'98 eclipse gs advice/experience

[MaxZX]

Yet another "first car for a teen" thread, sorry.

1998 eclipse with the 2.4 4-cylinder, non-turbo, 5 spd manual

miles are high at 170,xxx. So, assuming the car checks out ok as it sits and has been cared for, would the mileage scare you? My daughter is in the market for a cheap first car to run around in and drive to college next year, probably hang on to it for a few years. She's very picky about styles, too, and the eclipse is one of the few cars she actually likes the looks of.

Thanks in advance for any yays, nays, or other comments/advice. Much appreciated.

 

[moklock]

Always the chance it could need a head gasket replacement in the future, but other than that it may be alright if well maintained.

 

[StevieC]

These engines are bullet proof... Not much other than oil burning when high mileage.

Drive happy, Mitsu's are great engines!

 

[MaxZX]

Thanks, guys. I think that car has the 2.0 liter, my fingers and brain weren't in sync when I typed that originally.

 

[addyguy]

Those old Mitsu non-turbo I-4 are tough engines, and 170k isn't really a lot for a 1998. Should be a good car!

 

[MrCritical]

I'd go to mitsubishisucks.com before buying one....

 

[moklock]

Originally Posted By: MaxZX
Thanks, guys. I think that car has the 2.0 liter, my fingers and brain weren't in sync when I typed that originally.


I guess I wasn't paying attention to 2.0/2.4 either. But when I saw '98 I was thinking 2.0L, which is related to the 2.0L DOHC Neon engine, but with intake and exhaust sides of the head reversed.

I don't think they are as known as a regular Mitsu engine about being an oil burner, but the HG leaking oil down the block is many times why they need a HG replacement.

 

[MaxZX]

Originally Posted By: moklock
Originally Posted By: MaxZX
Thanks, guys. I think that car has the 2.0 liter, my fingers and brain weren't in sync when I typed that originally.


I guess I wasn't paying attention to 2.0/2.4 either. But when I saw '98 I was thinking 2.0L, which is related to the 2.0L DOHC Neon engine, but with intake and exhaust sides of the head reversed.

I don't think they are as known as a regular Mitsu engine about being an oil burner, but the HG leaking oil down the block is many times why they need a HG replacement.


Yep, I read a bit about the HG issue on those engines. But not to worry, we looked at that car last night, it was a serious beater. Guy was asking 2300 and should have been 1000 at most. The good news is, we then looked at a 2000 with the 2.4, 140k miles. The interior was excellent, outside was almost excellent, and the seller's mechanic brother (who did most of the work on the car as it needed anything) told me it had a diet of amsoil for the first few years after it was bought new (he had access to it where he worked), and since then it's had nothing but M1. No signs of leaks, started, ran, drove great, had all the receipts and docs of work done. We bought the Mits for $2k. Hopefully my daughter will get another 50-75k miles out of it, with care.

Thanks for the replies, always good to get advice, much appreciated.

 

[PandaBear]

Stay away from DSM (Eclipse, Talon, Laser), that's a car for a young mechanic to learn how to fix a car. This car is basically a Chrysler instead of Mitsubishi, and heck, even Mitsubishi Japan is not known for good quality.

 

[SLCraig]

I really believe these cars are hit or miss.

I know people that've had them and loved them, and people that have had them and tried to give them away even at a loss they were so bad.

I personally wouldn't buy one, but it does seem that some are good.

 

[moklock]

Originally Posted By: MaxZX
The good news is, we then looked at a 2000 with the 2.4, 140k miles. The interior was excellent, outside was almost excellent, and the seller's mechanic brother (who did most of the work on the car as it needed anything) told me it had a diet of amsoil for the first few years after it was bought new (he had access to it where he worked), and since then it's had nothing but M1. No signs of leaks, started, ran, drove great, had all the receipts and docs of work done. We bought the Mits for $2k. Hopefully my daughter will get another 50-75k miles out of it, with care.

Thanks for the replies, always good to get advice, much appreciated.


Sounds like it should be a good one. Always cool to find a rather cherry yet inexpensive car, no matter what make/model.