problems of older eclipes?

[fish4stripers]

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

[defiancy]

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

[L-Spec]

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.

[fish4stripers]

thanks guys,

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

preferred engine,yr?

thanks, Jeff

[EDMUND65]

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

[XeVeNskyLiNE]

This'll probally help.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.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.

[defiancy]

Originally Posted by EDMUND65

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.

[EDMUND65]

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

[fish4stripers]

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

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