95-99 eclipse FWD or AWD? also are they reliable?
 

I hope this is the right section of the forum to post, anyways... I've been looking for a eclipse lately and can spend approx 10 grand. I'm 17 and work a crappy job so I can't afford if the car is not reliable, is it? Just asking because I don't know anyone with a Mitsubishi.

For about $10,000 I've seen some AWD's and FWD listed up for sale, does anyone know which one is better to get and are they good on gas?

Hope i can get helped with some of these questions which i didn't find out.

FWDs are better on gas than AWD
AWD has more launch power
DSMs are money pits depending on the age and prior owners

Buy a 3G, aim for a 98/99GST that passes air care.

I thought the 98 and 99's were apart of the 2g models as they don't look so far apart from the 95-97 model. Why wouldn't it be able to pass air care btw, thanks.

sorry had just woke up and replied, 2g yes is 95-99 but they vary significantly with problems

95,96,97 had stock ECU firmware bugs -- sensors wont reset properly MIL light issues etc. with these years there is also crankwalk.

it is in my experience and 98's,99's dont exhibit crankwalk, and the ECU revision is newer and bugs worked out. besides, you want something newer.

dsms and aircare -- as with any other turbo car they are very finicky and its always been a PITA to take it through multiple times tweaking things to pass.

for the record, I've owned 3 dsms -- 91 talon tsi, 95 talon tsi, 99 eclipse gst spyder

I'd say FWD. Unless you like to speed up all the time, I would go for saving a LITTLE more gas.

Just saw this thread, I'm buying an eclipse this summer as well for my 1st car... 99 eclipse, so excited.
bimmer91, i was reading last month that eclipse FWD not AWD is about 30mpg i think, which is good.

optionally, you could add on a piggyback ECU -- like a dsmlink or ecu+ for an extra $600 and tune the car VIA laptop. i've done this and my 99gst gets 33ish mpg in eco mode, and 20mpg in perf mode.

I was speaking generally about 95-99 but I'm either getting a 98 or 99 which ever is available. If the AWD turbo is decently good on gas I'd get it, just don't want a car to eat my money :rolleyes:

thanks for the help.

You are looking at wrong cars.

I second that.

If you're looking to get a car that is reliable, not embarrassing to be seen in and good on gas: get a civic.

DSMs are not cars the the pocketbook shy and you'll be signing yourself up for trouble if you aren't a gearhead.

This is a bit off topic but have a question,

When you buy a car usually most people check if there is anything wrong with the car, considering the newest model of the 2g is 10 years old (99') what should i check for specifically if was going to buy one... thanks.

Everything, really.

Shocks, bushings, control arms, tie rods, ball joints
Compression, oil leaks, oil burning
Clutch, shifting
Accidents/damage, rust, paint
Electrical like whether lights work or not

This is just to name a few things.

what he said.

dsm's are not cheap to maintain.

If they're not cheap to maintain that's fine, just as long as it's not expensive... know what i mean.

2 more questions...

Auto or Manual - I've been reading that it's common for problems with the 2g eclipse with manual, if so is auto better for a daily driver that's reliable... this leads me to my 2nd question. Not regarding maintenance cost, are they reliable if not tuned, I've read that most people who have problems usually have done a lot of tuning with their cars, I'm maybe looking to do a few small things....

THANKS!

I have a 97 tsi awd 5spd. It's been a great daily driver for the past 10 months. IMO get the AWD. You'll have shitload of traction whether the road is wet or dry. 350awhp can be easily achieved and still be reliable.

Thanks for the reply.

So what people are basically saying... If DSM cars are well maintained they will be reliable, also it can be less reliable tuned with parts, more reliable near stock?... I rest my case, court is dismissed :)

I have one just be ready to cry, moan, when it breaks down on ya :D
dont forget to grab alot of credit cards xD
Oh and most importantly be a BCAA member!
overall I still love mine through all the bullshit =)
DSM - [D]river [S]lash [M]echanic

DSM, making regular Joe a mechanic since 1989...

That's the case with essentially every car out there. ;)