3kgt to Eclipse Spyder?

[Duck_3000]

I'm taking my 3kgt to the shop this weekend. It vibrates past 65mph. I was shocked to find out brand new lower, front control arms are almost $400 each. I could afford it, but it's going to leave me pretty broke since I recenlty started a new job. So ... I'm thinking of selling my 3kgt. I just don't know what to get. I'm not sure if an Eclipse is a good idea?

I'm looking for somewhat of an nice, fast, economy car. Something nice for the summer. Something nice to cruise down the street with the girlfriend or go down to the beach with. So I'm thinking maybe a 2nd gen Eclipse gst/gsx convertible. So far, the vibration problem is the Only "major" problem my 3kgt has given me in the 3 years of ownership. Are Eclipses reliable?

I've never driven or sat in one. How do they drive? Smooth? Do they feel clean? Are they *wink wink* Spacious? In all seriousness ... I'm also looking for a spacious car. At least more spacious than my 3kgt. The space in the back is a total joke. How spacious is the passenger seat on the Eclipse? I'm just looking for a fun, smooth, nice, fast, car (that won't leave me broke) for cruising down to the beach with, cruising down the street with music, for me and the girlfriend. I think an Eclipse Spyder gst/gsx would be an awesome choice ... any opinions? Also, do Spyders come manual transmission? Thanks all.

[crunchymilk55]

I don't think an eclipse is for you with those wants.

not very reliable, and not very spacious

[l_eclipse_l]

By this time, a 2g GST/GSX is not going to be very reliable because they are getting old and have high miles on them. Unless you rebuild a lot of things on it, reliability will be minimal given the fact that most of them are abused anyway and people are stupid and don't maintain them as much as probably should be. You may get lucky and find one in good shape with maintenance records, but you will likely search for awhile.

As for space, your looking at the wrong car buddy. These things are MORE compact than your 3kgt. Granted they are hatchback and you can fold the back seats down if necessary, but you won't get much space out of it. Look elsewear for your needs. The spyder has even less room.

[ned032002]

Have you considered a Astro Van, that should suit you well space wise. If your looking for fast and spactious...and cheap...you might want to alter your search a bit cause thats going to be a hard order to fill.

[Duck_3000]

Thanks all for the feedback. I didn't know Eclipses were so lacking in space. If it's more compact than a 3kgt then that's pretty bad. They're beautiful cars though.

My budget is around 8k maybe a bit more. What I mean by cheap is: I just want an easier car to maintain. The 3 years I've had my now 120k+ miles 3kgt, I've had no serious problems with it. I'm recently having problems with the lower front control arms, which are about $400 new, each. I just started a pretty good job, but I have to save up for school. I don't want a car than can potentially make me cough up $1,000+ on such a small repair! :/ There are ZERO 3000GT'S in junk yards ... ZERO! I even went out of state to look for one for parts. I had no luck. As much as I love the car I have to give it up.

I guess I'm leaning towards an Eclipse because I love Mitsus so much. I guess I have to do some thinking and reconsider. Second gen Eclipse Spyders are beautiful though.

[scottsee]

Sports cars aren't spacious bud. My very first impression of my 96 gsx was "Thats all the steering wheel goes up, seriously?" The only other car that has less back seat space is the 03-07 tiburon..

[defiancy]

Also, I would try to get your lower control arms used.

I think I got mine for an eclipse mind you for about 60 bucks for both.

I wouldn't buy something like that new, I'm sure either the junkyard or another 3kgt owner has some laying around they could sell you.

But honestly, DSM's are extremely fun to own and they are spacious(for the people in the front two seats at least ) but they have absolutely no back seat.


And the DSM motto is "Go fast cheap."

[Shpyder]

Going from a 3000GT to an Eclipse, youre going to feel the burn as far as the lack of space goes. Also, as others mentioned, these cars are getting old...the non-turbo spyders are pretty good as far as reliability goes, but with most things turbo, you have more stuff going on, hance the probability of something additional stuff breaking down increases.

If I were you, I would personally just repair your 3KGT instead of get another car...as with all used cars, youre going to have to get something fixed sooner or later. And like you said, if it gave 3 years of trouble-free service, just stick with it.

Since I've had my 3KGT SL, I've replaced the entire front rack/pinion assembly, fuel pump, clutch, fly. It's just the price you pay when you buy used, sooner or later, something needs replacing.

[Blackcrow64]

Originally Posted by scottsee

My very first impression of my 96 gsx was "Thats all the steering wheel goes up, seriously?"

I did the same thing with mine. lol

My Firebird has waaay more space than the Talon does... I've done things in the Firebird that I could never do in the Talon...

[david-b]

Mine is still a virgin. My Olds now has a big back seat. Very very spacious

[Shpyder]

Originally Posted by Blackcrow64

I've done things in the Firebird that I could never do in the Talon...

Like uh...not crankwalk?

[Blackcrow64]

Originally Posted by Shpyder

Like uh...not crankwalk?

Yes...


Like not crankwalking...


lol

[NOFX0617]

Originally Posted by Shpyder

Like uh...not crankwalk?

You dont got to rub it in....crankwalk sucks...

[nova1313]

spyders are nice but spacious they are not. the back seat or shelf as I call it is a joke. You can fit like 1 person back there and there is no trunk space at all.

You can't get a spyder in gsx (they are only gs/gst).

Surprisingly you will find many spyders in really good shape with low milage. Alot of them were garaged in winters by previous owners. For example I just last year bought a 97 with 58k on it it was previously garaged.

[XeVeNskyLiNE]

Shit, I had fun in my backseat, just scoot the front seats up go at it! lol

I remember when I went to spectate at local drift events, I would park with the rear facing the action, let the backseats down, open the hatch, and sit in the back and just chill. If anything, the hatch space would make a sick jacuzzi, lol.

But man, 3 years and thats your only major problem? Thats gotta be super rare for a 3kgt. I had to replace a lower control arm, $40 from a junkyard. I'd say keep the car you're familiar with that seems to be in good working order instead of taking your chances and buying a lemon.