could be affected and how much would it cost to replace it? 2. Could a novice mechanic do the job? Is this car gonna last much longer based on usual life expectancy? Thanks for your help.

I dunno its really hard to tell can you get a pic for us?

I wasn't able to get a pic, it was dark. This was the first time I have looked at an eclipse engine(I am a Ford man), and I have no clue what I was looking at. I can try to get a pic but it won't be until tomorrow at the earliest.

RS, GS, or GST/GSX?

I think it's an GS, don't know for sure. It's got a sunroof, PW,PL cruise. Definitley not turbo.

Ok then... Cause the RS/GS and GST/GSX are completely backwards between each other... Looks like it'll be up to the 420a guys to help ya out with all that's on that corner of the motorbay...

That black box right in front of the ECU is the stock air box, not a problem at all. Actually I have an extra one I could sell ya if you want it. Headlights, fenders, and bumpers are nothing to replace, the only thing is to get them painted, that's probably the thing you couldn't do yourself. Do you know if it still has the original engine, or has it been replaced/rebuilt before?

I went to the dealership today, said it was the fuel vapor housing. About $100 to replace. The engine had some work done recently. This is coming from a woman driver, i'll have to find out more details.

I wouldnt do it. It would take about as much as it is worth to fix it, then you are going to have a 96 GS with a fuck ton of miles and a salvage title. Just buy a decent car homie.

It may be alright for a DD or something.

As far as the fuel vapor/charcoal canister, you dont need it. Its just for your emissions. Mine was right near the wheel well on the drivers side. When i was installing my intercooler piping, it was in the way so i just took it out. Didn't even trip a check engine light.

Thanks for the advice. I decided not to do it. The lady is a friends mom, and her uncle is the one that towed the car. What an asshole, he is makin her pay for "storage" (in his backyard). What kind of dick can't cut a deal to a family member. Looking at it in the light, their is more frame damage than i saw last night. Anyway, thanks.