getting a new car and dont want to get screwed

[superluber]

i have been looking at a mitsubishi eclipse turbo. its a 97 with about 58,000 miles all stock. really good condition but i dont know much about them and want the thoughts of people have had one

i work at a oil shop and know my way around cars so dont think i am a complete idiot and can do most of the work here so if you car give me your feed back that would be great

its a manual, loaded, leather and her wants 9,800 for it
but i dont think this guy knows he drives a turbo
thanks

[Mediocrity]

gst or gsx?

[superluber]

gsx

[landyacht]

I think this may be the wrong thread for this post, just so you know for the future.

What's the price of the car, stick or auto, what's the equipment, what's the model?

I used to sell cars, so i can give you a good idea of what it should be worth, that's all i can help you with on this one!

[superluber]

its a manual, loaded, leather and her wants 9,800 for it
but i dont think this guy knows he drives a turbo

[96TSi]

ECHO Echo echo...

first off, the price tag seems a little too high. if you think the car is in decent shape, talk him down a couple thousand if you can.

with the AWD models you got to make sure the transmission is in damn good shape(you dont wanna spend that kind of money replacing or rebuilding that tranny)

and if you wanna see if the engine and tranny is in good shape... drive the shit out of it so you can hear the engine go at higher RPMs

[Amish_kid]

that can and probably is goin to be a bad thing if the person never knew it had a turbo since it probably wasn't properly cared for since not too many people know how easy it is going to be to fuck up something with a turbo without even knowing it.

[Mediocrity]

ehheh, Id only go 6 grand on a GSX.

9800 puts you in the range for things like MR2 Turbos, or if you're money-wise an SR20'd 240.

[96TSi]

remember, its got very good mileage (if its original)

[youngvr4]

if he didn't know it was a turbo model then he never let it idle or anything after driving, he probably never let it warm up, that turbo is on its way out i betcha

[landyacht]

Let me make sure i've got this right.

'97 GSX with 58,000 MILES (not kilometers), stock, good (average) condition, stick, loaded with leather, this is the turbo model aswell...

I'd call it at about 5 grand. Keep in mind this is my wholesale price, dealer to dealer and it's only estimated as i can't see the car. Based on my number, a fair retail asking price should only be 7-8 grand. This is assuming average-good condition. If this fella wants 9800 bucks for it, here's my suggestion:

1. Ask for all maintenance history.

2. Take the VIN number and call your local DMV and ask for a lien check.

3. Check carfax.com to view as much history as possible.

Do these things just to see if you can find the value he's got in it to make it worth 9800. If the guy has full maintenance history, owes nothing on it, and it's clean of accidents and all that, then i think he's not far off as that will add an additional 1000 bucks to retail.

Thus, the car should be worth 8-9 grand. Plus, he's added an extra 800 bucks to the top of it because there's some sentimental value to it, and he believe's it's an extra clean car.

Don't insult him on your offer, ie. 5000 bucks for it, but what i'd do is walk around it with him and point out things that need work, and some mechanical issues that may be coming up. Then say:

Based on that, plus i'd like a deal on the price, i'm willing to offer you X for it and i'll take it tomorrow when i can get my insurance in line.

^ This is of course based on whether or not you want to buy the car!

I can't tell you what to offer, but i think 7900 would be a good offer on the car if everything checks out squeaky clean, and ya'll can barter from there. Just don't pay more then 8900 for it, cuz i don't think it's worth it myself. Hope these tips and my info will help you, good luck and post results!

[Mediocrity]

GSX are turbo only, I heard the 2g had crankwalk problems...etc. etc. and so on.

if you really want a gsx, go to dsmtuners.com and get you one on there, most people are fair in asking 6 to 7k for ones kept in good condition.

[landyacht]

if you really want a gsx, go to dsmtuners.com and get you one on there, most people are fair in asking 6 to 7k for ones kept in good condition.

If the ones in good condition are selling for 6-7 grand, am i totally out to lunch in what i figured? I suppose i'm used to slightly higher prices as i look at it from a dealership perspective, but still....

[landyacht]

Oh another quick help note for you...sticking with my original 7900 suggestion, start with an offer of 7000 even and go from there...it's a little low, but you'll be able to barter a better deal if you start lower. THis is not the case at a dealership, but privately you get extra room right off the top.

If he counters with 9000, offer 7500, he may say 8500 and then you go 7900, cash, this afternoon and i'll insure the car and take it today.

That should give you a good start as far as bartering.

[superluber]

this is all great advice i am going to talk to the guy tomorrow and let you know