Possible new Eclipse owner?

[Mark]

I apologize in advanced if this is in the wrong section, but I couldn't quite figure out where I should be putting this question... Now on to the question!




Hey guys,
I myself mite become an Eclipse owner, but quite a few horror stories seem to keep coming up.
Everywhere I read, it sounds like Eclipse's are said to be horribly unreliable. My Sister drives an 07(?) Eclipse and says it's pretty unreliable, but no offense to her - she's not exactly the greatest driver. (in my opinion)

I myself am a young guy, I love the style, the look etc. But at the same time can't have my car in the shop all the time due to financial and just straight time issues. I mainly am going to be driving it to and from work, which is a 10 minute drive with the odd cruise at night. I'm from canada and live in a place where it's roughly 6-8 months of snow pending how lucky we are.

I'm looking at a 1997 Eclipse GS, 4cyl Automatic with 106000km's for $6000. Is this a good buy for me? Is it going to die on me right away?
I realize I must be beating a dead cat, you all must get these questions all the time. But I'm praying that real eclipse owners, who most likely know how to drive and take care of their car would be able to diffuse this question.

Note: I also am very aware with that many KM's it depends on who drove it, but at the same time shouldn't an auto inspection be able to tell you whether it's a lemon?


Thank you for any answers I may recieve... Whether it's "You're an idiot, don't ask these questions here" or somebody who may actually answer my questions, I appreciate it either way and I thank you for reading my post.
- Mark



*Edit:
As a side note, should I be taking all that's said here with a grain of salt? I know most here must love their cars if they are on an enthusiast forum and are most likely loyal to the Eclipse name. I apologize if this question offends or bothers anyone. But I just really want to make the right decision as I dont' have a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a car.
Once again, reiterating I apologize if I offended anyone with this question.

[donovan983]

i just got a 97 eclipse gst. and i think most of these people here drive only the gst or the gsx. as far and your gs non turbo, dont look at it being what kind of car it is look at who drove it, how well it was taken care of. those are things that you need to look at when buying a car. as far as it being a auto, i myself would never buy a auto. that was used. there are to many things the owner now can do to the car to hide and issues that it has. and with you living in canada, you would need a awd or 4x4 car/truck/suv. but that is my thought for it. But again if you are looking for a car that will not break down, get a honda. this post is going to get deleted i bet, but its the truth.. lol

[chinojuice]

$6000 is too much for the car i would say, but the mileage might be the factor why he's selling the car for that much.
but yah, are you sure the car has 106000km?? thats about 66,000 miles for us non metric users (U.S. of A'ers). for a 97 it's pretty good mileage, but you do live in the snow. i dunno how the factors affect the car exactly.

i have a '99 gs automatic and i just passed the 100,000 miles (160934km) 2 months ago

[ArcticFox_99GSX]

please dont take this wrong

"I'm looking at a 1997 Eclipse GS, 4cyl Automatic" <------ that horrid PILE is a dodge NEON! id u want a piece of crap that will burn oil and crap out n months go ahead abd buy it, and 6k for 106k mile GS is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!

yes i drive a GSX.


the GS, RS all had the 420a motor....same one that is in the neon.

the GSX and GS-T's had the 4G63 (best motor!!!)

my GSX has 160k on her and runs like a top! shes had a few minor probs here and there but nothing major (knocks on wood)

if u just like the eclipse's and dont want to spend a lot of money on a GSX or GS-T badge then go with the RS or GS....but your going to be spending more money in the long run if you go with one of those!

find a GSX or GS-T in good shape and pay a good price.... vs buying a cheap GS or RS and dropping a lot of money later, just trying to help good luck with ur hunt.


sorry if u took this the wrong way!

GS & RS's are piles

GSX and GS-T's are top of the line awesome cars!

[jaeeverett504]

i don't kno much about the 2g's but i have a 3g gs.....
it is pretty reliable,
but if u are looking for power (i assumed u will wanna go fast cause u are young) dont getta gs...... i did, and am craving more power with little ways to get it.....
like everyone else is saying, get a gsx or gs-t

[jksracing]

Dont buy it its a rip off and a automatic , I am not to sure but I think that once the 2nd generation eclipse gets to certain # of miles the engine dentonates or blows up because of 2 much boost like I said I am not to sure about it blowing up but thats what I have heard at any rate I own a 2000 RS so Im kinda clueless when it comes to the 2nd gen eclipse

[BoostedSpyder]

This sounds like a good deal if you are looking for a reliable car.... You do not have to worry about too much boost or anything because it is a GS and 66K MILES on a 97 is great... I have a 97 with over 166K MILES so this car was obviously not driven much. An eclipse without mods will run forever (Provided it is maintained as normal) ....

If you are looking for something to go fast or plan on doing mods I would go a different route!!!